Birthday party 4

Talk about being blessed . . . Today my sweet girl friends took me to my favorite restaurant – The Original Pancake House – for my birthday lunch. What did I order? What else but my very favorite: the apple pancake. Here's the recipe. This delicious dish is brought to the table while it is still all puffed up. It's loaded with Granny Smith apples and cinnamon. Yum!

L to R: Sharon, yours truly, Nancy

Fun at work!

One of the blessings of my job is that no two days is ever the same. My boss and I were talking about this today. For instance, he had no idea that one of our biggest authors—Lauraine Snelling—would stop in our office on Wednesday, come to see him and give him a big hug for the beautiful cover on her new book, An Untamed Heart. I didn't tell her one of my friends loaned us her Scandinavian costume for the photoshoot of the cover.

Most of us didn't know that a gift would be given to us today from author Dani Pettrey, thanking us for the work we did in producing her new novel, Stranded. She sent this indoor s'mores kit, complete with marshmallows, Hershey bars, graham crackers, and cans of Sterno heat:

Once the "all office" email went out, announcing treats in the dining room, friends quickly made their way to try their hands at roasting marshmallows inside. It was really fun!

My cactus is blooming again!

Some years ago – maybe 6 or 7, I was given a small cactus from Arizona. It was given to me in a small pot with a bit of dirt from which it grew. I carefully put it into a larger, old pot and based on past experience, basically set it in a sunny window sill in the office window and ignored it. I planned to water it about 2 or 3 times a year.

It has bloomed a few times. If memory serves me right, the first time it had one bloom. Another time it sprouted two blossoms. Earlier this year, there were 3 flowers on it. When I looked at it just this past Monday, it had 1 bloom and 5 buds! Could that be possible? Today I remembered to check on it again and Voilà, the buds had opened. Here it is in all it's beauty:

My Cameras

I like to call my eyes my cameras. They see things near and far. They see color, read words, watch sunrises, children, birds, and traffic. It's no accident that God put them on the front of our faces—up high where we can see where we're going and indented under our eye brows, where they are protected.

What brought all of this up? Two years ago this summer, I had cataract surgery on both eyes – the surgeries were two weeks apart. That surgery is amazing! They made me sleepy, cut a tiny slit on the side of my eye, inserted a little machine that pulverizes the lens behind the eye, vacuumed it out, and inserted a new, artificial lens. It's actually folded over when inserted and unfolds once in place. This lens is the exact prescription required for your eyes. Isn't this incredible? And the procedure takes under five minutes! Following the first surgery, I couldn't believe how clear everything was. And the colors that were vibrant—colors that had been tinted yellow over time. I never knew things were tinted (clouded) until after the surgery. With both of the eyes done, I continue to have amazing eye sight. They corrected me with mono vision: reading lens in my right eye; distance lens in my left. They were able to correct the right eye to 20/15 and the left eye to 20/25. I can read the tiniest font.

Today I had my first eye exam since the surgery. It was a check up to see if my eyes were continuing to be healthy—checking things like glaucoma and macular degeneration. I was pleased to learn that I have no signs of any of these diseases and that my eyes are very healthy. I asked if my vision would change over time and they told me no. It will remain the same since I have artificial lenses.

Memories from the past

I have become a Facebook friend of "You know you are from Austin, Minnesota when . . ." and the huge benefit is the great number of photos posted that are from years and years ago. My, does that bring back the memories. For instance, just tonight these were posted:

1937

1958

This is much the way Austin looked when I was a kid. One of my strong memories is shopping downtown on Friday nights—the only night of the week when the stores remained open until 9 pm. Walking by the shoe store one Friday night (see it on the left) I spotted a pair of navy blue leather shoes that I wanted. I was in sixth grade. At that time in my life, I made money two ways: my allowance and babysitting. I remember those shoes costing $12, which was a lot of money for me. Well, I saved and saved, and bought those shoes. This shoe store had an xray machine that looked like this:

One would stand on the little step, insert one foot while wearing the new shoe, and then look through the viewer at the top. The clerk looked through the viewer at the back. You were instructed to wiggle your toes so the clerk could see if the shoes fit or were too tight. For obvious reasons, this machine was outlawed.

The store next door to the shoe store was one of my favorites. It was the Austin Candy Store and Cafe. It was owned by a Greek family, and the candy they made was delicious! They had relatives who had candy stores in Owatonna, Faribault, and Dinky Town in Minneapolis. It was always fun to go into the Cafe for treat with my mother and then get to pick out a piece of chocolate.

Fairy-tale Wedding

I attended a fairy-tale wedding today – or one as close to a storybook ending I have ever seen. Twenty eight years ago Jenny and Carlton started dating. They dated for seven years, but broke up just a couple of months after their daughter was born. After that, they both led lives they weren't proud of, and many mistakes were made. But just last fall, their daughter managed to get them together for an event, and things led to them dating once again. After forgiving each other for mistakes that were made, Carlton proposed marriage to Jenny.

I have been to many weddings, but none that held the emotions of this one. During the reception, Christina, maid of honor and daughter of the bride and groom, said "I never thought I would be giving a toast at my mother and father's wedding." There wasn't a dry eye in the place.

L to R: Carlton, Jennifer, Austin (Jennifer's son), Sharon—Jennifer's mother and one of my very dear friends, and Christina, daughter of Carlton and Jennifer. I am so happy for this family and wish them only the very best!

I'm expecting another grandchild!

This week I got news that Heidi and Chad are expecting a baby! I'm so happy about this! I know it will be a big change for their lives—Marshall turns five in November—but I'm sure they will welcome this new, little one and Marshall will really enjoy having a sibling in a couple of years when they can play together.

When Heidi called on Monday to ask if I had anything going on next March, I thought she was going to invite me on vacation with them to Hawaii. Let me tell you, this is so much better than any trip to Hawaii!

Ouch!

Jennifer Lawrence fall during Oscars ceemony 2013

 

Yesterday was so much fun for me until around 5:30 pm when I was eating my supper in the porch. [Back up to Tuesday night when I brought all my flower pots into the screened porch to protect them from any hail damage. I didn’t get a chance to put them back outside until yesterday during my lunch period. It never occurred to me that I may be bringing bugs into the porch along with the plants.] While eating, I spotted what looked like a hornet bouncing around on the inside screen. My first thought was to put my dinner tray onto one of the folding chairs and go inside for the fly swatter. On my way in, I pulled the sliding screen door shut so the hornet – or whatever it was – couldn’t get into the house. I retrieved the fly swatter and hurried back to the porch, forgetting I had pulled the screen door over, and walked right into it at full force – knocking it totally to the cement floor with me sprawled onto it on all fours. "OUCH!," I yelled. The door knocked over the folding chair, wedging my dinner tray (of course, I was eating on my $58 Polish pottery dinner plate) in between the seat and back. This turned out to be a blessing, for the plate did NOT break, and Nels couldn’t get at the food – though he surely tried! Both knees and palms of my hands stung like crazy. I returned to the kitchen to grab two ice packs from the freezer, returned to the porch and up-righted the chair, got the tray onto a table – all the while keeping Nels at bay, and sat down with ice packs on both knees. A couple of minutes later I raised my sweatpants over my knees and saw that my left knee was skinned open – a patch about 2 inches square. I returned to the kitchen with my dinner plate, put it in the microwave for safety from Nels, and went to the bathroom to treat the wound. Of course, I have no large Band-Aids – had to use three one inch strips – got the wound covered, and went back to the porch to ice my hands and knees.

I slept fine last night until 1:30 when I got up to go to the bathroom. When I returned to bed, I discovered Nels had put his toy snake (plastic handle) on my pillow. Is it a gift for me, or his security? Not sure. But when I moved it, I heard it hit behind the head of my bed. Knowing he would keep me awake getting back there to retrieve it, I reached down for it – not turning on any lights so as to not get further awake – found it and climbed back into bed and fell sound asleep. I didn’t discover I had accidentally turned off the power strip to the alarm clock and telephone until I woke up 55 minutes after my alarm was supposed to go off. Consequently I feel really disorganized today.

My knees hurt, as does my left wrist and palm. I feel like a total ditz, but am very thankful nothing was broken – bones or dinner plate!

Birthday Party, Part 3

Today my colleagues gave me a birthday party. For the past two years, I have worked in two departments – administration and design. For birthday parties, the production department joins in. I was happy to be with so many of my friends. Unfortunately the photographer only took photos of me and of the cake, but it must be noted there were 11 people there besides me.

New Pastor at the Church I Attend

After 19 months without a senior pastor at the church I attend, our new pastor began his ministry with us this past weekend. He and his wife have spent the past 12 years in Illinois, and prior to that, they were in California for 12 years. He started his sermon by telling us he was happy to be in Minnesota and has every intention of rooting for the Vikings, the Twins, the Timberwolves, the Wild, and the Gophers. He went on to say he had been to the Mall of America with some of his family and went to the Minnesota store to buy a t-shirt. He chose one with the Minnesota version (Norwegian) of the ten commandments. Then he proceeded to unroll the shirt, lay it on the pulpit and read it to the congregation. It went like this:

1. Der's only one God, ya know.

2. Don't make dat fish on yer mantle an idol.

3. Cussing ain't Minnesota nice.

4. Go to church -- even when yer up nort.

5. Honor yer folks.

6. Don't kill. Catch and release.

7. Der's only one Lena fer every Ole. No cheatin!

8. If it ain't yer Lutefisk, don't take it.

9. Don't be braggin' about how much snow ya shoveled.

10. Keep yer mind off yer neighbor's hotdish.

I don't want anyone reading this to get the impression that this new pastor is a comedian or not very deep. On the contrary, he is deep, and well educated, very spiritual, and has a real heart for the Lord and for sharing the Good News. Everyone I have talked to is very excited to be under his ministry.

My Birthday, Part 2

The older I get, the longer my birthday seems to last, and I love it! I love spending time with my family and with my friends. Today my sister, cousin and dear friends met at Redstone for a delicious brunch. I have loved everything I have ordered at Redstone, and the wait staff has always been top notch.

L to R: Joanne, Pat, Bonnie, Laurey, Yours truly (holding the traveling birthday bear), Nancy, and Janet.

Scrambled eggs w/cheese, smoked applewood bacon, hash browns, whole wheat toast, strawberry/rhubarb jam

After eating and opening cards and gifts, the amazing banana cream pie was delivered to our table with a lighted sparkler that burned and sparkled for quite awhile. At the same time my family and friends, plus the birthday bear, were singing "Happy Birthday" to me. Other guests clapped when the singing was finished. What fun!

Pat, Janet and I shopped a bit after eating and then had a nice visit in my screened porch. I sure enjoyed this beautiful weekend!

My Birthday

Today is my birthday. I'm thankful that another year has rolled around, and that I still have good health, a job I really like, and a wonderful family, plus many dear friends. God is Good, and I am blessed.

Peder called earlier this week and asked what I wanted for my birthday. I told him I would really like him and his family to take me to Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. I hadn't been there for 50 years. Oh, I know it's not that far from where I live and work, but I never think to go there and wasn't even sure how to find it (without using Google). "No problem. We can do that."

Minnehaha Falls

The falls are running really full this summer due to the rains we had in June and July. I was told sometimes by August, there is little water going over. This is part of Minnehaha Park—one of the first state parks in the United States when it was purchased by the state of Minnesota in 1889. In it are a couple of sculptures – one is a large mask of Chief Little Crow. It sits on a pole near the falls. On the other side of Minnehaha Creek, which becomes the 53 foot falls, is the life size sculpture of Hiawatha carrying Minnehaha. (double click to enlarge)

In the afternoon I went to Waconia with my friend Bonnie and her mom and their mutual friend. We enjoyed the drive out there and had a delicious lunch at Lola's Boathouse - right on the shores of Lake Waconia. This was really fun!

May She Rest in Peace

Karen and Jeanne on February 12, 2007, at one of our Red Hat Sewciety dinners

We got news on Sunday that Karen, one of our Red Hat Sewciety members, passed away Sunday. She retired from our office two years ago and then she and her husband moved to South Carolina. We heard from her occasionally, but never saw her again. Her health had gone down hill lately and the report was she was at the top of the list for a liver and kidney transplant. Apparently she developed an infection last week and didn't make it. I feel very sad for her husband. Prior to coming to Bethany House, she and her husband were missionaries in Brazil for 30 some years. Rest in peace, Karen.

3rd Annual Neighborhood Picnic

Tonight I hosted our 3rd annual neighborhood picnic (indoors). The temperature was 57 degrees at 4 pm, an hour before the start time. That is not ideal. So around 4:20 I started to go door to door and invite people to come inside my home. We had a total of 13. I think more people would have planned to come if the weather had been nicer. As it was, those of us crowded around my dining room and kitchen tables had a very nice time. And we put the food on tables on the porch, which was wonderful - kept the salads and desserts cool and mosquito-free!

She's having twins!

Elisa and Whitney

One of my co-workers is expecting twins – a girl and a boy. As far as I can remember, she is the first person I have known to be having a multiple birth. It's been fun for me to see her ultrasounds and hear about the special classes she and her husband have attended. The sad part of all this is that she will not be returning to work once she takes her leave, and I will miss her.

This evening the gals in our office gave her a babies shower. This was a new experience for me, too (a shower for twins). To see boy/girl outfits was really fun. And the gift of two high-chairs was neat (do they call them high chairs any longer?)!

A while back, I decided to make a baby quilt for each of the babies. I was pleased with the way they turned out. Along with them, I included a new copy of a Dick and Jane book. The reason for this is because when I asked what the names of the babies would be, Whitney said they had decided the names, but weren't going to divulge them until after the births, which is perfectly fine with me. In the meantime I have been referring to them as Dick and Jane – just for fun.

L to R: LaVonne, Whitney, Jo

One of the centerpieces

Congratulations, Dutchess Catherine and Prince William!

Baby boy, born July 22, 2013

Perhaps it's our British heritage, but I'm fascinated by the birth of the royal baby. 

A Special Time with Peder

Friday night I was fortunate to have a "date" with my son, Peder. This came about after I said once in awhile, I would love to spend some time with just him. What did we do and where did we go? We visited one of the local Jewish synagogues for their Shabbat services.

I had called the synagogue to ask if visitors were allowed. The nice woman I spoke to assured me it would be fine. She said the service started at 5:45, and would be in the chapel, rather than the sanctuary. Casual business clothes would be fine. Peder would have to wear a yarmulke which they had available there at no charge. There would be lots of music—sung in Hebrew—with an English translation. She went on to say we could get up and dance if we felt so moved. Hmm. I don't think so.

Peder and I pulled into the huge parking lot at 5:35, and we were the first car to arrive! Shortly after, another car arrived and parked in the row behind us. Funny thing is, he just sat in the car. What gives? We decided to go inside. Once in, we were intrigued with the beautiful displays and art work here and there – menorah's, for example. We found the table with the yarmulkes and then proceeded to find the chapel. Inside, a trio was practicing some music—a young man playing a bongo drum of sorts, a woman at the piano, and an older man with a gorgeous guitar – at least I think that is what it was.

We took our seats – about five rows back from the front. An older lady was seated in front of us. I was surprised to see she was wearing a yarmulke, also. She kindly got out of her seat and went to a side room to get a worship book for Peder and me. I don't know what it was called, but a man announced the service would start with page one. Again, I was surprised to learn the Jewish people read from the back to the front of the book. In fact, I learned a lot Friday night. Most of the service was in Hebrew, with lots and lots of audience participation. The music was beautiful. Every now and then Peder and I figured out where we were and sang along. The rabbi sat across the aisle from us, and periodically announced what page they were on. This had to be for the benefit of us. The service was treated rather informally, with people quietly talking to each other while the service was going on, or leaving and often returning. Occasionally the rabbi sang Hebrew while the congregation read aloud. Now and then we stood. There was some bowing involved, too. To the east, to the left, to the right. At one point we all faced the back of the room. I would like to have this explained.

At the conclusion, folks greeted one another with "Shabbat Shalom," including the man and wife seated next to us. They then introduced themselves, the wife sticking around to answer any of our questions. She said she gives tours for groups prior to the services if we ever wanted to return, and went on to say that they should take the opportunity to visit some area churches. Peder and I found the whole experience very interesting and said we may return sometime.

I would love to return for a Sabbath service (Saturday mornings) which we were told is three hours long, but in three one hour segments. It is held in the sanctuary, which has a gorgeous stained glass window in the front. I would like some explanations of some of the pieces of art throughout the building, too.

We then had a very nice dinner at Vescio's. This is an Italian restaurant I became familiar with when I was in college. Both Peder and I had a very nice time and decided to do this again sometime.

This and That

I thought I would log my time from this week. There's been nothing out of the ordinary, but it's been fine.

• Sunday: I went to church and enjoyed the male chorus as well as the sermon. Following the service, I got a few things at Target and then went home to finish a couple of baby quilts for a co-worker who is expecting twins – a boy and a girl. They turned out nice, so I'm happy about that. I also got to have a nice phone conversation with Hans. In the evening I watched Phantom of the Opera, a DVD of the 25th anniversary. It was really good!
• Monday: Heidi's birthday! I got to talk to her, Chad and Marshall, so that was fun. They were on their way to Krispy Kreme to buy a dozen donuts which Heidi used to decorate the chocolate layer cake she was making for her party later that day. I love connecting with my kids! In the evening I started watching Oklahoma! I love some of the music in this show.
• Tuesday: The temperature got really hot and humid – in the 90's. That makes me want to stay indoors. After work I picked up some supper at Famous Dave's and then went home to address my invitations to the 3rd annual neighborhood picnic I am hosting on Saturday, July 27. 
• Wednesday: I was happy to go to lunch with the "Wednesday Lunch Bunch" at work. This group has been in existence for several years in my office. It's simple, really. At noon, anyone who wants to out to eat, gathers at the front desk. When everyone is assembled, we discuss and decide where to eat - then off we go! This time it was an upscale grocery store that has a great salad bar and deli. (Since we're "on the clock," we have to go to places where we get fast service.) In the evening I went to choir rehearsal. For this coming Sunday we are having a women's chorus with 3-part harmony. And, we don't have to wear robes – just nice, dress-up clothes! After I got home, I discovered Antenna TV was showing non-stop episodes of All in the Family, so I watched a few. Just think, Carol O'Connor and Jean Stapleton are both gone now. Sad.
• Today: It's still hot. I think it got up to 95 degrees. A few people like it hot; I'm not one of them. The high temperature doesn't keep Nels from wanting to be outside in the porch. I let him out, but make him come in after 10 or 15 minutes. After work I got my hair cut. It was either that, or a dog license. It will be easier for me to fix now. 
• Tomorrow: I have to work until noon (I love summer hours!), and then will run a couple of errands. In the evening I have a date with Peder. He and I are going to a Jewish Sabbath service at one of the synagogues in the twin cities. After that, we're having dinner at Vescio's – an Italian restaurant I have liked since my college days. I'm really looking forward to our time together. 
• Saturday: No plans yet. I may go to the Farmer's Market in the morning. Later I may go swimming in my pool. I love days that are not all scheduled in. And that about covers my week.

Baseball Game With Hans

I love my kids, but you already knew that. I love each of them in a unique way. I love their spouses and their kids—my precious grand kids, too. While it's great when we all get together—and that is a rarity for my family, with one living on the west coast, and another who moves from here to there about every 18 months, or so—it's lovely when I get to spend time with one of the three all by myself. Yesterday was my day to be with Hans. This hasn't happened since 2009 on a day when he drove me to Dachau while he was stationed in Germany. [The last time I had Heidi all to myself was in 2010 when she took me to the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. I can't recall the last day I had Peder to myself, but am happy to announce he and I have a date in a couple of weeks from today to attend a local tabernacle for their Shabbat service.]

What did Hans and I do after his plane arrived? First off, a little shopping at the Mall of America where we each bought a piece of Minnesota Twins apparel at one of the many sports stores to wear to the game. Next we boarded one of the light rail trains and headed to downtown Minneapolis and into Target Field. This was the first time for Hans to see the new ballpark and he said he thought it was really nice.

Following the game (Twins 5; Yankees 9), we took the train back to our station and then drove to Peder and Sarah's where we had a pizza supper. It was fun to hear Aurelia say, "Uncle Hans . . ." and to watch her, Felix and Leo interacting. Hans couldn't get over the fact that Felix looks identical to Peder when Peder was Felix's age. Peder even wore an identical Palmer Station shirt at the same age.

It was difficult capturing Felix for a photo, but here you go.

Aurelia

Leo 

(Not sure how he scratched his cheek. The goose egg on his forehead is from an earlier tumble .)

Happy 237th Birthday, America!!

Happy 237th Birthday, America!! I'm so happy to say I'm an American. I love our land – from the plains of Minnesota to the mountains of the west and to the colonial cities of the east. With two of my kids living on either coast, I've been privileged to see these places quite often.

A couple of years I heard some of the music from the Broadway show 1776. The tunes were catchy and inspiring—so much so that I decided to buy the CD recording of it. I have watched it many times, and decided it would be appropriate to view it again last night. Realizing some of the play may be an embellishment of the way things really happened in that congressional gathering 237 years ago, there's enough truth in it to make me appreciate the debating and compromising that occurred before the Declaration of Independence could be signed.