The Blog: Spellbound by our own imperfect lives...

We got home from Canby mid-afternoon on Sunday and were too tired to cook so we went out for a bite of Mexican food, then decided to stay awake and watch the Super Moon and the eclipse. It did not disappoint. These pictures aren't in order even though I did publish them on Facebook in order. The first one is the Super Moon just as it came up. The eclipse was spectacular. The shadow started on the left side, moved over the moon for the next few hours, and just before and just after the total eclipse, we saw what's called the Japanese Lantern Effect...I think the second picture shows that effect. This is close to the total eclipse. Japanese Lantern Effect More Japanese Lantern Effect...just after the total eclipse. At some point, we had the camera on the tripod and a plane flew between the camera and the moon. Cool effect. We used the fill light feature in Picassa to show the stars that aren't visible to the naked eye. I'd l...

We went to Canby to celebrate my 45th class reunion. I was one of 150 students in the class of 1970 and 55 of us showed up to this gathering. What a hoot. We were almost to Buffalo Ridge when I asked Regis if he had, indeed, brought the camera. He gets a funny look on his face, pulls over to the side of the road, and begins to root through every possible spot in the car. He gets back into the car, makes a big-ass U-turn and speeds back toward town. He said his last memory was of setting the camera on the roof of the car while he changed out the lens cap. Uh oh. Sure enough. In my mom's driveway is the camera. It appears to have only a cracked lens filter but we switch spots so Regis can check it out. Everything appears to work so we continue back toward Gary, South Dakota. Let the fun commence. These pictures pretty much sum it all up...lots of goofing around, photo bombing, hearty laughter, back slapping, and hugs. It was a sweet evening.

I spent three hours at my first pow wow ever. The Mahkato Wacipi is held in Mankato every year and has been since the early 70s. Why I have never gone is a mystery. I knew people who went but my thinking was that it was a Native event and that I would not be particularly welcome there. I was so wrong. Ella and I arrived in time for the opening ceremony. The Wacipi begins with the Grand Entry of all the dancers entering the arena. Leading the Grand Entry are the flag bearers. These flags may include the eagle staffs of various tribes and families in attendance, US flag, tribal flags, service flags and the P.O.W. flag. Flags are usually carried by veterans. Native Americans hold the United States flag in an honored position. For us, the US flag has two meanings. First, it is a way to remember all of the ancestors that fought against this country. Second, it also reminds people of those people who have fought for this country.  An eagle staff consisting of 38 eagle feathers ...

Yesterday after my volunteer job, I stopped and bought a bushel of tomatoes. I wasn't sure how much that would result in, but I figured if I am going to make a mess, I might as well do it right. Well, a bushel makes 8 quarts and 12 pints. That is a lot of tomatoes. On the menu this winter will be chili, spaghetti, and more chili and spaghetti. I haven't canned much in more than 20 years. Not sure what got into me this summer. Oh, I see the little © symbol on the bottom of my photos. It's not that I think I am in danger of someone stealing my tomato pictures for nefarious purposes but I follow some photo Facebook pages and people who take real pictures and publish them always use it so I was experimenting. Apparently, I used it once on Picasa and now it always puts it there. I keep forgetting to delete it. Ah, well. I have another project. Last winter, I was introduced to homemade cosmetics. I love it! I just ordered a bunch of supplies and plan on making...

My doctor used to explain my insomnia by saying there are forces in the universe. I believe it. Regis slept poorly last night, I slept poorly, and my friend, Joanne, slept poorly. There you go. All the proof you need. I have been awake since 5. I made myself useful though, and made two loaves of bread. We had an eggbake I made last night for breakfast. I did the dishes. Yay me. I have a tiny yen to can tomatoes but I just looked up the directions and it looks messy. If I have the gumption to go out tomato seeking this afternoon, that will set the groundwork. I could do it tomorrow. The EF is coming tomorrow to gather junk but I haven't had time to collect any. Not to say I couldn't do it quickly in the morning...if I am not canning tomatoes. See ya later.

Here's a link to our blog 600 Words Project . It was an incredible experience. Rock Bend was a hoot, as always. This year it was more about the story gathering than the music, but that's ok. I found one band I really liked and discovered they will be playing in Mankato in December. I ordered a CD by another band I really wanted to hear. My friend, Mary, told me their music made her cry. Got to love a band with that kind of power. Rock Bend is also always about friends and food and family. We had plenty of each. Elliot writes a story. Tiffany, Emily, and Bob relax in the sunshine. Alex and Mario Tim and Shelly with DJ Lil Miss Nana and Elliot Peter and Zoey Zoey with her kitty, Opi Tiffany and Elliot Last week was busy with subbing every day. This week will be better. My goal for September is to do a blog post every day. We'll see how that goes.

I learned yesterday that another friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her first diagnosis was ten years ago. Now this. I have to say, aloud, how frightening this is. I can know in my mind that it is futile to worry and be afraid, but before those thoughts come to mind, the fear seeps in like a low voltage electric current. Sending a blog prayer for light and love for her. Visualizing her surrounded by healing energy.

The weekend is a bit of a blur. We started on Friday, preparing for the Labor Day Pig-Out. Regis smoked a pork shoulder, a stuffed pork loin, and pig wings. The menu is as follows: Pulled Pork w/ 3 Sauces Glazed Pig Wings Stuffed Pork Loin Neely’s Sweet Corn Pudding Macaroni and Cheese Tom’s Fire and Ice Jerry Harty’s Pickles Ree’s Chocolate Sheet Cake Apple Pie Banana Bread All the chow got rave reviews and there was not a scrap left when the eatin' was done. We celebrated Tom's birthday and Bob's birthday, and of course, American workers everywhere. The day was rainy off and on so we didn't do much outdoor sitting but the canopy, which sheltered the cooking area overnight, was moved to the front yard for a while after dinner. Ah, it was fun. I'm working every day this week, subbing for my friend Joanne, who is in Illinois helping her family make decisions about her father who has been falling. It's a sad time for them all as he ...

I love fall. I love fall food, fall clothes, fall flowers, fall holidays. There isn't much about fall I don't like. Maybe the shorter days, but even fall evenings are pleasant. It's been a good start to fall. I started a new session with my trainer, Gunner. He gave me quite a compliment this morning when he told me I jumped up off the floor better than a person half my age. Ha! Here's to strong thighs! I have a few sub days lined up. We'll see how that goes. One I signed up for was already cancelled. I signed up for an online writing class called The Spiral Path. Very excited about that. Kathryn and I are finally moving on our 600 words project. We have an appointment at one of the care facilities this afternoon. We tried to get a booth at one of the local festivals but were told we didn't really fit their notion of "art". What the hell. They let people in there who make bras out of dried corn kernels. That's art an...

This week at work, I talked to: Kathy, who I worked with at MSH from 1979-1981. Myrna, who I met in 1980 when she worked for Nicollet County. Sarah, who was in how-to-have-a-baby class with me in 1987. Tamara and Jen, who came down to have drinks on the patio in the sunshine. Joel, a lonely man whose wife passed away. Edna, who I worked with for many years. Tim, who celebrated his 60th birthday last week. Jim, who helped clean up my yard after the tornado. Gail, who knows Nancy in Omaha who knows my friend, Linda, in Brookings. Sabrina, with beautiful red hair. Barb and Bill, old teaching friends who share my joy in retirement. Lola, who knew my Aunt Vi many years ago. Jane in Iowa...many stories, many laughs, many tears. Friends since 1975.