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

Someone wrote a comment a couple posts ago about that finally being a realistic entry. I've pondered that comment for days. Really. It's kept me from writing. Out of almost 900 posts, this one is finally realistic? Here's my conclusion and I say this only with a sigh. I don't have any obligation to be realistic or really, even honest. It's my perceptions and my writing all filtered through my rosy little glasses and oddball sense of quirk and humor. Read at your own risk but don't write your middle school science paper based on things you read here because I may not be accurate and don't base your life's philosophy on my observations because reality is for novels and television shows and I don't have a very good sense of it. I prefer unreality.

We had guests for dinner! Emily, Ella, and Alex joined us on the patio for brats and marshmallows. We had a few healthy things, too, but mostly we had fun. I painted Ella's nails bright red, we read a Clifford book, and Popop showed her how to toast giant pink marshmallows.

When I was a writing teacher, I always had my students write in a notebook at the start of class. Some days they didn't feel like it and said they didn't have anything to say. I always told them that it was most important to write on the days when they felt like that because that's when they might start to explore the thoughts that were on the dusty shelves. I don't feel like I have much to say tonight but I'm going to take my own advice. I slept in this morning because I was awake a lot in the night. I sat around in my pajamas for most of the morning and took a long soaky bath while I made some phone calls. One to my cousin who is in danger of losing her job. Ah, life is hard sometimes and sometimes the hard parts make good opportunities. I hope this is an opportunity for you, Deb. I talked to Tiffany several times today. She's trying to wrap up things for school in the fall. Things like financial aid and registration. They're hoops and you have to be persi

We bought tickets to see Lyle Lovett a few months ago and decided since the show was downtown Minneapolis, we would spend the night rather than try to find our small town way out of the big city in the dark of night. I made a reservation at what turned out to be very swanky Hotel Minneapolis. We're such rubes. Here is the evidence: We had to pay 27 dollars for valet parking. 27 dollars? Gulp. We went into the elevator and pushed the floor for our room. Nothing happened. We pushed it again. Nothing happened. Then Regis remembered something from a Stephen King novel he just read...that you have to put your key card into the slot to make the elevator go. Ah ha. Thank God we didn't go to the desk and tell them the elevator was broken. We unpacked and left right away to see the sights. We got as far as Kieran's Irish Pub across the street where we enjoyed the company of the bartender named Morgan. He and a couple other patrons gave us some advice about getting to the theater and

One of the side effects of summer, especially July, and not looking at the calendar and the clock constantly, is that my brain sort of slows down. I can't remember if I have only composed mentally on a topic, or actually written about it. I've considered starting another anonymous blog so I don't bore people with the same crap over and over. I weighed myself this morning, something I was loathe to do before the incident. This morning, I was officially not in the obese category anymore but merely in the overweight category. My goal has been to reach, at some point, the normal BMI category but both doctors were discouraging of that notion. They said that BMI is figured on bone to muscle to fat ratios and once a person has been overweight, the numbers are off. They doubted that I could reach the normal BMI without looking like a survivor of some disaster. I guess I'll take them at their word and won't worry about that. I remember the first time I saw obese on a medical

There is some family resemblance, I'd say. Regis and I went to see Mom in Canby yesterday. We had a nice visit and did a lot of stuff in the time we were there. We went to Buffalo Ridge in Gary, South Dakota...a convention center and resort being developed at the site of the old School for the Blind. It's beautiful. We had visits from old friends and some ladies of the book club. Very nice time. Deb, I gleaned some clothes from the distribution center and have on one of your sweaters! It's been so cool here that sweaters feel good. I bet that sounds repulsive to you when it's been 114 in Arizona. It rained here before we got home today and two times since we got home. We barely made it in the house before a torrential downpour. We needed rain. I have a book that I am so close to finishing, but I saved the ending for tonight. Can't wait.

Regis is demonstrating his displeasure with the coolish temperatures in Minnesota lately. He claims that the only reason we live here in the winter, contrary to popular thinking which is that we are waiting for the beautiful spring and summer, is that we stay during the extensive winters to protect our state from migrating bands of Canadians who would be glad to leave their cold climes for something more temperate. Summer is our reward for protecting the borders in the winter and this year, we're facing a Canadian offensive. I know...it's obscure. It wasn't cold enough for a parka but it was cold. I tried working in the garden but my hands got cold so I would pop into the house periodically to warm up. It warmed up enough so we could cook a beer can chicken on the grill but we scooted back in the house shortly after it was done. We're having company for dinner tomorrow night (you know who you are) and I am concerned abuot my lack of concern over house cleaning. I am a n

I Was Always Leaving by Jean Nordhaus: American Life in Poetry I Was Always Leaving I was always leaving, I was about to get up and go, I was on my way, not sure where. Somewhere else. Not here. Nothing here was good enough. It would be better there, where I was going. Not sure how or why. The dome I cowered under would be raised, and I would be released into my true life. I would meet there the ones I was destined to meet. They would make an opening for me among the flutes and boulders, and I would be taken up. That this might be a form of death did not occur to me. I only know that something held me back, a doubt, a debt, a face I could not leave behind. When the door fell open, I did not go through. Shared via AddThis

Regis on the patio at Morgan Creek . He thinks a sweatshirt on July 17th is an abomination but honestly, the warm clothes felt good. It was such a friendly crowd at Morgan Creek . This picture was taken by a woman at the next table. I took several pictures of other tables as I walked through the garden area. These are the women at the next table. They were very friendly. The woman in the white hat shares a birthday with Tom which tickled us immensely. This picture was taken by one of the women in the photo above, Terri, I think. She thought it would be clever to tilt the camera and I do like it. Our final stop of the evening was at the Preri Bach Saloon in Cambria. Preri Bach is a phrase used by the Welsh people when they settled here years ago and it refers to the beautiful prairie. It is indeed. The saloon was a fitting end to our evening of revelry. The bartender and wait person were very friendly and brought the men tap beers and big burgers. A group of people came in while we

Tom and I enjoy a bottle of St. John Reserve, a nice dry red wine. I was very conservative with the wine consumption since I was the designated driver. This was one of our favorite wines. Our other favorites were the Gewurztraminer and a red called Red Ridge. This is the bruschetta with fresh salsa and basil pesto. We didn't get a picture of the Greek pizza but it was wonderful. The cook in a wood-fired brick oven on one side of the patio. The smell of wood fires wafts across the patio. In the dusk of a cool summer night, it was just lovely. Ben Marti played the music of German composers Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. The music added to the magic.

Regis, Tom, and I went to the German Wine Tasting Festival at Morgan Creek last night. It was such a lovely, magical night that I'm going to post all the photos with my comments. This is the front door of the tasting room. It opens onto a patio and the garden area. We ordered a bottle of the new Gewurztraminer and a Greek pizza. Oh, my. Both were like heaven. The garden is beautiful. I walked up the steps and took this picture of the patio and fire ring from the top of the hill. Here I am on the patio with a glass of the new wine. It got to be a full crowd but not horrible. We were worried about the chilly weather but being in the valley, we were protected from the wind. Another view of the garden and patio area. The fire was popular last night!

It is unseasonably and unnaturally cold here in southern Minnesota today. We had a brisk wind all day and it was cold enough to wear a sweatshirt although I did see people in sleeveless things. I had a sweater and a jean jacket on when we went out and about. Tomorrow is supposed to be colder yet and we have plans to go to Morgan Creek for the release of their signature German white wine, Gewurztraminer. It's an outdoor event, though, so we'll have to bundle up. I suggested to Regis that we turn on the furnace but he gave me a look of scorn. It's July, he said. At least we could close the windows, I said. I stopped at the garden center on my way back from the doctor's office today and I swear Fred was as grouchy about the weather as Regis is. He went on a rant about how hot it's supposed to be but isn't. I figure any day without the AC is a good one. I worked out with Rachel today and I think I'm getting stronger. It doesn't kill me to do 45 minutes with

Regis dreamed last night that I wrote a book called In Defense of Inarticulate Home Bodies . The premise of the book was that too many people don't venture out of their own spheres to find information and therefore, are inarticulate home bodies. It was a series of little vignettes. Or vinaigrettes, if you prefer. This is my second dream book, the first being The Party What Started Out as Jumping Around . Quite a body of work I am amassing.

I've been writing some pretty short and fairly lame blog posts lately. I know it. I'm going to blame it on anesthesia as I hear that can mess up your brain cells. Laughing. I'm not really blaming it on a loss of brain cells; more like a lack of persistence. In the winter, I hunker down in my flannels with the laptop and spend the evening writing and watching mindless television or movies. In the summer, we're outside and I just don't spend enough time doing it. The less I do, the less inclined I am to do it. The less I think about what I'm going to write and the less I see things that might be interesting topics. It's a vicious cycle that may not improve until winter, flannels, and wine return. There are so many very brief ways to communicate now. Twitter, which I don't like, and facebook , which I am getting to like, both require few words. I've noticed that lots of people on facebook don't write anything at all...they just click that they like

The other day when we were snooping around TJ Maxx in Rochester, Regis found these cool bottle lanterns. Tonight we made a deliberate trip outside to see how they looked after dark since we're hardly ever out after dark by accident. The lanterns were lovely and we saw fireflies! We saw lots of them in Iowa and we were enchanted by their tiny lights flitting around Dick's garden. Apparently we have them here, too! Jill's helping me track down a picture book about fireflies and northern lights. I gave it to her grandbaby, Hannah, a few years ago but can't remember the title now that I want it again. Speaking of a crappy memory....when I was sitting outside, I had three things I was writing in my head but now I've forgotten the other two.

This is the Sutliff Store as seen from the Sutliff Bridge which washed away in the flood last year. We're headed to Iowa on a road trip with Tom and Betty, destination Sutliff Store tomorrow in time for happy hour. Stories and pictures will be posted.

We had to be at Mayo at 6:40 this morning. We walked out the doors at the end of the day at 5:15. Regis might be complaining about it but I'm not: I got great care there and everyone is so nice. It's the price you pay. I've always admired the statues of the brothers Mayo so had Regis bring the camera and take a picture of me with them this afternoon. This was during the only five minutes of sunshine we had all day. It was like being in a giant cloud...misty, cold rain. We made a few stops...Cabella's, TJ Maxx, Barnes and Noble...all the old favorites. My doctor (who is quite a character) was pleased with my progress and said I'm doing exactly what I should be doing and that's why I haven't had ill effects. Yay. I forgot to tell him that I have lost the equivalent of a two month old horse. He'd like that. I go back in October for more extensive blood work and to see him again. I might have to leave my driver at home for that trip as he got a tiny bit owly

Regis and I are on the road to Mayo today for my 3-month check-up. My first appointment is at 6:40 for blood work then nothing until 2:00. I should have called Sherry to see if we could nap on their couches! We're anxious to take the new ride out and see how it goes. More later.

Regis and I spent most of today doing the deal on this car. It's a Honda Accord and is quite a change from my rattly old Beetle with the lights flashing and the oil alerts sounding. I feel like a queen in this ride even though there's no moon roof and no ass heater. It was a less stressful day than some car purchasing days in the past because the salesman was quite a character. If you're in the market for a car, let us know and we'll pass on his name.

We had gorgeous weather, the food was delicious, and everyone seemed to have a good time. I was too tired to serve dessert to most people but those who hung around until I had time to recharge got some. Good for them, too bad for the rest. Never leave a party early is the lesson. We have a busy week. Car shopping tomorrow. Work Tuesday. Mayo Wednesday. Joanne to out-patient surgery on Thursday. Iowa Friday. We'll need a vacation from our vacation. Here's a slideshow from the party. Regis is opening a present from Betty and Tom in one picture: a lunchbox for his return to school containing a Batman thermos, a PBJ sandwich wrapped in wax paper, an apple, pencils, and a box of Swisher Sweets among many other things. What a hoot.

I'm sure because I write here so often it seems as if I have nothing to do. Ummm, that's not true. It's a nice distraction from more productive endeavors like doing dishes and cleaning. I was thinking about the menu for tomorrow. Here it is: Appetizers~ Chili cheese dip Shrimp Smoked pork butt sandwiches Cowboy beans Cole slaw Chips Melon and berries Peanut buster parfait dessert Puppy chow The meat was cooked yesterday so only has to be heated tomorrow. I'm making the beans, the fruit tray, and the dessert. Easy. We're hoping for nice weather. Happy birthday to Regis. We came inside to a less stimulating environment to watch the Boston Pops and their fireworks which you can do with fewer exploding noises. Much to our chagrin, they are playing country music. Country music. I like most kinds of music except that whiny country crap and of course, rap. Regis says this is what happens when they move the Boston Pops from PBS to ABC. Sure enough, we went back to PBS and t

It's been a peculiar 4th of July. We took jackets and a huge umbrella to the parade and needed all of it. The people who sold cold drinks and freezies didn't do so well but there was a great crowd in spite of the rain. We saw the usual DFL politicians: Kathy Sheran, Terry Morrow, Tim Walz and lots of people holding signs and passing out stickers. No Al Franken or his kid this year but they're probably busy moving to new digs. The Republicans came a few units later and they had one miserable looking guy in a pickup pulling a float. That's it. What's up with that? The Sarah Palin news probably has them all in a dither. There was a non-English speaking family in front of us by the end of the parade. The little kids were darling and sure got in the spirit of the candy tossing! We stopped at Bob's for a while after I had a nap to warm up and re-charge. Nice to visit with people there. Regis and I came home to sit on the patio. We had to pull our chairs under the tree

Safe and happy 4th of July! We're heading to the parade early and will stop at the park on our way home. I'll post parade and party pictures sometime tomorrow.

Busy day. Pork butts on the grill all day. I had to be responsible for the charcoal while Regis went car shopping with Reg and Amber. They bought a pretty silver Honda Accord. I think we're going to make a deal on an Accord Monday. This will be my car to drive but I'm not too interested in most of the details. I don't care about cruise control but I wanted a seat heater. It has the former but not the latter. Kathy came and helped me clean today. I'm a pretty worthless cleaner because I get distracted. She bossed me around (in a good way) and scrubbed my kitchen floor on her hands and knees. I paid her extra for that, believe me. We went to Patrick's for dinner. Nice time...bad bench. Made my legs numb. We sat outside this evening even though it rained ever so lightly from time to time. A few fireworks in the neighborhood that made the dog very nervous. I don't get the attraction to fireworks myself. I like them on television when you don't hear the sound of

The Honda Fit is off the short list of cars. I think it's too small and the cup holder thing is so weird. One drove past our house last night and it was a really ugly color. I just found something interesting on the internet. I've lost between the weight of a newborn calf and a two-month old horse. Man. That's funny. And scary. We invited Bob and Emily for dinner tonight so Regis is cooking ribs and sweet corn. A true summer meal. I hope it's warm enough to be outside. Regis helped Tom build an arbor on the back side of his garage. They finished yesterday and last night Regis had a dream that is so funny and weird that I won't even write about it here. You'll have to ask sometime when you see us.