slugging rats in the gutter

My friend, Karen, calls what I went through one evening and morning this week slugging rats in the gutter. I love that. It's pretty descriptive of the crap that hits the fan but it also hints that it doesn't last forever and...mine didn't. If you are slugging rats in the gutter today, I hope they're few and slow.

We're doing our usual coffee drinking this morning, watching the birds and the sky. An ominous thunderstorm appeared on the horizon but seems to have wandered onto some other unsuspecting county.

We're thankful for all the rain we got yesterday. Maybe now I can stop worrying about wildfires. I haven't seen such a downpour in several years. We had more rain during the night, with thunder and lightening. I was going to work in the garden today but it's too muddy. Oh, darn.

The grass is making a glorious comeback after the past year's drought. I know this because there is a gas powered machine going every waking moment in our neighborhood. Not at our house as we like our grass long. We think of it as making oxygen.

Elliot came for a visit last night. We stopped at McDonald's, went to Tom and Betty's house, came back here to take a walk around the block, and sat on the patio. When we finally sat down on the swing, he said, "Nana, you forgot three things: a pillow, a blanket, and a snack." This picture is from St. Patrick's Day...you can tell by the lights on the tree. It's one of my favorite pictures of him because he's laughing himself silly. Nothing like a little kid laughing to lighten your heart.

I have a list of things I should do today but we'll see how that progresses. It's so tempting to sit and watch the orioles in the redbud tree.

There's my whoop ass for the day!

Deb and Gus

my brief trip through the doldrums of life

I knew I would be fine later and I am.

I saw my oncologist this morning and he was, as usual, uplifting. He talked about things I could do to help prevent recurrence...limit wine, exercise my body and my brain, eat healthy. All good things to do. I'll see him again in a month to talk about removing my port and about the hormone I'll take for five years.

I hope I didn't alarm anyone (Sorry, Mom.) with my dismal attitude this morning. All is well. Here's my list of reasons to be happy:

1. I'm getting some of the best medical care in the world.
2. I have a sweet husband who takes me to so many appointments.
3. I have a cozy bedroom where I can curl up with a book and take a nap.
4. My garden is springing forth!
5. Elliot is coming to see us this evening and we're going to pay a visit to Tom and Betty.
6. My prognosis is very good.
7. I have good friends and family sending me light and love.
8. We have beautiful birds in our yard.
9. My cousin, Deb, made a visit this week. She always makes me laugh.
10. We have two beautiful blooming trees in the front yard.
11. Our refrigerator is broken but Reggie came to help fix it. Thanks, kid!
12. Catie is graduating from the U of M nursing program this afternoon.

Not a bad list for an old broad who was poised on the bridge this morning. Hahahaha! Not quite. I'm just a bit of a drama queen...but I do appreciate the support in my time of need. Thanks to everyone who wrote.

curling up and feeling sad

Cocooning

Cécile Veilhan

Yesterday I had my first follow-up meeting with my research nurse. I've gotten very attached to her. I know I'll see her many times in the future but for some reason this last visit made me sad and took me back to an emotional place I thought I had left long ago.

Even though the weather was beautiful, the crab apple and the redbud are blooming, and even though I had a lovely visit with my cousin the last two days, I felt like shit last night. I felt like I did in January. I was so tired I took several naps and went to bed at 7 o'clock. I felt sad and lonely and discouraged and...flat.

I'm not going to try to analyze this too much. It just is what it is and I know it will pass.

I'm not feeling sorry for myself either. I know everybody has crap to deal with. Every day, people have much worse crap than this to deal with. Something could come along and clothesline a guy at any time. Fact of life. I am not alone in this.

dear bruce in north dakota

Dear Bruce,

After I made disparaging remarks about the North Dakotans ability to make good pasta, you sent me this wonderful assortment of pasta and dumplings. I will be happy to prepare and sample each one and I can tell by the packaging and the marketing that this is a high quality product. (Dreamfields pasta is made from the finest durum wheat semolina to give you delicious old-world taste and al dente texture for your special pasta dishes. With Dreamfields you get the healthy advantage, making Dreamfields the perfect pasta for health conscious pasta lovers.)

I certainly appreciate your sensitivity to my remarks and your willingness to represent your state by changing my mind about Dreamfields pasta. I don't claim to hold much sway with the average pasta consumer but I do have a fairly far-reaching audience of readers and I'm sure they will take my endorsements to heart.

One more thing, Bruce. I'm pretty sure last time I was in your fair state, I had a glass of wine that I considered to be below par. I certainly would not want my readers to have the impression that's true of all North Dakota wines so if you'd like to try to change my mind on that one, samples would be eagerly accepted. 

I think I could spin this into a pretty good gig. Hahahaha!!!

Thanks for the pasta, Bruce. We'll enjoy it!

Gus looking dapper in the morning.

Gus takes a nap on my chair.

When a cardinal has a bad hair day.

Darby at her art show.

Evynne at her art show.

My cousin. Deb, is coming for a visit today. We always have fun!

two old friends go to radiation

Betty took me to radiation yesterday. She came in and waited with a cup of coffee. I forgot to return my beeper, forgot to take the key out of the dressing room door, and forgot to grab a towel. I think they should provide an attendant as there a lot of addled folks wandering unsupervised around that place.

The other day, an old pantsless gentleman forgot to close his blue robe. Ah, well. We're all sort of anonymous in there anyway. If he's having radiation on a part beneath his underwear, he probably doesn't give a damn who he flashes.

Betty and I went to Encore and scored some great bargains, then went to Pappageorge to celebrate.   Betty's had cancer, too, and we talked about what scares us and what doesn't. Mostly, we have decided to forge ahead, come what may. Nobody gets out alive and nobody knows how they're going until they're gone. So why be afraid? Why worry?

I came home to take a long nap and when I woke up, Regis and I relaxed on the patio for the evening. It was a hundred degrees yesterday afternoon and only fifty when we got up this morning.

Ella suggested I get something to shade the sunny end of the patio swing. I found this great scarf at Encore and thought it would be perfect. Good idea, Ella!

Moving on into the day. Gus will come with us to Mankato today. He loves to go through the pharmacy drive-up window because they always give him a treat. My sweet husband, my furry dog, and a beautiful spring day. I have much for which to be grateful this day.

minnesota neighbors and joy

During the long winter, we don't see our neighbors much. We go in and out of our driveways or garages and wave, and sometimes visit if we happen to be shoveling snow at the same time, but it's not like spring and summer. When the weather's nice, we have frequent walkers, we have patio visitors, we visit over fences or across the street. So much nicer.

Last night we had a small gathering at one neighbor's house. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in late fall, Norm had a heart attack in February, and Jean and Bill are planning a trip to Alaska. Lots to catch up on.

Today is dawning beautifully but we're expecting very high temps (90's) and high winds which means fire alert. Oh, brother. What does fire alert mean? Here's what weatherunderground says: A red flag warning means that critical fire weather either occurring now... or will shortly. A combination of strong winds... low relative humidity... and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Extreme fire behavior? Sounds like hell.

So, as I drive to Mankato this morning, I will scan the horizon for wildfires. I won't throw any combustibles out the car windows. I won't burn any leaves when I come home. I think that's about all I can do in terms of preparedness. 

I checked out wildfire images on google. Too scary to use.

I've been lazy in the glamour department lately. Regis sent me a news report about all the vile infections you can get in your eyes from false eyelashes so I cast those by the wayside for now. Make-up is such a chore when you start from scratch. So, here I am. Early morning. Not much hair. Pajamas and red slippers. Big old cardigan sweater. And notice Kermit the Frog on the shelf behind me.

Drinking coffee and playing Solitaire...what I do best.

I saw the radiation oncologist yesterday. He asked about my fatigue which I rated a 4 on a scale of 1-10. He asked about my quality of life and I didn't hesitate to say 10. Some days, like this one, my heart is near to bursting with happiness. I told him I attributed it to enjoying ordinary things like the patio, the birds, our dog, our friends and family, warm and sunny days. It's a good way to live.

a grand time but no photos

We had a wonderful time yesterday, celebrating all matriarchs with a family barbecue, but not one photo was taken. We just got too busy having fun.

Peter and April and Zoey arrived about one o'clock. Peter raked the back yard for us and hauled out some additional lawn furniture and the table for the little kids. Reg and Amber came shortly after that, then Bob with Ella and Alex, then Tiffany and Elliot.

The kids had a great time together, playing with sidewalk chalk, toys, sticks, and the picnic table umbrella.

We had Detroit style Coney Island dogs, cowboy beans, chips, corn and blueberry salad, smores, and brownies with ice cream. The little kids wanted to eat outside at their table so some dining was outside and some was inside. Most of the food was gone by the time everyone left. Proving, I guess, that you don't have to make a gourmet meal to feed your family.

If you check out the recipe, I use frozen corn most of the time and in the winter, I use dried cilantro. I know it seems like a weird combination but it's very good.

Thanks to all of you for the shiny diamond ring, the red tulips, the cards, the hugs, and the picture of the cousins. I love you all very much. You made the day special.

avoiding anything very constructive this morning

I intended to get up early and maybe do something like vacuum or clean the bathroom. Since we were out quite late (10:40) last night, we slept until 8 o'clock and now here I sit. Regis is going to the dog park and I'm having another cup of coffee and watching the birds.

The only problem with is that the off-spring are coming over later for a barbecue. Every year, I swear I'm not going to spend Mother's Day cooking and cleaning but somehow it comes down to that. I'm not complaining. I'm glad they want to come and I'm glad I'm healthy and strong enough to make cowboy beans and chili for hot dogs. What the hell.

We went to 2nd Story Comedy's show last night at the Treaty Site. We had a special table with candles and a bottle of wine, the comedians were great, we laughed ourselves silly. I saw a sweet young teacher who remembered my name. Sometimes you become invisible after you retire. All in all, a swell evening.

Regis went on a minor rant this morning when we got a Memorial Day ad in the Sunday paper. I understand. It's no wonder we can't keep track of anything timewise anymore. There are no seasonal markers. Swimming suits are sold in January, school supplies appear in July, sports go on interminably...it's very confusing.

I have to bathe Gus when he gets home from the park. I do it because Regis has two new knees and I am a bit more agile. It involves stripping down and getting right in the tub with him so you can reach all the assorted dog parts that are dirty. I am always as wet as he is in the end. Regis gets to towel him off which is no picnic either. He's good about it and jumps right in the tub when you tell him it's bath time...but bathing a dog of his size is tough duty. It's quite a picture.

It's Sunday morning and some of our neighbors are at church. Time to empty the recycler, if you get my drift. We hate to make enough noise that they think it's Patrick's emptying their dumpster.

We'll try to corral everyone for a group photo at some point today. I love those.

another post to karen

Karen, I tried to email you (@gmail.com?) but the message came back. We'll try something else. I would put my email address here but then all the viagra and vicodin salesmen would have it, too.

With some detective work (only knowing his first name and the date of his death) and a little persistence, I found Hugh's obituary online at legacy.com. I left a message for you there and I think you can contact me that way. I've been reading and rereading your most recent comment. If you look back at it, you'll see that my mom left a message for you, too.

I also figured out the blog where we first found each other...on AnnMarie's chemo brain blog. It was nice to spend some time there again...as I had forgotten. That sounds about right, doesn't it?

Edina? That's only 60 miles from us. What a small world! Regis grew up right across the river from you, in Morrisville, PA. Many coincidences that brought us together, my friend.

It would be wonderful if we could meet face-to-face some day, but until then, be strong,live fully, and know that lots of us care about you.
Teresa

disturbing wind

The wind is ferocious here today. I'm sitting in Regis's chair watching the birds and I can hardly stand it. The flags are flying horizontally, the wind chimes are going crazy, and I wonder how the little birds can even cling to the feeders. I'm going to respond to this weather situation like I do to most...I'm going back to bed to read.

Yesterday was one of those days you don't want to end. We went to radiation and stopped for ice cream for tomorrow's dessert, although, I might make a Guinness cake, too. I was tired when we got home and I thought about taking a nap but we got a text from Pat and Helen (brother and SIL) asking if we wanted to have lunch with them on their way through town. We said we'd love to do that. We went to Patrick's for cheeseburgers and beer.

When we got home, Joanne stopped with a bottle of wine. We had a good visit outside in the sunshine. Then Kemmie and Joanne came over to tempt us with goat stew. Reggie stopped and helped his dad cook steaks on the grill since I was too busy socializing. It was such a beautiful day full of surprises.

I meant to do the dishes. I meant to pick up the house. I meant to go through the piles of clothes in the bedroom. I didn't do any of that and I'm glad. I sat on the patio, I enjoyed the sunshine and the cool breeze, I saw many birds visit the feeders, and I visited with lots of people. Much better choice.

to my friend karen, tc xoxoxo

Karen,
During a sleepless period in the middle of the night, I woke to read my Kindle. I don't usually check my email during the dark hours, but I did for some reason. When I started reading your comment and your sad news about Hugh, I sat right up in bed and turned on the light. Please don't apologize for writing it and I certainly won't remove it. I treasure our connection and your words, as always.

I am so sorry for your loss of your sweet companion, Hugh. I can't imagine the terrible sense of absence. Just yesterday, I wondered that I hadn't heard from you in a while and told Regis that I was going to check the comments and see how long it had been. I loved reading how you and Hugh would laugh yourselves stupid over some goofy story I told. I liked to picture you at the end of the day, reading my blog together. That was yesterday...and then I get your sad news.

I'm going to savor your comments as I'm glad to have you affirm what I have learned as I've gotten older: There is joy and contentment in ordinary things once we learn how to look for it. Yesterday, after radiation, we bought ice cream, had lunch with my brother and his wife (I just ate the rest of my pastrami and pepperjack cheese sandwich for breakfast!), had a glass of wine on the patio with a good friend and some neighbors, cooked steaks with our son down the street, and enjoyed the end of a bird and sunshine filled day. No need for anything more.

How will you go on without Hugh, Karen? How do you get used to being lonely after having a marriage like you had? Is there any way to be prepared for this? Is there anything I can do to help?


Please keep in touch with me. I would gladly give you my phone number or address so we could communicate in a less public manner. Ours is one of those relationships that started on the internet but feels more like an old friendship now.

I'll be thinking about you in the dark and difficult days ahead. Let me know how you are doing. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Sending light and love in friendship, Teresa

hope you aren't tired of bird pictures and gratitude

Regis said yesterday that it was the highlight of his birding career...this many beautiful birds at the same time. In some ways, I could say it doesn't take much to tickle us but in other ways this is miraculous, to have this beautiful wildlife right outside our living room window.

This week, I met two people face-to-face, Michele and Victoria, who I have only known on Facebook. I have two other people I consider friends, Karen in Nevada and Karen, TC, who I have never met in person, only in cyberspace. It's a big, old goofy world.

Regis made Philadelphia style hoagies for dinner last night. I told him if he wanted them to be authentic, he would have to take charge. He did a great job, even dressing them with oil and vinegar and using thin-sliced baloney which would never have occurred to me.

I'm infamous for midwesternizing East Coast iconic food. When Regis first moved here, I made spaghetti...fat noodles with sauce so thick it simply laid on top and you could cut it with a fork. Like a hotdish. The first time I was given a spoon with pasta, I used it to cut the noodles up so how would I know? What can I say...I learned to make spaghetti from my dad, a native of North Dakota where they don't know spaghetti from shit. Regis is lucky I don't make curly noodle goulash. Funeral hotdish we call it here in Minnesota.

We're starting our weekend in a nice way. Joanne is stopping for a late afternoon glass of wine on the patio. We're old teaching buddies and even though we don't get to see each other very often, it's always sweet. I gave Joanne a pair of shiny purple leggings for her birthday one year. Maybe she'll wear them today.

A couple years ago, I left the house on St. Patrick's Day on my way to the parade in quite a get-up that included a long red curly wig, shamrock sunglasses, striped green and white tights, and 4-inch sparkly green heels. My devout Baptist neighbor only raised his eyebrows. It's a big, old goofy world.

Tomorrow night, we're going to a comedy show with Tom and Betty. I am looking forward to laughing until I ache. Laughing is like praying...it clears out the stress bubbles in your body.

Sunday we're celebrating Matriarch's Day (honoring all women) by having a Detroit Coney Island hotdog party on the patio. In Detroit, they put chili, cheese, and onions on their hotdogs. We also have a variety of other topping options for the squeamish. The little kids are coming (and some of the grown-ups) and we'll have a fine time. Wish my mom could be here with us.

We just saw a hummingbird, a female grosbeak, and a downy woodpecker in the garden. Also three bunnies doing amazing vertical leaps. Regis thinks they are preparing to mate and I think they're playing. Maybe they're doing both.

Happy Friday. Remember to put HAVE FUN on your list of things to do this weekend!

thursday in pictures

Regis and I went to Mankato today. We dropped Gus at the Paw then went to buy groceries. We like to go then...no crowds. My list isn't as organized as it once was but we alright and were out of there in an hour. We went to Guenther's for breakfast then to CVS and Walgreen's. 

I had my 4th radiation treatment and stopped in the chemo room to say hello to the nurses and to my friend Michelle who occupies my old chair once every three weeks.

The pictures are some of the highlights and lowlights of the trip. We had coffee at Caribou and I can say that the scones are not up to the standards to which I have been accustomed, Katie Kruger!

We went to Menard's, AKA the Man Mall to browse around a little bit and to pick up a few essentials. I was overheated (not sure why) so I removed my head scarf. I have a little bit of hair now but I still look a lot like Mr. Clean. Then I notice my damn cardigan sweater is inside-out. Probably since I left radiation which means I had been a lot of places looking like I dressed myself.

I spotted this cool sink and while Regis was scoping out plumbing stuff, I snapped a picture. Like I might buy it.

We walked down the tub aisle (I also have tub envy, Tom.) and were fascinated by this "only one in the store" electronic bidet. I believe the $369 price tag is for the seat only.

I had Regis get a close-up of the controls. I know the picture has some glare but we didn't want to hang there too long being fascinated by the bidet. Between my odd appearance and this thing, we were fast becoming an object of fascination ourselves.

I felt crappy this morning but managed to trudge through all the errands. I came home to put away the perishables and fall into bed. Michelle says she's like a car...when she's out of gas, she is really out of gas. I would say the same.

This afternoon when we were sitting in the living room having our pre-dinner period of lethargy when we had a bird convention in the front yard. At one point, there was a pair of cardinals. three orioles, and a rose-breasted grosbeak. Such nice bursts of color on a gray day.

Well, that's it then. Thursday in pictures. It was a grand day.

radiation sucked more than I thought it would but life is good

I'm going to start with my report on radiation, which as you can tell, sucks more I thought it would for these reasons: 1) It only lasts ten minutes so there is no time for camaraderie. 2) I'm in a dark room alone with this ominous looking machine and a few laser lights. Very Star Trekky. 3) Chemo was bright and sunny and there were lots of people around. In radiation, it's me and a couple of old guys with no pants on holding their blue gowns closed.

Don't get me wrong. I'm glad they have the technology to do it and that they believe they are hunting down any stray cancer cells and giving them the heave-ho, but this really could be more pleasant.

That's it for my complaints. I'm going to be grateful today. The first picture is one Regis took of the Baltimore oriole that has been coming to our jelly feeder. So pretty! We think we've seen two males and one female. Maybe it's a threesome nest.

This is Fred, my garden rooster. I named him after Fred at Traverse des Sioux Garden Center. He was made from old car parts in Mexico so he is very heavy and difficult to keep up in the wind. He has a locking mechanism around his ankle so he won't be too easy to steal as was the fate of the garden gnome across the street.

This is a fern-leaf peony that came from the farm where I grew up. It takes a long time for them to grow...I've had this one more than ten years and it's still less than a foot tall. One year, I was so disgusted with its apparent failure to thrive that I grabbed it by its stems intending to jerk it out of the ground. I changed my mind at the last minute and it was exactly the right thing to do. They don't like to be buried too deeply. It was happier after that.

And finally, a major pile of leaves that I raked out of my garden the past two days. I think I neglected to rake it last spring so it's been a while and there was a lot of crap. Regis hauled six giant bags of mulched up leaves to the compost site. Regis keeps threatening Astro-turf but he enjoys the garden when it looks nice.

So, there you go. My friend, Jill, is taking me to radiation this morning, then we're meeting our old friend, Karen for coffee and a little breakfast. Something to look forward to every day, my friends. A little yard work, friends for coffee, time on the patio. Life is good.

starting round #3 today

I was off the grid for the weekend. Partly because we were busy but also because Regis bought me an iPad and I spent hours repeating the same actions over and over so I can remember them. It seems like everything is different...arrows on the left, button on the right, tap to change screens. Old dogs and new tricks.

I spent a lot of time looking at apps. I have an app that will make a grocery list. I have several apps for photos. I have an app for Etsy and one for Kindle. It's a big old crazy world.

My radiation treatment starts today at 9:45. I made the mistake of telling the receptionist once that I was there for a radiology appointment. She corrected me and said they are very different. I'm not sure how...should have asked. I was more nervous about radiation last week. As is always my MO, when it comes right down to it, I can set my fears aside.

Regis and Gus will squire me to the appointment. It won't take long and maybe we can stop at a dog park between here and there.

My plan to start gardening this weekend didn't turn out so well. It was rainy and 42 degrees on Saturday so I said nay to that. Gardening should be pleasant, not torture. There are hopeful signs: the hostas are starting to poke through the ground and orioles are back at the feeder. The shamrock plant that Regis brought out of the basement only a week ago has exploded with new growth.

I read two books in the last two weeks. One on my Kindle and one on the iPad. I checked them both out of the library and returned them yesterday without even leaving the house. Amazing. Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk was good. The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb was ok. Not great but interesting.

We're going to Nicollet to pick up our grill bundle of meat at Schmidt's. If it's 70 and sunny this afternoon, I'll be sitting on the porch swing watching Regis grill steaks.

short post and gratitude

I am still sitting here at 9 o'clock and feeling guilty because my goal was to be vertical and moving by 9 every morning. Maybe it's the feeling guilty part I have to skip...not the sitting around part!

We've had an abundance of birds at our feeders this spring. This morning we had two orioles and a small group of gold finches. So much fun to see them. It was a good way to start my weekend of being grateful.

I'm grateful for the birds that come to our yard. We are happy every time we see a cardinal. We say, "Cardinal in the feeder!" Like it's the first time. They are such a burst of color on our gray landscape...good reason to be grateful.

Regis and Gus were leaving for the dog park as I took some trash out to the dumpster. They came back in the house to say good-bye and I love you. What sweet companions I have. I am grateful.

Tomorrow, we are going to a gathering of friends and family at Tom and Betty's house. We always have fun and laugh and the food is always good. I am lucky and I am grateful.

Monday, I start my radiation treatments in Mankato. I have a wonderful medical team taking care of me. I am lucky to have such easy access to such good care and I am grateful.

Mom and I decided during our visit on Monday that being grateful is a good strategy for life's curve balls. Every time we feel like complaining, we're going to think about gratitude instead. I'm grateful for my mom.

no snow!

We didn't get any snow but just to the east of us, they got slammed with about a foot. We can now proceed with spring.

There is a fat squirrel eating seed out of my bird feeder. We put peanuts out for him for a few days but he went through a lot of peanuts so we quit. I talk about him like it's always the same squirrel. I wish the red-winged blackbirds would go out to the cat tails where they belong. They hog the feeder and the tree where the birds wait their turn.

I cleaned out a cupboard where I store cleaning supplies and mops and such yesterday. There was stuff on the bottom I hadn't looked at in years. I should go through all my cupboards as I'm sure I would find the same archaeological evidence in all of them. That's the kind of stuff I think I should do but don't. Stuff.



Last week, my goal was to stand up at 9 o'clock and get moving. Today, it's 9:38 and I'm still sitting. I don't like to have too many rules.

Regis is in the shower. He's dropping me off downtown so I can do a few errands while he and Gus go to the dog park. I better get going or I'll be going to the bank in my pajamas.

hopeful signs of spring

I know. I know. I keep saying we can make it through one more snow storm...and then another one comes. There are hopeful signs out there, my friends. You just have to look.

Tiny leaves on the crab apple tree

Chives coming up around the bunny

Only a little bit of snow on the patio swing

Flowers that come in the mail from friends

road trip

We took a road trip to Canby on Monday to visit my mom. It was a nice day to travel. The picture above is Regis's latest gadget. It's a dash cam. He says they are very popular in big cities where people have frequent accidents. I'm not sure we would have captured much action on this trip over the back roads of Minnesota even if the thing had worked. Maybe a manure spreader and a couple of dead skunks.

My sweet husband, the gadget lover. We had a very funny incident on Tuesday morning when we went out for breakfast. Mom drove her car, and because she has lived in a small town all her life, she left the car keys on the console and Regis because he lived in the big city of Philadelphia where the crime rate is higher than southwestern Minnesota, pushed the lock down as he exited the car. All the doors locked and we had to call a neighbor to go into Mom's house with his keys. Regis had also locked the garage door which she never locks. There was a lot of "not MY fault" bandied about. I just laughed.

For years, we have driven past this spot out in the middle of nowhere in Brown County. Last time, we looked it up on the internets, then made a stop to check it out. It's called the Milford Monument and it's a beautiful memorial to 52 settlers of the Milford community who died in the Dakota Wars. The landscape is just corn fields and then this little spot. I was captivated by the angel.

This is Mom's little dog, George. Gus wanted to play with him but he would have none of it. They declared a sort of truce. Gus could watch George and George would ignore Gus unless he got too close.

 We had a nice trip that included lots of visiting, some wine, a pizza from PK Eagen's, and lots of drive time. About an hour from home I told Regis I was tired of being in the car. Reality check...I have been talking about longer car trips and it just might not be a good idea. I'd get a thousand miles away from home and refuse to get back in the car.

I've taken two long car trips in my life. I cried once in a Pizza Hut in DesMoines and I cried once in South Dakota because it was hot and my cousin wouldn't stop at the A&W. I'm a real treat to travel with, as you can see.

Here is our weather forecast for the day, in case you missed it. Dismal news. Absolutely dismal.

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued a Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow... which is in effect from 3 PM this afternoon to 7 PM CDT Thursday.
* Snow may be heavy at times this evening through the early morning hours.
* Snow accumulation: 6 to 9 inches.

Regis says if this really happens, he is getting in the car and driving south until it gets warm or he runs out of gas. Whichever comes first. I am resigned to it, but I don't like it. Not one bit.