a long day but a good one

Always wear boots to oncology appointments. It's my rule. The second picture is one I had Regis take during my diagnosis-treatment phase. He didn't want to take it as he said I was posing like a corpse but I added the crown for a little extra zip.

All is well so I will try to not over-dramatize the events. I do get some nasty anxiety leading up to the day. I remember I went into this situation three years ago all optimistic and shit. That didn't get me too far. Haha! They called me at 10:30 to tell me the mammogram was "negative normal" and it took me a couple seconds to translate that into regular English. Bloodwork was all within normal limits and exam revealed nothing of concern. I go back in November...trying to get this all on a six-month rotation.

I did a couple errands then went down to Tandem Bagels to meet Peter and April for coffee. I strolled down 2nd Street to look at some of the Art Walk. I think this is my favorite piece because you can sit on it....and I know what it is.

I realize it may make me seem sort of rube-ish but I am not fond of art that has to be interpreted for me. What the hell is this?

This I like. I know what it is.

I read the artist's statement because I wasn't sure about the next one but there is something appealing about it anyway. It's not so abstract that I didn't recognize the shape.

At the end of the long day, I went to my favorite grocery store to pick up some things. I was greeted by this lovely sign of autumn.

The grocery store was crazy busy but I ran into several old friends...Diann, Ann, & Jean. Stocked up on a few things for the week and weekend. We're having each kid and family for dinner one night before school starts. It's more fun to cook for them separately than collectively.

We're also having a Labor Day Pig-Out to honor the end of summer. It's a fun meal to plan and to prepare. One year we did a Jersey Shore theme. This year, the theme is pork.

More torrential rain today. I'm not leaving town but I am having coffee with a woman who was recently diagnosed with clear cell carcinoma. That's something that will make you feel more positive about whatever is wrong with you.

A local radio station that we have adopted as our own has adopted the Legendary Stardust Cowboy. His real name is Norman Odam. You can look him up in the google and find out all kinds of information about his show business career. He appeared on Laugh-In for one thing. He'll be 68 on September 5th and KMSU is calling for all fans to send him a birthday card. Here is his address if you are so moved. Include a SASE and he will most likely send you a promotional photo...or a grocery list. We have gotten both. It's one of those goofy things in life you just do because it's a hoot.

NORMAN CARL ODAM
LEGENDARY STARDUST COWBOY
P.O. BOX 730742
SAN JOSE, CA 95173

Regis and I went to visit Mom this past weekend. Mom and I went to visit Irene who just turned 95. Such a sweet surprise to find my dear, old friend Linda there, too.

Make it a good day. Stay dry!

done ranting

Ire at insurance companies is wasted energy, I know. Done with that.

I have been using Picmonkey to edit photos this summer. I follow a couple photography sites on FB and have admired their photo editing but wasn't sure how they did it. Now, I am learning.

Blue Moon

Stained Glass

Late Summer

a rant

Since my breast cancer surgery, I have experienced lymphedema in my left arm. I think they told me about it right after surgery but my head wasn't in the game then so the information drifted out immediately. When I started having symptoms, a year later, I figured it out fast.

Here is a pretty good explanation of lymphedema:
Lymphedema is a potential side effect of breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy that can appear in some people during the months or even years after treatment ends. 

Lymph is a thin, clear fluid that circulates throughout the body to remove wastes, bacteria, and other substances from tissues. Edema is the buildup of excess fluid. 

So lymphedema occurs when too much lymph collects in any area of the body. If lymphedema develops in people who’ve been treated for breast cancer, it usually occurs in the arm and hand, but sometimes it affects the breast, underarm, chest, trunk, and/or back.
Why does lymphedema happen? As part of their surgery, many people with breast cancer have at least two or three lymph nodes removed from under the arm (sentinel lymph node biopsy), and sometimes many more nodes (axillary lymph node dissection). If the cancer has spread, it has most likely moved into to those underarm lymph nodes first because they drain lymph from the breast. Many people also need radiation therapy to the chest area and/or underarm. Surgery and radiation can cut off or damage some of the nodes and vessels through which lymph moves. Over time, the flow of lymph can overwhelm the remaining pathways, resulting in a backup of fluid into the body’s tissues. 

If you already have lymphedema but don’t remember hearing much about it during breast cancer treatment, you’re not alone, says Dr. Marisa Weiss, founder and president of Breastcancer.org. “I can say from experience that the time right after diagnosis, when you are considering options and planning treatment, is a blur. When you are feeling so anxious and overwhelmed, it is hard to listen, understand, and decide. So even if lymphedema gets mentioned during this time, you may not remember it. Or it may not come up because the focus is really on getting you well. So if lymphedema does develop later on, it can feel like yet another insult to the body, one that many women weren’t fully prepared for. The good news is that women can learn how to manage it and lead normal lives.” 

Although there’s no way to know for sure whether you’ll develop lymphedema after breast cancer, you can help yourself by learning more about it. Know your risk factors, take steps to reduce your risk, and be aware of early symptoms. Left untreated, lymphedema can worsen and cause severe swelling and permanent changes to the tissues under the skin, such as thickening and scarring. 

Adding to the frustration some people feel is the conflicting advice about how to prevent and manage lymphedema — perhaps you’ve encountered some of it! There’s still much more research to be done before we fully understand this condition. Also, many doctors don’t have a great deal of experience with lymphedema. Realize that you may need to take charge and find your way to an experienced lymphedema therapist.

Recovery involved physical therapy, exercises at home, a compression sleeve, and bras that were prescribed by the doctor and filled by a specialty shop. No more fancy under-wire garments. These were serious, wide-sided, no nonsense things. And seriously expensive.

The first year, I got two and made do with those.

In May, they told me that I could get up to 12 a year. I thought that might be excessive, but I thought I would get what was needed and no more. So, off I got to the specialty store to be measured and to order two new bras. The woman who helped told me that they dispense them two at a time so I could call in August and order two more.

I called Monday and the person who answered the phone said she would order them for me. Yesterday I had a message saying that Medicare will only allow three in six months and my prescription expires on the 20th of August. I called back and said there must be a mistake, I have BCBS not Medicare and I have a RX for a year.

Here is where it gets interesting. She said their company had been purchased by another company and they follow Medicare guidelines no matter what kind of insurance you have. Long pause. I said I pay $2100 a month for premium health care. Not her fault. I get that. But I am pissed.

She said they could fill my RX only if the bras are medically necessary. I asked who decides that and you guessed it...the insurance company.

summer evenings

Regis drove the transit a lot this week which left Gus and me on our own. We spent much time outdoors as the evenings were beautiful, coolish, and pretty much bug-free. Our patio is so peaceful. I love to sit out there and visit with passers-by, watch the birds at the feeder, and see the sun go down. You can see Gus scanning the horizon for the transit. He misses the master.

In the grand scheme of things, I have gotten a few things done this week. I renewed my supply of cosmetics and made a new spray with my collection of essential oils. I read a couple books and learned a new word game. I made stuffed peppers on the grill. I had lunch and did some shopping with a friend. I finished my ten-week session with my very awesome trainer. (And I don't use the word awesome lightly.)

In my strength training world (which I do not for vanity but for osteoporisis and cancer), I got my report card on Thursday. I started leg presses with 50 pounds on each leg and went up 27.5 pounds. Those are big muscles, though, and the other results were not quite so impressive. I did improve in each exercise and I am feeling stronger. I told Gunner, I can squat way to the ground, take a picture of something, and stand right back up without support. Not bad for an old gal.

Tom Hynes, the new word game is called Alphabetty and it's by the same folks who brought you Candy Crush. I like the game but it only has 50 levels and then apparently you have to pay. Sad face. I can waste a lot time playing word games but I guess it could be worse. I downloaded Words with Friends, Mom, and will give that another go. I am not competitive, though, and if I start losing, I might quit.

I finished my applications to sub in two neighboring districts. It was an arduous process, believe me. I barely remembered enough to write a resume and barely cared enough to find the information. Ha.



That's Bob Dylan's (I Used to Care) but Things Have Changed. My official theme song. Some of my Facebook friends were doing a stress test this week and scoring between 50 and 85%. I got 15%. I am not living the perfect life but I am oblivious to a lot of things which helps.

Lot of water under the bridge.

Note: When I looked at my stats and reviewed my posts for August, I see I repeated myself a few times. Sigh. Sometimes I can't remember if I composed something in my head (I do this OFTEN!) and then wrote it down or if I only did the inside head composition. Ah, well. You know how to skip, right?

Woodrow Call...guest blogger

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That's not so hard.

food and stress

Since my bariatric surgery and my cancer treatment, my taste in food has changed. You would expect it from the former but maybe not the latter.

I have an aversion to chemicals. I bought a ham sandwich at a grocery store recently. As I ate the first half, I glanced at the ingredient label. The cat got the second half and then I felt bad for subjecting him to that chemical shitstorm.

I have a hard time eating in restaurants. I like my portions much smaller than what they serve and I get tired of left-overs. And I hate to throw food away. Sometimes I order something and by the time it comes, I've lost interest. I am not wasting away so I must be getting enough food. (Since my cancer treatments ended, I have maintained my weight within five pounds.)

I can't eat grocery store lettuce anymore.I check it over carefully for a sell-by date but if I find one slimy leaf, that's it. I'm investing in a tiny greenhouse so I can grow greens indoors all winter.

If I could afford to buy locally grown meat, I would do it. As it is, I try not to think about where my meat came from. I am not interested in being a vegetarian as I like a cheeseburger or a steak from time to time.

The food I eat has to taste really good. I'm not saying that I never eat frozen pizza or fast food. It's just not my first choice and I usually regret it. Not for any moral reason...I just don't appreciate the taste so much.

I bought a book on nutrition but the dude's first advice was to give up meat. Ah, no can do.

I think I might like a Japanese diet...smaller portions, not so much meat, strong flavors.

Tonight I had a grilled cheese sandwich and two of Jerry Harty's pickles (I like his pickles but not always his politics...haha!). It was yummy.

I took a stress test on Facebook. Most of my friends were scoring in the 50% range with a few in the 80-90% range. I scored 15%. This does not mean that I have some sort of Zen presence. It means I am oblivious. I don't watch the news. I don't read the bad news in the paper. I am a happier person because of it.

Mom: Guest Blogger #2

On June 14th, my mom wrote a story about the construction crews digging up her street. It was so popular that I asked her to write the ending to the story...well, almost the ending! The first part is here if you didn't read it.

***********************

Today I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  A young man knocked on my door yesterday and told me to move my car as they were going to do the curb and gutter and I would not be able to get out of my garage for a week or two.  The cement has to cure!!  He wanted me to park it several blocks away;  he would meet me and I could have a ride home in his truck.  I hurried to the post office to mail a package and meet Mr. Young Guy on Reno Ave.  As I parked and waited for him, I decided to leave my car in the garage,  i did not like the thought of leaving  my trusty little Malibu exposed to the elements and I did not think I could walk that far.  I have good friends whom I am sure would see that I had groceries  could get out once in awhile.  I told Mr. Young Guy I had changed my mind and would leave my car in the garage.  He looked a little puzzled, but said o.k.

I have watched this project since June 12th when they started digging up my street and laying water, sewer, and storm sewers.  I enjoyed watching the progress and the men with their machines, green shirts and hard hats; however getting around on bumpy and lumpy streets was not as much fun.  Some days when I would go to the store I would take a street and avenue to the highway. I would take the same route home only to be told I could not go there.  Go to another street; that street had a 3 foot drop off, so I would turn around to go on another street only to be told I could not go there either.

Finally a friendly truck driver walked a couple of blocks and came back and told me to go the way I had driven to the highway.  I had my walking sticks in the car and the truck driver told me to hit someone over the head with one to get their attention and someone would see to it that I got home.  I went to that street and a young man in a green shirt waved me on and after thinking my car was going to disappear  into a big hole I made it home.  I vowed I would stay home until this project was finished.

Today the Hannas and I sat on my patio and watched them do the curb and gutter.  It is amazing how quickly they get it done,  They will soon do my driveway and last of all they will put a layer of tar on the road.  I may have to call on the Hannas, Kockelmans,  Johnsons, and Lundquists to see that I get to the grocery store and church.  Church may be the most important as I might have used a few naughty words trying to get home.  I made it through the summer and am looking forward to driving on my new wonderful street.  And I may I  add, " Good job, boys!"  You did great.

Shirley Saum

Summer, 2015

substitute

I quit my 8 hour a week job a few weeks ago, then unquit when they offered me only daytime hours. One bad thing: now I only work 2-3 hours a week which makes my lifestyle unsustainable. Sigh.

Even though I have a visceral aversion to substitute teaching in most places, I considered it again. I looked into applying in two small districts near St. Peter. After three phone calls and directions to the right website, I discovered I had to upload a resume, submit to a background check and an interview, and then they might hire me. Sigh. I think I will have to become an ascetic (a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention..I had to look it up.) because I am not sure I can go through this soul-sucking process again.

A friend of mine stopped to visit with me at the fair. She has a small business proposition in the works and wants me to be a part of it. She couldn't tell me much at this point but I am going to cross my fingers and hope that works out. I can't believe there isn't a low-responsibility, high-paying job out there for me.

We started our weekend spending a couple hours on the patio at Lone Star eating delicious food and listening to Ron and Billy...always a treat. It was hot but tolerable, the gin and tonic was thirst quenching, the tenderloin was amazing...and the company was fine! Thanks Bob and Richie for joining us.

Regis got up at 2 am to start smoking this pork butt. He was nervous because it was a new recipe on a new grill and I had invited people to help us eat it. I said the worst that could happen is we order pizza. Right? It was delicious. This picture was taken right before it came off the grill. It has such a beautiful bark and it was so tender you could cut it with a fork. Success!

I volunteered to do four shifts at the Nicollet County Historical Society booth at the county fair. Ella came with me each time and she my right-hand man! She took care of the people counter, she made a sign and gave away candy, and she learned her way around the fairgrounds! She was a trooper! Tiffany and Elliot joined us on Sunday. While Ella went to watch the 4H rendition of Annie, Elliot manned the people counter. They had such a good time!

Elliot rode the Ferris wheel by himself on the last day of the fair. Brave boy! Glad he didn't ask his Nana to ride along!

once in a blue moon

We had the kids here for pizza last night. After most of them left, Elliot wanted to see the Blue Moon so we took a drive up the hill where we had a better view. Too many trees around our house. We tried to explain why it's called the Blue Moon but I'm not sure a six-year old can take that in. It was beautiful!

From Wikipedia:  A blue moon is an additional full moon that appears in a subdivision of a year: either the third of four full moons in a season, or a second full moon in a month of the common calendar.

The phrase has nothing to do with the actual color of the moon, although a literal "blue moon" (the moon appearing with a tinge of blue) may occur in certain atmospheric conditions: e.g., when there are volcanic eruptions or when exceptionally large fires leave particles in the atmosphere.

Alex and Elliot have both lost so many teeth in the last year that they are sort of comical looking. You can see they like to pose with their big, toothless smiles!

                                      

Peter and April were here and we spent some sweet moments talking about their wedding plans. I think they get a kick out of the fact that I have already started planning my wedding regalia. And considering it is quite simple, it is kind of goofy. Last weekend as I planned the pontoon party, I thought about having the groom's dinner here...then thought better of it. I would be crazy trying to have everything ready and tidy and cook besides. Think we will leave that to someone else.

We went to Mankato this morning to buy kitty litter and dog treats. Sigh. Driving is such a pain in the ass anymore. Everyone is in such a hurry and they drive so dangerously. You almost have to assume they don't see you, or even if they do, they don't intend to stop. It makes my blood pressure go sky high. Of course, the moderately aggressive driver I travel with doesn't help.

Our other purpose in going shopping was to take advantage of some deals at one of the pharmacies. I don't know why they call themselves a pharmacy when most of what they sell is other crap, but that's a rant for another day. So, we have coupons where you get points for this and points for that...but you have to buy $20 worth of this brand's products or buy one at regular price and get one half off or buy this product in combination with that product...all designed to confuse and obfuscate and make insane. And then, the town is full of crazies going to watch that football team practice.

Someone at Lone Star yesterday told me that he hadn't watched the Vikings since Fran Tarkenton left the team. Yeah, I get that. I haven't spent ten cents on anything big sports related. I think it's turned into a big ugly conglomerate of the rich and obnoxious. Haha! There's another rant.

I should maybe spend a few minutes in silence contemplating the full moon.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of Tiffany's homecoming. I'm not sure I can do the math to see how many years ago...but if she turned 30 in March...it must have been 30 years ago tomorrow. I'll post some photos and write about that experience tomorrow.

Going to work soon and then to Hank and Rita, a barroom operetta. 

at the lake

I didn't do much this week except hang at the lake. Ella went out every day with me...and whoever else was available. We had a wonderful time. The second picture is Ella's re-enactment of my tumble off the back end of the paddle board. Ha!

Yesterday, I had coffee with Jill two times! We met at River Rock in the morning and she stopped by in the afternoon to see my garden. It was such a pleasant day we just sat and gabbed and gabbed. For two retired folks, we sure have a hard time getting together.

Today I'm working at lunch and then going to the Treaty Site for a couple hours. Alex and Elliot are coming for dinner and Elliot will spend the night. I realized how little we see the kids once school starts and everyone gets busy so I want to schedule things to do with them in August even if it's just cook-outs and porch camping.

Better get moving. I often wonder how I used to get out of the house by 7 am. Now I'm lucky to be dressed by noon some days.

paddle boarding

We had our wonderful family Christmas in July party on Sunday. The setting was beautiful...a huge grassy lawn and a sandy beach in a sheltered bay. We had the use of a big pontoon but we didn't use it much because the beach and swimming was so much fun. They had two paddle boards and Ella and I watched Youtube videos to learn how to do it. We were convinced we could do it.

But after watching several in our party take the plunge, we played it safe and sat while we paddled. We figured it was a lot harder than it looked.

Yesterday we went out again to make another attempt. At least we wouldn't be on film if we muffed it. Ella got up first and I followed soon after. Ta da! We were able to paddle around, get up and sit down pretty well. I got sassy and tried to go around the raft once, made the turn too sharp and went off the back. I only lost my toe ring...not hat, glasses, or earrings. I had to swim like crazy to catch the board and then had to hoist myself up on it again. No easy task. I think I should write a thank you note to Gunner, my trainer, for the bicep work!

Ella was a champ. She paddled herself around and when I got tired, she pushed me on the paddle board out to the raft and back many times. Sunday she was creeped out by the weeds but she overcame her fears and was swimming like a fish yesterday.

If the weather clears up, we're going out again today.

I think one of the reasons I have been slacking on my blog is that I spend too much time on Facebook. Since I started two skirmishes this week, both related to gun control and one tangentially related to abortion, I think it's time to take a break. Especially with the upcoming election season. I don't need to be made crazier by political BS.

I've told this story many times over the years, but I basically quit watching the news on television after the OJ Simpson white Suburban slow chase down the freeway in California. I decided then that television news had nothing but a nasty impact on my mental health. Once in a while I miss something important, but most of the time it doesn't matter. I only want to know if the bad guys are coming down my street.

I don't need to know that people who use that very controversial flag as their profile picture and pick fights with me on Facebook over gun control, actually live in this community. He made hateful remarks and told me to leave the country. Really? I don't need this in my life. I went through and unfollowed everything that is remotely educational or political. I now follow the Audubon Society and the League of Minnesota Poets. Not much controversy there.

I found this article to be really helpful in my thinking about how morons think. Any goofy thing they think, they make into an arguable point...it's their opinion and therefore is valid. Nope. It's not your opinion, you are just wrong.

I unquit my job at Lone Star. When I went in to work on Saturday night, Abby asked me if, after this weekend, I would be willing to work Friday lunches only. I said yes, because I really didn't want to quit. I love working there but nights are a different sort of cat. People can be a little moody and unpredictable. I like a calm and less stimulating environment.

I'm also considering subbing a day or two here and there. Maybe in Cleveland or Nicollet. I only said considering.

Well, I have piddled away several hours shopping for toe rings, earrings, compression sleeves, and other random junk. Time to get vertical.

sigh

I meant to write more in July. Sigh. I don't know where the time goes. I was better in June when I wrote 8 times. But July...boo hiss. This is only my third post.

I haven't had much gumption this summer. Since I had shingles, it seems to me. Judy, my oncology nurse, says maybe my immune system is a little wonky. I love those medical terms. By all measures that they currently have, all is well but she says there is much we don't know. So, be lazy, she says. Sit on the patio and read, she says. I can do that, I say.

I did have a spurt of energy this morning. I tidied the house, did the dishes, took some stuff to the basement, and made a nice breakfast. We had a weird minor disaster yesterday. I came home from work to find half and half spilled all over the counter. It had been there long enough that things were stuck in it. I cleaned that all up and inquired of Regis when he came home if he knew how it happened. Nope, he said. This morning, I opened the cupboard door and there is half and half spilled all over the inside of the bottom shelf and all over the inside of the door. Clearly, aliens are coming into our house and making themselves at home.

I have an impending sense of doom about my upcoming medical appointments in August and September. I have a Zometa infusion on the 5th of August. I hate those. The first time, I had terrible side effects for about a week, terrible aches and pains but unable to sleep. The second time, nothing. I am hoping for the best this time. On the 17th, I have a mammogram, blood work, see the nurse, see the doc, and have a bone scan. Probably one or two other things I have forgotten, as I'm not good at cancer details. I just show up and they shuffle me around. In September, I have my annual physical. The treatment for breast cancer increases your chances of other cancers...I forget where...so that is worrisome, too. Sigh.

I saw this cool bug one day in Mankato. It was flying around in the sun and looked like a tiny drone. It's called a dogbane beetle. It has some disgusting life habits which I will not share at this time. Pretty though, huh?

We're having our Christmas in July pontoon party this Sunday. We had been remiss in making plans so one day this week, I put out the call on Facebook, looking for a resort or private party who might rent to us. One of my friends, bless her heart, offered the use of their beach and pontoon for the day. So many good people in the world. We like to do this instead of buying lots of stuff at Christmas time. All day party in the sun, big picnic, lots of laughs. It's a hoot.

Yesterday at the Treaty Site, we had some visitors who taught me some things about the Dakota Conflict of 1862. I started thinking about how little I knew about this piece of Minnesota history. I bought a book and started reading it. Then I realized how little I knew about what happened right here in St. Peter. Regis and I drove out to the rock that commemorates the signing of the treaty. The mosquitoes were so bad you could barely stand still to read the signs. I took a few fast photos and we beat cheeks out of there with a plan to go back in the fall. Such a pretty place with such a tragic history.

Well, that's all for now. Happy Wednesday!

things that annoy me in no particular order redux

Several years ago, I wrote a post about the things that irritated me at the time. Somehow, writing about them took away some of their power to make my skin crawl. Maybe it will work this time, too.

1. A busy schedule. Regis says this is part of life and I used to do it all the time. Now, if I have to do more than two things in a day, I am annoyed and feel my stress rise. Yesterday, I had nothing to do so I spent the day in a complete state of torpitude. (Torpitude (adj): sluggish; inactive; dull; apathetic) I read, I played Scrabble, I looked at Facebook, mostly in a prone position in a dark room with a white noise machine. Today, I have had to be 5 places and it isn't even one o'clock.

2. People who drive fast. If the speed limit is 65 mph, why am I constantly being passed as if I am standing still? Frankly, if they lowered the speed limit to 45 mph, I would be quite content.

3. People who want to pick fights with me over political opinions. I have started issuing a disclaimer: This is my world view. It does not have to be yours so don't bother stating your opinion if it is different than mine. Just scroll on past and keep your yap shut.

4. Online garage sales. I have spent two days waiting for people to buy things. They don't show up when they say they will. They say they will buy something, then wait....they guess they won't. One guy could not be bothered to come and get the thing he said he would buy but when out of frustration I said I was giving it away instead, he could make it there in ten minutes. And he pulled up in a very expensive pick-up. I had to go in the house and let Regis deal with him. I have since quit all those silly sites. My junk will go to the curb from now on. Who needs aggravation from assholes?

See? I thought I had a long list but I got to #4 and I am out of irritations.

sweet weekend and the season of music on the patio

We had such a nice weekend. Saturday morning, I woke up early and went with Ella to drive a golf cart in the July 4th parade. Our parade in St. Peter draws a crowd of 10,000 people. It is the biggest parade around and I love it because everyone gets in the spirit with red, white, and blue costumes, hats, sunglasses...even the babies and dogs are costumed!

It's followed by a big party in the park with grilled chicken and hot dogs and beer, live music, our friend, Michael Callahan, as the master of ceremonies, and much entertainment. I didn't partake of that this year, having been over-stimulated by the parade. Regis and I went to Betty and Tom's where we enjoyed an afternoon and evening of sipping cold beers and partaking of fine food and the telling of many stories. Much laughter ensued.

Elliot joined us on the patio for the evening and we stayed up long enough to watch the fireworks. You have to see fireworks with small children. They are awed by the spectacle and it's fun to see it through their eyes.

Sunday was the 63rd birthday of the patriarch of our family, Regis. His boys came over to stand around on the driveway while they drank coffee and did some kind of auto project. You know, pawing the ground, snorting , and fixing stuff.

When they left, we drove to Mankato to pick up the birthday gift of a new, red Kamado grill. It's like the green egg grills only cheaper. I'm trying to sell the old one on an online garage sale site which is such a pain in the ass it makes me wish I had just put it on the curb.

We sat on the patio for a while in the afternoon, then joined my friend Kathryn and her daughters at Hobber's for a cold beer and some live music from Turpentine and Wine. Then we drifted over to Patrick's on Third for some Frye. (They used to call themselves Fish Fry but when people came and found out it was a band and not a fish fry, they were angry. Only in Minnesota.) I loved their versions of a few songs more than I liked the originals. Chuck E's in Love, for example, a song I used to loathe. I love their version. Here's a sample of their work, Blister in the Sun. Stop at the end of that tune, though...I still hate Squeeze Box. 

We danced, we laughed, we reveled in the summer sun. Such a beautiful day.

landscapes of the heart

This is what the sun looked like this morning about 7:30. We've had some very hazy sunshine the past week and I hear it's because of the fires in Canada.

Regis takes at least two walks a day but often doesn't take the camera because he is occupied with Gus. So, if I don't go along, I miss out on some great shots. Yesterday, the mist and fog bubbled over the valley. It's the thick white layer between the tops of the trees and the ridge in the distance.

This is the sunset from last night. Photo taken with the phone but still beautiful.

We had an interesting experience last night. Regis met an old fellow on the bus a few days ago. His name is David and he turned 89 today. Three weeks ago, he had a car accident (when he entered a round-about for the first time) and fractured his arm and totaled his car. He couldn't find a way to get his belongings out of the wrecked car at the body shop so Regis volunteered. When he found out it was David's birthday, he invited him to have dinner with us and what a delightful guest he was. He has an amazing memory and told stories about meeting his wife 50 years ago, enlisting in the army and serving in the Korean War, and learning to drive on the gravel roads of South Dakota. He is quite a character.

This is my 4th of July cooking: homemade potato salad, Challah bread, and apple pie. I let the crust on the right side get a little dark so I hid it with a holiday towel. Ha!

Here's a throw-back photo...Zoey watching the fireworks a couple years ago. Celebrate the 4th by seeing the world through the eyes of a child. And be safe.