Camp Grandma

Last weekend I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with one of my granddaughters. I don't see her very often but was ecstatic when she asked me if I was having Camp Grandma next year. She was already planning her attendance and ensuring that her sister would be there with her.
Last summer was her first Camp and she was more than a little nervous about spending time without her Mom and Dad, in a state that was far away, with a Grandma she hardly knew. She shed a few tears but was a trooper and enjoyed the time as much as the other kids. As a matter of fact I overheard her directing the other grand kids at one point. Now she is talking about next summer!
My goal is to make memories for my grand kids they will never forget. My grandmother and my mother in law were the inspiration for this. More on these two ladies in the next few days.
Hug your kids and grand kids today. Those memories will last a lifetime!

Late October

It is late in the month, snow is looming, the holidays are right there behind. This morning I enjoyed my cup of hot java with my dog at my feet. I was reminded of how much I love this routine. We are in the middle of relocating; this daily comfort is not available during this process. One forgets the simple pleasures that make this life simply lovely when you are stressed, unsure of what the day will bring and a bit edgy. No matter the situation we are in; we need to remember the sun came up; even if it might be hiding behind the clouds.

Enjoy this day in late October.

Go to the Head of the Class

Getting the TSA prescreen rocks! Apparently if mind your P's and Q's, you get a go to the head of the class when traveling! Since I have successfully put all items 3 ounces or less in plastic bags, removed my shoes and belt, along with successfully passing the wand test on previous visits through TSA screenings, I am no longer subject to the tedious long lines at the airport!

A few things here, you still might need to remove your belt and shoes. Who remembers the game "Go to the Head of the Class"? And really what does minding your P's and Q's mean? I will contemplate as I enjoy my speedy entrance into the secure world of the airport!

National Be Nice to Others Day

OK, I made that up. It is not today, I don't know if there is such a day. But there should be. If it was National Be Nice To Others Day; how many random acts of kindness could you perform today? If we all put on our kindness sweater and reach out to others what a wonderful world we would live in and what a great day it would be!!

Today's challenge: seek out opportunities to help someone today. Rake the leaves of a neighbor; pay for someones coffee. Let someone in in line ahead of you. Look for opportunities to be nice today. I can't wait to hear what you came up with!

How will you celebrate this national, what the heck, let's make it an International holiday?

Child Abuse

Who titles their blog of the day Child Abuse? If you live in the upper Midwest or follow the NFL you have probably heard Adrian Peterson's son was murdered by a child abuser. In my opinion it is time we stop calling these people abusers and label them what they are, murderers. This goes for domestic abuse also. Let's call it what it is; attempted murder. How many women and children have to die before we say this is an epidemic? What will it take to get this behavior to stop?

There may not be answers to these tough questions; I believe exposing the problem, talking about solutions and educating potential victims AND abusers will help. Are we talking to young women and men about the signs of an abusive relationship? If not; let's get at that.

I had to make a trip to the Urgent Care this week; I was reminded that every doctor visit now includes the question; are you safe at home. If people are not being honest about it; is it at least prompting them to think about it? I hope so.

I want to live in a world where children and women, and men for that matter, can be safe and happy. I know that is a dream; but if each one of us would take the awareness one step further and talk about the problem. Start reaching out; let's STOP domestic violence!

Birthday Bashes

October 11th is a pretty big deal in our family. Our daughter Hope and grand daughter Ellie celebrate their birthdays today.
Even though Hope is a very young 22 years old; Ellie is just one year old; yet one can not even imagine the differences these two young ladies will see in their lifetimes. 22 years ago cell phones were still in a bag and the Minnesota Twins had a respectable baseball team.
It will be fun to see what the next 22 years brings; the changes in the world but especially the changes these two young ladies make in their lives.

The Wicked Witch of the West

I have been to a few theaters over the years; not many but enough to have a strong opinion about the Broadway Musical Wicked, now showing at the Orpheum in downtown Minneapolis.

I did not know the story and I should add as a child when the Wizard of Oz was on TV I always volunteered to do the dishes. The movie frightened me; especially the flying monkeys. As an adult I was giving a VHS copy of the original Wizard of Oz movie. I didn't watch it. I may now.

I have a whole new appreciation for the witches. The play was well done, the singing beautiful and the lighting truly makes you feel like you are in Emerald City. For almost three hours we were captured by the cast. John Davidson at age 71, is playing the Wizard. He does it masterfully. The two witches pull you in; Glinda with her blond curls and ditsy behavior and Elphaba with her beautiful voice and charm.

Who knew I would be cheering for the Wicked Witch.

A New Normal???

It doesn't matter where you are in life sometimes you just have to refocus. We have been going through many changes in the last few months and things will continue to change until we sell our old house and relocate completely. It is difficult to live out of suitcase and sleep in your own bed just once in awhile.

With all of those changes it is easy to get negative; even crabby about not having your normal. Today I find myself digging for some positive in the crazy world. I am excited that I have been able to reconnect with some old friends; stay in touch with old friends and be a bit closer to some family.

Today refocusing means putting a few words down on paper. Being grateful for the good jobs we have; being blessed with family that makes us smile. Life is really good, it is just different right now. I guess I will learn to be okay here.

Prep Time; also known as list making

Each week I hope to have everything in order before Monday morning; to my kids that would mean my lists are made. That would include the meal plan list. The exercise plan for the week list. The to do list; these are the things that MUST be done this week, and of course there is the dump list. This is the list of things I know I need to take care of but certainly can sit on the list for another week or two.  And yes I am one of those people who add thing to a list after I have completed the task only to cross it off and feel good about accomplishing something.

Why all of this thought to putting something on paper? I don't know that I can tell you. Some of it is fear; fear of forgetting what I might for get some detail of what is important for me that week. Some would say it is the control freak in me that needs to be in control of everything. Some would say it is a silly obsession. My daughter tells me when I pass my tomb stone will have a check mark with the statement. Her lists were completed! I will also note; several of my daughters have become list makers...I am a proud Mom.

Whatever it is; I must stop this post now, I need to get something crossed off my list.

October

Somehow the calendar slipped into October. All of the opportunities summer held have now slipped away. It's time to sweep summer into the paper bags that will hold the leaves at the end of the driveway. We can pack the lawn mower away and get the snow blower fired up so the first flakes are easily taken care of.

I am not a fan of long cold and snowy winters. However, the fall season is delightful and the warm days and crisp nights are a wonderful time to enjoy a fire in the back yard, a brisk morning walk with the dog and an afternoon driving through the countryside to enjoy the fall foliage.

Today is a great day to take in a deep breath of the cool fresh air we take for granted here. Enjoy a walk around the neighborhood and get ready to bundle up. Winter is coming!

Unless of course you live in western South Dakota...sorry, it's time for snowshoes.