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.

A whirlwind tour of Europe

My intentions were good; keep a travel journal of our trip to Europe. Most days we were on the go and I didn't take time to write, however the 5 hour train ride from Madrid to Badajoz gave me some time to think about some of the great adventures. This has been a fantastic trip with some wonderful surprises along the way.

Spring is that you???

The days and weeks go whirling by and suddenly you notice the trees are quickly developing leaves. The brownish gray landscape is turning to a lush green. Maybe spring really has sprung! And this May shower will bring June flowers. Yesterday I called to have the pool opened; even though the front yard still boldly holds the last of winters grip; a small pile of snow left from the unwelcome snow storm of last week. The birds’ chirp of hope an invitation to enjoy this day, I guess I will!