Packing Up

For over 5 years we have made our house into a lovely home that seemed just right for us. We moved in and got busy making memories. We hosted several parties by the pool for family and friends. Our home welcomed International Students from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. In the dining room we learned more about China, Malaysia, Mexico, Great Britain, Austria and Germany. Our beautiful children and grandchildren laid their heads to sleep in the bedrooms and got up ready to jump in the pool on summer mornings during Camp Grandma. We held a few card parties for friends from Wisconsin and enjoyed some great laughs when family came to visit. There was a cookie bake or two, a neighborhood Christmas party and trick or treat kids galore.
It is bitter sweet to leave this house. We are anxious to start our new chapter in life in Mark's childhood home. But when we seal the tape on the final box and walk out the door we will leave behind wonderful stories from these walls along with a little piece of our hearts.

Thanks For Paving the Way

The coffee ran out at an early morning training session I attended yesterday. When they finally brought a new pot no one got up to freshen their cup; though many had gone to the empty pot to try to refill. I finally decided I really needed another cup. When I was returning to my seat several other people got up to fill theirs. One woman whispered to me "Thanks for paving the way". Really, I that wasn't my intention, I just really needed another cup of coffee.
But this got me to thinking about the people who have paved the way for us in life. From Joan of Arc who was a fierce fighter centuries ago to women who fought to allow women to vote and Sally Ride the first American woman in space. The contributions these women made shape our world today.
There is a group of women in Saudi Arabia today that are fighting for the right to allow women to drive in that country. This fight is not new; in 1991 the activists began driving in protest. Some were arrested, some have had their lives destroyed because of their fight. It is hard to believe in our modern society people (women) have to fight for this simple right.
I believe someday they will win this battle; but for now I am glad they are paving the way for generations to come. I will forever be grateful for the women who marched for the right to vote. It is hard to believe people don't take advantage of this privilege when others fought so hard to make it happen! I am glad they paved the way.

Hump Day

The rock hit of the early 80's by Loverboy had us all working for the weekend. For 30 years the anthem has reminded us we have to get through the week to get to the fun times; the weekends. A popular television commercial today has a camel walking around the office asking what day it is; Hump Day! Wednesday means we are almost over the hump to the weekend. It is interesting how your prospective changes over the years.

I still look forward to the weekends, who doesn't; of course unless you work on the weekends. But for many of us, the weekends are the time we can kick back, listen to some sweet jazz music and drink coffee until ten in the morning if we wish. Okay, that is what I look forward to on the weekends. I guess it is a sign of aging when we anticipate the weekend ahead and it involves morning coffee drinking instead of late night clubbing.

Very early this morning I was texting with one of our daughters have a nice conversation; I viewed the precious smile of one of our granddaughters on Facebook and I looked at the schedule for the day to see what was ahead. Tonight I will have dinner with another of our daughters. There is so much good in each and every day; sometimes it is easy to find and sometimes we have to dig a bit deeper to find it. Simple pleasures come every day. Enjoy them no matter the day of the week.

Joy Johnson

I didn't know Joy Johnson, but I wish I would have trotted a few steps with her. Today's Star Tribune features a front page story about Joy. She is the 86 year old marathon runner who passed this week after the New York City Marathon. She started running in her mid 50's; which is unusual but not unheard of; the stunner is that she ran her last marathon on Monday at age 86. She had recently talked of cutting back to half marathons! The story tells of her passion, joy and great smile in life.
This morning I pushed myself through a particularly difficult workout. My negative Nelly mindset got a hold of me as I looked around the gym and realized I was the oldest person there, probably by a good 10 years. I wondered why do I do this? It is early and fighting an aging body is a constant battle; the pounds appear and seem to be more stubborn than ever about going away. After the workout I grabbed the paper and found Joy. She inspired me that I am not too old. I am now the age she probably was when she started running. She can be an inspiration to many of us. My excuse of being too old doesn't wash with her.
Guess I will continue to lace up the running shoes and keep pushing through. If I could have run a few steps with Joy I would tell her thanks. Thanks for being an inspiration; she told others running made her feel good about life. We should all be so lucky to find something that makes us feel good about life.

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!