I Love You Same

New Smile in Progress

2011-12-08T05:08:00.001-08:00

Sam has had quite a year of dental work. We're so proud of him that he's been able to face his fears and overcome them. It helps a lot to have a dentist who's gentle, kind, and who has a lot in common with Sam.

Today he got his top braces on. Things are so much better in the world of orthodontics than when I was a kid, but it's still a big transition. Bottom ones will go on in about 2 months, giving an area in his mouth time to heal after an emergency trip to the oral surgeon 2 weeks ago.

We love his orthodontist. It's nice to find one that is a really good fit for Sam as well.

Sam's First Chamber Orchestra Concert

2011-11-17T14:36:00.000-08:00

Sam worked so hard to audition and get into Chamber Orchestra. These videos are actually of the regular 8th grade orchestra because I was too enthralled to tape the smaller orchestra. Wonderful concert. We are so lucky to have these opportunities in our district. After my small town school experience, this just amazes me.

The first piece is the Theme from Schindler's List. The solos are pretty impressive! The orchestra played this for a Holocaust Rememberance Program. Also impressive is the fact that it is self directed. The second is Eleanor Rigby, a Beatles classic.

Listen for the bass. Love it!

Their next tour is at Christmastime at Hennepin County Government Center. Looking forward to it!

Headache Update or Would Somebody Please Remove the Axe that is Stuck in the Top of My Head

2011-11-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

I haven't been good about updating our blog. Mostly because I just haven't been up to it.

Last Spring, a medication that had been working to treat my pseudotumor was discontinued by the manufacturer. It just wasn't profitable enough for them to continue making it despite the fact that many people had found success in it's use. Yes, big business and health care are terrible partners.

Since then, I have had almost a continuous spinal headache. This is not a migraine. I've appreciated hearing from people who have had a spinal headache because they are so empathetic. Thankfully, Darren has had one, so he knows the level of pain that I live with. Yep, it's pretty bad and it does not end.

Things have changed with my headaches as well. Panic attacks, which I am told are normal when in anticipation of great pain and cabin fever have been the worst. It feels very familiar to when I was first diagnosed and had no answers. This has significantly changed my life and to be quite honest, I'm pretty sick of it.

As well, I have been experiencing abdominal pain, which I also had when I was first diagnosed, so perhaps it's related. Anyhoo, I've had every test under the sun and all have been negative, which is positive. It's better than it was in the Spring, but still annoying.

Everything I've accomplished in the last few months has been in spite of pain, which is pretty remarkable when I look at it in hindsight, but pretty unbearable when I'm actually doing it. Please know that if I haven't been able to attend something or visit you that it's not because I haven't wanted to, but because I physically haven't been able to. I'll be updating our blog with recent events, but not many of them have been very easy for me. Living with an invisible chronic illness can be pretty rough on it's own, but by far the worst part is feeling like life is marching on by without you. As well, people seem to think your just fine or cured if you're "caught" experiencing life. Please remember as you read our updates that I've done all of these things in spite of great pain and that I'm always wishing I could do more.

Prayers are appreciated if that's your thing. If it's not, do it anyway. I need them.

Thanks!
Betsi

A Hunting We Will Go

2011-11-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

Sam got his first deer this year. It was a yearling buck. Darren got a nice 8 pointer. Our freezer is full.

Sam shot a box of shells the night before, using the giant banana as a target. He and his friend both won a giant banana at Dave and Busters. The minute we got them in the car, they were plotting unique ideas for banana destruction.

Mom and I enjoyed bumming around while the guys were out of town. It was a really fun weekend.

MEA Getaway

2011-10-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

We had made plans to head out of town for MEA weekend. A quick trip down to Amish country. I wasn't feeling very well, so we cut the trip short and came back on Saturday. I'm starting to sound like a broken record! I think that's one of the hardest things about chronic illness. It's very hard to make plans. Darren and Sam are so good to me and so very understanding. I felt bad for disappointing them yet again, but I did see a gleam of a smile when Sam realized he could get back home to his friends.

I did enjoy Beaver Creek Valley State Park. We love the Southern Minnesota state parks. They're not as crowded as the big headliners like Itasca, St. Croix, or the North Shore ones and they are every bit as beautiful. Sam and Darren love to trout fish. This stream was crystal clear and it was filled with wild watercress. So, you can have salad with or instead of trout depending on your luck. This was some of the clearest water I have ever seen. I just loved the sound of it gurgling over the rocks. If you want to hear for yourself, watch the video below. We scouted several great campsites right on the creek, so we'd like to come back. There were lots of campers enjoying the park which was fun to see!

After we left the park, we stopped in Harmony for lunch and a little shopping. Then on to Lanesboro, pictures below. Our last stop before heading back to the hotel was the Aroma Pie Shop. Right on the bike trail, this little gem is worth a stop.

That night Darren and Sam went to the movies to see Real Steel while I rested in the hotel room. And we headed out the next day, following the Mississippi up the Minnesota side, stopping for a great lunch at Chickadee Cottage Cafe. We absolutely adore this area and have been three times now. The bluffs are incredible. You see Eagles everywhere and the little towns on both sides of the river and Lake Pepin are really fun.

The camping cabin was adorable and right on the creek.

Flymageddon

2011-10-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Houseflies have invaded the hunting cabin. It may be a result of the big blowdown that happened during a storm or it might be a fluke. Doesn't really matter why, I guess. Mom and Tom and Andi had been up to clean once before. We all went up to do it again in preparation for hunting. There were literally drifts of dead flies on the furniture, the floor, the beds. Two shop vacs working hard got them cleaned up, but then we noticed flies gathering in the upper windows. Very discouraging.

Tom bug bombed again when we left. Yuck.

Sam got a new gun for hunting.

The landscape looks very different now that so many trees are gone. It will be fun to see what grows up and how much it will change in the next few years.

A flycatcher, not fly catching. Actually, I think the poor bird was overwhelmed.

Happy Birthday Sam! 14!!!!

2011-09-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

First Day of School Obligatory Photo

2011-09-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

He hates this, but I'm happy that he obliges! 8th grade already. Congratulations Sam!

Camping up the Gunflint Day 5

2011-08-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

We spent our last day hanging out at Junco. Darren was fly fishing and Sam and I were reading. He caught quite a few small trout. We explored a couple of other lakes in the area and watched more canoers heading into the Boundary Waters. Then we headed back to camp to enjoy the lake for the rest of the day.

Darren and I went fishing. Sam stayed back at camp to finish his book. He was fished out at that point and well into Angels and Demons and didn't want to come with. We caught a stringer full of small Walleye, but released them. One last campfire before leaving in the morning.

Never noticed this little plaque before.

Looking for pirates.

New bathrooms this year!

Camping Up the Gunflint Part 4

2011-08-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

A relaxing day at camp.

I was the first one up. I never get tired of this view! And when the lake is like glass, I just stare for hours.

All the way across the lake was an early morning visitor. I watched the deer for a long time. Wish I would have had a better camera.

Time for a campfire and to watch the bats skim the lake. They came out every night at almost exactly the same time. Too bad they didn't put much of a dent in the biting flies!

Camping up the Gunflint Part 3

2011-08-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

We like to get off the beaten path, but we got WAY off this time. We followed a little road down to a canoe launch and had a hatchback picnic of crackers and smoked fish from Dockside in Grand Marais. The dragonflies were amazing. Thousands of them and all sizes and colors. Really amazing.

Then we headed to McFarland Lake because Grandma Betty had told me that she and Grandpa Hank had camped there. Well, Betty and Hank were bad to the bone because this was a bare bones campground. Only about 3 sites, not on the water. The lake was beautiful and there were lots of canoe groups heading into the Boundary Waters. And some amazing cabins.

After visiting McFarland, we ended up taking a Darren shortcut down a logging road. It slowly, but surely because a two rut road. When the grass was growing almost completely over the road we turned around.

Back at camp for supper and while the apple cake was baking in the Dutch oven, we headed out to fish.

This video is the quick boat trip out to the BassHole.

Darren lining up for the catch!

I caught the first Walleye. A small Walleye, but a Walleye nonetheless. It went back to grow a little more.

I like the smiles in Sam's silhouette.

Apple cake. Very ashy apple cake, but "just the way I like it" is the rule of the camp or you cook next time.

Camping up the Gunflint Part 2

2011-08-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

A trip to the beach. Sam perfected his stone skipping. He reminded me so much of my dad because he would get dozens of skips by the time his arm wore out, just like dad.

Camping up the Gunflint Trail

2011-08-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

After 2 nights at a neighboring campsite, we got to move into our favorite one. Small world that it is, the neighbor on one side of us had just delivered dirt so the loggers could get into the family hunting land. Mom and Dad's favorite site was empty more than it was open.

This was a great week for me. I was pain free and felt as close to normal as I had in a very long time. Thank God! This campground is a place of rest for us and we thoroughly enjoyed this week. Fishing, reading, napping, and enjoying the area around it.

This was the inaugural trip of our new collapseable boat, which rides on top of the camper.

No Sam did not carve this, but thought it was funny that it was a new addition to our favorite site.

Home Improvement Part 1, 346, 344

2011-07-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

Darren did a beautiful job with the new stair railing. We really love it.

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

Day 8--Corn Corn Corn

2011-06-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

And now for the roadside attraction that we promised Sam would be unbelievable. He still can't believe it. Let the corn jokes begin!

The last time I was in Mitchell it looked like this. I did not remember it at all.

The corncob dude was not very perky. Must not have been pollinated yet. Yes, probably the worst mascot job in the United States.

Of course we had to do this! The little NIBLET (sorry Sam) wouldn't, of course. We appreciate the humiliation he suffered to take this picture.

Darren and I both remembered that the murals went all the way around. Not so, since the City Hall looked pretty old. We couldn't convince Sam to stick around for the Corn Movie, even though you could have popcorn or other assorted corn or corn syrup snacks while watching it. We wandered the largest corn themed gift shop anywhere. Who knew you could get that many different kinds of corn cob salt and pepper shakers and don't get me started on the collectable thimbles.

At this point Sam was shaking from friend and video game withdrawal, so we grabbed a terrible latte at a coffee house about a block from the palace and headed for home. Mission accomplished. Sam's first long road trip. Good times.

Day 7--Goodbye Custer, Hello Fireworks

2011-06-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

We felt like we had run out of things to do and I was really ready to get home, so we packed up. Here are a few pictures of our campsite. It was really nice. Huge and private. We sat a lot at the top of the hill on the tent pad and watched for critters. The view from up there was great.

This was the loud neighbor. There always is one in a campground, isn't there? When people on other sites would sneeze, she would holler, "God bless you." When they weren't at their site being loud, they left their loud dog locked in the camper to stand in for them. We especially enjoyed their 11 pm wood unloading from the back of their truck. Joy.

This site belonged to the park volunteer that checked us in. She sure was a character. I would imagine she was about 80, wore great big sunglasses with rhinestones, and had three dogs who traveled with her. I wish this picture did her lawn ornaments justice. What a hoot!

The Goodbye Buffalo. We think he's remote controlled and starts walking the road right after you check out.

I loved the little cabins in the park. Right on French Creek. Really cute.

And so we left the park and the quest for fireworks began. Old Glory was pretty run down. Not how I remembered it. And it smelled in there.

And then another stop at Wall Drug for a pair of Skull Candy headphones that Sam had spotted. Used to be rubber tomahawks, now he's on to bigger and better souvenirs!

We liked the little Wall library.

And finally....FIREWORKS!

And back to civilization. We decided to check in the Holiday Inn Express for real beds, Chinese food, and a trip to the Corniest Palace around. Sam could hardly contain his excitement (insert sarcasm here).

The bike enjoyed the accommodations as well.

Day 6-Wind Cave and Mammoth Site

2011-06-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

We entered Wind Cave National Park through the back entrance, which was a pretty drive. We saw more buffalo in Wind Cave than in Custer, which is hard to believe with all the pictures we took in Custer. Sam and Darren went down into the cave and I stayed up top to read my book. We had a picnic lunch in the campground, which was pretty ugly compared to Custer, but they were working on the road and it would probably be a quiet place to stay once summer is in full swing.

Then we checked out the Mammoth Site which was pretty interesting.

Spent the night at the campsite. The next morning we decided to pack it up a day early since I still was feeling pretty yucky.

Day 5 Continued--Rainbow over Buffalo!

2011-06-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

We took the Wildlife Loop one more time, just for me. I love the critters so much. Only one burro this time and he made short work of the carrots that we brought for him. We shared with some other park visitors who were amazed that we were so forward thinking. We didn't let them think otherwise!

We wandered all the curves and right before heading out of the Wildlife Loop, a beautiful rainbow started to appear over a herd of buffalo. And in my excitement, I could only yell, "Rainbow over buffalo" over and over again, which I suffered relentless teasing for. Mom said that my Native American name must be Rainbow Over Buffalo. I think she's right. It was a wonderful moment. The light in Custer State Park is just like it is in Wyoming and Montana. In one word. Amazing. I love the American West and this area is just the beginning of it. I can't wait to return.

I love this shot, especially because you can see the rainbow's light as it hits the ground. We got to see the end of the rainbow and it was in South Dakota! Who knew?

Day 5--Jewel Cave Spelunkers, Trout Fishing, and Another Ride on the Wildlife Loop

2011-06-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

Darren and Sam went to Jewel Cave and I kept the home campfires burning and enjoyed my book. My only claustrophobic facing feat this trip was in the missile silo. I can't handle caves. Even caves with elevators. So, here are more cave pictures than you might possibly want to see, but we're sharing them anyway.

Also, we returned to the Center Lake area and attempted, without success to catch the trout we saw the day before. Oh and another trip through the Wildlife Loop. This one was without burros, but lots of baby buffalo.

Look close, that's a coyote!

Day 4--A Little Gold Panning, a Little Trout Spotting, and Some Stoney Faced Dudes

2011-06-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

We decided to wander a bit from our Stockade Lake North campsite (site 36E--very private electric site--huge, but you do hear traffic noise a bit, but we loved our site.) We headed toward Mount Rushmore taking the Iron Mountain Road. We stopped at this beautiful campground in the Center Lake area, passing the park playhouse on the way. This campground is first come first served, no reservations and no electric sites. The sites on the creek were beautiful.

Sam panned for gold without success. Bummer. But, we spotted some nice sized trout and planned to come back again to try fly fishing another day.

There's a trout!

And another! Too bad the fly rod is back in the camper.

Mount Rushmore off in the distance. Our debate for the day--monument or the world's largest graffiti? After we got home we watched a documentary about the sculptor. We didn't know he was a member of the KKK and didn't see any mention of this in the exhibits.

We had to find the Minnesota flag.

Sam pushing the plunger to carve the mountain.

The artist's mock up. Amazing what the full sculpture would have been if completed.

Never noticed Lincoln's hand the last two times I was visiting.

OK, how many more pictures of their faces can you take?

Looking for the Hall of Records we got this great view of Washington.

Sam fell asleep in the car, something that has not happened in years. So, we took the long way home via The Needles Highway. It was beautiful. Darren teased me the whole way that he would be riding it on his bike while on the trip. Little did we know that he would the next day! He met up with a cycling club from the town of Custer and he joined in their ride, otherwise he would have never attempted it alone.

I believe this is the area that my mom thought my dad was going off the road when we made a childhood trip out with my grandparents. "That's not the road, Bob," she said as he pulled on to an overlook. I had several of those moments myself. Roads in high altitude with no guardrails are not my favorite! But, the views were amazing.

Day 3--To Custer State Park We Go!

2011-06-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Badlands, Hello Custer State Park. The morning drive was beautiful. We wanted to get to our campsite in Custer State Park and get set up, so we could explore. We took the Wildlife drive and fed the burros who are descendants of the tame ones the early settlers and gold miners left behind. Saw lots of critters. Was a great time.

This was a county or city park outside Custer State Park's boundaries. It was beautiful and desserted. Sam wanted to try to pan for gold. No success, but the park was lovely. Would be a great place to trout fish.

No gold!

I liked the firepits at this park and wanted to take a picture of the brand for future reference.

I will never forget the smell of the pines in the Black Hills. The gift shops sell many pine scented items, but none came close to the real thing.

Another quick thunder storm found us in a visitor center. Darren tried to blend in with the locals.

I'm really good at photographing Pronghorn (no they're not Antelope!) butts.

Sometimes when you use the zoom function on your camera, it's not until you get home that you realize.....

that the animal you so closely focused on is pooping. Or "that's nature" as Sam said!

Day 2 Minuteman Missile National Historic Site and the Badlands

2011-06-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

This was a really interesting day. We awoke to cool, windy weather. Badlands National Park Campground does not have restrooms with showers, so I entertained our neighbors by washing my hair with a bucket and our battery powered shower. Thankfully, there is no photographic evidence of this spectacle, but if you must, picture shampoo and water flying everywhere.

First stop of the day was Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. We watched a quick movie at the vistor's center before heading to the launch facility. Sam found it fascinating that nuclear war was one of his dad and my biggest childhood fears.

The launch facility was out in the middle of nowhere and looked like a house from the distance.

Our tour guide was really interesting. We got to see the upper level crew quarters, kitchen, dayroom, etc and then he took us down the elevator to the launch control center. I used Lamaze breathing (the first time it was actually effective) to keep claustrophobia at bay. This would not have been a job for me.

Of course, I had to know where the restroom was. The curtain is another reason I couldn't do this job.

Back up for air again, thank God! We drove about a mile away to see the actual missile silo.

A quick trip to Wall Drug to pick up some donuts.

And then back into the Badlands to look for critters and to avoid the plague.

Baby Buffalo!

The goats were really fun to watch, especially the babies. What great balance!

A storm was coming in. Watching the changing light was amazing.

The rain started right after I took this picture. It was unbelievable how much mud and silt came down the hills. Incredible flash floods, lightening, and hail. This storm moved through quickly, but another one was right behind it.

One of the National Park Cabins. So cute. Sam and I checked out the cabins and the restaurant gift shop between storms.

This was after one of the worst storms we've even been in while camping. The wind was blowing so hard, we went to take shelter at the Visitor's Center. Even the Rangers were a bit spooked. We spent about an hour there. Thankfully, there were lots of exhibits to look at and a nice gift shop. And the rangers had the weather radar on the computer. The camper held, but there was a bit of wind damage.

Early to bed, no fires allowed in the Badlands because the risk of wildfires is so great. We didn't miss having a fire. Watching the sunset on those hills is amazing.

Day 1--Welcome to Badlands National Park

2011-06-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

I wasn't feeling well, so we had to leave a day later, but we arrived at Badlands National Park to some beautiful views and a great campsite. The sites aren't private, which we usually prefer, but the views were amazing. Watching the light change on the rocks was a great distractor from not feeling well.

The First Glimpse.

I always have to get a picture of the sign. The boys bear with me and slightly slow down the car.

We quickly settled in to a campsite. We were surprised at how many open sites there were, but there aren't showers and it was pretty cool yet and early in the season.

Not a bad view!

A little family togetherness and some planning. "When can I ride my bike?"

Check 1, 2, 3.....

2011-04-30T14:47:00.001-07:00

Sam's been learning his way around the soundboards at church and school. He's really good with tech stuff, so this is a real interest of his. Last night, he got to observe and work with the sound engineer at The Fitzgerald Theater while they were doing the sound check for Janis Ian, Tom Paxton, and Natalia Zukerman. All thanks to my big brother Dave! Thank you Dave for setting this up.

I was able to get a short video of Sam on stage doing a mic check and a long one of the artists rehearsing. Unfortunately, the long one is too much for blogger to handle.

And no, I didn't scream, "That's my baby!" But, I wanted to.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2011-04-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

19 years and better than ever! Love you D!

We DID get to go South for Spring Break!

2011-03-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

Southern Minnesota, that is! We enjoyed a trip to Wabasha Minnesota three years ago for Father's Day, so we wanted to go back when the Eagles are supposed to be there in great numbers. Usually, that's the month of March, but this year they had left for their nests early. We still saw plenty, though. If you want to watch a nest, a group of elementary school kids started this website. It's fun to watch.

Wabasha is the setting of one of our family's favorite movie series, Grumpy Old Men. Most of the movie wasn't filmed there, but there are lots of Grumpy themed sites that are fun. And we love the river, the bluffs, and the Minnesota and Wisconsin side quaint little towns.

Watching the ice float down the river was fascinating. We were amazed that all the edges seemed to be sharply defined. Check out the close up and you'll see what we mean.

We really enjoyed the National Eagle Center the last time we were in town and Sam wanted to check it out again. March is Eagle Mania or something like that at the Eagle Center. Lots was going on, including a visit from the Cincinnati Zoo with a special program.

The Eagle Center has resident eagles that have been rescued by their organization. Golden Eagles now winter in Wabasha and we were lucky to see them out by the river. All of my pictures of them are blurred beyond recognition (I was excited), so I'll just share this one of their rescued Golden Eagle.

This is Harriet. She's 29 and still going strong. She loves to look out the window and talk to the other eagles.

The view from the Eagle Center's upper floor. I wish I could have taken pictures of the art exhibit upstairs, but I respect the artists way too much for that. There was an amazing photographer, Alan Hairsine, who's great eye and method really impressed our family. His panoramic photo of a prairie barn was incredibly haunting. We had a wonderful conversation with him. I talked to him about how much I've come to love the prairie just in the last year or so. His photographs really capture it's stark beauty.

There's an eagle there somewhere, I think. Remember those Where's Waldo books? Well, this is the adult version of Waldo. In fact, I think the eagle somewhere in this picture is actually named Waldo. If you can find it, I'll give you a sticker.

We had the privilege of talking with a Falconer who hunts with this Red Tail Hawk. Really fascinating to learn all about the art of this ancient type of hunting. The birds are caught wild, kept wild, and returned into the wild in about a year. I think Darren and Sam were considering it until they heard you must apprentice for 2 years before you're allowed to strike out on your own. I told them they could wear camouflage and watch the Red Tails, Cooper's Hawks, Sharp-Shinned Hawks, and Bald Eagles stalk our little songbirds at our feeder at home.

We made this eagle out of pop cans that we melted in the hotel coffee pot.

Downtown Wabasha is really cute. Somehow I always get left behind as I'm exclaiming over something and reaching for the camera. Our family joke is that men really can only think about one thing at a time and when in motion it's usually, "Left Right Left Right Left Right." They were also in a hurry to cross state lines and purchase cheese curds. Despite our attempts to flash our passports at an ice fisherman on the 'sconsin side, there was no border stop required.

Eagles on Ice in Alma, Wisconsin.

Alma was a cute town with the claim to fame of "longest main street of a little Wisconsin town on the Mississippi" or something like that. The eagles hang out near the lock and dam.

It was easy to spot the eagles in the trees. They always seemed to be on the other side of the river. It did dawn on us to look closely at the trees on the side we were on, but we were never lucky enough to see one up close other than in the Eagle Center.

Danzinger Vineyards and Winery. Really yummy wine for such a young winery. Amazing view. Would highly recommend for a gathering. We had the pleasure of visiting with a couple of the owners. Retired dairy farmers with great business sense and a passion for what they're doing. Stop by if you can. The Great River Road Wine Trail has some fantastic offerings. But, since this was Sam's vacation too, it was only fair to stop at one.

The view from Danzinger Vineyards and Winery.

The winery had a great collection of pictures of some of the early residents of Alma Wisconsin. Alma has Swiss and German roots, so they brought their vines and traditions with them. You can see an early vineyard below.

I just thought this picture was charming and it reminded me of Laura Ingalls Wilder who was born just north of Alma in Pepin, Wisconsin. We Darren and Sam got their fill of Little House tourism the last time we were in the area. (Everything was closed for the winter anyway, but I let them think that I was REALLY disappointed at not getting to stop again.)

I turned around to say goodbye to the winery as we left.

A really crappy picture of Alma's main street. The guys were hungry and it was the best I could get through the windshield. Alma has an eagle watching spot called Wings over Alma that is worth a return to see. The power plant at the South end of town is really ugly, but it's what keeps the water open and attracts the eagles.

We stopped at one of our favorite kind of places to eat: a ma and pa where the locals stare at you when you come in. Beth's Twin Bluffs Cafe. The specials list was as long as their regular menu. We were too full for homemade pie. Pie is the new cupcake according to foodie trend watchers. I think the first time I heard that coffee flew out my nose as I actually guffawed. I wonder when meatloaf will be the new steak (maybe it is due to these "trying economic times"). The same article also talked about a restaurant that served cod fish foam. Maybe that's the new Slurpy.

Beth's has a facebook page, but no website. Sam had a cheeseburger the size of his head. Everything was homemade and was delivered to our table quickly with super friendly service. Be sure to stop by when you're in Nelson, Wisconsin.

We stopped into the creamery to get cheese curds. I had read that the garlic ones were amazing and they were that and then some. We grabbed picnic food for dinner. This would be another great place to stop for sandwiches.

Then it was on to Stockholm. Sam wanted to go to Crazy Cat Candy. I had read on their website that they would be open, but we were very disappointed to find that weren't. They make really amazing chocolates. Their burnt caramels and artistic, handcrafted treats had us licking the windows and cursing the season and the lack of website updating. Well, not really. We did find the Stockholm Pie Company after all.

Stockholm is an adorable little town that we had discovered the last time we were in the area, but didn't have time to explore. It's a little Art Colony that is proud of being a "wide spot in the road." We enjoyed one of the galleries, Ingebretson's, the General Store, and had some wonderful homemade pie at the teeny tiny Stockholm Pie Company. I've really enjoyed exploring the art colonies of Wisconsin. They're so much cheaper than the North Shore of Minnesota and the classes and offerings are just as good, if not better. Can't wait to hit the next one on my list.

Heading back to Wabasha, we pulled in and checked out some historic sites. I waved at Laura Ingalls' birthplace.

Watched the ice melt on Lake Pepin. This was riveting.

Said hello to the Minnesota-side bluffs.

Admired a riverboat captain's mansion complete with widow's walk. (Well, we don't know who owned it, but the story sounded good.)

Then back to the room to text, relax, and watch the Grumpy Old Men movies.

We had the Mississippi Riverboat suite at the AmericInn. We had the Grumpy Old Men Suite the last time we stayed here. We always stay where it's kid friendly and had hoped to use the pool, but didn't really have the interest in battling the crowds in the pool area. Next time we head down here, I'm going full out Laura Ingalls Wilder and building a sod house to stay in.

Last time we were in Wabasha, we bought a pop gun and Sam played with it all the way home. Somehow, the same little gun was not as appealing this time. Thanks to modern technology, he was never more than a text away from his buddies. It's his vacation too and thanks to modern technology, only children can have the company they want all the time now!

Flour Mill Pizzeria in Wabasha was excellent. We threw out our idea of a picnic dinner when we stopped in to the Chocolate Escape (after Crazy Cat was closed we remembered this place from our previous visit). Chocolate Escape is great, but the pizza place owned by the same people is fantastic. Organic flour crust, your choice white or wheat. We enjoyed the Chicken Little and a cheese pizza that was one of the best I've ever had--even in Italy. We even liked the box, which was a recent addition to their business after attending a pizza conference in Las Vegas. The top came off to make 4 plates and the bottom folded to store leftovers.

We got to visit with the owners the next morning when we grabbed coffee in the chocolate shop (and Sam stocked up on his favorite Wilber Buds) It's tough to be a small business owner, we know first hand, but we didn't have to battle W's aftermath of an economy. It was nice to get to talk with people so passionate about what they're doing. They also own America's Lofts Eagles on the River which we heard rave reviews about from people who were staying there. Maybe we'll stay there someday.

On the way home on Sunday, we scoped out camping spots at Frontenac State Park. What a beautiful park. Not a headliner like most, I'm sure this one falls under the discovery catagory of state parks. So, not as many people and just as much fun, as we've found in the past! The crabby park ranger that stamped my State Park Passport may just be the reason that there was only one other car in the park. There are wonderful hiking trails here and the views from the campsites over the Lake Pepin were stunning.

Back home again. Nice to get away.

We're Floored

2011-03-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

Basement.

Upstairs.

Living Room.

Family Room.

New Carpet. We love it. The living room and upstairs and family room are all the same color. The family room is a different pattern made for higher traffic areas. The basement is a different color, Thunderhead which is Martha Stewart-speak for green. It was very hard for me to contribute to her empire by purchasing her carpet, but I'm a color girl and that was the right color to go with the paneled walls in the best quality for our budget. And, as hard as this is for me to admit, it's a really great quality carpet. Thanks to Home Depot, we now both are certified carpet experts. We don't install, but we're available for consultations.

This was definitely not the winter to forgo a Spring Break trip in favor of carpet, but, as a friend said, it was the right decision. Installing in the winter while having to figure out where to put everything was harder than moving. That coupled with a few family emergencies and the start of some particularly uncomfortable abdominal pain I've been trying to get to the bottom of, was not easy.

I've finally given up the hunt for an antique newel post for our staircase and have settled on oak and wrought iron from an awesome place that hand forges the iron. So, that's the next project. I know for certain that as soon as it's installed, I'll find a fabulous post at a garage sale for $5.

Happy Spring.

Men at Work

2011-03-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

A new ceiling for the basement. Not a fun project, but it sure looks nice now that it's done!

Spring Fever Biking!

2011-03-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

Winter be damned! The roads were clear, so Darren took a ride!

Teenagers+Fireworks=FUN

2011-03-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Fireworks were a good incentive to get outside during Spring Break. This has been a looooonnnnnnggggg winter!

Happy Birthday Old Man, I'm Still Younger!

2011-03-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

We love celebrating our birthdays just 5 days apart! March 4 for Darren.

He always dresses for the occasion!

March 9 for me! One of my Confirmation kids couldn't believe that my birthday was on Ash Wednesday. "Every year," I told him. Took him awhile to catch on.

Skipping Volunteer Church Work to go see The Prince of Darkness

2011-02-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

I gave Darren Ozzy Osbourne concert tickets for Christmas. We've been trying to cross music icons off our to be seen list, and we knew that Ozzy's days have just got to be numbered. You would not believe how polarizing this man is and how many people were completely surprised that we would be going to see him.

Can't judge a book and all that.

On any given day, you will find any and all music on our iPods. Country, classical, rock, hip hop, rap, opera, hard rock, alternative, bluegrass, and folk. We listen to it all. And, funny to me, how people can be so loyal to only one or two genres. All music is wonderful and amazing and fills such a place in my life with all it's moods and quirks, I find it hard to believe that one could ever discriminate. But, people do. Hence, some of the puzzled and even harsh responses to our attending the concert. I actually had one woman infer that I would go to hell. She's a particularly persnickity woman who goes to our church who believes spraying Lysol in her kids mouth's is good discipline. I do believe there is a special hell for parents like her.

Having those experiences, I was a bit nervous about finding a substitute for my confirmation class that just happened to meet on concert night. "Yes, I'm skipping church work to go see the Prince of Darkness..."

Onward and upward. Of course, our Pastoral Intern was more than willing to sub for me. Such a delightful person, she's filled with love and peace and you can just feel her goodness when you're with her. Being a truthful person, I just had to tell her where I was going. And her response?

"He's got such a great value system."

Well, there you go.

He actually does and rewatching The Osbournes reality show, I challenge anyone to show me a father closer to his children or one who speaks in that blunt and loving way that children need to be talked to. Most people can't see beyond the language or the addictions. Their loss.

Before the concert, I had the opportunity to talk with some of the people that were sitting around us. It was interesting to hear a man behind us describe the reaction of his Mega Church to his attending. Hmmmm. What would Jesus do? More importantly, what did he do. I think he'd be at the concert.

In our house, we believe that it's the emotion behind the words that has the power and not the word itself. You could turn Doody Head into a swear word with just the right emotion. So, I could care less if someone swears around me. Church service vs. the Ozzy concert--we were blessed by Ozzy more. I counted. Now, blessed and called a MF in the same sentence was a unique experience, but the sentiment was what counted. I think his message works just as well and he certainly reaches an audience in a way that not all churches are able to. Would I go to him every week for a "service"? Only with ear plugs.

We had a great time. There I was in a black sweater set (it was the best I could do, my tube top was at the cleaners), at an Ozzy concert, the sound so loud my ears were bleeding and I felt blessed. We got to see another icon. We had good enough seats that we could see his 62 year old face. The smiles he gave were genuine. I don't think you could fake that type of enthusiasm and more power to him for doing what he loves for so long. He has tremors and shakes from long term drug use, a lesson he's willing to share. He sips tea from a china cup in between songs.

Someone said Wayne Newton is coming to town. Now the reaction from people to that one just might be worth the price of the tickets and the giant underwear I'd have to purchase to throw on stage. Wonder if you can get arrested for that?

Bass Players ROCK

2011-02-01T11:58:00.001-08:00

I've been terribly neglectful of both of my blogs. Busy lives and other writing projects have kept me away. Here's a little update.

During the Christmas season, Sam had his first bass violin recital. His teacher, Nancy Bjork, is amazing. She's worth the drive, once a week, to South Minneapolis. She has an approach that works so well with Sam. Gentle and encouraging, with just the right amount of push. We love her. We can see why she's the best in the Twin Cities and why she's widely respected internationally. Her dedication to bass violin shines through in her love and enthusiasm. And because it's all that she does, she's attentive, available, and totally focused. I interviewed a few teachers that are closer to our house, but Nancy was the best fit. We're so thankful for her.

Our Luthier, Mike Smith, is Mrs. Bjork's stand partner. For an instrument, so big, the community is so very small. It's great fun to be a part of it, even in this very tiny way.

The recital was really nice. It was fun to see the older and younger students and get to know some of the parents that I dodge when vying for parking spots in Minneapolis' slowly shrinking winter snow emergency streets. It was a great learning experience for Sam and we've seen definite growth in his confidence, performance, and technique. Plus, bass players have great attitude. There's a coolness factor there that just isn't present in those piddly little instruments. (ha!) So, to see a group of kids with this attitude was awesome.

He, as always, doesn't like to be the center of attention. Perfect personality for a bass player. They don't need to be the star, but without their instrument, the music would be lacking and flat and you'd really wonder what was wrong. Thanks to Nancy, though, for finding melodies for the recital. It's not often that we get to appreciate the bass in that way.

Proud mom and dad here.

Last Year's Date Challenge The Final

2011-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

Worse than not being good about fulfilling our 52 date per year challenge is the fact that we actually did have some dates that we didn't remember to post here. Why worse? Because we're getting old enough to forget.

We think the experiment was successful. The stolen moments that we do get are more precious because of our busy lives with our wonderful son. So, we'll keep trying to get them in when we can. Knowing that Sam will only be home with us a few more years means we'll have more than enough time to make up for anything lost now. In other words, nothing is lost now.

January Blizzard! Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

2010-12-26T15:20:00.000-08:00

Mom made me take a picture of the food.

86 years, 364 days old. Happy Birthday, almost, Norman!

Norman and Carol

Raymon, the bearer of bad gifts, was unable to make it, but made sure his gifts were delivered.

Warming ourselves by the televised Yule Log.

Tom and Andi

The Moffatt kids.

Norman and Ethel.

A Belated Birthday Gathering for Sam the Teenager

2010-11-30T09:39:00.000-08:00

We gathered at the cabin the last weekend in October for a belated birthday gathering/prepare for deer hunting day. It was a great day to be in the woods!

Norman!!

Happy Thirteenth Sam! He liked the deer swimming in the river better than the way the decorator had positioned it.

Fall Getaway Day 4-- to Bayfield again and beyond

2010-11-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

We headed North to the Bayfield peninsula again. We wanted to see an old fishery. This was the only day of our trip that was cold and very windy. It was easy to imagine what a harsh life the fishermen had. The Hokenson brothers were failed farmers that spent 30 years making their living here on Little Sand Bay. They harvested ice in the winter and fish in the summer. There are very few fisheries on Lake Superior that have been maintained, so this was a great peek into history.

The boys had to time their travels just right. The waves were washing up over the dock. We could see why they had built walls for protection.

I loved this house in Bayfield.

The view from our hotel room. The AmericInn in Ashland. It was just a basic hotel room, but the view was fabulous. I couldn't help myself and took a ton of pictures. We could see the lights of Washburn and Bayfield and the lighthouse and breakwater. Not bad for around $60 per night.

Fall Getaway Day 3-- Edgar Sawtelle Country

2010-11-30T06:31:00.001-08:00

We started out the day a little late, Sam had some homework to tackle and we were desperately in need of some good coffee. So, we headed to the Black Cat Coffee House to hang out for awhile. What a great place. Just the type of place I would like to own. Great food, wonderful coffee, comfy places to settle in and sip, shelves of used books for sale, and a bulletin board worth spending a few minutes perusing. The kind of place where you are welcome to stay as long as you wish--pure bliss. Ashland has some gems that I think get overlooked as people are destination bound for Bayfield. Ashland Baking Company is just across the street and is fantastic. The Sixth Street Market is an incredible, old-fashioned meat market with products worth filling a cooler to bring home.

Ashland was a very wealthy iron town. They have a little town museum run by volunteers that is worth a peek in and the town's history is detailed in over a dozen murals on the sides of some amazing old buildings. The power plant on the bay is easy to ignore. The old iron dock, one of only a few left on the Lake, is coming down soon. The volunteer at the museum filled us in on all the local lore and gossip.

After Sam finished his homework, we pulled out the map and tried to decide where to go. Should we head to the UP of Michigan (which we found out has some albino moose that are pretty easy to spot)? Should we drive in search of wild Elk that had been reintroduced to Wisconsin several years ago? Armed with just a map, we ended up heading South to Mellen, the setting of the book Edgar Sawtelle. Coincidentally, I had brought the book along for a reread for a book club challenge. I didn't realize that we were that close to where the author had set the book. I'm such a book nerd that this kind of thing is really thrilling to me.

We ended up at a little restaurant on main street Mellen with chatty owners who shared a ton of history about the area. Howard Hughes Spruce Goose laminate was made in the factory in town. Not spruce, but birch. JFK's tombstone was made from local granite. And they told us of the area's hope that iron mining would begin again, with all the assorted rumors of Australian geologists, land being purchased, and lots of helicopter surveys happening. They said the town is desperate for an economic boom. So desperate that the resulting change in their environment would be a welcome one. Not sure what to think about that as I'm not walking in their shoes. The hills are beautiful and it will be a sad day if they disappear. We recommended that they take a group to the Minnesota Iron Range to see what they're in for.

They knew that we were there for "the park" and so we headed that way. We hiked the trails, checked out several falls, and the boys climbed the fire tower for the view. Typically, I don't like fire towers. This one looked much sturdier than my past experiences (clinging to St. Croix State Park's fire tower as it swayed in the wind comes to mind). So, I probably could have handled this one, but I didn't take the trail to even see it. I just leaned against a bridge railing and watched the river and a huge paper wasp nest (see below, it's amazing). These pauses in life are what recharge me. I've never felt particularly close to God in any church, but when I'm in nature, well, that's a different story.

The camping is beautiful here. This area is only a short drive from the Minneapolis area so it might be a nice weekend camping trip.

Fall Getaway Day 2-- Beautiful Bayfield and Madeline Island

2010-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Bayfield was just lovely and nobody was there, except the Olsons and some other hearty folk. The weather was gorgeous. Sweatshirts and jeans, just the way we like it.

The ferry to Madeline Island.

Bayfield from the dock.

We picked out a boat or two.

The view from the ferry on the way to the island.

Tom's Burned Down Cafe.

We loved Big Bay State Park on the island. We'd love to camp there someday.

Liberal Tree Hugger in her natural habitat.

On to Big Bay Town Park. The camping wasn't as nice as the state park, but the beach was amazing. And, finally, some rocks to pick! They also had canoes and boats to rent on the honor system. Wish we would have had more time, but the sun was sinking.

We stopped and considered a lot for sale...

for about 2 seconds. It was amazing, with an amazing view, and an even more amazing cliff drop into the lake!

Madeline Island is beautiful, but I wouldn't want to live there. Maybe it was the zombie book I had just finished or maybe it was just the day, but it's very isolated. Like Stephen King living in a hotel in the mountains for the winter as the caretaker kind of isolated. Ya know what I mean?

Seeing the library had me reconsider living there for a bit. It was sure cute.

We got off the ferry just in time to turn around and catch this view. Another fun day!

Life has been Stuck in Fast Forward, Time to Push Rewind

2010-11-29T16:39:00.000-08:00

We were so lucky to take a quick getaway to the Bayfield area of Wisconsin during Fall Break (mid-October).

Here are some pictures from our first day out exploring.

We started out at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor's Center. What a wonderful place to visit and learn about the area. We left with lots of information about the area and a long list of must sees/must dos.

Sam and I raced Darren to the top for the sweeping views.

I loved all the little farms. Made me almost want to chuck it all and make cheese for a living. Well, for a short time anyway.

We visited a couple of the area farms for apples and wine. Darren had to give this Self Kicking Machine a try. I'm working on one for his Christmas gift.

The wine was delicious, the hay mow interesting and slightly creepy.

I liked this little saying. "I do my thing and you do your thing. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations. And you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I. And if by chance we find each other, it's beautiful."

The barn was really cute and the view from the top windows was lovely.

We bought some apples at the next farm that I'd never heard of. Bayfield apples were much smaller than what my dad grew, but just as delicious. We ate a few in the car as we wandered down the country roads. Wish we could remember what they were...

The Fish Hatchery. I loved this building. The boys were not as impressed.

Sandy beaches. We like the North Shore of Minnesota's rocky beaches better for wandering and picking rocks, but this was beautiful. We could imagine this beach with tons of people on it in the summer and were very glad we weren't sharing it with them.

We finished the day with a late lunch at this joint in Ashland and then back to the hotel to swim and relax. Fun day.

Summer's End Trip to the Cabin

2010-09-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

I realized on this trip that there is definitely a fundamental difference between how boys and girls play. Feminist that I am, this is difficult for me to admit.

Boys like to blow up stuff.

Girls don't.

The Cabin and the Olsonmobile

A little stroll down the Log Cabin Road.

Sandhill Cranes Soaring

So close we could hear them laughing.

First Day of School Part 2

2010-09-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

Back to School

2010-09-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

Date Night Update*

2010-09-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

23/52 A little ride. OK, we completely confess that this date is a stretch. BUT, we're sticking to our guns that it is. Because if we were to take a 30 minute joy ride together, we would count it. So, despite the fact that this 30 minute ride was so rudely divided in half by joint eye appointments (we did chat in the waiting room), we're going to count it. It's our challenge.

24/52 A little lunch. Conversation over Chinese food. Really fun.

25/52 Getting detention at parent night. We held hands in the hallways. See number 23 for rationalization. This time of year is super busy. Enough said.

*Date Night is when you realize you're not newlyweds anymore and so you challenge each other to fit in 52 dates as a New Year's Resolution. And then you realize, you should never make promises if you've had several glasses of really good wine.

Date 22

2010-09-07T06:54:00.001-07:00

Seriously? Seriously? We get a good chunk of a gorgeous day as Sam was at his annual State Fair trip with Uncle Tom and Auntie Andi. And I wreck a perfectly good date day by getting a brain buster headache with all the other assorted symptoms that are way too much for me to want to relive here.

Stubbornly, I tried to ride it out, but we were 20 minutes from home and I only had one dose of medicine. Not enough. Honestly, this disease is really getting old. I lose half of my life to it and I have so much that I want to do. Ugh.

I'm counting this date anyway. Because I can't help it that my body will not cooperate.

So, date 22/52 Wandering Ikea. And on a complete sideline just what the bleep were so many people doing here when they should have been out enjoying the day like my intention was? My hope was to pop in for 15 minutes at Ikea and then get to SeaSalt for lunch by the Minehahaahaaa. Didn't even get to tell D of my wishes I felt so awful. Then felt even worse when I wrecked the date.

I'm so lucky he's such a good guy. Honestly, he's a saint.

Now, technically, this shouldn't be a date because we qualified our date requirements as not being at home improvement stores. We were there to look for organizing stuff for the new mudroom (that's not so new anymore, but still not the stellar tool of organization that I hoped it would be.) Anywhooo.... Ikea was all we got too, but we had better intentions and that should count for something.

*Date night is when two people who met almost 20 years ago realize that they should spend more time alone together. And then they realize, life will get in the way sometimes. So, rather than dwelling on the fact that they're far from reaching the 52 dates that they challenged themselves to take this year, they decide that they're just going to do the best they can. (And start counting hand holding in church as dates.)

Whitewater State Park

2010-09-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Camping with friends, swimming hole, campfire, trout fishing. Good way to end the summer.

Don't Let Sam Cook

2010-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our lovely campsite.

A neighbor.

One of the campsites we'd love to have next time!

Hiking to the Sea Lion

2010-09-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

We hiked a lot of trails, but this was our favorite. The Sea Lion is an arch over Lake Superior that is featured in Native American folklore. Nanibojou (the Sleeping Giant) got pissed off or something... we don't remember the whole story, but anyway, some dude got frozen into a rock (as Sam said, this seems to happen alot when the gods got pissed).

Gorgeous hike. Darren left a little garfiti (as Sam used to call it). There was a wall of rocks that people had left with their names, little rock towers (Inukshuk). So, he left a little token of our love (insert gag or smile here.)