my man of steel

My hubby has become quite the dirt bike rider. (He's the one in the red-apparently his lucky color):

He just got new boots, as his old ones had literally worn out. With all of the options available, he chose WHITE.For which he clearly received some grief. If you can't read the addition to the picture modified and sent to him by a fellow rider, it says "Hey Pardner, them boots aint gonna look like that for long". Perhaps we spent too much time at the Star Wars exhibit a few weeks ago....

He moved up to B class, and has been doing fairly well all summer. But on Sunday he raced up at Mora, and won his class! That's Jeff Terrio, his car pooling mate (such a cooler way to say friend, the way they do in England. I have been watching "Long Way Round"...) who I landed in second place, and who is just ahead of Mike in the overall standings for the summer. That may be changing over the next few weeks.... I guess all of that conditioning and working out really has paid off!

I was going through the last few weeks of pictures, and just had to put this one in:

This was Charlie's summer soccer team on their last night. What a wonderful bunch of kids! They played together really well as a team, and most importantly, had a ton of fun doing it. See their coach? I think he is either a senior in high school, or just graduated. A GREAT kid. He did an amazing job of coaching those kids, and upping the fun factor. Thank goodness for those who volunteer their time and talents so I can sit in my folding chair and just relax.

Plans have changed a bit, we are delaying our trip up North by a day, but hope to extend it a day on the other side. Which would be even better, as this weekend the Tall Ships arrive in Duluth. www.visitduluth.com/maritimefestival. We've already booked our spot on the last Vista King cruise of the night on Friday, so we can see the fireworks from the water!

Of course, we don't need tall ships to enjoy Duluth:I am a big fan of the tugboats, myself. While my guys very much enjoy the thousand footers as they come through:And of course we will need to do a little hiking at Gooseberry Falls.

So today I need to pack, and finish up some ACES stuff. North Shore, here we come!

turning points

I can feel it in the air, in my stomach, in my unsettled brain when I can't get to sleep.

Things are about to get really wacky around here.

Mike and I received purchase orders to build seven simulators. The first one needs to be complete by Sept. 8th, with more to follow by the beginning of October. We build them ourselves, in our garage (and living room, and dining room, and wherever we can fit things...) All of the parts and pieces will begin arriving in the next few weeks, so we can assemble things. So there's that.

We were just notified in a lovely letter from the State of MN that our business has randomly been selected for a sales tax audit. Having been through this once, with the City of Bloomington, I have a small idea of what to expect. Mostly just compiling lots and lots and lots of documentation of everything we do in our business. But while Bloomington randomly chose 14 days of detailed information to look at, the preliminary info from the state says they want to see THREE YEARS of stuff. And then sit down with me for a day, and see exactly how I come up with that huge number of money I send them every month. Golly gee, I can hardly wait.

It isn't that I am concerned they will find anything wrong, it is just a MAJOR PAIN to pull all of this info, and deal with the stress. And per the earlier paragraph, regarding the building of simulators, this isn't exactly the optimal time to be messing with this. In fact, all of this leaves me feeling just a little queasy at how hard we will have to work in the next few months.

But it is part of the responsibility of owning and running a business in MN, so I will give them a call tomorrow and see what kind of schedule we can come up with and what I specifically need to do.

Don't get me wrong, I am THRILLED that we are building simulators, and will be able to pay our bills, and keep things rolling out at our store. In these economic times, you do what you have to!

On a brighter note, the kitchen countertops are finally installed! For good! And I have a functioning sink/dishwasher/garbage disposal again. So when we can find a couple of days when we have nothing else to do, we can tile the backsplash, install all of the trim, and finish the floor. I am thinking maybe January?

So the only thing that is actually keeping me from collapsing into a sobbing mess on my unmade bed right now, (my mother always told me that I was so dramatic) is that last week we decided to sneak up to the North Shore for a few days this week. Posting all of those pictures really got me longing to just get away. And other than finishing the kitchen, or pulling reports and tax forms, or cleaning out the garage so we have room to build simulators, we are leaving town for the fresh, clean air of Lake Superior. And just a few days of family time, with no other distractions.

Who says we don't have our priorities in order?

picnics

It's the last Friday in July!

I continue to ask, how does it go so fast?

Tonight we are thinking of packing up a picnic and heading to Como Park, just another one of the little gems we are fortunate enough to have in St. Paul "the most livable city in America". I didn't make that up, it's on the official St. Paul web site. Did they take a vote? Or is it just marketing at it's finest?

Anyhoo, here is the link to Como. If you have never been, you can take a little website tour:
http://www.comozooconservatory.org

I am thinking we will picnic somewhere in the park, maybe rent a paddleboat and cruise Como Lake, and perhaps head over for a rousing round of mini golf. I like to save the conservatory for the winter doldrums.

Perhaps you have just been dying for a kitchen update. Perhaps not. Here is the short version:

1. countertop on sink side measured wrong. can't hook up garbage disposal. waiting and waiting and waiting for them to come and remeasure, cut a new one, install again. pain in the butt.

2. can't tile backsplash, or install trim, or replace floor tiles until countertop in place.

3. on a positive note, my driveway is empty of all old cabinets and such. hurrah!

I guess I wasn't kidding when I said I thought the kitchen might be finished before Charlie goes back to school.

busy

Summer days are for:



1. reading the paper on the patio with a good cup of coffee



2. buying school supplies at Target while the selection is good



3. hanging at the neighborhood pool all afternoon



4. going on a date with my husband



Clearly no time for posting. . .

eat your veggies

As do most of you, I have a handful of go-to recipes that I can almost make without looking. They are the things I turn to over and over again, as they are just so darn good.

Here is a potato side dish I make all summer long, while the fresh herbs are growing outside my kitchen door. Don't be fooled by the words Potato Salad, this resembles nothing of the egg and mayo version you may be accustomed to:

TUSCAN POTATO SALAD
6 med. red potatoes, cooked and cut into fourths (I prefer skin on)
2 Tbsp good olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 lg or 2 sm cloves of garlic, minced
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
Cook the potatoes. Combine all of the other ingredients and toss with the warm potatoes. Let it sit on the counter for 30 min or so to blend the flavors. Devour the whole bowl. (I dare you not to!)

Another tried and true summer go-to, with endless variations:

TOMATOES & CHEESE PASTA (serve hot, or cold the next day as a salad)

Dice up some fresh tomatoes (3 or 4), and squeeze 2 or 3 cloves of garlic. Combine them in a bowl and lavish them with olive oil (just eyeball it, they don't need to be drenched, but pretty moist). Sliver up some fresh basil, add a splash of balsamic vinegar, and toss it all together. Cover it and let it sit on your counter for 2-3 hours, or all afternoon if you are going to the pool!

Now, the fun part. What would you like with your tomatoes? You can cook up some Italian Sausage (either ground, or cook links and slice them), steam some shrimp, dice up some salami or pepperoni, or cook up some prosciutto. Or grill some chicken breasts and dice them up. Maybe saute some baby portobello mushrooms in a little garlic and butter. You pick!

Cook up a pound of pasta, again, your choice.

Choose your cheese. I like to use fresh mozzeralla, all diced up. If you want to be decadent, dice up some Brie. It also works with monterey jack, or maybe manchego or asiago to change up the flavors.

Now, toss your tomato mixture (when you take that plastic wrap off, the wonderful smell will nearly knock you over) with whatever protein you have chosen, along with the cheese and the pasta. Season it to taste with salt and pepper, add a little more olive oil if it seems dry. Garnish it with some more fresh basil and a smattering of freshly grated parmesan.

Oh my goodness. And if you want to be vegetarian, skip the meat. Or skip the meat and serve this as a side dish to a nice piece of fish, or chicken, or some Italian sausages that you have boiled in red wine and finished on the grill.

Hungry yet?

glad to be a girl

Let me take a moment from my fluffy, every-day-life posts, to tell you something that I think is very important.

All women are beautiful.

I was sitting at the last soccer game Monday night, watching the large variety of women attending their son's game. We have been pigeon holed as 'soccer moms', mini van driving, care-giving, hard working moms. The women who were sitting there last night were of every race, size, age, and economic background. They were there for one thing, to support their kids.

But we are so much more than that.

I used to look at other women, and want to have some of their parts.

If only I had that hair, or those pretty eyes, or those tanned, toned legs. Why couldn't my genetics give me those cheekbones, or that metabolism?

But you know what? Every woman, that we look at and wish we could have something that they do, wishes the same thing when they see us.

Maybe it isn't superficial, like nice teeth, or amazing breasts.

Maybe you see them and think, why can't I garden like that?

If only I could run that marathon!

Why didn't I keep swimming? Maybe I would have made it to the Olympics !

They can really write, or teach, or govern, or do whatever job they have amazingly.

What we fail to recognize, is that every single one of us, has incredible gifts.

That we give to our children, our husbands (if we have one), our parents, and our friends.

And maybe they aren't gifts that you see when you take our picture, but they are there.

Perhaps we are a terrifically loyal friend. Maybe we stay up all night with our child when they aren't feeling well, or are simply afraid of what is under the bed. We visit our relatives, even when we would rather be doing something else. We work our butts off, to get that project done, to help the team. We stay up late to bake cupcakes for school. We support our husbands when they are pursuing their dreams. We clip coupons to save on the grocery bill so we can have a weekend away.

Maybe we know the very thing to say or do when a friend is feeling blue.

That is what makes us beautiful.

That is what makes us special.

Nope, we won't ever be on the cover of a magazine, or featured on the nightly news.

But every woman reading this is amazing, in her very own special way.

So let's celebrate that.

And the next time you look in the mirror, give yourself a smile, and be happy for who and what you are. Because you give the world so very much, just by waking up every morning and being there.

summer daze

Summer mornings are so fresh, and full of possibility.

I tend to wake up early in the summer, the birds start calling about 4:30, and Claude is jumping on the bed again to encourage me to get up and feed him. If it's light out, it must be time for breakfast, right? The colors of the eastern sky are like a light show, just for me (and the early morning joggers, and garbage truck workers...)

Even when it's muggy, the air is fresher. I throw open the windows and open the doors (quietly, of course, so as not to wake the guys) and start that first pot of coffee. I love having the time to myself, to slowly read the paper. Claude usually joins me for a morning snuggle, once he has finished his breakfast.

Today marks the halfway point in our summer. I consider summer to be those 12 weeks that Charlie is out of school, and the first 6 weeks were full of soccer clinic, Cub Scout camp, soccer practice and games, and Huck Finn camp. Tonight is the very last soccer game, and we have not one other scheduled thing to do the rest of the summer. It feels really good, but at the same time, I wonder what he is going to do?????

I do have an actual job that I still have to do in the summer, so I can't just spend every day at the pool with him. Although I could bring my laptop there... (and have before!) That is one of the good things about getting up early, I can usually get a lot done in my office before anyone else is up, and can have the rest of the day free to play.

Here are some things we can do to make the most of the rest of the summer, if you have any other ideas please send them my way!

1. Pick blueberries at Rush River Produce. It's a gorgeous drive to Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. The berry picking is fabulous, love the farmhouse, and the view of Lake Pepin from the bluff is spectacular. When you are all loaded up with berries, stop at the amazing little bakery in town for a treat, you won't be disappointed! The blueberry farm is open Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun from 8 am -2 pm. Always call first (715-594-3648) to make sure they are picking that day.

2. Spend a day at Interstate State Park. The Minnesota side is in Taylors Falls, the Wisconsin side is in Saint Croix Falls. Either side you choose will be such fun.

3. Take a day trip and explore Wisconsin's Great River Road (35). We usually take 61 down and cut over at Prescott, they have a couple of great antique stores. Jump back on 35 heading south, and you will wind your way through Diamond Bluff, Bay City, and Maiden Rock (see number 1 if you stop in Maiden Rock!) Make sure to stop in Stockholm, they have some wonderful little shops and cafes, and a fabulous garden store just outside of the little downtown area.

Continuing on 35, you will come to Pepin. If you have saved your appetite, and want a gourmet meal worth waiting for, go to the Harbor View restaurant.

Quite spendy but completely worth it, (bring cash, as they don't take credit cards) you may have to wait a bit for a table. It's okay, go exploring while you wait. Then if you are still up for it, head down 35 a bit longer and make the turn to Nelson. If you didn't eat yet ( by now you must be starving) head directly to the Nelson Cheese Factory. They make amazing sandwiches, or if you just want dessert there is delicious ice cream. Or a fabulous wine bar. (Have I ever told you how much I like Wisconsin?) They also sell all of the yummy cheese they make there (as well as ones they don't) and all kinds of gourmet foods, and of course wine. So you could pick up all of the makings for a picnic, and stop at a pretty spot on your way back to the cities, and watch the sun set.

4. Go to a drive-in movie. We haven't made it yet, each time we have planned to go the weather has been ominous. We are hoping to get there soon.

5. Head up to the North Shore.

We are hoping to sneak in a few days, midweek (when there are no dirt bike events). We love to stay at Superior Shores, and get a suite with a kitchen, and a fireplace for those cool evenings, and a deck on the grill.

We will explore Two Harbors,

Grand Marais, Split Rock lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, and all of our favorite Duluth spots.

There is just something about the air coming off Lake Superior that is so relaxing, and rejuvenating at the same time. Besides, we need to add to our rock collection!

6. Clean out the basement. Wait, that doesn't sound like fun! But if you pick one of those steamy, icky, too hot to enjoy anything outside kind of days, it makes sense. It's cooler down there, and you will have a wonderful sense of accomplishment. And more room. And things to donate to Goodwill.

I will come up with some more fun things to do, please send me your ideas too!

another week

As usual, summer is flying by way too fast.

Charlie finished up four days at Huck Finn Camp at Fort Snelling. He LOVED it. They fished, they swam, they hiked, they cooked outside, they dug for fossils and artifacts, they learned about soldiers, they made their own weapons, they learned about Fort Snelling and it's rich history. Money well spent! It was put on by the Minnesota History Center, they were also having a Laura Ingalls Wilder camp at the same time. Now how many of you reading my blog would have given ANYTHING to do that when you were a young girl?

Mike has a Hare Scramble event in Grand Rapids this weekend. I like to call this the summer of the dirt bike.

The nasty muggy weather is supposed to leave us for a few days, I can't wait to throw open the windows and turn off the ac. And I am pretty sure I will have to make this: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/
I can taste the marmalade already!

The girls are finally done with softball in the field across the street. I will get a few days of quiet before Cretin football practice starts in earnest Aug. 1st.

Going for my mammogram today, if you are over 40 and haven't scheduled yours yet this year, get going! And for all of my dear friends who will be turning 40 in the next year ( you know who you are), just think what you have to look forward to. My aunt died of breast cancer, far too young. Her daughter is getting married in August, I am sure she wishes her mother had had regular mammograms. Just do it.

Today we are using our grill for an outdoor oven. It works great for hams, whole chickens, and giant turkey breasts. And you don't have to heat up the house. And everyone who walks by your backyard for the two hours it takes to cook will get really hungry.

Have a wonderful summer weekend!

the joy of fabric

From the time I was a little girl, I have always loved touching things. It used to get me in trouble when I would go shopping with my mom "Kris, don't TOUCH everything!" I had to feel stuff-the nylon chiffon scarves hanging from a rack at Woolworths, the shiny oilcloth hanging on rolls in Lindruds, and all of the fabrics on display at JCPenny's second level in downwtown Bemidji. Linen, and cotton, and soft knits. Actually, back then, it was probably a lot of polyester double knit, but I have to believe that I gravitated towards the finer fabrics....

My dear Grandma bought me my first sewing machine. She and Grandpa Don (who was also a sewer, and had his own machine, for sewing canvas, and leather, and other manly fabrics) ordered it for me from Montgomery Wards. She patiently taught me how to thread it, and care for it, and use it to create anything I could imagine. Although the final product often ended up looking nothing like my dream, it taught me to never give up.

She helped me read a pattern, cut out all of the pieces, and figure out all of those confusing directions. Her closets full of fabric were my first real experience with true obsession. Her stash included fabrics from all parts of her life, as she sewed for her home, and most of her own clothes, and still had fabric from when she had sewed for my dad and uncle when they were young. And it wasn't just the fabric, it was cans full of buttons, and trims, and thread, and notions. I adored going through all of it, and playing with them, and imagining what I would make. I have some of her things now, carefully stored away in some of her old hatboxes. I am sure the thread is so old that it is no longer usable, but someday I am going to have my very own sunlit sewing room, and I will be able to put it all out on display.

So I became a fabricholic at a young age. I worked for Northwest Fabrics for several years after college, which of course made my stash grow exponentially. I started buying fabric to make baby clothes years before I ever got pregnant, and planned all of the things I would make. For a time, I made baptismal gowns for my friends baies, so I collected heirloom trims when I found them.

When our attic began to burst at the seams with too much fabric, and very little time to actually sew it, I was forced to make an archeological dig back through my years of collecting, and let some of it go. I donated BAGS and BAGS of fabric, knowing that I would never use it. I of course kept ones that I knew I would use someday...

And now that Charlie is getting older, and hasn't worn anything that I have made him in many years, I have turned my focus to sewing again for myself. And one of my favorite fabric and pattern designers is Amy Butler. You can see her stuff at http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/. Or just browse a small sampling here:

I adore her color combinations, and her patterns are such fun. I am in the process of making a kimono style robe, just gorgeous. And planning to make several handbags, for gifts. (you will note that I said "planning". I do lots of "planning", not so much actual creating. But isn't it fun just to look at them? I wish you could touch them through your computer screen...)

Yesterday Tracy M and I were able to steal a few hours away from home, and took a field trip to Crafty Planet in NE Mpls. Fabric, patterns, yarn, I nearly broke out into hives. Just wonderful. After a yummy lunch at Pop! (yes, the exclamation point is part of the name) we checked out The Textile Center on University Ave. (a must-see for anyone else bitten by the fiber and textile bug), and then ended our fun day with a stop at Treadle Yard Goods to take advantage of their summer sale. A fabriholics dream shopping day.

One thing I noticed yesterday? Fabric makes people happy. For those of you who have been bitten by the fabric bug, you know what I mean. Every employee we ran across yesterday at any of the fabric places was happy. Overly happy. Smiling all the time happy. And you know why? Because they are surrounded by beautiful things that they get to touch, any old time they want to.

let's not heat up the kitchen!

I know I have told you in the past about the deep affection I hold for my crockpot, but did you know it makes an excellent summertime cooking tool as well?

Throw something in it in the morning, go about your day of fun, and when you come home dinner is ready. And you don't have to heat up the kitchen, and your house smells yummy.

Today I have some SALSA CHICKEN in the crockpot, this is how easy it is: Throw some FROZEN skinless boneless chicken breasts in the crockpot, about 4 of them. Cover them with a jar of salsa (I used Mango Peach from Archer Farms, available at your local Super Target) - any kind you prefer. Drain a can of black beans and throw those in there too. If you like corn, throw some of that in as well. Or diced chilis, of you like it really spicy.

Cook it on low all day, throw some rice in the last half hour and stir it up so the rice cooks in all of that juice. Or, skip the rice, and throw in 8 oz of cream cheese (Tracy M, you rock) and let it soak up the juice and get all creamy. Then you can serve that concoction over rice you cook somewhere else, or serve it with tortilla chips, or wrap it up in tortillas.

simple, yummy, easy, and not too pricey!

I have also had a request for my Thai Pork Stew in the Crockpot (apparently it is International Crockpot Week at my house):http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=printerFriendly&recipe_id=354826

It's from Cooking Light magazine.

Quick kitchen update:

Yes, I have new countertops, they are gorgeous!
No, they did not cut the side where the sink goes correctly, and have to redo it. aarrgghhhh
Yes, we have selected backsplash tile and it will be here Monday.
No, we haven't picked out a paint color, maybe tonight.
Yes, the windows are finally done, handles and all.
No, I don't have my groovy recycling bins installed yet.
Yes, the old cabinets are still sitting in my driveway.
No, we haven't quite finished the floor yet.
Yes, I have run out of excuses as to why we need to eat out.
No, I don't have any pictures to show you....maybe tomorrow!

dangerous boys

Mike and Charlie spent several days at Camp Navajo in Wisconsin last week, the days were full of adventures. And nasty weather. They built fires:

Nice job Cub Scouts! They also did some hiking:

And a little reading (by headlamp, they weren't completely without technology...)

(Note the clever use of beach towels as additional bedding...)

Here are their accomodations-canvas two man tents, with cots on raised platforms. You will note that mom did not attend....

Charlie tied knots (clearly this was after a rainstorm):Enjoyed the wildlife:And one of his favorite parts-weapons. (rest assured no turtles or other wildlife were harmed-just paper targets).They had a great day for canoeing:

and Archery:

Best of all was getting to enjoy camp with his good friend Alec:

They work those boys, here they are helping set up for a meal. No vacation here, it's just like being at home!

And here is Alec with his dad, Mike. A HUGE THANK YOU to the Lanes for adopting Charlie on his last night of camp, since Mike had to leave early. You helped him weather the storm! And I am sure they would not have served beans for dinner that night if they had known you would end up sleeping in your van with the boys....

The staff does a great job, Charlie came back full of confidence, songs, and smiles. He is already talking about working there himself some day!

we love birthdays

My mom and sis just departed, we had a great time, but I always get just a bit melancholy after they leave. I would love to be able to see them more often than I do. Especially now that my sister needs lots of support and big sister hugs. But she is strong, and has wonderful friends, and she will make it through.

We definitely made the most of our time together. Thursday was Roseville day, as we love to look for deals at HomeGoods and Marshalls, and they enjoy going to SuperTarget as Bemidji does not yet have one. Then we introduced my mom to all of the yummy food at California Pizza kitchen, and a little shopping at Rosedale. In the evening, it was nice enough to be in the backyard with good wine and good friends, who never cease to amaze me with their generosity and kindness. (Tracy and Kari, you made my mom's weekend!)

Friday was St. Paul day: we started with breakfast at Bon Vie, bread buying at Great Harvest, and shopping at the Bead Monkey and Gypsy Moon. Since it was about 150 degrees outside when you factored in the humidity, we elected to spend the afternoon in my air conditioned house, making jewelry. The evening brought us to Ikea, and we made it home just before the big storm hit. What better thing to do in a storm than watch a wonderful movie? "The Other Bolelyn Girl", with a little wine and pasta salad. Excellent movie, women have come a really long way since the time of Henry VII.

Saturday the tropical weather had left us, so with a northerly breeze stirring the leaves and beautiful blue skies, we started the day with a stop at La Patisserie:

It's an incredible neighborhood bakery where everything is made fresh, EVERY DAY, with the highest quality ingredients, by Deb, who is an unbelievable pastry chef, and also a delightful woman on top of that. There are scrumptious breakfast treats: scones with local strawberries, chocolate croissants, the world's best cinnamon and caramel rolls, and cinnamon maple sticks.For that special occasion: incredible cheesecakes, eclairs, caramel bars, chocolate tortes, lemon tarts, napoleans, apple bars, strawberry bread, and cupcakes with the most amazing chocolate frosting you have ever had. Of course the offerings change with the seasons, and she does a brisk business in wedding and special occasion cakes. Like birthday cakes!

And once you have tasted one of Deb's cakes, you will never be able to buy one from anywhere else. You can't even describe how good they are, just like heaven in your mouth. Get something from her sometime, and you will know what I mean. She is just west of Snelling on Randolph Avenue. She also makes some fabulous sandwiches and soups, served each day from 11-2. The only day she's closed is Sunday, on Saturdays you just have to stock up...

After a day of shopping out in Woodbury (Land's End, World Market, Bed Bath & Beyond, and my mom's maiden trip to Trader Joes), we came home to await Charlie's arrival back from Cub Scout camp. He survived all of the nasty weather, I will do a post on his adventure sometime this week.

Mom blew out the candles

Got a birthday kiss from Charlie:And later, of course, we had "snacks for dinner". Our favorite meal! Guacamole, Fig Tart, mixed olives with feta, manchego cheese and sea salt crackers, and yes, just a little wine. Then it was time for another movie "The Notebook", which I had never seen or read. It was a multiple tissue tear jerker.

Sunday was a relaxing morning spent in our pj's, with the newspaper & coffee, Charlie's chocolate chip muffins, and a fun surprise visit from our favorite Matilda Jane girls. After an all American lunch at the new Sonic drive-in, it was time to pack up and hit the road.

I miss them already....

oh happy day !

for many reasons:

1. Claude got his cast off today! It was exactly 8 weeks ago today that he got his first one, and I for one, will be really happy not to have to go to the vet every week. His kidney infection is getting under control, so I only have to give him shots for another week, then we can change his thyroid meds too. He doesn't have to go back to the vet until the end of September! He has been limping around the house all day, his leg looks like you might imagine it would after spending 8 weeks completely in a cast-ewww. But he seems really happy, and purrs all the time.

I am so grateful to those who take up the veterinarian profession. They literally saved his life.

2. Mike and Charlie left for four days of fun at Cub Scout camp at Camp Navajo in Wisconsin! They will shoot bb guns, and go canoeing, and swimming, and have campfires, and shoot bows and arrows, and sleep in canvas tents. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that they don't get any bad weather.

3. My sister and my mom arrive tomorrow for an all-girls weekend. Lots of shopping, and laughing, and not doing anything important. We will celebrate my mom's 66th birthday on Saturday with a fabulous cake from La Patisserie (if you haven't been, you are missing out!) We may even do a day drive to Wisconsin to buy cheese and go antiquing. No boys allowed.

4. Due to number 3, my house has not been this clean in months. I can feel how happy it is.

So life is pretty darn good. I won't be near the computer to do any posting until Monday. I hope all of you are enjoying your summer too!

back in the swing of things

Actually, we aren't yet.

I find it really hard to get back into our routine after being gone for a few days. Especially in the summer.

Maybe if I post some pics and tell you all about it, then I can move on!

The weather was perfect, warm days and cool nights. The fourth of July was full of yummy food, watermelon seed spitting contests (my nephew Kaleb and Charlie, loading up):

and fireworks that you could feel in your stomach. We were so close to them, we had to lie on our backs for the full effect, and could actually feel the boom as they went off. Just spectacular. I played a little bocce with my niece Savanna (she is quite the athlete)

As you can see, great fun was had by all! Here is the Hanson clan, in the middle of the contest:

And of course we held our annual Ultimate Fishing Championship. Boys against the Moms. As you can see, the boys caught lots of fish (it is a tradition to catch a Blue Racer (that's a Northern to you) when you get it in the boat):Thank goodness Grandpa Dave holds them for us. Riley wasn't going to kiss any stinky old fish!Pucker up Heather!Thank goodness we don't have to kiss the perch. I am looking so enthralled as it was the only fish I caught all day. As I was reeling my line in to go home. Sad. Yes, the boys kicked our butts, and we had to buy the Dairy Queen treats on the way home.

Charlie "completely obsessed with weapons at the moment" Pohl got to shoot Grandpa Dave's BB gun (yes, the beer cans were targets, not something he used to quench his thirst).

Mike and his brother Bob hosted a party on Sat. night, there were beverages:and rides for all on Chris's new Ural with sidecar!Mike and Charlie were busy, checking out Bob's cabinhaving fun at the carnival-spending time with Mike's parents-and enjoying Sunday night races at Bemidji Speedway! (where my dad used to race when I was little).For me, the very best part of our little get-away was spending unlimited time with my sweet sis.Even if she did catch way more fish than me, and got to wear the cute hat...