Transfer

It's been a rough couple of months at work. I haven't worked a full week since the first one in December, This week I was scheduled for just 9 hours, but have been assured "it's nothing personal." Okay. Well, thanks a lot, I guess... I've been tossing applications out into the atmosphere for several weeks. A couple weeks ago I found an area Dunkin looking for a team member and decided to apply. LOL! (All the area Dunkins save one or two are owned by the same three individuals, a brother and sister, and her husband.) Well, I got a response and Monday I transferred to one that will give me more hours and a more regular schedule. I'm exhausted. Ha ha! Partly from working, and partly from getting so little sleep over the weekend because there wasn't a whole lot of communication throughout the process. On Thursday I was transferring to 4 Corners and on Friday I was told Rt 250 in Penfield. Nobody wanted to confirm the location with me and so I got up at 5am Monday hoping to be accepted at the new store. So far so good. I think I'm going to like it.

We've been getting some terribly cold weather. Not quite as cold as Minnesota, but Minnesota like. Frigid. Unbearable, unless one is a Minnesotan. Speaking of Minnesota, I am so proud of them. 

Pippy, my cat has been naughty lately. last week he peed on my bed twice. One night I was up doing laundry at 10:30pm. Two loads, with steam coming out of my ears... And then again two days later.  I'd even bought him a littler box. He didn't like the first one. The litter was too fancy... And the second one I brought in a little too late. Waaahhh! Needless to say, he was banished to the garage during the cold snap and did use the box out there. Hannah build him a nice little insulated box to sleep in, and I took him to the vet on Monday afternoon. He does not have a urinary tract infection, but he did have a check up and got caught up on his vaccines. I'm watching him like a hawk lately and can scarcely wait for the next cold spell. Here's hoping he just uses the box.

Also, my sister and I went out for a winter walk on Sunday afternoon. The walk through the woods was amazing, the temperature was brutal down at the lake, and it was just what I needed. 

Last Minute Posting

I fully intended to post something tonight, but I dropped the ball and now I desperately need to turn off the light and go to sleep because I have to get up at 5 am and go to work tomorrow. Yes, it is Christmas Eve, but a piddly, few children still show up at the daycare and so, much to our chagrin, it remains open. We are expecting two babies tomorrow and I am in charge of both. 

The daycare closes early tomorrow afternoon. At least there's that. I get out at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. In time to go home and be at the airport in Rochester by about 5:30 pm to catch a flight out around 7:45. On Christmas Eve. I'm leaving my computer home this trip, but still hoping to locate my misplaced favorite camera lens before my departure. (Thankfully, God knows where it is. I'm hoping he lets me in on the secret.)

The bag is packed, I'm ready to go.

The Days are Just Packed

It was a good week, a busy week, and an emotional week. My grandson helped remove the license plate from the back of my old car Tuesday evening. I think he used a grinder to take the rusted heads off the screws. I drove home without any plates on my car... Picked up my new ride Wednesday evening. Love it! I am now officially an adult.

Minnesota made the long drive to Florida this week. They were sick, homeless, and stressed out but they made it safely. I was blessed to be updated by my sweet son along the way. God knows I whispered many prayers for them along the way. I suppose at some point they will become "Florida" instead of "Minnesota", but not yet. I need to give that some time.

Yesterday afternoon I went to watch a movie with two friends. We drove to the opposite side of Rochester to see "The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of CS Lewis. Loved it. Very thought provoking and relevant to things I've been pondering. I went with no expectations, which turned out to be good because I was not at all disappointed. Maybe I'll even go see it again.

 My friends and I went out to eat following the movie. There was a Jeremiah's Tavern just across the street and it was perfect. I jumped outside of my usual box and ordered the Chicken and Biscuits which was loaded up with carrots, celery, and onions. Comfort food. Just what I needed.

On the way home Chris and I stopped at the pottery studio to pick up my pieces from my last class. There should have been seven, but I could only find six. I'm still missing a red one and will have to go back and look again another time.

This morning I chanced to meet an old friend at church. She'd been invited to sit with us by another friend who didn't realize we were already acquainted. This friend and I talked for quite a while after the service, sharing hearts, praying together, and finally walking out to the parking lot where we stood in a brisk wind and talked a little more. I told her I'd bought a new-to-me-car and how God always takes care of me, but when I pushed the button on my key and the lights on my new car flashed, she looked surprised. "Is that your new car?" she asked. Turns out she has the same make and model in the same color! "We're twins!" I told her. ha ha! God really does have a sense of humor.

Bits and Pieces

* It's been a stressful week. By week I mean since my last post.

* Wednesday. I met one of my kids at the therapist's office. Absolutely overwhelming. It took a few days to process all the emotions and settle my heart and soul.

* It's hard to process thoughts while tending to 3 or 4 babies all day long, but they are good therapy. I miss the other kids, but catch them when I have opportunity. I still get lots of smiles and hugs.

* I went car shopping on Saturday. A friend offered to go along and we actually had fun. I even bought a car. I'm a real grownup now. (I think.)

* On Sunday, after church (Yes, I actually got there this Sunday!) my sister Rachel and I went for a long walk through the woods, around the Webster Recreational Center, and back again. Later I made some chicken noodle soup, and took Idris down to the lake for a little while. It was a nice weekend.

* Yesterday I was stressed at work. Lots on my mind 

* My Minnesota family is struggling. They're moving to Florida, closing on their house, and dealing with sickness, movers, and lots of unknowns. It's so hard when all I can do is pray. It's not nothing, but sometimes it feels like nothing... They start the long drive tomorrow. Please pray for health and safety, for peace and rest, and for the transition to a completely new environment. And thank you. This mom appreciates it ever so much.

Two Weeks

 I've never gone so long between posts as between this one and the last. I can hardly recall what's happened that I might want to look back on...

* Minnesota. I lost track of how many times Jim said, "You know, Mom, you could stay another week," or "Mom, don't you want to stay another week?" I have to admit, it was very tempting. Deep inside I wanted to say yes, but I have a job that I needed to get back to and only three of the five days I'd taken were paid. When it came time to say goodbye, Parker (Number 11) was just waking up from a nap. He wasn't much in the mood for a cuddle, so I kissed his little forehead, told him I loved him, and choked back the emotion that wanted to well up inside and leak out my eyes.

On Thursday night, September 2, my blog friend Kim picked me up at Jim's house and we went for a walk at the Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary which was only about a mile or so away. She had a limited span of time to spend but I was grateful for her company. I don't know if I will ever get back to Minnesota and I missed her last time I visited. My friend Kristina wasn't feeling well when I was there and so we didn't get a chance to meet up. I'm hoping one day in the future we will make another connection.

Jim was off work for the weekend, so we took a ride with the boys on Saturday afternoon. We stopped to say hello to Jim's childhood buddy Dan and his wife Rachel in Farmington on our way to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. It was a quick visit, mostly some hugs, a picture or two, and a little conversation, and then we were on our way. Dan and Rachel had a prior engagement to attend and hadn't been aware of my presence in MN until the previous evening.

We took the boys on a little hike through the woods to a "hidden" waterfall where an ever changing group of people enjoyed the cool water. The little found it wonderfully fascinating, while their older brother kept a sharp watch on them. I watched through my camera lens.

I returned from Minnesota on Sunday, September 6 following a fabulous brunch at Grammy and Granddad's house where we took some family pictures and Jim helped me do an "early" check-in for my flight because I'd forgotten all about it when we went to the woods on Saturday. He took me to the airport a little after 4 pm for my 5:30 pm flight home. I arrived in Rochester at approximately 11:30 pm local time and my friend Chris, who works near the airport, picked me up a little after midnight and took me home. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I miss my Minnesota people. In fact, I miss them very much. 

 * After my week away and flight home, I was relieved to have Labor Day off work. There were no picnics or parties planned. Late in the afternoon I took a drive out to find my friend Gail at her cottage in Williamson and we combed the rocky lake shore for bits of tumbled glass. It was an unusually quiet Labor Day. On my way home from Gail's I stopped by Bethany's house to drop a birthday gift off for Jilly (Number 8) who turned 6 while I was out of town. Jake (Number 5) had a birthday on September 11 and is now halfway to 18. (He's nine.)

* Work was crazy while I was gone and I returned to a daycare running at partial capacity. It's been a strange week and a half. The children have returned to school and are slowly trickling back in from mandatory isolations. (Yeah, that. I skipped town just in time.) Something in the daycare feels off, but it isn't the sickness. I'm hoping whatever it is passes and everything begins to feel normal again, but this too is a growing moment. 

* There was a family gathering on Sunday afternoon with chile. The forecast inspired us to change locations and so there were 12 grandchildren running about and frolicking in the house, yard, and driveway. They caught baby crickets in the grass and played in the rain. There were grown up conversations, heated discussions, and moments of encouragement. My heart is full and achy at the same time. 

* I started a new pottery class last night. Same instructor as in the spring as well as one classmate. I also know two others in the class; my friend Dan and his friend Katie. Although I haven't been to the studio much in the past few months, it felt comfortable and relaxed. I'm looking forward to the next eight weeks and wondering what kind of vessels will emerge... 

** I'm also still enjoying pottery nights with my cousins. This is my second "lace" cup, this time with a handle. I haven't yet decided how I'll finish it. It's possible I'll have it fired at the studio as they run their kilns at a much higher temperature. Time will tell.

Lots to Love

There is a lot to love in Minnesota. The little ones here are full of smiles and snuggles. 

Jim is working from home, and Michele continues to recover from childbirth. She is absolutely amazing.

We've spend most of our time inside. The backyard is off limits due to an impending tree removal, but we've gone out on the front sidewalk for a bit of time each afternoon. "The Sickness" is keeping us close to home.

I don't feel like I've been a tremendous help here, but I have snuggled children, changed diapers, and cleaned the kitchen. Well, I loaded the dishwasher anyway...

The Lake Was Gorgeous

 The lake was gorgeous last night. Rough and tumble waves rocked the shore and blasted the breakwater drenching anyone and anything in the way. I got my feet and pant legs wet and it was wonderful. I love the lake calm and still, and I love it rough and wild.

I'm heading out of town. In a little less than an hour I'll pack my bags into the back of my car. I'm flying to Minnesota to see my grandsons and meet their baby sister. I'm hoping to be helpful to my handsome son and his beautiful wife. I'm also hoping for a minute or two to catch a visit with my friends Kim and Kristina. I have a week.

Black Lives Matter

It's been a horrific weekend. Even with seventeen hours between here and Minneapolis, last night we found our county under a curfew that remains in effect until tomorrow morning. Peaceful protests have turned violent in cities across the entire country. We are in deep mourning...

My son took his little family away from the city of St Paul, Minnesota on Saturday to the suburbs where Michele's parents reside. It has been a regular routine in the past, but the reasons were different yesterday. This weekend my heart is in Minnesota.

It was a beautiful weekend too. We had some rain, some very warm sunshine, and a cold breeze that left today being one of those warm/cold days where I put my sweater on only to take it off again after a few minutes. I wanted to be out, so I weeded my flower garden, and then I wanted to be in, so I made pie. Lemon meringue. One for a friend and one for us.

Tomorrow I return to early morning duties in the baby room at work. 💕

Minnesota

I don't know where to begin... There is a knot in my stomach and an ache deep within my heart. I feel helpless to make a difference, yet compelled to find a way. Lord, help me! My sweet daughter in law posted this on Facebook today along with the quote from Martin Luther King Jr.

"My city is on fire. Our beautiful Twin Cities are burning to the ground. Just 2 miles away from the home I chose to raise my family in. The home where I usually feel safe.

I don't feel safe today. I feel anxious and scared. But, the feelings that I have in this moment pale in comparison to the fear, anxiety and anger that generations of Black Americans have felt for FOUR centuries in this country.

These riots are a symptom of a much larger sickness in this country and if we want them to stop, then things NEED to change. I don't condone riots in any form, even those that stem from sporting events (especially those!), but there is a bigger problem.

We must not simply be "not racist" we need to be Anti-Racist. This has gone on for far too long."

I don't know how to do or say the right thing as it seems someone is always misunderstanding my heart. Oft times that someone is me. I want to see clearly, and although there are still obstacles in the path, I am working to remove as many as possible. 

I had decided not to watch the video. What could possibly be gained by watching a man die needlessly at the hands of another? And then I read an article.  It said of the video, "The whole scene is deeply disturbing. And I believe every white American should watch it." I did., and I am undone.

What is to become of us? Will God bring beauty from these ashes?

I have seen photos of hope and heard stories of healing. One officer has been arrested. Prayers are being answered.

Change of Plans, and A few Wedding Photos

Feeling a little overwhelmed this evening. I talked to a hurting friend upon arriving home this evening. Sat in my car, and then got out and locked my purse inside... along with my keys. (Will I ever learn?) Thankfully, I was not locked out of the house and I had my phone in my pocket. I rearranged my evening plans and called for help. And then my grandson came over to sit with me for a bit while his dad made a visit to Urgent Care. The evening turned out just fine, even if I didn't make it to the grocery store.

Hey! I found some beautiful photos online... (It's that wedding I went to last month.) 

That's my son behind the girl in the purple shirt.

My daughter in law made the wedding party cake. Isn't that pretty?

The G.O.A.T.

I have been home from Minnesota since Monday night. I found my missing hairbrush, which wasn't actually missing at all, in the very last bag I unpacked (Yes, I unpacked all of them.), but not until after work on Tuesday. On Tuesday morning I had to borrow the hairbrush I keep in the car.

Today I was looking for a pen, but when I reached into my purse for the little bag I bought to keep them in, I found the bag was missing. I checked the cabinet where I'd stashed my purse during work. I checked my car. When I got home I checked my bedroom. I did not panic even though my checkbook is inside the pouch, but the longer I looked without success, the more uneasy I became.

I filed a missing item report with the airline. I wracked my brain. When was the last time I'd seen it? I knew I'd used a pen in Minnesota, but I couldn't remember anything past that. It's not anything fancy, just a plain white/gray canvas pencil bag with a goat on one side, and "The G.O.A.T." on the other. I bought it because the large pocket inside my purse has a hole, and I don't like things like pens and checkbooks floating around the liner of my handbag. It was doing a splendid job.

I prayed the Lord would help me find the bag, not because of the bag itself or the pens, but because of the checks. This evening I left a status update on Facebook. "Lost something. Maybe on the flight from MN to Rochester. Or maybe it's here somewhere and I just can't find it. Prayers for its recovery would be appreciated. Thanks."

My son answered, "What did you lose? Besides your hairbrush." Funny guy. Turns out I left it in the glove compartment of Michele's van. Tucked it in there when I lightened my load before we went into the Renaissance Festival, and then completely forgot about it. Ha ha! Good thing my son's memory is still working. In my defense, I was very sleepy on the way home from the festival Sunday afternoon... Maybe I was sleepy when I put it in there too.

Minnesota Ren Fest Take 2

Yesterday morning at church I witnessed the dedication of my sweet little grandson Parker. Number Eleven. He didn't cry when the pastor took him his arms to pray and his big brother was well behaved too. It was the grandparents who had their eyes open, cameras in their hands...

Following church we headed to Shakopee, Minnesota and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. We rode the shuttle bus from the parking lot, dodged mud puddles in the path, and dined on turkey legs. There was more to see than the eye could, or should ..., take in. Ha ha!

We left the festival tired and sun soaked, but not as dusty and dirty as six years ago. I mostly just took in the scenery and didn't spend much, but I couldn't resist buying a teapot from ASH Pottery.

I fly home in two and a half hours...

The Wedding

I came to Minnesota because my son lives here, but the gentle nudge to follow through and actually book a flight came from my son's childhood buddy Dan. He called me back in April or May and said, "I'm giving you a verbal invitation to my wedding." An actual wedding invitation followed a few months later, but by then I'd already made the decision to be here. Dan has called me "Mom" for years now, and as much as he loves me, I am also grateful for his parents who stepped in to be family for my son when he first moved here twelve years ago.

The wedding was incredibly beautiful, and fun. I put my camera down for the ceremony. Actually, I left it in the care of my beautiful daughter in law who was sitting several rows behind me. I did not want the temptation in my hands because I knew there would be moments I wanted to capture, and there was a photographer for that. Instead, I sat in the front row with Dan's parents and another couple close to his heart. What an honor bestowed on me! I am humbled and grateful, and I love that boy!  (I stole a photo online.)

No pictures of the horses that carried the groom and bride to the ceremony. No shots of the dogs who came in with the bridesmaids. And no photos of the pooch turned ring bearer either. I took it in without distractions. This wedding, like those of my own children, had my full attention.

Congratulations, Dan and Rachel! I wish you every happiness!

I Think It Might Be Friday

It was a day of sunshine mixed with clouds. I wasn't sure how to pack for five days in Minnesota, but when I was here five years ago it was warm and sunny, so I packed summer clothes and brought my jean jacket. I should have brought my sweatshirt too.

Tomorrow is Dan's wedding. I went to the rehearsal with Jim this afternoon. I had my jacket with me, but underneath I had no extra layer of sleeves. After yesterday's rain everything is damp, and the temperatures and wind were just enough to make me feel the chill. Thankfully the forecast calls for temperatures in the 70's tomorrow. I left my camera at the house when we headed out this afternoon, but I plan to take it along tomorrow.

I don't have many pictures of Number 6 (Austin). He was at school all day yesterday and today. Tomorrow he will be staying with his Grammy and Granddad while we attend the wedding, so I hope we have time for some pictures on Sunday. He's got a great head of hair!

It's been a relaxing time here so far. Now for a weekend of fun.

Here I Am in Minnesota

I did not pay attention to dates when making plans to fly, only to days of the week. The wedding is on Saturday (my son's best friend) and I wanted a couple days with my family as well. I considered flying out on Thursday morning, but that would have meant getting up at an ungodly hour to be at the airport for a 6 am flight. I opted to get out of work early and fly out at 5 pm on Wednesday instead. It wasn't until Tuesday that I realized I'd purchased a ticket for 9-11.

I arrived safely in Minneapolis at about 9 pm local time just as the storm clouds were rolling in. It's been a dark, dreary, rain-filled day and that is perfectly okay. This morning I sat on the floor and played with my little grandson. It comes so natural, just like I was made to snuggle little ones. Ha ha! We took it easy today, caught naps this afternoon, and went out to play indoor mini-golf and eat pizza this evening.

Sleep has been elusive and I am totally tuckered. Weirdness fills the dreams I can recall by morning. You know, the kind something akin to chasing a school bus from one stop to the next, never catching up to it, and finally arriving at school only to find you are not fully clothed... ? Except it wasn't that one this time around. And it wasn't the one where I am in desperate need of bathroom facilities that are all occupied, filthy, or nonexistent. This dream, which occurred a few days ago, had to do with me needing a shower and all kinds of complications in getting the task accomplished; falling shower hooks/curtains, a public shower facility, a man in the adjacent shower, people knocking on the door to get in... I don't recall ever being successful in acquiring a shower while still dreaming. I only know I'm still tired.

It is a strange thing to lose all track of time. Not only have I entered a different time zone, but I've almost completely lost track of what day it is. I knew what day it was when I got up yesterday morning, but lost it somewhere along the way. Maybe that's a good thing, huh?

On another note, I got this little bit from my sweet Hannah this evening, "We pulled onto our street tonight and Idris gasped for joy and said, 'Honey Gram is home!' 🙃 He’s going to be so excited when you get back!" He probably saw my car in the driveway and forgot that they took it home from the airport. Aw, I miss him too.
:0)

Bits and Pieces

* All I want to do is sleep. I was wondering what in the world is wrong with me when I suddenly remembered... it's allergy season! It's been a cool, wet spring, but one look out the window at those flowering trees, bushes, and flowers will remind you there is an abundance of pollen in the air, on the ground, and covering anything in the vicinity of flowering plants, which is just about everything. (I'm not sneezing yet, but that could happen tomorrow...)

* Today I received a very special package in the mail. It came from Minnesota and a sweet almost six year old. I hate that he is growing up so far away, but I know he has a set of grandparents there who love him and his baby brother very much, and they don't have other grandchildren like us. We have a plethora of grandchildren, which makes sharing just a wee tiny bit easier.

* Two of my boys brought me flowers for Mother's Day. So sweet of them. Especially the one without a wife to remind him. He is a treasure, but then again, aren't they all? I only wish I could gather everyone under one roof again, ... or at least in one yard. That is the hope and prayer of this mom's heart.

* It's supposed to rain most of the week. I hope that means we'll have a nice weekend.
:0)

Spring and Stuff

Spring never arrives without a fight. March is a continual battle of winter winds and snow against lengthening days and climbing temperatures. It's been a wet, muddy week with warm days and cold days, sunny days, and rain. Tomorrow we could get a bit of snow. Anything is possible.

The past week has been heartbreaking, hopeful, and hard. I am exhausted from staying up too late and waking up too early. I've been grateful for my work friends, especially the little ones, the ones who wrap their little arms around me daily and never look at me funny if my eyes are red and puffy. I am thankful for a God who loves me more than I can imagine, and Who knows just what I need well ahead of time. He provided me with friends who took me out to dinner this week because He knew I would need an extra bit of encouragement to get me through, and He made it possible for me to drive out to the house in Williamson for a couple of hours this afternoon before the Barefoot Lumberjack takes off on a far away trip for ten days.This evening I met up with my Minnesota family and met my newest grandson who is four months old already. I left my camera at home, on purpose, and just savored being with them.

Tonight I am better again. I feel more settled even if nothing around me does. I have a full and busy week ahead, along with a doctor appointment sandwiched in on Wednesday afternoon. Maybe one day I will sort through the boxes of stuff scattered about my room, but I don't think it will be any time too soon. 

Welcome to the World, Number 11

He made his arrival last evening. I'm not sure what time it was, but his daddy replied to my inquiring text with, "He's here!" That's all I wanted to know before I closed my eyes for the night. My little grandson was safely nestled in his parents' arms. I'd prayed all day long and my prayer had been answered.

Parker. His name is Parker. I have to post borrowed photos, beautiful borrowed photos, because he is too far away for me to visit right now. I am thankful for this internet connection that allows me to share in the celebration of his arrival. I heard my son cried. They waited so long and tried so hard for this child. Three tiny angels wait for them in heaven... and this little one is here. We are incredibly blessed! I can hardly wait until spring.

Bits and Pieces

* My Minnesota family has come and gone. It hardly seems possible they were here just last night... How can it feel so long ago already? I didn't take pictures this time. Not many anyway. Just a few at the restaurant on my birthday.

* My sweet brother is having a struggle again. He took a fall on Saturday and although the doctor can't find anything wrong, Tim is having trouble walking. I didn't get out to see him on Sunday. Another meeting kept me away, but Rachel went. She sent me a "selfie" of her and our big brother.

* I don't have much else to share. This week finds me tired and a little overwhelmed. I am thankful for a short work week as the daycare is closed on Good Friday. I won't be sleeping in because I have an appointment to get my van fixed, but I hope to catch up with myself as I catch up with a few other things too.

* I stopped by the pottery studio after work and found a few of my glazed pieces waiting. Pleasantly surprised by how they turned out. I'll have to take a few pictures when I can get outside in the natural light. Not sure what the chances are of sunshine this weekend, but even rain looks good on pottery.

Thirty-Six

It was my birthday but rather than getting older, I got younger instead. It all started a few years back when I didn't want to be 45... (see here) Today I caught my oldest son at 36 on my way back to 30. He'll be 37 in September but I've already done that. Twice. Ha ha!

I came home from the daycare to find the house brimming with children. It was awesome. Five grandkids in one room. What could be better than that except ten?

This evening I went out to dinner with my Minnesota family and Little Bear and I ate steak. Oh, yummy!