Monday, August 31, 2015

Well, another month over with. . .where do the days go?
Yesterday we went to early service as usual.  It was the 5th Sunday of the month and often we have a song service then.  There were 10 hymns with bible verses in between.  We can suggest hymns the month prior to this, and 2 of the hymns that I had requested were sung, 2 that I really love. . . In Christ Alone, and On Eagles' Wings.  I really love this service, wish it would come around more often.  Pastor also had a prayer for the group that Kathy is going to Romania with.  They leave Wednesday for 2 weeks, it's a humanitarian mission.  Very brave of them all!

After service we had a few things to pick up at WalMart, and then met Kathy and Terry for lunch at Culver's.  Yum.  Had a few things on the list for HyVee, so made that stop and then headed home.  For some reason I was really tired when we got home, so took a nap.  Orrin picked up apples, there were quite a few windfalls already.  I had told him I would help, so I felt guilty about sleeping through it.  

After a popcorn supper !! I did quite a bit of stamping to get ready for craft club Tuesday night.  

This morning I woke up with more energy.  Ted and I had our morning walk and it was cool enough to wear the bright orange jacket.  We're pushing it a little further each day.  Then I got several loads of clothes done during the day, and decided to make bread again.  I used the buttermilk/honey recipe and made on loaf of bread and one pan of caramel rolls.  This is the same one I used the time the power went out and they had raised to 3 times the size they should have.  Anyway, this time all went well and they turned out really good.  I should have used a deeper pan, as the caramel cooked over a bit and messed up the oven.  So I was able to try out the self clean feature on the top oven.  I love the 2 ovens!  And there was an interesting odor in the house today.  But they tasted good!  I also did a little more stamping.

Also heard this morning on FB that the sale barn in Watertown burned down.  Kathy works there one day a week.  It was a pretty big fire.

This afternoon we had appointments at the chiropractor again, things are going really well there, think we can change to every two weeks next time.  And of course, had lunch at the DQ.  Then came home and watched a pretty good movie and are watching another one.  Such an exciting life!

And poor teddy, the excitement was just too much for him. . . haha!

In and hour, sunflower! Hugs, Orrin, Linda and poor tired Teddy


Goodbye August Hello September, please be a good month and bring smiles and happiness to family and friends.

 
 

Saturday, August 29, 2015

We had such a pleasant surprise tonight.  I was just thinking about what to have for supper, when we had a call from Debbie!!  They were at Gene's, and were headed our way and asked if we could meet for supper.  So we made plans to meet at After Five in Madison and had a nice meal and visit there.  Then they followed us to the farm to visit some more!  We checked out the shop (Rich is very much into old tractors) and then came into the house.  Rich reminisced about painting our house, many years ago. I think that was before they were married, so many, many years ago!  It was just so nice to have them come and visit.  They were on their way to Marshall, a good friend and former classmate, John Festerling lives there.  And they were also on their way home from Canada, visiting Sarah and family.

The last few days were pretty uneventful.  I did some more organizing and cleaning.  Think I'll have to bake bread more often, this recipe is quite simple and we do enjoy it.  Started another book, which I am close to finishing. 

The weather was kind of iffy for a few days, so haven't gone walking.  Today would have been okay, but just didn't get out there.  

And, you know, that's about it!  

Give a hug, ladybug!

Hugs, Orrin, Linda and Teddy.

When we have nothing left but God, we discover that God is enough!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

And another month is winding down!  You can tell fall is in the air, a real chill in the mornings!

Yesterday I got the kitchen pretty well cleaned up, only to mess it up again! I baked bread in the afternoon.  I don't know how I make such a mess, I didn't think I used to!  Anyway, the fresh bread smelled good and tasted great.  :)  I brought a loaf of it for Al and Lisa tonight.

We met them and the boys at Duffy's in Redwood Falls for supper to celebrate their anniversary which was last week.  They always have really good food there.  I ordered bread pudding for us all to share.  Alan had never had it before, and thought it was pretty good.  I remember it was a favorite of my dad's.  

I worked on their card today (of course, why get it done too early!)  and did  manage a nap, too.  I was going to take Teddy for a walk, but somehow that never happened.

 Delores called me while we were on the way home.  Disturbing news from EMPI where I used to work.  25 people were laid off today, she was one of them.  Many that were long time employees.  Very upsetting.
And on that note.  . . .
Take care, Polar Bear!



Hugs, Orrin, Linda and Teddy

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Good evening!  We went to second service this morning as we were staying in town for Great Plains opening service.  It sure is different at second service, not nearly as many people and a completely different bunch!

After service we had lunch at Culver's and then did a few chores in town.  I needed a few things from WalMart, and Orrin wanted to stop at Menard's.  We did some phone shopping to replace the set that has gone bad on us.  Nothing on sale, and I finally said just get these when we were in Target.  They had a good deal on softener salt at Menard's, buy 3 get one free, so we loaded up the car!  

Then we went to Great Plains.  There were quite a few people there already.  I helped in the kitchen, setting out bars and sandwiches.  The auxiliary ladies were all helping.  Parents of the Juniors and Seniors brought the food, and we served it.

At 4 the opening service started.  John Raasch, a classmate of Jeremy and Laura's was the guest preacher, and he did a very good job!  He's a new dad of a 2 month old little boy.  We didn't get to see his wife and baby as she was off feeding him.  We did visit with him for a while and he said to say hi to Jeremy, Laura and Maria, so hi guys!  And then we found out that Pastor Nathan Zastrow was engaged!  They're hoping for a June wedding, but there are a lot of hoops to jump through to get approvals and get his bride over here.  She's from England. I'm so happy for him.  I will always remember and be thankful for the visits he made to see Jane in Graceville.  I know she and Eugune really did appreciate it.  He is such a nice young man.

There were some young ladies there that were traveling through to New Ulm, I believe.  Anyway, I perked up when I heard that one of them had gone to Manitowac Lutheran High.  I asked her if she knew Tosha Cole and she said, of course!  She really praised Tosha, saying she was so encouraging and so positive.  

We finally headed home again,  where we were greeted by a very happy Teddy!
And we're tired after a busy day.  So - Chop Chop, Lollipop!

Hugs, Orrin, Linda and Teddy

Before you judge someone else, stop and thing about all that God has forgiven you for.
 

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Good evening!  It's been a long day, with strong winds most of the day and warnings of tornado.  Nothing really came of it, and I haven't heard of any actual action.  Praise God!!

I jumped, literally, out of bed this morning at 5:40.  I wanted to be on the road to Watertown by 6, as Needleworks was having a large sale starting at 7, with the best deals between 7 and 8.  40% off most everything then, 30% off between 8 and 9, etc.  There were several ladies already there!  My main objective was their exceptional thread for machine embroidery.  I snagged quite a bit, so was a happy camper.  Of course, my dream would have been the top of the line Baby Lock, but at $9500 on sale, that was still out of my reach.

I'm ready to do lots of embroidery now, if I could just find my HOOPS!!  

I had breakfast with Kathie Olson at Perkins, and we had a great visit.  I think we sat there close to 2 hours, just chatting and getting to know each other better.  We are planning on going together to an embroidery class in Sioux Falls in November, sure hope the weather will cooperate.

After a stop at HyVee for some groceries, I made it home by noon.  After being up so early, I had a little nap this afternoon.  Then read some more and Orrin and I watched our Saturday lineup.  

And that's about it!  Out the door, dinosaur!

Hugs, Orrin, Linda and Teddy

Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.

 

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Hi, I'm finally sitting down and posting, sorry for the lapse.  Just kind of same old, same old.

Monday night was CRS club.  Darlyne had it so it was close to home.  We had fun as always.  I think my penny box was a little emptier, but next time I'll probably fill it again!  I caught up on some news, seems that and craft club are the only times I get to do that. 

Tuesday afternoon was Treadlers.  It started out with a very rainy morning.  It just kept on. . . .all day!  I told Orrin I'd take the Buick and put gas in.  Well, I did that, but silly me, I hadn't worn a jacket, so I got soaked.  The station had canopies, but they were too high up to do any good.  Oh, well, I dried off.  And I don't worry much about my hair!!  :)  (shown below)

I don't do selfies very well.  Someone had commented on my Facebook cover photo and I realized it was around 8 years old, so thought I'd update. 

We always have a nice meal after working at Treadlers and then I headed home.  We ended up with 4" of rain.

Yesterday was just a regular day.  I did a little laundry, cleaned up the kitchen and started reading a book.  We did have a little warm up and some sunshine.

Today I just couldn't seem to get a good start.  I did get a morning walk in with Teddy.  We finally had some sunshine all day.  It was just a pleasant day.  Our landline hadn't been working and we called it in Monday.  Someone finally came out today.  He worked on it all afternoon, with Orrin helping.  It finally rings through, but one of the phones turned out to be no good.  And now the one by Orrin's chair isn't working.  We're wondering if that lightning strike and power outage a week ago had something to do with it.  I rarely use that phone, we really only keep it for the shop, so we didn't even realize it wasn't working right away.  Well, anyway, the phone in the kitchen is working now (Orrin had a call a minute ago!)  I'm working on that book yet, I think I'll finish it tonight.  Had a nice visit with Wendy, I think it's been a few weeks since we've talked.

And that's about it.  One of these days I'll post before and after pictures of this area.  I have the before one, still working on the after!

Hugs,  Orrin, Linda and Teddy

Now, I find this disturbing -

Mothers never really die, they just keep house in the sky,
They polish the sun by day and light the stars that shine at night,
Keep the moonbeams silvery bright,
And in the heavenly home above,
They wait to welcome those they love.

I find this disturbing because. . . while many I loved would fit that, I really don't want to have to keep house in heaven too!!  (posted on my Facebook page)

August 16, 2015 the day after (15th) Terry and Kathy's anniversary

We were packed and ready to leave the resort by 8:30 yesterday.  We met in Brandon and Grandma Patty's restaurant for breakfast and our last chance to visit for the week.  After our meal we all said our goodbyes and left for our respective homes.  Sniff, sniff.  But we are all so thankful for the time and opportunity to be together for the week.  
We did book for next year, it will be August 13-20 in 2016, so a week later, because of the way the weeks fall.  There is a very slight possibility that we could get cabins 2 weeks earlier, so look at your calendars and let us know by January if that would work.  Remember, I said a slight possibility.  We did get a 4th cabin, because if everyone can make it, we almost need that.  We send the deposit in January, so we'd have to have some idea by then.  
We made it home about 1:30, we had stopped at the DQ in Dawson for lunch.  Orrin brought in all the boxes, etc. while I ran over and got the shaggy dog.  Who isn't shaggy now, because he was groomed!  Vicki was boarding another dog that looked very much like Teddy, and she was getting attention from me.  Teddy was still getting groomed, and when he saw that he had to jump off the table and put a stop to that!  He is a very jealous dog.  Silly guy.  
We are missing all our our little people already.  Especially that little girl that demanded attention and bossed us all around!  The little boys did so well this last week, and really got to know each other.  And the big boys were wonderful in helping, too.  The fish fries were yummy.
When I got home I was just exhausted and so was Orrin.  We watched the PGA championship golf, and took naps!  Jordan really came back Saturday.  He was up to second place by today's round.  Jason Day did win, he had a large lead, but Jordan was second.  And in doing that, he is now #1 ranked golfer in the world!  at 22!  It's just fun to watch him play, especially his putting.  I know it probably sound boring to most of you, but we enjoyed it.  Even though that was one thing we didn't get done last week, was a round of golf.  
Early service this morning, and afterward we went to Minerva's with Krause's and Draeger's to celebrate Terry and Kathy's 44th anniversary.  When I read Kathy's blog last night and realized that it was their anniversary, I quickly made them a card.  I think they were going to the movies after brunch, but we decided to come home and finish unpacking.  I hadn't touched any of the boxes.  I got them all unpacked and most everything put away.  
Last night we had another thunderstorm pass through after midnight.  We got 1" of rain with that, and the tv seemed wacko when we woke up.  When we got home this afternoon, we rebooted the receiver and it seems fine now.  It was raining in Watertown and all the way home, we got another .2" from that.  My poor flowers were looking pretty bad when we got home, so I'm hoping this will revive them.  
Tomorrow I'll have to run into town for the mail and then we have chiro appointments in the afternoon.  After sleeping in cabins this last week, we can really use that!
Just a couple more pictures from the last week that I'm not sure if I'd shared. If I have, you get to see them twice!  LOL

And an anniversary card.

And that's all for tonight.

Orrin, Linda and Teddy

At my lowest, God is my Hope,
At my darkest, God is my Light,
At my weakest, God is my Strength,
At my saddest, God is my Comforter.

 

August 14, 2015 Last night at the lake for 2015

Good evening.  This will be short, we're busy packing up after a wonderful week on vacation with most of the family.  Our last fish fry of the week, with potatoes on the grill, sweet corn and watermelon!  

It was a good day to be at the beach, the temps got quite high. I don't know how high, sometimes it's better not to know!  The guys got some good fishing in again, but it was catch and release because we already had enough for the fish fry.

And with that, I'll share a few more pictures and be back when we get home.

climbing up (multiple times)

And made it to the top, then on the way home on her tummy! She never got tired of this and would be upset if we tried to help her.

And last, our final fish supper, we sure didn't go hungry!

Good night all from lake country.

Orrin and Linda, Al and Lisa, Nate and Donald, Dan, Justin, Zachary and Micah, Cori, Isaiah and Riley.


 

August 13, 2015

Oh, my, our week is slowly coming to a close. Just one more day of fun and games and then packing up on Saturday morning.  Jeremy never did show up, no surprise there.  

It was overcast most of the day, but just a few sprinkles here and there.  It was kind of a nice break, not to have sun all day, and the temps were just right.  It was leftovers night for supper, which worked out well.  Tomorrow we will have another fish fry, as our fishermen are doing a good job!

Cori and I went into Alex today just for a break.  We parked on main street and walked up and down a few blocks.  Riley and Isaiah were along.  We found a couple antique shops, a quilt shop, a used bookstore and a new bookstore and. . . a candy store!!  So we all had an ice cream cone and sat outside and watched the crowds go by.  Then we stopped at Ace Hardware where I picked up a fuse for the boat (the wrong one of course).  

We had a fire tonight, and made some 'smores and some pudgy pies.  Yum.  We had brought along some sparklers for the kids, and some glow sticks.  When Dick Wagner (the resort owner) saw the sparklers, he brought out a bottle rocket and set it off for the kids!  Fun times and a fun evening.

Here are a few pics -

This morning, Justin, Cori and I helped Isaiah and Micah fish off the dock.  I don't do worms and neither does Cori. Neither of us do unhooking fish either, but Justin said he could. Until he opened his tackle box and discovered Zach had taken his glove out on the boat.  (Gramps, Al, Dan and Zach were out trolling, or as Isaiah says "controlling".) Anyway, what to do?  Well, Justin was resourceful and found a piece of foam, which he put around the fish and held it while one of us used a pliers to get the hook out!   It was just so funny, I finally started laughing!  One of the poor fish ended up with the hook left in.  We put them each on their own stringer. When the men came in they said they were all too small anyway, and just threw them back!  I did manage to cast Micah's line out for him, and Cori and Justin helped with the rest.  Fun times and memories.

And that's it for another day at the lake.  Hugs,

Orrin and Linda, Alan, Lisa, Nate and Donald, Dan, Justin, Zachary and Micah, Cori, Isaiah and Riley.
 

August 12, 2015 Natosha's birthday!

Hi, sorry I missed last night, but all this fresh air is just making me sleepy by the end of the day.  Lots of fishing again and some beach time, of course.

Dan and the boys made it here by 4 o'clock. It was so good to see them!  They unloaded in no time and settled into the empty spaces in cabin 1 & 2.  Micah lost no time making friends with his cousins.  So fun to watch the boys since they are so close in age.  Micah and Isaiah are actually only 3 weeks apart in age!

Today I went out with Dan and the boys.  I never put a line in the water but enjoyed the time with them.  They didn't get any keepers, but we have been catching plenty of fish.  Tonight was our first fish fry night.  So we had fresh fish and sweet corn!  We certainly haven't been going hungry this week!

We played some lawn farkel tonight, but it got called for darkness!

Just going to add some pictures and call it a night.

trying out the new tube.

Isaiah brave enough to try out the slide.

Riley's favorite slide.

a little dock fishing.

And good night to all, Orrin and Linda, Al, Lisa, Nate and Donald, Dan, Justin, Zachary and Micah, Cori, Isaiah and Riley.



 

August 10, 2015

Just another beautiful day at the lake! This morning was my first buttermilk pancake day for this week.  We kind of did that in shifts because that was how everyone woke up!  Orrin and Al were up by 6:30 and had gone out fishing, so they ate last when they came in at 8:30.

Nothing exciting today, just enjoying the lake and scenery.  The boys have a ball in the lake.  Riley just loves it too, and loves to watch.

Alan had some beer that Lisa's sister brought from Egypt, so he tried that out.  Beer's beer as far as I'm concerned.  

Spaghetti supper tonight which Cori made.  Very good, but we decided not to do it on the table this year.  Then Al, Lisa and Orrin took the three boys out again.  They caught quite a few sunnies again.  Grandpa grumbled because he would just put the worm on the hook and he had to take the fish off the hook!  

Pictures below.

The last lake picture shows the mighty fishing crew!  The rest are self explanatory.

And another day under our belts.

Hugs, Orrin and Linda, Al, Lisa, Donald and Nate, Cori, Isaiah and Riley.

August 9, 2015 1st full day at the lake!

It's been beautiful weather so far!!  The guys have done a little fishing and we've had lots of beach time.  I've posted pictures on Facebook, but will post them here too.

Orrin got up early this morning and went out.  He came in and said "well, we almost had a whole meal from one fish!"  He caught a really large northern, and wanted a picture of it (to show Jeremy I think) Al met him at the dock and somehow in the process of handing over the fish, it got dropped! So no fish and no picture!

We got up yesterday and started loading up the pickup with all the boxes.  Of course, it started raining.  We did get it loaded, and started off. We ran out of the rain rather quickly. We were in Alexandria by noon and met Cori and her little people at Fleet Farm. Did a little shopping there and then went for lunch at Culver's. Then Orrin headed over to the resort while Cori and I went to WM for some grocery shopping.

Spent the rest of the day unpacking and enjoying the beach!  Al and Lisa made it there around 2.  We'd picked up pizzas in Alex, so that was our first meal.  It was beautiful out, so the kids did a lot of swimming and enjoying the water.

And pictures below.  There will be more to come.  It was another beautiful day today.  Sweet corn for supper tonight.  Dad and Al took the 3 boys out for some fishing, which went well.  They found a good sunfish spot and they caught quite a few.  Made the boys happy, anyway!  We're all looking forward to some more Cole's that are coming in a few days.  :)

And now I'm tired, so will add some pictures and call it a day.

Hugs, Orrin and Linda, Cori, Isaiah, and Riley, Al, Lisa, Nate and Donald

 

August 6, 2015 Micah George's 5th birthday!

And how exciting is that!  Orrin and I called him this morning, so we would catch them home, and we did!  He really is a little chatterbox, and I'm not sure that we caught everything he said, but close enough.  I told him we would bring his card and present to the lake.  In the meantime he was busy opening the package we had already left there when we were there last!  Duh, old age, you think?  Anyway, when Dan reminded me of this, of course, then I did remember it. So he had the fun of opening his gift already! Looks like they're having a good day in Bay Beach Park.  Stole this from Facebook.

 I let Teddy out after he ate this morning, and he wouldn't come back when we called. I'm not sure where he went, but when it started raining he came back in a hurry. He hates the rain. Little stinker, he will be out on the lead for a while again now. He just looked so happy! I think he was in back in the tall grass because he feet were a mess. It's just that we live next to a busy road, and we do have coyotes out back. Maybe he's getting too chunky for them?  We did go for a short walk then, but I think he was already worn out, and my legs were just tired, maybe it was the weather.  It was very humid.  It's cleared off now and Orrin is mowing lawn.

I finished the boys' cards this morning (I never got Isaiah's done) so will give them to them this next week. We can have cake and party.  Maybe an ice cream cake?

Don't show them, let it be a surprise.  

I did get some bread baked, but we ate one loaf.  LOL  I'll make some caramel rolls today yet.  And I suppose I should start packing pretty soon.  I found a new recipe for bread that I really liked and it was easy peasy.

Honey bread 

2 c. whole milk

1 1/2 tab. dry yeast

1/4 c. warm water

1/4 c. honey (I use local honey)

1 tea. Salt

1 stick butter, unsalted and diced

2 eggs

bread flour around 5 cups depending on the weather ( I used regular flour) 5 1/2- 5 3/4

Scald milk and put in the mixing bowl with the paddle.

Add in salt and the stick of butter, diced and allow to cool ( I mix on slow)

in a separate cup (I use the measuring cup from scalding the milk, it is warm) add in 1/4 c. water and 1 tab. of the honey, the rest you add to the milk mixture

Sprinkle the yeast on the warm water with honey and allow to activate until about 1/2 the measuring cup is full.

Meanwhile add the eggs to the cooled milk and start adding in flour. when a loose paste add in the yeast and add remaining flour until a soft dough is formed just sticking to the bottom of the bowl. Allow to mix with a dough hook for 5-7 min. (Mom always said the dough shoud be smooth like a baby’s bottom)

I knead by hand a couple of minutes longer to lighten it up and incorporate some air. Place in a bowl sprayed with non-stick and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise until doubled (about an hour) then gently deflate and fold over itself 6-8 times. Flip dough ball upside down so the folds are on the bottom and put back in bowl and rise again.

Deflate and gently form into 3 loafs and place in sprayed loaf pans. Cover again loosely with plastic and allow to rise. Preheat oven at 350 F. Brush loaves with eggwash and I like sesame or white poppy seeds (you can find them in the indian markets) I didn't do this.

Bake uncovered for 25 min until golden brown. Cover with foil and bake an additional 10-15 min. until bread reaches 200 F on a thermometer. Remove immediately from bread pans and cool on a rack.

Dark bread pans cook a bit faster and yield a darker crust all the way around. Let me know if you try this and how you like it. It is great fresh, toasted and makes a terriffic french toast bread or grilled cheese sandwich! 

I liked that I could do almost all of it in the mixer.  We had french toast with it last night and it was yummy.  

Well, if I'm going to do all that, I'd better get busy.  I have a little laundry to do too.  Have a great day and see most of you real soon!!

Hugs, Orrin, Linda and Teddy

August 4, 2015

Time to catch up here.  Sorry, just not too exciting for the last few days.  :(

Let's see, Sunday was church, but no bible study in August.  We went to the Roadhouse for breakfast, and then a quick stop at WalMart before heading home again.  Orrin worked on getting the boat ready for the lake, and I took a nap.  

Monday was a normal day around here.  I got the birdfeeders full and also watered my flower pots, and put water in the birdbath.  I was surprised to see about 4 birds splashing and playing in the water!  It was fun to watch them. I didn't try for a picture, because the minute I open the door they fly off.  I had another appointment with the chiropractor, I almost dread them, but it really is helping. I guess I just had a lot of knots in my neck and shoulder.  Then it was craft club last night at Ingrid's.  We filled back to school bags for needy kids, which was kind of fun.  We all agreed it was a good idea, since we really didn't need any more crafted items!  

This morning I was up early and headed to Montevideo for my mani/pedi.  They're digging up the street in front of the salon, so that was a mess to deal with.  I'm talking sidewalk and all, right up to the windows!  Kind of nerve wracking, wondering if that shovel was going to come through the window.  Shannon had done my mani and was working on the pedi when I asked when Dori was coming in.  She said, "oh, Dori is on vacation this week".  I said, but I'm supposed to have a haircut!  Apparently, somehow, that was overlooked.  Anyway, Shannon said she could skip the foot massage, and give me a trim. I said that would be wonderful! She did a great job, and I really appreciated it.

I had put a pork roast and a beef roast in the pokey pot this morning, so that was our supper.  Then I made pulled pork and pulled beef and put that in the freezer for next week.  I had found a new bread recipe online, so thought I'd try that.  It's a white honey bread.  I just pulled it out of the oven, so we'll see what it's like. I haven't baked bread in a very long time.  And there is nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread!

And that's it for today.  Tomorrow I'll start packing.  Oh, I did chat with Dan and he said that he and the boys would be coming for part of the week.  Yay!!  Hopefully, Wendy and Tim will let Matthew come with Cori so he can play with his cousins.  These years will go by so very fast.  Seems like yesterday when we went to The Village with the Vogts and the cousins could spend time together then.  And now they're all grown and many are married. And Robert, Shirley, and Jane have all passed on.  Things can change so fast.

Hugs, Orrin, Linda and Teddy

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking…You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:17, 22-4
 

August 1, 2015

Hi, finally I have something a little more interesting to post about!  2 days and 11 hours of driving we are finally home.  It was a very nice 2 days, but we are both stiff from too much sitting.  We really have to learn to stop once in a while and just walk around.

We left around 8 yesterday morning, heading east and north to Duluth.  Emily's wedding was at 4 in Hermantown.  Neither of us were familiar with that area, and I'm, at best, an inept user of my phone map thingy.  But we muddled through and made it by 2! What to do for 2 hours??  Well, we drove around a bit and saw a Sam's Club.  Well, who can resist?  Plus we needed to walk around a bit.  We made it back to the church by 3:15 and then there were more people there.  We had a chance to say hellos to family and friends.  Of course, there were many Moellers there, and we never see them, so that was nice.  And saw Beth and Tom and their family.  I wish I had taken more pictures, but my mind wasn't there, I guess.  We did get a few before the ceremony when they were taking the formal pictures.  I don't think I got one of the whole bridal party, though, which was huge!  She had 8 attendants plus Stephanie as maid of honor.  She was a lovely bride, and I really liked the bridesmaid dresses, too.  They had chosen yellow as their color, and it was so fresh and pretty!  Peter Moeller (son of David) sang and played "The Lord's Prayer". It was his own arrangement, just lovely.  Chris was going to see if she could get a copy of it, but don't know if she did or not.  Chris and Eugene were at our table, too.  So glad that Eugene was able to come. 

 The lovely Moeller sisters and their beautiful Mom, Barb.

 And the bride and her groom.

Duane gave a very entertaining speech at the reception.  I tried to get a decent snapshot, but he kept moving around!  This table includes the Kock family, and if you look to the left you'll see Duane.

And a few pictures from the reception area, of the Duluth Harbor.

It was really a picture perfect day.
There were several toasts made, and a yummy supper served.

Becca stopped at the table to visit, that's the Buszman's seated with us. 

I stole this picture from Barb's FB post, but this is all of the cousins, can you pick them all out?  From left, Carisa, Kayla, Nathan, Josh, Jonathan (who chauffered us to the reception), Daniel, Adam, Emely, Rebecca and Stephanie.  And if I got the twins mixed up, please excuse.  Great picture.

I think we were the first to leave the reception.  That must be old age creeping up.  Plus we had decided to just head home that night.  Chris had kindly offered to share their room, but we had plans to stop in Mankato, and thought we would try to get part of the way yet that night.  Well, we made our way out of town, an accomplishment in itself, and stopped in Moose Lake, but they were kind of expensive yet, so we kept going.  Got to Hinckley and found a very nice motel there.  They just had standard smoking rooms, but she gave us a jacuzzi room for the same price, non smoking.  It was late, so I'm sure that helped.  We did not make use of the jacuzzi, though.  We just kind of fell into bed and slept soundly until around 7.  They had a complimentary breakfast, which was okay, and we were back on the road by 8.

We made it to Mankato by lunch.  We took the kind of roads Darwin would have liked, the scenic route!  Not by choice, we just kept running into detours on 15.  We texted Jeremy and he said, oh yeah, he just takes back roads.  Which we did. The best thing to do in situations like that is just follow the traffic, the locals usually know the best way around it.  

We met Jeremy, Laura and Maria in town for lunch.  Bad news there, Laura isn't able to take time off for the lake (which I had expected, she just started a new job) and Jeremy and Maria are only able to make it for a few days.  The crowd is just getting smaller and smaller.  After lunch we went to Sibley Park and walked around for a while.  We needed that after the hours we've spent sitting so far.  

This is the cow statue that Laura was sure the head had moved.  I gave her the benefit of the doubt, but the guys did not!!
Then we said our goodbyes and got our hugs and off we went!  Poor Orrin, he did all the driving.  We stopped in Marshall for our Culver's, but then decided to go to Cold Stone Creamery instead and that was just yummy!  

And then we just came home.  I got in the Buick and went to pick up Teddy.  He's always so happy to go to Vicki's, but is always excited when I come to pick him up again. 

I think I've covered the high spots, if I think of anything else, I'll put it in the next blog. You know, it's just good to be home again!

Hugs, Orrin, Linda, and Teddy is back  :)

 You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22