Still Reminiscing -
On this day, August 19th in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-six (1976) these two people started dating. They were a very young (yet mature), seventeen years old, heading into their senior year of high school. Earlier that year they had dated for a few months before "she" decided "he" was way more outgoing (extrovert) than she (introvert) was comfortable with, so she ended the "relationship".

(December, 1976)

Later that year, during a week of church camp, she came to her senses and saw this guy differently. And she really liked what she saw. I mean, come on, he was the drummer in the band -- what's not to like about that! It was this day (8/19/76) when he kissed her - in the dark - on the wooded trail to the cabins -- that she knew "he was the one". Of course it took him another 5 years to realize the same about her.

Thirty-two (32) years later:

they are living happily ever after!

Happy "anniversary" drummer boy!

I'm feeling a bit nostalgic today.

Probably has everything to do with being home and all my babies not home.

As I was looking through pictures tonight I came across this one. I have vivid memories of our kids swinging on this tree swing when they were little. The kids love this place. The Cabinhaus. They all talk about going back - I'm sure it has to do with all the memories and love they felt here.

This is the place we learned to camp. Cara was 5 months old when she went camping for the first time, Nate was only 2 weeks old! Danae was under a year (but only because she has a September b'day)! We've done Disney and other vacations with the kids, but it is the camping trips they still talk about. The times with each other without an agenda.

Ramblings from an empty nest: Fridge was fixed today (dang-I hoped for a new one). Our pool became a 25,000 gallon hot tub today....it was 97 degrees! I finally vaccumed our bedroom. The washer and dryer were available - I did 2 loads of wash - and didn't have to wait!

Time for a swim in the "big" hot tub and off to bed I go!

Cheri

Does this picture mean anything to you?

It does to me.




Somehow it happened to us today.
Inspite of all the planning, packing, loading vehicles, the drive to Winona . . .

Arriving at the dorm (Nate) and apartment (Danae) . . .

and the unloading - and setting up ---

I was still, somehow, caught off-guard.

Kirk and I finally pulled out of town (Winona) at 9:00 pm tonight (after unloading at two residences, dinner with the kids, and grocery shopping). We were driving separate vehicles.

All the sudden it happened. The floodgates opened. I cried. I prayed for each of my three kids. I cried again. I prayed more. I cried and prayed.

Then through my tears I started to think about how absolutely, positively proud I am of our children. They are among my heroes, each in their own way. (and that will be a different blog).

Cara, Nate, Danae --- I know you will continue to keep making "Good Choices".

More later, right now I'm physically tired, and emotionally spent.

Love you,

Dad & Mom

Sometimes I have absolutely nothing to post on the blog. Sometimes I get an idea at the last minute. Today happens to be a good day - but a bit disjointed. I hope you don't mind!

Thursday: Nate took this during a downpour. We see it whenever it rains - but we still get a kick when it happens. (hint: it's an underground gutter from the house)

Friday evening: Maybe you were going to a movie, or out to dinner. We were spending big bucks at Sam's Club (and the Walmarts) buying school supplies and dorm food. Oh for the days of buying crayons, glue sticks & lunch bags!

Saturday: I got up at stupid o'clock to hang pictures, etc. at the church building. Then came home to this: Some of you may be thinking that my wonderful hubby defrosted the freezer and cleaned the fridge. What this really means is that when I woke up early (I don't like to get up early) - I found a puddle of water in front of the fridge. Not sure this 15 year old is gonna pull through. The fridge doctor hasn't called us back.

Timing? Yeah, not so good. Danae took a load of stuff to her apartment this afternoon and sleeping there tonight, then home tomorrow for load 2. Kirk and I will go with Nate and Danae to Winona tomorrow to help move in the rest of DJs stuff and move Nate in.

So, guess it looks like we are living out of the garage fridge and cooler for a few days.

Now for the last installment of horse facts, by Natalie....

"You can tell how old a horse is by looking at its teeth."

Can you name this famous horse and his human friend?

Gold Rush!

Three glorious hours of walking around the town of Oronoco --- soaking in all the antique eye-candy.

Not just antiques, but new stuff made to look old too

This booth usually has neat things from Europe and Asia. I was just a little disappointed this year they were pretty sparce - and nothing new.

Kirk found something he would like

These homemade ice cream sandwiches are amazing!

We always get a gyro and

 ice cream sandwich - it's tradition.

I love this! For me it brings back memories of the fabric and notions department at Edward C. Minas Store

in Hammond, IN where my mom used to shop for fabric.

Mom, am I right in remembering
they had these for the thread?

This cabinet speaks to me. It was calling my name. Kirk told me to take a picture of it so he can make one for me!

I like things with cubby holes

Ok, I'm drawn to boxes too!

And you usually can find this famous golf cart

 roaming the streets of Oronoco too! 

I did buy something for myself, but I'll save that picture for another day!

Don't forget to take my survey on the top right of the blog!

Love,

Cheri