Good-bye July 2018

Day 46, "Every picture has a story"

All the temporary treads are in.

Don't know if I will replace the landing BUT the floor looks interesting!

Two pictures again today.  Here are the temporary stairs that are now in place.  As I rolled, kind of fell, out of bed this morning I could feel EVERY pull/push/yank from my stair work yesterday.  My arms are sore, my legs are cramping and my back is telling me I worked yesterday.  This is not a complaint but rather admitting that seldom do I do much physical work.  Of course it could be telling me that this body which is 71 and counting would rather ride bike and not pull and push so much.  The maple treads arrived in St. Paul yesterday and will be delivered today.  Terry finished painting the clear pine risers so it looks like things should be a go today.  There will be a slight delay because after the fact, industrial arts teacher John would have known this, I realized that the bottom step is wider than the rest.  Taking the old treads off showed me that but it was AFTER I ordered treads so I had to make  another order for 1 that is an inch longer. It is hard to swallow when the freight for ONE tread is 16% of the freight for 16!

My two pictures pretty much tell the story of the day.  I think it is time for that FP, some homemade hash browns, a couple of eggs and some bacon.  Doesn't sound like a good way to start a day where I would like to lose weight BUT then it sure sounds yummy and maybe, just maybe that will rejuvenate those aching muscles.

Happy FIVE to Elspeth

Happy birthday to Elspeth Lee!  As one can see she is a cutie and on top of that she is smart, full of energy and fun to have around.  She is so so ready to start pre-school full time and FOR SURE she will do her homework.  Grandpa and Grandma Terry love you and we hope you have a SPECIAL day!!!

Almost August!

Day 44, "Every picture has a story"

Ok so the hammer is/was old but the handle was in good shape.  What happened was I attempted to pull a nail out of one of the stringers as I worked on the stairs.  I believe that stairs has been there for 112 years and I THINK wood gets a bit harder as it ages.  Of course I may be wrong about that but the truth is as I pulled on the nail the hammer said "no way" and it broke.  I could add that there are 16 treads on the way upstairs and ONE tread had 17 nails.  As I write that I know WHY when the last tread was taken out I felt like I had been in a fight.  Actually maybe it was a fight but if it was I won!!!

I tried to blog this morning but our internet was so so slow I finally gave up.  I will try to take this up tomorrow morning as it is late and I am about 14 hours after my refreshing FP.

Last Sunday of July 2018

Day 43, "Every picture has a story"

Again, two pictures today.  I think besides the story behind this there is an interesting piece of history connected to the generation of my Dad.  First the story.  When I was growing up Dad and his Lee cousins were in a bowling league in Rutland ND.  I think the Lee cousins were George and Harold and then there was brother Halver.  I never watched them bowl but I think they were among the best in the league.  I know from bowling with Dad a few times he had a nice smooth curve to his ball and there are stories of Halver throwing it so hard the pins were afraid as the ball, straight as an arrow, barreled towards them.  Anyway the side story to this is that building where the bowl lanes were is now a bar/cafe.  On to the picture story.  Dad was not one to give things as he must have felt that giving was not the right thing to do.  He sold me the model 12 shotgun and he traded the Diamondback for a deer rifle but give, no way.  I do think/know that in his old age he did give some firearms away to people.  I should add that the time I drove up to talk to him after Mom died, in a gesture of disgust and anger, he gave me a couple of things but that was a totally different situation.  Anyway maybe in about 1985 or so when he came down to visit for a short time he gave me this bowling ball with my name on one side and a greeting on the other.  I did have fun using it many times but really never was serious as Dad was.  I did agree to be a sub on our school teachers team one time and as luck would have it I happen to roll 2 very good games.  That put my handicap so high that I was never asked to sub again because they knew that it was a fluke and if I subbed again I would hurt the team.  At least that is my story and I am sticking to it!  If anyone is really interested for me a poor score would have been 135/145, an average would maybe have been around 160/180 and a great score  (it happened a couple of times) would have been 220/240!!!  Anyway my bowling days are long gone but for me and for many the memories are vivid.    Now to the generation thing.  If one noticed how Dad signed off he said, "Happy bowling."  I think I and my generation would have used the word love but not way back then.  I am not saying Dad did not love me I am just saying it is a generation thing for sure.  

We received a scant bit or rain yesterday along with much thunder and lighting.  I think it was enough so that I need not water today.  As I write it is sunny and still with a temp of about 70.  

I don't know if I have been lazy or what but I have not been on my bike for a couple of days.  Maybe today but really not sure.  I have NO excuses.

The demolition of the stairs going up to the second floor started yesterday and as one can guess it immediately become MUCH more complicated than I expected.  A few days project may end up being MORE I am afraid.  Terry got the risers all primed so she got more done than I.   The first 5 boards that I pulled had a total of 40 nails.  I don't think the stairs were in danger of falling apart BUT those 40 nails, after 112 years, certainly let you know when you climbed the stairs!!!  Travis thinks if their ends up being stairs that do not creak it will be a miracle.   You know what, he may have hit the nail on the head.

I received a note from John, our neighbor in Naples that his unit finally sold.  He had it listed for about 8 months or so.  He ended up selling it for around $50,000 less than it was listed for to start with but he may recover a tiny bit of that which is a long story.  Who ever purchased it got a good deal.  Being a citizen of Canada if he had owned it when he died his family would have been required to pay MUCH in taxes So that is the reason he sold.

After I take my last sip of FP I am going to post a picture of my house taken in the early 1900s.  We got a copy of it from the state historical society and it is interesting.  When my house was built in 1906 it was built in the middle of the country!   Of course now within a 2 block area there are about 120 houses.  How is that for progress.  Well it is 112 years ago so what would one expect.  Enough, the FP is gone so here is the picture.

A tiny bit of success.

Day 42, "Every picture has a story"

Nothing beats a refreshing drink before one starts the days journey on your very first set of wheels!  No shoes, no problem!  Not sure what the 3rd trike is for as at that time Aaron may have been way way too small to ride but anyway John and Travis would ride up and down and up and down and up and down the front sidewalk.  When they were finished they would do it again and again.  Here they are parked in the back yard for a refreshment and rest.  I am sure it would not be long before they would be on the walk again!

Today is the day when some serious work starts on the stairs.  I did get the risers cut yesterday so they are ready for Terry to prime today.  I will start with the wrecking bar on the lower steps today and work my way up.  I came up with an idea for temporary steps so do not need to buy any junk lumber. I am tackling this project with a bit more gusto than the electric ones!  

I stepped on the scale this morning with doubt and fear but what the heck I was down a tiny bit.  Actually down to a point that I did not see all winter.  I am about 60% to my original goal and then I am hoping from there I can create another one so that by fall tennis I can be at a weight that I am happy with.  With weight loss and a built in excuse because of my hammy I think it could be a good tennis season.  Now all I have to do (assuming I continue to lose weight) is schedule myself on court #1 and then IF I lose I can say I lost it for the team because the other team always puts their best players on #1.  Not sure what I just said makes sense but then who really cares about the tennis team in the middle of summer which is full of work and not a whole lot of play!

No, I need to get some weed killer on the lawn and then water it some so need to act like the boys are doing in the picture and down the last of my FP.

Fall??? the temp is 58 this morning!

Day 41, "Every picture has a story"

I admit this fan thing is kind of like beating a dead horse but I promise this is the last of the fans.  I went into yesterday with the mind set that I was on my last of the nerves with these darn things.  I had heard Paul, the guy working upstairs, one day he wondered if the old switch in the wall had anything to do with the fact that the fan was acting dead.  I took the plate off the wall and connected the wires as if they were still needed.  The new fans are remote so the wall switch is not used BUT I found out that they had to be connected in order for the new fans to work.  YES, I had working fans and all was well.  

I learned something the other day.  Why did many of the cars and trucks of old have a knob on the steering wheel?  Well I figured it out.  If you roll down your window and put yoru arm on the door you only have one hand to steer. It was easy to turn with one hand if you had the knob!!!  

Breakfast with Travis this morning so I need to get going soon.  We try to do that once a week.  

Terry had a meeting yesterday about 20 miles away.  We stopped first for some things at Terry's house.  I got out and we went inside after I threw the keys on the dash.  Terry had some picture frames and we put them in the front seat as we came out to go to the meeting.  Well as I shut the door to go back in the house the edge of the picture frame touched the power lock on the door and bingo, our doors were locked with the keys, wallet and phones in the truck!!!  Terry got a ride to the meeting after she called AAA.  I stayed with the truck and help arrived in about an hour.  It took the guy about a minute to unlock.  He had a flat tub and inserted it into the edge of the door.  He then inflated it enough to get a long wand in that had a rubber loop on the end.  He got the loop around the lock, pulled it tight and presto I had an open door!  I arrived at the meeting as they were wrapping things up.  

Terry and I enjoyed our FIRST large garden tomato this morning for breakfast.  Oh my those are so much better than store ones.  Maybe, just maybe, I will be able to enjoy cream/tomatoes with a bit of sugar on.  O my I can hardly wait.  

My warmed up FP is history and I am over to Minneapolis to enjoy breakfast with my middle son!

September 15--That is the temp today as we feel big time a cool down

Day 40, "Every picture has a story"

Some days you get it and some days you don't!  My picture today shows the second fan in the north side of the living room.  As one can see there is NO fan.  I followed all the directions yesterday, same as the day before.   I wired it the same, assembled it the same and turned it on in the same way BUT no go.  The fan hung on the ceiling with absolutely no life.  I tinkered with it for about an hour with no success so down it came and today is another day.  Again I will try and IF it happens I will be one happy camper.  IF it fails I will need to open the wallet and admit failure.  These fans have become the focal point of the summer up to this point and that is not good!

As I write the temp is 61 with a high expected to be 68.  Not July weather but I will take it. We are not expecting 80s again until Monday.

Terry has a meeting today and we need to run some errands so maybe not much work done today.  Paul finished his work yesterday upstairs so now there is a lot of clean up and putting things in order. It looks nice.

For some reason I am out of words this morning.  I will sip the last drop of my FP and sign off.  Maybe it is my mind telling me to stop thinking and get on to that darn fan.  Really???

A big cool down

Day 39, "Every picture has a story"

Well I guess I have two pictures today.  AND it is a BIG story for me.  An electrician I am NOT.  To make makers a lot worse this house was wired about 110 years ago and for the most part has not been upgraded.  That means not 3 wires but 2 and no color, just black.  Well when you throw in my lack of talent in the subject it only spells trouble but hold on there is a success story to be told.  After MUCH delay, some due to schedule and some due to procrastination, I hit the job yesterday with the intent to be successful or pay a hired gun so to speak.  Well the story is SUCCESS.  After a couple weeks of, blood (yes in Carmen's world a job always includes a finger prick or a cut with the red stuff involved), sweat but really no tears the job was done and it works and looks great.  The long version of this story is this fan is on the south side of the living room and there is still one to be put up on the north side!  Today will tell IF I have learned how to do it.  If anyone needs a fan installed in your old house, do NOT call me!!!

We are in for a July cool down.  With current July normal temps in the mid 80s we are looking at the next 4 or 5 days in the 70s.  That will suit me fine.  We could use some rain but not sure it is coming for a while.

No I need/want to get on Bentley for a ride today and then it is on to that fan.  Paul, who is painting the upstairs, Terry who is supervising the summer work and I all think the stairs going to the second floor need to be replaced.  Well I could be honest and say they HAVE to be replaced.  Yikes I say as I look up the price of new hard maple treads and new risers.  I took a tread off yesterday and planed the top down to be level and it looked NOT good.  There went the hope of using the old ones.  The risers are not an issue as I can use clear pine because we will be painting them but maple treads 38 1/2" in length, 10 1/2" width and 1" in depth cost a bit more than a lunch or two at the Golden Arches! With 16 steps up (and 16 down too👷!) it becomes a bit spendy.

FP is gone.

Here we are, on the last Tuesday of July!

Day 38, "Every picture has a story"

Here is Audrey Lee with her Dad's camera.  Could we be seeing a new Lee photographer?  I do not think she used it a lot BUT she certainly looked the part!  Of course this takes me back to my Dad who NEVER left the farm without his camera.  After 300+ wedding pictures, many family photos and 1000's of other pictures he hung up his professional side in the 80's.  A very short time after he did that he took off the insurance on his equipment and THEN the prairie fire destroyed everything including his prized baby Rollie.  Even tho 1000s of pictures were destroyed by the fire everyone in the family is benefiting from his photos with many pictures that were saved.  They were not saved from the fire but so many people gave photos to me and siblings as they heard we lost so many.  Anyway it looks like Dad's legacy lives on in his great grandchildren!

Not much today.  I just arrived home from breakfast with Larry and now am ready to get on with the day.  I think the lawn needs attention, the garden needs water and Terry has a PT appointment at 1:00.  I think Paul is coming over to work today and he thinks he may be finished tomorrow.  Walls in the west bedroom will be painted today and walls in the sunroom and hall will be painted tomorrow if things go as scheduled.

Terry finished her first batch of cucumber pickles yesterday and I think there may be almost enough in the garden for a second batch.

I biked to breakfast this morning so got in a tiny bit of exercise but maybe more tomorrow.  Two. more sips of warmed over FP and I am on to the morning work.

A quiet house, maybe too quiet!!!

Day 36, "Every picture has a story"

We had shoes to boot!!!  As one can guess this picture was taken a LONG time ago.  Perhaps in the early 70s.  I am guessing they were worn by John, Travis and Aaron.  At that time in our lives it seemed that someone always needed a new pair of shoes.  Dad was going to work in his boots so he thought it fitting that a picture was taken of shoes to boots.  As the boys got older it seemed that every week someone had a hole in the toe of his shoe.  Those darn Tonka trucks were the cause or maybe, just maybe, it was the action of the boys which seemed to NEVER stop.  I perhaps complained but for sure would not have wanted it any other way.

We said good-bye to the South Bend Lees this morning.  With an 8-9 hour drive they were up and at things early and hit the road about 6:45.  With 6 people and a dog along with camping gear and a whole bunch of other things their van was loaded from front to back and top to bottom.  Along with all the suitcases and gear they had 2 chain saws, a cooler of food and who knows what else.  I have pretty much checked the entire house and have not found one item that was left behind.  We even got them to take Elspeth's birthday present so we do not have to send it.

At this time, about 8:25, it looks like there is barely a foot print of extra people and a dog having been here for 36 hours.  Oh there are a few small digs in the back yard where Suka was but they can be fixed in a jiffy.  They were troopers as John/Mary slept on a mattress on the floor and a couple of the kids did likewise.  At this point the upstairs is in "rehab" so the accommodations were not ideal but they did fine.  Liam lived up to the "Lee teenager standard" as he did not eat meals but rather grazed most of the time!  While Henry ate two or three helpings of food Liam ate one and then hit the fridge a short time later.  That is what teenagers are supposed to do, right?

After the whirlwind of activity for a few days it is back to the same old, same old which is rehabbing this old old home.  No complains, just facts kind of.  I have HIGH hopes for the fans today so will see.

My three pots of FP yesterday was down to two today as John, Mary and I had some and then John had one for the road.  On to the days events which should prove exciting for sure.

Another perfect day

Day 35, "Every picture has a story"

Mary, Audrey and Elspeth flew into the Twin Cities yesterday and joined John, Henry and Liam at our place.  Guess who got the most attention!  Well the picture tells the story.  Suka (sp?), as you can see, got the most attention.  The family got the dog about a year ago and the rest is history.  Suka is a VERY nice dog and of course get MUCH attention.  She is some kind of husky and for sure is a special dog.  She accompanied them to Spokane on their trip to spend time with Tonta, Mary's Aunt.  

John and family have been here since yesterday and plan to head home to South Bend tomorrow.  This afternoon they are spending time with Cynthia and family as they had to see new cousin, John Paul.  They will be back here about 5 or so for a meal of sweet corn, pork chops and salad that Terry made.  Those kids are pretty special and easy to have around but I would say Grandpa is NOT used to having kids around.  Fun, for sure.

I continue to get some things out of the house.  I would say not enough but every little bit helps.  I think John has enough room for the chain saw and some sheets etc. went to Cynthia's this morning.  I know there is MUCH more that could/should go but for now it is fine.  

Tomorrow is "D" day in terms of those ceiling fans.  It is make or break it time.   I will attempt to install the south one if I can get the electric correct.  IF not it will be time to call for help and drain the bank!!!  I think Paul is coming over tomorrow and maybe start or get the walls painted.   John said he thinks the 2nd floor is looking good so I am pleased.  With the barn wood from the Saunders farm the door will be created.  Will get to that soon.

Terry made some great potato salad for dinner yesterday and today her salad is a great one so in terms of food we are good to EAT.

Another 4**** day in terms of weather.  Sunny, little wind and a high of 81.  Doesn't get much better than that.

I know John/Mary's boys are growing up.  Last night they wanted a shower and this morning they were NOT up at 6:00 but rather dragged themselves out of bed around 7:45.  Do you think they may be teenagers?

The Lees may be back at any time so will sign off.  By the way I, John and Mary went through 3 pots of FP this morning!

Day 34, "Every picture has a story"

Larry Fangsrud and daughter with John and I in the summer of 1970.  When I started school in Cayuga in the fall of 1957 Larry and I became friends.  We went through grade school, high school and 2 1/2 years of college as best friends.  We seldom saw each other after that but have reconnected in the last few years.  Larry lives in Havre MT and is a great, if not the best shot, in their gun club.  He retired a few years ago and we have visited him twice.  The stories we share are many.  As sophomores in college he had a Honda 350 and I a Harley 250.  We played basketball and football together in HS.  In grade school he would sometimes come visit me and I would sometimes visit him in Cayuga.  From a humble beginning he was very successful and I should add a great guy.

Terry and I are now settled down for a stretch of home work after getting the wood in ND.  We had a delightful visit with cousin Arlene on our way back.  She lives in a facility for the elderly in Lidgerwood after falling in her Veblen home a year ago.  She just is a great person.  At 92 her memory is perhaps better than mine as it seemed she remembers everything.  We just dropped in and the look on her face when we walked in was a million $ smile.  I am so glad we stopped.  I am terrible at stopping in to visit people but when we do it is fun.  

John, Liam and Henry will arrive early PM today.  I think they will stay overnight and then head to South Bend tomorrow.  It is always fun to see them.  I do not know when Mary, Audrey and Elspeth will fly home.  

I do not need to say this BUT there are a million plus1 things to do around here.  Sometimes I need to stop, take a deep breath and count what has been done to make sure I do not look at what is in front of us and quit!  God took care of the watering of the garden so no need to do that today.  Those darn fans in the living room, well Monday may be the day as I will not do that when John is here.  Paul got the woodwork painted while we were out of town so I am guessing the walls will be done next week.  

Enough for now as I do want to get in a short Bentley ride this morning.

Home after a SHORT trip.

Day 33, "Every picture has a story"

This is Gail's brother Allen.  I am guessing it was a LONG time ago.  Well the story is the pheasant .  The pheasant hunting was a BIG deal when we were growing up.  Often we could walk across the road and walk the shelter belt while getting several birds.  AND the way Mom fried them was the best ever.  Many fond memories of hunting every though Dad preferred to use Dave and I as bird dogs rather than hunting as he never bought us a shotgun.  Enough.

Terry and I arrived home this afternoon after a 500+ mile trip to ND.  I wanted to pick up some barn wood.  Well the story is kind of goofy.  I thought it was taken off the barn and was in a big stack but found out that it was still on the barn and one had to remove it.  I was NOT prepared for that but Mark saved the day and helped Terry and I.  We had a fun visit with Mary and Mark but of course it was short.  

I will blog again in a few hours!

Off to ND for 24+ hours

Day 32, "Every picture has a story"

These Tonka toys cost me a lot of money!  John has the loader but they both had dump trucks.  They would run up and down the sidewalk with the truck backwards so the box would not tip.  When they wanted to stop they just slide their toe on the sidewalk.  One can imagine how many pairs of shoes they wore out doing that.  I was glad when winter came as that was easier on the shoes.  I currently have one of the trucks sitting in my wood shop.  I would say 100s of hours were spent with those toys on the sidewalk, in the sand pile and in the house.  The one in my shop does not look so shiny now!!!

We will hit the road in a bit and drive to ND where we plan to bring home some barn wood.  There are several ideas for its use including the bathroom door on the second floor.  As I write there is no rain but the forecast shows rain will happen while we drive. The temp is somewhat cooler and for me that is good.  Just so it does not get too cool as Terry's body is ALWA YS cooler than mine.

I now have a new goal in mind for my weight.  I want to meet it by the end of July.  We will see IF I can control myself and eat when my body needs it, not just because the food tastes so good.  I am thinking I have a bit more self control as I age.  I am not sure they are connected but it is possible.

We are taking our lunch with us and in the salad is our very first big tomato along with some cucumbers from the garden.  Can't claim any credit for the turkey or other veggies.  Well we paid for them so maybe there is some room for credit.  I could add we used a credit card!

Terry and I did some shopping yesterday and my energy level was low so there was NO progress on the fans but in a short time they will be up, I promise.

My FP is lucky today, it gets to go on the road.

A mountain top experience-TWICE!!!

Day 31, "Every picture has a story"

John is playing the piano which has a LONG story!  We found this on a farm north of Devils Lake ND while we were living in an empty dorm at the school for the deaf in Devils Lake ND.  The family had remodeled their house and did not have room for it.  We purchased it for $100 and moved it to our second floor living place.  I asked some deaf boys to help me move it up the stairs that were 10 feet in length.  A few days after I was "called out' by the superintendent as I should not have had the boys help me.  This picture was taken at the school.  From there it went with us to 710 Third St. in Devils Lake and from there it came to 2094 Niles in St. Paul.  With a sanding disc on my saw I put all new ivory (not real of course) keys and then used up MOST of my life time elbow grease to refinish the entire piano.  Mike Adkins recently said that in redoing their second floor bath he almost used up all of his redo skills!! (by the way Mike does beautiful work)  Well I have NEVER refinished anything since the piano.  When the piano turner came one time he said he had never seen a piano that was so ornate and so HEAVY.  In fact when we moved into our home in St. Paul the seller would not allow us to move the piano in until he received the last $10,000 because he said he thought it may damage the floor!  I should say that IT departed our home and went to the Obergs and it now proudly sits in Mike/Cynthia's home.

Yesterday ended on a HIGH note and today started on a HIGH note.  I pretty much worked ALL day yesterday at getting electrical boxes in the living room ceiling for the 2 fans.  Finally about 4:00 I tested the 2 wires coming out of the boxes and YES they were good AND both boxes are secure and level ready to welcome a fan.  It seems that it took way way too long but it is done.  I ended up purchasing a voltage sensor to see what wire was hot and what was not.  I asked brother Dave how to determine the hot from the neutral  and to my surprise he did not know or perhaps he knew but I did not understand.  Anyway for $15.00 I was able to get a tic tic tic out of one wire and a nothing out of the other, way to go Carmen.  Will I ever use the voltage senor again, not sure.

Then to top things off I stepped on the scale this morning and I met my weight goal of Sunday by .1 pound!  I know, it is a bit late but as they say better late than never.

Terry started her cucumber pickles yesterday with cucumbers out of our garden.  AND to make matters even better our Early Girl tomato plant has a tomato that is about ripe enough to eat.  Way to go Terry and Carmen, you know how to garden!!!

I may not get too much done around here today as we have a few places to stop at today.  Then tomorrow we leave for 24+ hours to get some barn wood for a door on the bathroom.  That has gone on so long I am temped to just put a sign on the door with "open" or "busy" and when someone is in the bathroom they can just pull the busy sign.  That would rival our three holes on the farm that had a wooden "busy" sign.  That way as one rounded the corner of the house you could see if the three holes was occupied!  I more I think about it the more I think there is no need for a door.  Really, the toilet is hidden around the corner so that would be fine but then the shower--there is a curtain there so again maybe no need for a door!  On second thought I need to consult Terry for sure.  She may have a different idea!

It looks like we are in for more rain tomorrow so if that happens it will again be good for the lawn and garden.

Enough for now.  I have enough FP left to sip on as I water the garden!  Then on to those fans again to see if I can read the wiring directions.  I will be sure to try the English ones rather than the Spanish ones!

Another picture perfect Minnesota day, July 17th

Day 30, "Every picture has a story"

This is 710 3rd street in Devils Lake ND.  It was our first home and it was a time when I had a LOT of time to do things.  OR it could have been I just had a LOT more energy!  When we moved in there was a broken down cement wall in the front.  Some of the stories that could almost become book #2.

• Even though I came from a farm I knew NOTHING about owning a home.  I was in shock when we received our first mortgage payment and it was like $147.  I thought it would be like $110 or so.  I had NO idea that it included taxes and insurance!
• I borrowed a tractor from Lake Ready Mix on a Saturday afternoon to take up the old sidewalk.  There was a pipe in the middle of the walk and I tried to get rid of it!!!  I had no idea that it was a water pipe.  No problem BUT we could easily have had a water fountain in our front yard.
• I redid the water pipes in the bathroom and when the water was turned on we had Old Faithful but not every 60 minutes rather a steady stream.
• The second floor front bedroom floor was somewhat concave so I cut a hole in the floor and propped it up to some degree.  
• When we moved in we had a freezer, a card table and an old iron bed AND NO spendable $$.
• At first the banker said we did not qualify for a home loan because we had no credit rating.  We had not borrowed any money and we had no credit card!  It was worked out but we almost did not get the house.  IF the house fell through our only other place to stay was renting a smoke filled apartment that actually smelled like marijuana.  I think we lucked out.  Our friend, Ron, from Gate City Savings helped get us through it.  At the time I had the idea that never having borrowed money and having no debt was a positive, little did I know.
• The basement had dirt walls and a tiny platform of cement where we could put our apartment size washer/dryer on.  
• I poured the front walk and the back driveway (there was dirt when we moved in) with left over cement from my work on Saturdays.  I would ask to take out the last load of cement on Saturday and then I would ask Pete, the mix man, to give me a yard or 2 extra!  The day I did the driveway I had 2 friends (I thought they were friends) come over to help.  THEY did not show up!!  There I was pouring and leveling 3 yards of cement in the hot summer sun.  Towards the end of the driveway the surface was not so smooth!

Like I said the stories could go on forever.

Paul came over early yesterday and worked the longest day for him so far.  He intends to get the woodwork painted this week I think.  What I have seen so far he does very nice work.

I had several items in the truck to take to the junk yard.  So that I could get my $$ worth I went up in the attic to see if there were other items I wanted to get rid of.  Well I was surprised to find several empty boxes so I took them down and also some things that needed to go.  A trip to Twin City Refuse and $25 later I was done.  It felt good.  For sure there are several things that need to go from the attic yet but those are for another day.

I may need to mow the lawn today.  Terry and I plan to travel to ND Thursday and come back Friday so it needs to be done before that.  

At this point in the day I have not been on my bike.  Not sure my body can do it today.  Maybe it is because as I weighed myself today, after denying myself goodies yesterday, my weight was still a tad above my goal for Sunday.  What is a person to do?

Enough for now, maybe I can get at those darn darn fans today.  My thoughts went out the window in the same way the FP went down.

On the down side of July

Day 29, "Every picture has a story"

Grandma and Grandpa Lee in their Cayuga home.  I am guessing they sold the farm to their son Halvor in maybe 1954 or so.  Grandpa lived until 1958 and Grandma lived until 1965.  They were the perfect grandparents.  Grandpa was happy and fun to be around and Grandma was loving, always had cookies and a visit to them was always a delight.  While on the farm they had a huge garden and many fruit trees as well as berries of all kinds.  

The house, in its self, made them unique!  Today it stands empty and is in an advanced stage of decline.  The stories and memories in this house are many:

• playing Chinese checkers with Uncle Henry
• eating grandma's oatmeal
• staying over night after a late ball game
• watching black and white TV when we did not have TV
• driving Grandma's car home at midnight the night of Ronald's death
• of course eating and eating cookies
• the AWFUL oder of Henry's cigarettes in the west entry in the winter
• walking over there after School and greeting Grandma with a hug
• enough, the memories are countless

I was able to get on Bentley today again.  I did not want to ride as my legs were tired but I do need to get that hammy strong so ride I did.  Only 5.6 miles but better than nothing.  

I still, this morning, did not meet my weight goal of Sunday morning BUT I inched a few ounces closer.  Maybe tomorrow morning.  I don't even know if I want to meet it as I have had so many mountain top experiences lately that I may grow numb.

Paul, the guy helping me upstairs, just called and said he will be here a bit earlier than usual so I need to get some things done.  

Hard to believe we are now on the down swing of July.   Also hard to believe that I am now 2 swallows from the bottom of my FP.

The start of another July week

Day 28, "Every picture has a story"

Dave and me (54-55?) ready for our October trick or treat journey.  We would go to several farms around our place.  My favorite place was the farm near the "south land" that was uncle Jim's which we farmed.  Alice P.  (can't spell her last name) lived on that farm and she would always compliment us on our dress and give EACH of us a $.05 candy bar.  That was huge!  At some time Alice told my mom that she so enjoyed it when I would work Jim's land because I would usually sing all day and she liked that!  Not sure how she could hear me a quarter mile away but....

I started out the new week in style with a 9+ mile Bentley bike ride.  I know that is still not a long ride but I do think it is the longest ride for me this summer so far.  I need to venture over the Mendota bridge and bike the other side of the Minnesota river but have not done that yet.  I think that would be longer than 9 miles and perhaps a bit more taxing as well.

Ok I admit my work yesterday went way way too slow BUT I did finish with a success.  I took the door off one of the bedrooms upstairs and put the hinges on the other side so now it opens to your left instead of your right.  This will make it easier to put a bed where we want it.  Of course I expected it to work and I actually prayed that God would bless my work BUT when I attached the second hinge and closed the door with no problem I have to admit I was somewhat surprised!  It was even more exciting than when I put the new toilet in and there were NO leaks when I turned the water on!  As I do things to this old old house I usually can use the age of it as an excuse if things do not work out.  Same concept as my hamstring.  On a bad tennis day for the next year it will be blamed on that darn left hammy that still is not 100%!!!

I have high hopes of getting much of the upstairs done this week as well as the two fans in.  The installation of the fans has been on hold as I need to get work done before Paul, the guy helping me, comes again.  He was not here Wed-Fri and that was good as it gave me time to do some wood working on the trim.  I hope he comes again tomorrow and I will not be finished but near finished.

I did NOT meet my goal weight for this morning but came close.  Close but no cigar as they say.  However the positive things is my weight today is down about 7 pounds since the start of this Whole30 thing.  Oh my but I have struggled.  I ENJOY snacking and of course for any person who loves burgers and potato salad the weight at some time is going to be an issue.  I would say 100+. times a day I need to tell myself it is important to lose weight.  So far I have been successful in believing myself.  I say "why would I doubt myself?"

I picked our first cherry tomato yesterday and Terry said it was delicious.  I think we have another one ready.  After they start it may be difficult to keep up.  Terry needs one more cucumber in order to make her pickles.  She wants them about 7/8" long and not too fat.  On the raspberry front we are eating contently everyday.  I am not sure how much longer they will be but I expect at least a week or so.

Enough for this Sunday AM.

No problem, we got past Friday the 13th!

Day 27, "Every picture has a story"

Travis and I went out for breakfast last week at Keys.  There are several in the area but the one near Niles Ave is the original one.  I thought the blackboard was interesting!  At the bottom you will read that homemade jelly is an extra $.10!  Keys is a place where you go for breakfast and then eat the leftovers for lunch and maybe even dinner.  I took my dad there once and the gal who served us was a body builder.  I thought Dad's eyes would pop out of his head.  I am saying that not in a bad way but rather saying that Dad just could not believe what he was seeing.  He may have checked his own biceps but I am not sure about that!

Yesterday was another day working upstairs.  The trim is up and yesterday I filled in nail hole, sanded, filled in more nail holes and then primed some.  Today it will be more of the same, chalking and then maybe Monday AM I can take up the paper on the floor and put down fresh for priming and painting. This being a self contractor, owner and worker is sometimes as difficult as keeping three or four balls in the air at the same time.  

No bike ride yesterday but I will get on the bike now in a few minutes.  I am not sure what is better/worse for my legs, biking or going up and down stairs.  That hamstring may be so healthy it will scream for tennis before October.

Terry and I have been good (100%) so far in this 30 days of eating like one should.  I was down a few pounds and then this morning up .5.  Not sure if I was awful yesterday or the scale was awful this morning.  Well come to think of it the scale was awful regardless of the reason.  When the scale stares at you with BAD numbers and actually it may even smirk for the wink of an eye one has to question if being in a fit of "wanting" the day before was worth the effort.  

With the rain 2 days ago and now the warm weather I may need to mow the lawn again today.  I am trying to mow often enough so I don't need to bag the grass.  When I do not bag I can mow it in about 30 minutes.  

No, I think the FP this morning has given be enough fuel for a bike ride.  I finished the FP so had better get going before the get up and go has got up and went.

A heavy rain yesterday

Day 26, "Every picture has a story"

Years ago, maybe 35+, I met Jane who was a teacher's aide in the math department at Highland Junior.  She ended up asking me if I would give her and her husband a quote on painting.  I ended up painting some of their house and shortly after that her husband died.  When I painted for her the bay window you see was the garage and the garage you see did not exist.  Over the years I did several jobs for her.  She absolutely could NOT make decisions.  Every time I would come over she would go over what she thought she should do with her house but never did she do anything.  Then about 15 years ago our door bell rang and it was Jane.  She simply said she remembered where I lived and she wanted to say hi.  Shortly after that I saw the house went up for sale and the new owners did a LOT to the home.  

We received RAIN late yesterday.  In about 40 minutes we had 2.15" and then another quarter inch over night.  It is supposed to rain off and on most of today.  So no bike ride.  

I finished installing the trim in the two upstairs rooms yesterday.  I am guessing I went from wood shop to the upstairs 30+ times and then found out the heat index was 106!!!   I shut down about 3:00. Today it will be patching, sanding, priming and getting things ready for the final paint job.  It will be SO nice to have that done.

Travis and I went out for breakfast this morning.  I ordered a hash brown omelet with ham and NO cheese.  For the side I went with the extra $.99 and had fruit.  What the heck, don't know how I can be so disciplined in my eating😊.  I am down 7 pounds in the last week.  Now I only need to go down 12 more pounds.  Actually I need more than that BUT if I can get to that weight I will consider it a "mountain top experience".  From there everyone is frosting on the cake.  Oops, no frosting for me at this time.

Terry and I are thinking of a trip to ND again, maybe next week.  Mary S. said there is a family near Rutland who have demolished an old barn and the wood is for the taking.  Of course I NEED more wood.  

Our sibling get together is set for early September in Jamestown ND.  I am so hoping we can figure out how to get Glorine there. She does not care to drive the distance and public transportation is awful from Rapid City to there.  Need to figure out something.

Enough for now.  I had coffee when Travis and I had breakfast but of course I need to have my FP now.  It is half finished so will finish the rest as I read scripture and pray.  

Another cooker

Day 25, "Every picture has a story"

A great gopher and blackbird rifle!

Brother Ronald, Red to some, gave me this 22 rifle when I was 10 or so.  It had been a target rifle so Ronald had cut the barrel shorter to reduce the weight and then modified the stock so it fit a 10 year old.  It was my very first firearm and I still have it.  In $$ it probably is so so but in value it is way way up there!  Ronald and brother-in-law John made my world worth living as I grew up on the farm.    I was shy, bashful, a stutterer and I know that the farm was pretty much my world.  They were my heroes, my mentors and the world revolved around them.  I thought they could do anything.  They both were smart, kind, funny,  outdoors men and I think I would have done anything they asked me to do.  To this day I think often of water skiing, hunting pheasants, shooting gophers and the list goes on.  It did not make any difference what was happening at home as when they arrived home to visit the world was great.  I remember visiting them in Kulm during Christmas vacation.  We went to the school and Ronald allowed me to shot buckets in the gym.  He talked about teaching and how he did things.  He shared how he taught and I wondered how any person could talk for 50 minutes in the classroom.  I later found out it was not all that difficult.  As a sophomore in college John allowed me to use his car as my mode of transportation was a bike at the time!  Good memories attached to this picture.

We are in for a hot humid day today.  I turned the air on at 5:30 as I came downstairs and the temp was already 80.  Yesterday was the same and as I went in/out, in/out, in/out cutting and putting up baseboard I felt like it was going from a sauna to a sauna.  I was trying to get trim up in the area upstairs that we are doing so the guy helping me could do his work again today.  I did not finish but he does not come until about 11:30 so there is still hope.  If a person has ever tried to make perfect fits in a room that is 110 years old you can imagine what I was up against.  

On my bike ride today I stopped at Starbucks to get an Americano drink and the paper.  I sat outside and read the sports as I drink my coffee.  Here is what I learned:

• Many many people order their drink from home, pay for it on their phone and then simply stop and pick it up.  As I stood in line waiting for my drink several times I thought that is mine!  Only to have a person walk in the door, grab it and walk out!  
• A lot of people stop and pay $4-$7 for a drink and bite to eat rather than fry an egg or have a piece of toast at home.
• The millennial generation likes their coffee and eats.  They also usually come in different sizes than older people!!!  I saw a couple of women who looked fitter and stronger than I think I was 50 years ago.  Oh one also got into a sporty Porsche and drove away.  A bit different than my mode of transportation ever!
• There are several people in the Highland Area that ALWAYS are around in the morning.  As I ride I see the same old, same old people and they are always spending $$ and sitting around talking about important things I am sure.  
• I had to wonder about one guy who stopped, went into the store and came out with only an expensive bottle of WATER.  I thought he must have a water problem at home.  
• Early morning people come in all sorts of clothing and all sorts of sizes.  I need not say more.
• Several times someone came out with a sweet roll and I am sure they eat way too many of them.  I should not talk of course.
• Some people come to the store with their dog and others with their kids.  Seldom with both!
• Some people celebrate hot Minnesota summer weather by wearing clothes that are COOL!  I wondered if they look in the mirror before they leave home!
• There were more observations for sure.

I may get out of watering the garden as the weather shows 50-60% chance of rain from late afternoon to mid evening.  Of course rain water is always better than tap water, right?

My eyes say it is time to work as my FP is almost gone.  My mind tells me there is a lot of work to do.  My body is telling me I may have over done things yesterday....Not sure that is true or if it is just attempting to make excuses!!!  Onward towards mid July.

Frustration!!!!!!!!!!

Day 24, "Every picture has a story"

Terry and I drove past this house in Veblen SD last Wednesday.  As you can read what the lady is asking, "Why are you taking a picture of my house?".  I did not get out of the car but I answered back, "My parents lived in that house for many years."  The story is this.  When the barn burned in 1980 Mom and Dad decided not to build on the farm again.  With the small amount of insurance money from the fire they bought this house and lived in it for about 15 years.  One summer my family and some of Al/Deb's kids drove up to Veblen and painted the entire house in one day.  I think Mom and Dad appreciated it but not a lot was said.  There are many stories around the house.  Mice found it inviting.  Dad did a lot of woodworking in the garage as he made gun stocks.  Mom had her favorite lounger where she would sit and watch her favorite shows.  They varied a bit, from Lawrence Welk to bible shows.  Mom often ate half a sweet roll in the morning and then would put the last half under the table cloth for a later snack!  It was fun staying late into the evening as we would stand outside and observe the bats feasting on insects as they flew through the air.  I had kind of two lasting memories.   One was when, by sibling decision😠😠😠, I was elected to drive up to take Dad in for his drivers test!  A long and not glorious story.  We drove up in two cars and came home in one.  You can figure out the rest.  I think there were other times when siblings or siblings in laws did the same.  Another, and perhaps the saddest, was when I decided to drive up to talk to Dad about some events in his past life.  It was a difficult and long conversation that lasted about 3 hours.  Did I get the answers I was looking for?  I am not sure.  Having said that I loved my Dad without reservation.  Within our siblings, there were 6 children, I did not end up as being the most popular for sure.  I know my Mom loved me in a huge way but there was a time late in her life when she said I was a terrible son.  I think it was said in a stage of frustration but not sure if there were any lasting effects.

The frustration, well those darn ceiling fans are the worst project in the universe.  I will prevail but do not know how and when.

A short ride this morning on Bentley after breakfast and watering the garden.  Oh my I think I need to point out the cucumbers to Terry as many may be almost ready for her pickling.  Our hot weather continues and I think I may need to water some of the lawn again soon.

The FP is down to the red tent picture on the outside of the cup so time to sign off and get some things done.

I observed

Day 23, "Every picture has a story"

Joe K, Carl B, Chuck H, me, Walter W and Larry F
Orville T, Greg H, Jack G, Pete B, Marvin W and Tom K
Names in red are no longer with us

This is our Cayuga grade school basketball team in the 59/60 school year.  That means that these kids today would be 71/72.  At this point in time 5 of these kids have died and a sixth one was in a serious accident and is in a nursing home in a state of unable to get out of bed or talk.  I would say the odds of all this are low as I think the average age expectancy now is at least in the mid 70's.  I am glad our coach, Ray M. does not have his signature cigar in his mouth!!!  I liked him a lot.  As I have mentioned before he also coached our little league baseball team.  By the way the trophy is a second place, not the one we wanted but I guess being second sometimes is not bad.

Here we are starting the second full week of July.  I think this week will be about the same as last week, projects etc.  I am trying to be a good guy.  That means finishing a project and picking up after myself.  I know that sounds like nothing but for a guy who has made a habit of cultivating bad habits it is a big deal!  For sure it means time!!!

I did get a short ride on Bentley in this morning at 6:00.  My legs told me in no uncertain terms that I should not try to go too far.  I think I will blame it on Terry's and my new way of eating, HEALTHY.  After a week or two I will have my energy back but for now I have excuse after excuse after excuse!  Last fall I lost 2 tennis matches with those excuses!

My title today refers to lawns as I ride the side streets.  I think the goal of having a very nice looking lawn is out the window.  On Juno ave the 2 blocks between Cleveland and Cretin have about 44 houses.  MAYBE 1 or 2 have very nice looking lawns.  The rest are perhaps a 50/50 mix of grass and weeds.  Also of the 44 homes 6 have major add ons or complete rebuilds in the last few years.  

It feels like we are in for a hot few days.  As I sit here the open window does very little so after my FP I need to shut the windows, turn on the window AC and then get some water on the garden. 

I guess that is it as my FP just disappeared. 

Perfect Minnesota summer continues

Day 22, "Every picture has a story"

Terry and I stopped at the Sargent County museum during our ND trip.  I don't know why but I would have just driven past but Terry's idea to stop was a good one. One of the first things I saw when we entered the building was my book in the case.  Kind of fun.  I held up the book and asked the gal if I had changed and she said nothing!!!  Terry and I had a delightful visit with the gal and Greta with the NDSU shirt on.  If Greta were a boy and the time was 53 years ago that could be me.  Well I am only saying I had a Bison shirt when I went to school there.  I think my book may have been the only book if its kind.  Most were books about the history of the area.  Well I guess mine is kind of a history but of a different kind.
I got a 6+ mile ride on Bentley today.  My energy and my legs were saying "not so far" but really that is not very far.  I try to get out early as it is so peaceful and quiet.  On the bike by 5:50 and home some after 7.
There were a few things done yesterday BUT the living room fan has me totally stumped.  I think a call for help is in order tomorrow.  Bite the bullet, swallow ones pride and use the phone.  Yep, I will do that on Monday.
As I sit with my FP at the computer there is a super cool breeze coming in.  Not sure it is a good idea to open the windows with 90+ temps today but it is so much fun to open windows that are new and easy to operate that I just had to do it.
I have the water on part of the front lawn that I am trying to get the weeds out of.  I put weed killer on yesterday, water today, the lawn is cut kind of high and then with the heat I think I have a winner.
Our raspberries are going strong.  We miss Audrey, who picked them last Tuesday!
Enough for now as the FP is down to one swallow.

Another day just like the last one!

The garden as it begins week 5.  Had to put a fence up as those rabbits love the tiny plants.

No I did not pay $1. for the cucumber but wanted to show the size as it was our second one of the summer.
The taste and aroma of cucumbers out of the garden are out of this world.  Well I know that is not possible but...

Day 21, "Every picture has a story"

Nails left over from the roofing job 20+ years ago.  The roof, the stories are many and long.  At one time I almost acted like a lighting rod as the rain came down and the water seeped into the house.  I climbed up on the roof to replace the canvas cover.  I know, not smart for sure.  The roof took too long and I became way way to comfortable up on it.  At the same time I tore the chimney down to below the roof line and then built it up.  A mason I am not but it actually looks fine.  I had a lot of help from Aaron, Travis and John.  I will not go into some of the gory details that I take credit for but am not proud of.  I plan to put the 1 3/4" nails on Craig's List today as I have NO NO use for them now.  It they sell I can rejoice in the fact that another little thing is out of the house!  Each Thursday I look for junk around the house and garage that can be thrown.  I am usually successful.

It is another perfect day.  I actually got on the bike for the first time in several days.  After being out of town for 4 days I just did not get back into the saddle as it seemed there were/are so many things to be done.  A short ride this morning but I started it at 5:30 and the Highland area was so peaceful and quiet.  In the strip mall where there is parking for maybe 75 cars not 1 was to be seen.  I killed two birds with one stone so to speak as I got my bike ride in and also picked up eggs on the way home.  AND also a paper for Terry as our Tribe paper stopped today and the normal subscription is NOT worth the everyday cost.  Got to get it on a special.
Progress on things here on Niles ave is slow but steady.  I could also say slowly steady!  I was able to fertilize the lawn yesterday and now this morning I need to get some week killer down.  Again the goal is not a manicured lawn but rather a lawn with grass instead of dirt!
FP gone and I am good to go outdoors to treat the lawn.  Then it will be inside to see if I can figure out that darn ceiling fan installation where I am attempting to marry a modern fan with a 110 year old house.  It that sounds difficult it IS.

A perfect Minnesota summer day on hand.

Day 20, "Every picture has a story"

Mr. A lived here years ago.  We would do his lawn and often stop to talk.  He seemed to be well off as one time he shared that he had land in CA that he sold and now Disney Land is there!!!  He had a 1965 Ford Mustang with 19,000 miles that he had purchased new.  It usually was covered in his garage.  A young boy came to the door one day selling something.  In conversation he said he lived with his mother just behind them.  The short story is Mr. A and the mother met and married.  The young boy who was selling ended up with the car!  They moved out of the house a few years ago and I have not seen him since.
Perfect weather today.  Still, low 80's and sunny.  This is what MN is all about.
I made a list of about 10 items that MUST be done this summer. I gave it to Terry yesterday to prioritize.  I finished the first TWO.  Well they were, by far, the easiest  so I will not brag, not yet.
Travis and I went out for breakfast this morning.  Terry and I are trying to be careful with what we eat for now so I had to order something that was kind of healthy.  😐 I have several things on my "to do list" today so I had better get going.  I did get the lawn fertilized already.  The FP was history long ago.

We are now into July a few days

Day 19, "Every picture has a story"

Here is John Paul James Adkins born July 1st and weighing in at 8 lb 8oz.  The story of the day is he is grandchild #13 and he broke the tie as now the boys are 7 and girls are at 6 as I am sure I have said in the past.  He is a peaceful baby as he spends most of the day sleeping or eating.  I am so glad he has hair as little baldies are not as cute!!!  Sorry about grandpa as this picture shows the real story, a bit long in tooth!  A few days ago someone was really nice and said I did not look my age but then little white lies are OK sometimes.  You may notice I did not shave but that is protocol as I need to conserve energy for important things so I shave about every 3 days which allows me to get more work done.
After a relaxing 4th we are into projects again.  I am not so good at prioritize things as my mind usually goes to the wood shop so I have made a list for Terry and asked her to list them in the order she thinks they should happen.  Not sure what I will do if I do not get down to the bottom before October 1st!  That will not happen of course as I left out the BIG projects👌.
I had breakfast today with Larry, I have had my FP coffee and I THINK I am ready for the rest of the week.  Paul, who is helping with the upstairs, should be here soon and I need to get some things done before he arrives.

I can't contain myself!

Just a short note.  The vanity went this morning and along with it the guy took the free toilet as well.  So now I love Craig's List!!!  A bike, two toilets, an AC unit and a vanity all found new homes and my home is now a tiny bit less clutter.  I still have 2 recliners for sale.  Anybody?  But what should one do with ALL the money?  If I think real hard I can come up with some way to use it.  Bring on the fireworks, it is a day to celebrate!!!!!!!!
On a side note we received almost 3/4" of rain this morning.  Another few days with no watering the garden.   God is good.

Memories of July 4th

Day 18, "Every picture has a story"

I don't need to say much about this picture!!!  In the spring of 1978 Craig, the paper supervisor, came to ask why we had complained about our paper service.  A short time later we had a paper route.  Among the "perks" were plaques, rings, a computer, some profits and as you can see Pioneer Press jackets!  After papers++++++++++++++ and years++++++++ we delivered our last papers July 7, 2007.  In between there were snow storms, firing of me, hiring back of me, way way too many early mornings and the list goes on forever.  A lot of memories, many good and many not so good.  End of story!

We had a great visit with John/Mary and kids yesterday.  I don't know if I like to see those kids as Henry is now WAY taller than Grandpa!  I do have him in weight👎.

I have some memories of July 4th:

• July 4th, 1966 I rode my motorcycle all day in the hills to the south of the farm.  I know I stopped at Roy Lake and at Buffalo Lake as well as others.  It was a good 4th.
• There was more than one July 4th where Gary P, Arnie P and Jack N teed it up on my golf course most of the afternoon.  I was stuck at home with NO transportation so why not watch them.  And of course Arnie always won!
• Way way back when most of my siblings were still home there were picnics at the lake.  Mom would pack sandwiches and it was a fun afternoon by and in the water.  Of course we had to abide by Mom's rule of NO swimming for an hour (maybe half an hour?) after we ate because we would get cramps and die!  I do remember sneaking into the water early and for sure never getting cramps.
• In high school there were more than one 4th when John and or Ronald had their boats on the lake and we would water ski.  Look Mom, one ski!  At one of those days I skied pretty much all around the lake.  Today, the lake is for fishing.  No boating and therefore no fun.
• There was the 4th when all the family and Josh, a friend from across the street, drove to the state capitol grounds to watch fireworks.  As we drove home the boys stuffed tissue in their nose and claimed, as we drove on Snelling Ave, that it was smelling ave!  What the heck, they were boys!
• I could not write about the 4th without talking about the "black cat firecrackers" and also the fun fun "cap guns" that we could shoot Indians with!  NO bottle rockets or such for the Lees.
• One for the present.  A few years ago Terry and I were on a camping trip along the North Shore to take in Isle Royale  National Park.  We camped in Grand Portage.  We we were about ready to fall asleep in our camper when we heard noise.  We opened the camper door and watched fire works explode over Lake Superior.  It was grand.

It seems like I said this before but I don't know.  A couple days ago Terry bid farewell to her first ever road bike.  She rode it a lot in the summer of 2010.  It had not been ridden for several years so it was time but still memories were strong and the good-bye was sad.  The bike alone with a toilet and an AC have gone so I may not dislike Craig's List so much now.  In an hour someone is coming to look at the vanity and top.  MAYBE another "thing" will bid farewell.  I can only hope at this time.

As for today, it will be quiet.  Maybe no company. For sure no black cats, no caps, no sparklers and I think no fireworks displace.  Maybe some work will be done and then a refreshing drink with a burger and brat left over from yesterday.  Having said that I am content and have no complaints.  I just "bottom upped" my FP so will sign off.