Miscellaneous Missives

Although I typically spend most of my summer reading in the sun, this summer packing, shredding, and purchasing "big ticket items" seem to have taken over my time. Tonight while watching the news and Keith Olbermann, I packed the items that will remain in totes under the stairs in the new place. While watching I was able to view my new favorite commercial... funny stuff. Let's hope the Verizon network comes in full force with me to my new location.

The fifth Sunday and the first Sunday of the month are community meals. This being the fifth Sunday meant seven to eight hours working community meals. I work with lovely people. My favorite is a family that works the entire day with me. These five kids ages ten to fourteen(?) work harder than most adults, and they crack me up! It's sibling rivalry at a different level. Actually this isn't necessarily true since I've never seen a fight or heard a nasty word. Today was as close as I've heard. I wish I remember the first line, but the follow up line was "Yeah, well you're an underachiever." Of course, I laughed and went to tell their mother how much I enjoyed her kids.

I suppose there are two reasons I am reticent to start packing although I actually made some progress today. My first reason is I don't want my apartment cluttered with packed boxes; I want it to be friendly. The second reason, fear of leaving my neighborhood, is probably the primary reason. One suggestion I need to follow through with is to get my bike, so I feel more connected to Uptown. It would be a short ride to the neighborhood. Today I did a trial run to the hardware store closest to my new place. Although they didn't shine, the store is acceptable. After using language that showed my knowledge on the subject, I received some help. It's a good thing I was fairly certain about what I needed. I will admit that most of the time I know what I need, so it won't be a problem. Moving further away from Magers and Quinn will be a problem hence the main reason for using my bike to travel across the bridge. Most people find Barnes and Nobles a great visit. I alwa...

My dad made me a fabulous television stand (pictured above) for my new place. As one can see, it is beautiful. I picked out the stain without a piece of my flooring, so I hope it is complimentary. He also took time to make a new top, sand, and stain the oak stool that I had stripped. After I stripped the stool , I had posted the change. I think this change is more dramatic.

Today was my first trip to Fleet Farm. Let me say the store (Is it a store?) is much larger than it looks on the outside, and it looks huge on the outside. Since I was told that I could get the big plastic containers cheaper at Fleet Farm, I thought I'd give it a chance. I was blessed to have someone with me to make it less overwhelming. Fleet Farm is a cross between Target, Home Depot, and Shoppers Supply (an Iowa store?). One can buy almost anything: candy, greeting cards, saddles, mufflers, outdoor furniture, rubber boots, cleaning supplies, laundry baskets, and your typical hardware stuff. Although I was pleased with my purchases, I'm not sure that I would frequent Fleet Farm, let alone go again, but it was fun to see what they had. It might be fun to take my father and brother. I also spent the day driving. With gas at $3.99 it seems crazy that I drove down to Fleet Farm then up to Sears in Brooklyn Center, and ended at Slumberland. All of the driving was product...

The Women's US Open is being played at Interlachen in Edina, so the scores are on the local news. Michelle Wie shot a nine (quatruple bogey, I believe) on one hole. Why does this make me feel better about my golf game?

Although I normally save Veterans' Day or a similar occasion to talk about our nation's vets, it is on my mind this morning as I prepare for my day. Yesterday I helped a friend clean out her father's house after his passing, and today I will drive again to help in this daunting task. As I was a appalled by the mess and the amount of "stuff," it occurred to me that our nation is partly responsible. Her father was a Vietnam vet. I couldn't help but think maybe it explained the way he lived after all it was probably much better than the way he lived on his tour of duty. Driving home I felt sick not because of the filth. I felt ill because we have more vets that are coming back from Iraq with similar issues of the Vietnam vets, and our government seems to do little to help these men and women. Maybe a little history lesson would have kept us out of this war and/or helped the troops as they came home (and for those who continue to come home).

Since I am piloting a new textbook next year, I was given complimentary training this morning. It went well, but I realize I have hours of preparation. Of course the two involved with training were more than happy to "pile on" the materials. Finally I explained that I was moving and didn't want duplicates of anything. They volunteered to follow me to my car to check my materials to ensure that I had at least one copy. As we were walking to the car, the first trainer explained that was the first McCain bumper sticker he had seen. "It better not be on my car," I exclaimed. "No, it looks like your car is safe," the second trainer laughed. "Oh, I didn't mean to worry you, I just found it strange because you don't see McCain bumper stickers," the first trainer replied embarrassed. If only the remainder of the day could have been as simple. Have you ever shopped for mattresses with a small budget?

I am getting old. This is something I realize daily as I look at my wrinkles and age spots. It is something that is also accentuated by news. George Carlin has passed away, and although I typically have been offended by him as an adult, I reveled in him as a teen. At one point in my life I had the "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television" memorized. It was similar to memorizing Eddie Murphy's dialogs he delivered in his red, leather jumpsuit. I digress. Before posting I tried to figure out when the seven words were delivered. When I realized they were delivered around 1978, I was depressed. Was it thirty years ago that I was spouting those seven words? My guess is that I was a bit older, and it was several years later (more like 25 years... argh!).

When I first wanted a new refrigerator, range, and dishwasher, I wanted to buy them for $1800. Although I thought about delivery, installation, and hauling away of old appliances, I didn't think about sales tax (higher in Minneapolis). Last night I reevaluated my finances and decided $2000 would be my budget for new appliances. I am pleased to say that in 1 1/2 hours (including drive and visiting two locations not including internet time, etc.) I looked at and purchased appliances a wee bit under budget. We started as Sears with a helpful and knowledgeable sales person. It helped that Dad was in the appliance business at one time and had recently talked to one of his former employees about current models, features, etc. Upon recommendation of a friend, we went to Appliance Smart which took five minutes... OMG! After quick discussion and thought, we went back to Sears and purchased the appliances. I could have followed through with my original budget of $1800 easily, but I wen...

The answer to the two questions I have received lately is no! No, I am not excited about moving, and no, I am not having fun. I realize these feelings will change when I'm in my new place, my own place, but for now the answer remains a firm no. Maybe this isn't fair because I did have fun picking out furniture, so I need to carry this with me as I look for appliances. Although I have knowledge on the topic, everything seems expensive. This morning (and last night) I spent quite a bit of time online trying to decide. If I took my sofa and chair shopping experience as a model, I would quit looking online and get out to stores to look, but I am comfortable in front of my computer without pressure. As I was looking over stuff (again) this morning, I became a bit stressed (mini meltdown). I called my dad with questions. After he consulted a former employee and listened to me, he volunteered to come help (or did I ask?). He is incredible. This evening he will arrive (with t...

The title includes "Part I" because I'm sure there are more to come. Today a couple friends came for a walk around the lake and lunch. One stopped to use my bathroom. "Your bathroom is big," she replied. It's too bad the bathroom in my new place isn't as large. As we were talking and walking around the lake, they mentioned the wonder of the Uptown neighborhood, and of course I agree. Later in the day I walked (Did I mention my current neighborhood was wondrous?) to the Steeple People to donate my furniture. As I walked I realized part of the reason I am donating my furniture is because I am getting a new sofa and chair, but the other part is I don't have the room. What if my new place is too small?

While I was in Montana, I checked my Bloglines every morning at the Montana Coffee Traders. I believe it was Saturday morning when I read of Tim Russert's ( Meet the Press ) passing. Although I do not watch Meet the Press , I watch him frequently on Countdown with Keith Olbermann. He always seemed like "the boy next door." His political knowledge and integrity were refreshing. Since I was fairly certain my vacation mates would not know Tim Russert or at least not feel the same about him as I did, I didn't talk about my thoughts and the news. Today, after watching a brief excerpt of his farewell on the local news, I asked my dad if he watched it. He said he did not watch it since he had been watching news flashes all week. Tonight after golf I was ready for a shower and bed. Instead of going directly to bed after my shower, I watched Keith Olbermann. After Olbermann mentioned the rebroadcast of the memorial, I set the sleep timer for sixty minutes and started ...

Yesterday, my last full day in Montana, proved to be a favorite. Although no one in my group felt the need to go white water rafting, I could not refuse. The river had recently peaked and the river was raging (II, III, IV rapids). Since the water was 37º, we were given complimentary neoprene wetsuits and booties (not too attractive). I met a lady (fellow teacher) on the bus who was also going alone, so we became boat buddies. When the guide asked who wanted to sit in the front and lead the paddling, she volunteered us. At first I was apprehensive, especially after the first wave hit my face and went down my back, but it proved to be worth the additional water. Today I am a bit sore on the right side of my body, but I am ready to go again anytime! Last evening we had another lovely sunset before we packed for our return trip home early this morning. I am now unpacked and ready to play golf. The laundry and grocery shopping will need to wait for morning.

Since I've arrived and started the daily walk to the Montana Coffee Traders, I've wanted to take a quick video of the trains which run all the time. My requirement was a train whistle, sound of the train, and mountains in the background. It seems the conductor won't merely blow the whistle even when I'm trying to give the semi honk gesture. The video proved to be adequate but not fantastic. Yesterday was a down day exploring White Fish and having a small cocktail gathering. After my brief exploration of downtown in which the huckleberry ice cream was the most interesting find, I read in a swing on the front lawn enjoying the lake and mountains. This is an incredible way to start summer.

Remember my video of the ceiling fan. The video I used to figure out how to post videos to my blog. This one is more soothing.

Our first day in Glacier was fabulous. I am always amazed at the beauty of nature and was impressed by the integrity of the park. Since they had two feet of snow last week, Logan Pass (upper trail) is not open, but we enjoyed a full day in the park. Although the day in the park was incredible, I did have one frustration. The line for ice cream was at least a 30 minute wait. Instead of getting a huckleberry (fruit similar to a blueberry yet sweeter) ice cream cone, we had to enter a gift shop (YUCK). Life did vastly improve as we stopped at a huckleberry store (?) on the way back to White Fish. As I stood in line for my yummy huckleberry shake, which I plan on having at least one more before leaving Montana, Jesse entangled himself among the many huckleberry products.

Our drive to the National Bison Reserve was beautiful. America the Beautiful and the song with "purple mountains majesty" (Maybe that's the same song, but the lyrics of two songs were spoken and warbled.) frequently came to the lips of my fellow travelers. The return drive was endless. Although the day was delightful, being in a vehicle with few stops all day made for a painful ride home. At one point I asked to stop at the Dairy Queen to use the restroom. When I was questioned about my choice, I explained I knew they had fountain Diet Pepsi. I continued with, "If you think of me as a princess who gets what she wants, this would go easier." J's response was that I'd make an "interesting princess." Interesting indeed! Jesse and I were a bit amazed by the pile of antlers although unlike Jesse, I remained on the ground. We saw a bison drinking and pissing in the same pool of water although I missed the photo op.

Happy Father's Day Dad! You would love it here in Montana. They have a fly fishing store in downtown White Fish! Love, Mary If I look directly out the kitchen window, I have a view of White Fish Lake. The view to the left (top picture) is Big Mountain. We asked someone our luncheon stop (The Docks) if the snow would last all summer. He told us that typically it was gone, but the snow last week... The water was a glacier green that reminded me of Alaska, and it was cold enough we ate inside. Another reminder of my Alaska trip is the mockingbird. As in Alaska, I am taking plenty of pictures. I'm trying to get a video of a running train with its horn (or whatever it's called for a train).

My summer vacation started yesterday afternoon on a flight to Montana. The beauty if everything I expected. Since my new wallet doesn't have room for my camera, I missed a beautiful sunset (sun setting through billowy clouds) over White Fish Lake as we were eating dinner. I also missed pictures of white tail and mule deer on our way back home. As I was watching the deer 20 yards from the car, I temporarily missed the deer five yards from the car. Even with a camera I may have been too startled to capture these. Our accommodations are lovely. As we enjoyed a glass of wine upon our arrival, we sat in the kitchen and looked at White Fish Lake and a wonderful tree line (pictured above). I have a wonderful room that allows morning sun, and it is reportedly sunny for the first time in a week here in White Fish. Internet (wireless or not) is not part of the accommodations, but I had a lovely walk to the Montana Coffee Traders were I'm enjoying solitude and wireless internet (...

Today Kitty Klaus and I arrived home from our extended stay with Dad and Nalo in Okoboji. Kitty Klaus has been sleeping in the same location all day. It seems he is as exhausted as I am. Since he was sleeping under the futon all day, he didn't realize that I packed after doing my laundry. Tomorrow will be a surprise as he realizes I am leaving and he is staying. He'll be happy and irritated that he is not going!

I didn't post yesterday because I spent 12+ hours in the hospital with my dad and without my computer. This morning I am once again with my dad at the hospital, but I also have my computer (no battery cord and 35% power). As I am using the battery power and watching my dad finally get some sleep, I am checking my blogs. Mager's and Quinn, my favorite independent bookstore, has an interesting blog. Today they led me to another blog, Book Slut . Book Slut, I love this! The blog itself may not be fantastic, but the name rocks. This is fitting since I read two books yesterday and started the third this morning. As you know, when I realized I was staying for surgery on Tuesday, I stopped by the independent bookstore on Monday to buy a book since I only brought one. Yesterday I stopped back and purchased another book. Although I am getting reading done, reading in the hospital is not the same as reading in a hammock in the sun.

My stay in Iowa has been extended. Dad will have surgery tomorrow and my plans (meetings, meetings, meetings) for three days have been canceled. Although I love being in Okoboji, I did not pack well for an extended stay and am doing laundry daily. Dad mentioned he was going to be sick of seeing me in the same clothes. This can't be true because I am his chauffeur, and chauffeurs typically wear the same clothes daily. Since I will be parked at the hospital tomorrow, I did stop at the independent bookstore (owned by a high school classmate) and bought another book. As for the wildlife, yesterday we counted at least ten types of birds flying in the yard. Today we found a barn swallow next on the porch although it seems to be empty. There is also a pesky rabbit eating the door mat... seriously.

When my father moved from his house in town to the new house, I saved this stool. I have always appreciated it although I didn't really have a place for it. This stool will be perfect under the living room window for my cat to peak at the birds. Today one of my tasks was to strip the stool without any previous experience. As soon as the hardware store opened I went to buy supplies. The process went better than planned although it took longer. My patience was wondrous. It, the stool, still needs to be sanded, but that will happen later in the summer. At first I thought I was going to paint it. After seeing the wood, I think I am going to stain it.

One of my first outings took me to Kum & Go (only in Iowa?) to get a fountain Diet Pepsi. As I went to pull my glass I had a choice, pop or soda. Kum & Go is doing somewhat of a survey to see who drinks pop and who drinks soda. I chose soda even though my first instinct was to grab the red glass. Because I was humored, I actually took one of each glass. If I would have known they were actually counting glasses, I may have only taken the soda glass. Later I watched Hillary on television (a rebroadcast). Since I had viewed some small excerpts before watching the entire speech, I questioned her integrity. After listening to the speech, I think she did a fine job. I have scrutinized her run since I saw her in Iowa, but she is an intelligent person who does want the best for children and Americans. It has to be difficult running for sixteen weeks then being asked to quit immediately. My favorite quotes: 1) "Everyone moment spent looking back keeps us from moving for...

Today I dropped off two electronic pieces at Best Buy to be recycled. I'm not sure of the iMac's age, but it could be eight years old. The cassette player (dual deck), well do I really need to say anything more? It was nice to get rid of these relics at no charge. The concern came when they asked me to keep my hard drive, which they removed, because of liability. According to my tech guru friend, the main hazardous concerns would be in the monitor, but I really wanted to feel it was all being recycled. Now my hard drive will be in the ground contaminating ground water and taking up space. Maybe I need to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. Two electronics have been saved from the dumpster and landfill because of Best Buy's program. Oh, I'm sure they are getting something in return (glass half empty), but it's definitely worth it (glass half full?).

Until today, I wasn't too excited about tomorrow being the last day with students. Since we have to come in Monday for meetings and since I am working at MDE (Minnesota Department of Education) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the end of the school year didn't seem real. Today my feelings changed. First during lunch duty I was annoyed that a member of our team was not there to help. Later I would realize he wouldn't be at our final team meeting. Let me "go out a on limb" to say he won't be helping get things put back and "tied up" on Monday. This was followed by one of the more immature honors students writing on his final (paragraph about seventh grade) about me being mean and sexist. Of course he was one of the main reasons the honors class was taking a final instead of looking for violence in cartoons (media literacy). This was followed by checking with the AWOL team member who had left the building by 2:20. Did he prepare for tomorro...

My latest must have snack is all natural cheese puffs from Whole Foods. Today as I was walking around the cafeteria (last week of school all staff members get the joy of lunch duty) a student questioned my delicious treat. He was concerned that it didn't have enough cheese because it wasn't fake orange like Cheetos (which I love too-- my words not his). I explained that they were all natural. "Ooooo," he replied. The problem with all natural treats is that although they are yummy and probably healthier, they are not healthy on the waist. Tonight I went with a friend to Whole Foods. Instead of walking out with the soy milk I actually needed, I walked out with cheese puffs and sandwich creams. After taking four sandwich creams for a snack tonight and four for a snack after lunch I put them in the freezer... too bad the freezer doesn't have a time lock.

My main concerns (worries) are posted all over my blog lately... politics and my new place. Last night I went to measure and realized the leather set I was looking at would not fit (without tearing out a wall). Today I went to look at another leather set. Basically, I can't afford leather unless it's on clearance, and if it's on clearance they won't take it back if it doesn't fit. Most sleeper sofas are going to be a "tight squeeze." Instead of focusing on leather, I looked at other sleeper sofas. After some looking, I've decided on Microfiber (Let's hope I like it). Of course, politics has taken up too much of my thought this week. Today J came over and wrote web address on my desk. I checked it to see that Hillary plans on continuing even though Obama will get the nominee (tonight!). As I mentioned yesterday, I've been doing the "Should I stay or should I go..." about the Obama rally tonight. S made it more difficult (muc...

Tomorrow evening, Barack Obama will once again be at a rally in Minnesota. When it was first announced over a week ago, it was announced as Michelle Obama speaking. I love Michelle Obama for her firm, intelligent talk, and I thought it would be grand to see her if only it wasn't St. Paul (Xcel Center). Yesterday it was announced both Barack and Michelle would be holding a rally. According to the political pundits, tomorrow may be Hillary's final day. This would mean the rally (in St. Paul....arrgh!) would be Obama's speech to confirm that he is the Democratic nominee. St. Paul is merely across the river, but it would mean 1 1/2 hour round trip by bus and at least the same time standing in line. Oh, to go or not to go...

The third closet of three has been purged. Since I recently cleaned out my bedroom closet, I didn't foresee the intensity of this task. When I checked the square box in the corner that I thought was empty and found college yearbooks and Precious Moments boxes, I was dismayed. Cleaning out the small dresser with sewing supplies was humorous but took time. Finally I discarded numerous belts. This picture doesn't show the splendor of these relics. Yesterday a friend asked if I found this task to be nostalgic. I'm not sure that I find it nostalgic, but I do find it cathartic. As I continue to look through drawers and cupboards, I'm sure I will find more items, but I believe most of what needs to be donated or thrown has been. It's sad that most of it had to be thrown because it wasn't worthy of donation. Did I mention I donated a tennis racket although I'm not sure that I ever played tennis?