Historic Day!

She's moving out west and isn't taking the store along.....

Northwoods Music & Supplies is closing May 25, 2012

    The ad is out in the paper!  A number of people have been into the store today.  The 20% off sale officially starts on Monday, but folks received their discount today as well.  All have expressed regret that the store is closing, but wish me well. 
    There is one younger fellow who wishes he could afford to take over the store.  He has played in a band for several years.  I don't know if he will have any follow up. 
    I have given out most of the "retirement" notices to my students and parents.  All say they are sad to see me go, but are glad for me.  I am feeling better about being done with the business and teaching.  Each day I get more of a sense that it is time to move on.

     This day has passed by quickly---the entire week has passed by quickly.   This morning I prepared a pork roast with Jamaican jerk seasoning to cook in a crock pot for several hours.  YUM!  (I was introduced to jerk flavoring while in Jamaica a number of years ago. Just have to have it once in a while---not TOO spicy, though.) 

    Jamie was in the store for part of the afternoon.  He tuned up the guitars so they are ready for customers to try.   We chatted about other things as well.  He wants to stock up on single E and G strings before I close, since the nearest music store is at least an hour's drive from Park Falls.

    This is busy travel time for my adult children.  One family is presently in Cozumel, Mexico.  Another family is in San Fransisco for an Odyssey of the Mind state competition and then on to Nashville, TN for vacation and a wedding.  A third family is flying from Portland to Disneyland and San Diego for the week.  I am glad they are able to travel.  (I remember staying mostly in Park Falls while raising 7 kids.  When the youngest had just started first grade I road with my husband to a small city 2 hours from here.  I felt like I was a queen to be able to go somewhere for the afternoon.)

    The jerk pork tasted really good this evening!!

    This was a good "going out of business" day in the life of Grandma G.

   "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:....a time to plant and a time to uproot." (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 & 2)

    

Got Past the Ogre!

(ALMOST an ogre)

       Have your ever dreaded a situation so badly you just couldn't confront it?  That's an ogre.  I got past an ogre this morning.  I had to work up the courage by praying before, taking a deep breath, setting aside emotions, putting on a professional poise and factually speaking.  I didn't like the interchange but I am past the ogre and can proceed with what needs to be taken care of.  It drained me emotionally and physically, but I also felt myself grow in self esteem and confidence.  This is all part of the journey west.  There are hills and mountains to climb, valleys and rivers to cross, places where there are no paths to follow, bad weather to endure, scary creatures to confront, fatigue, stress and occasional ogres blocking the road.  But I am "keeping on keeping on"!
     Most of the day was good and peaceful, though I have mixed emotions now that closing the store and ending lessons is public knowledge.  I am a little insecure about moving 1,500 miles west at 66 years old. Yet I am looking forward to milder winters, long walks, hanging out with my daughter and her family, new friends, blogging, giving piano lessons, working on CDs and maybe DVD's with a new recording studio friend!             VC, here comes Grandma G!

Yellowstone National Park, May 14, 2006
(dirty snow piles in the background)

     I walked a 25 minute, 1.30 mile on the treadmill this AM.  I couldn't do that a year ago without my heart acting up.  Since the ablation late August I can do so much more and have more energy.  There are times the SVT feel like it wants to happen, but after a few seconds its gone.
     The local paper came out today.  It has an ad for 20% off all items at Northwoods Music and announcement that the store is closing May 25.  People who come in express their disappointment but wish me well.  None has ever said I am foolish to leave the winter weather.  Parents of students also express disappointment, but say good luck.  I am honored that folks think well of me.
    At the store I spent a couple hours working on the rhythm of  "Keep On Keeping On".  I think I FINALLY have it.  It is hard work for me to get an exact beat but that's like a good physical workout to an athlete. It is satisfying, stress relieving and productive.  Writing songs and composing music is what gets me through the lonesome and rough times--and winter!  It's fun to have a new song singing in my head!

                                               Daughter, Angie, wants to be
                                                              JUST LIKE MOM!







     This has been a good "get past the ogre" day in the life of Grandma G.

     "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."
      (Psalm 68:19)
     

A VC Poodle? All Roads Lead to VC?

     This morning I was playing a "pick one" game on the Travel Channel website for a chance to win a trip to Australia.  I didn't know the answer so I clicked on "hints".  There appeared a strange looking, though, dignified dog. (The question pertained to dog shows.)  Reading the short explanation I noticed it was last year's winner for best show dog.  And his home?   VANCOUVER, WA!  Now what are the random chances of meeting up with a champion from your own soon to be home town?
     On my way to work at noon there was a plastic garbage can blocking the ally. It's lid was a little to the side.  I didn't feel like getting out of the car--I was in a hurry--so I figured I could just go around the can, drive over the lid and it would pass through under the car.  Nothing is ever that easy.  The lid got stuck and I didn't want to crush it (not neighborly).  I drove forward and backwards a few times, got out to see where the lid was stuck, drove forward and backwards a few more times, got out to see where it was stuck and how to angle my tires to miss it and commenced to successfully drive over it! It may have been quicker and easier to just get out and move the garbage can cause I had to move it anyway.
     The afternoon at the music store was quiet.  I did practice a hour and half on my recital pieces---that is always satisfying for me.  One customer came in sporting a thick layer of pinkish, red hair under the front of his baseball cap.  I thought I should know him (twice he called me by my first name).  He is the older brother of a former student.
     A young fellow who came in for a lesson announced that he had to warn me that he has a skunk inside him.  He doesn't know why and it just rolls out of him.  I told him thanks for the warning.  Fortunately the skunk behaved during the lesson.
     I gave out 4 more "retirement" letters.  One dad said that it is "too bad" that I am leaving but he doesn't blame me for wanting to leave the cold winters.  A lady cried a little and said she would miss me, but that she, too, hopes to get to warmer weather when she retires.  It is an emotionally difficult week for me and I will be glad when all the announcements are done.
     I have programmed a different template for my blog!  Perhaps you have noticed.  This is still a learning experience for me.  So hang in with me and enjoy the ride!    
     The March winds are busy and strong tonight.  There is a constant rumble of thunder, like the sky is belching--no rain, though.

     This has been a good "little bit odd" day in the life of  Grandma G.

     "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the rightous fall." (Psalm 55:22)


   

Pivotal Day; Emotional Week....

     With 9 weeks left until I intend to close the music store I knew it was time to get a "going out of business" ad in the weekly local paper.  I called the paper this morning to see when an ad has to be submitted.  I was surprised to find that the newspaper office has been transferred to the town 20 miles south of Park Falls.  I was informed that I could process the ad on line.  Actually it required talking to a live person via phone.  She said that business ads had to be in by Friday (the past Friday), but if I could get her the information by noon she would get it in this Thursday's paper. That has been done.  The paper for this coming week will publicly announce the closing of Northwoods Music & Supplies.  When I first took over the store I had a timeline of 5 years.  Those 5 years were up in February.  That is not why I am closing, but I find it interesting that the 5 year timeline proved accurate.

     I also printed off a letter to my students and parents informing them that this will be my last spring recital, that I will be done teaching the end of May and that the store is closing.  This is what makes a difficult week for me. 
     I have now committed to moving.  I know I can change my mind--no one is forcing me to move.  But now that this decision is public it puts the "real" into my dreams and thoughts.  I am excited and yet apprehensive. 
    I gave out 3 letters to students this afternoon.  I did not see 2 of the parents, the 3rd commented that this news is bittersweet.
    I have been teaching piano in Park Falls for 26 years--several years from my home and 12-15 years in a studio setting.   Interacting with kids has been a delight.  I think I would be a crabby, elderly lady if it weren't for them. 

     I spent a productive hour at the piano this afternoon.  I have finalized "Keep On Keeping On"!  Some of the rhythm was tricky for me to get into a steady beat.  So now it is a matter of getting to know it well enough to perform and sing it at the recital in 6 weeks.  It will be my goodbye and encouragement song to everyone.  Come to our recital on May 6, 2PM and hear the debut!  It's a fun one!


     
This has been a good pivotal day in the life of  Grandma G.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)

A Pleasant Sunday......

          Today was a pleasant day.  Though it started with something bothering me.  It started last evening---something like an internal alarm.  I "minister" the church service at our local nursing home when it is my church's rotation.  That occurs every 8 weeks or so.  Lately with moving on my mind I lost track of the schedule.  Last evening the thought popped into my awareness, "I wonder if it is our turn this week". I would forget about it just as quickly.  This morning after service it bothered me that maybe it is my church's turn today. I hurried home at noon and called the nursing home--no answer.  I settled in to watch TV a bit then called again.  "Oh", the lady replied, "I think FWC is scheduled".  "OH", was my response, "I will be there before 2PM."

       There is a dear lady in town that goes regularly to play piano.  I gave her a call to ensure she would be there.  With this being almost Easter season it didn't require too much thought to decide what to speak on.  So within an hour I was ready and at the nursing home.  The service went well and I was glad my church did not neglect it's responsibility.  The residents are so appreciative.  I will miss this interaction when I move.
      There is a thin, muscular lady who comes to help with the service.  She runs 10 to 14 miles everyday.  She said she has some arthritis;if she doesn't keep active she can hardly move.  Her only concern when running is running into wild animals like wolves or bears.  Her circuit includes forested back roads.  She is 76 years old.   

      After I went over to Al's to visit.  We haven't chatted for awhile.  I told him that when I turn on the desk top computer it takes 20 minutes or so for the monitor to come on. He'll take a look some time.  We talked about the upcoming family get together in South Dakota in late June.  He, Autumn and Eddy plan to go though transportation is uncertain.  He also told me he has a possible herniated disk in his neck.  His right arm has been going numb. Bummer.  He has a consult with a specialist next week. 

     I made a huge decision when I got home.  I am going to Vancouver, WA over Easter weekend.   With a very nice ticket available, I decided, "why not".  This is my transition year; I may as well be a little wild.  There is a mobile manufactured home available in an over 55 neighborhood.  It has an office with an outside entrance---great for a teaching studio.  I'm going out to look it over and scout out the area to see if I feel comfortable. Am I suited for an "over 55" community?  Once I am there I hopefully will sense if this is "the one". I am really excited!      

      I need to write a notice to my piano students and their parents this week to inform them that I will be done teaching the end of May.  I dread doing this but it is time to let everyone know what is going on.  Now that moving is moving on I am getting a little nervous.

      Burt, Jen and the 3 older boys are in Minneapolis tonight.  Tomorrow they are flying to Cozumel, Mexico.  This is Josh's last year at home; he is graduating this spring.  They are going to do activities that are too difficult to do when the 2 younger boys are with them.  Sounds like a great week!

       I was all excited this morning.  It has been 6 weeks since I got my ears pierced--time to try different earrings!  It wasn't a good idea to try while getting ready for church, with only limited time.  I got one out and it started to bleed a little.  Is this suppose to happen?  Now what about the other ear?  Leave in or take out?  Out came the other one and my ears went bare all day.  This evening I put the original ones back in, though with some difficulty.  Maybe I AM to old to go "styling". 

      I finished off the day by stretching for a half hour while watching "Frozen Planet".  Magnificent!

    

 This has been a busy, but good Sunday in the life of Grandma G.

 "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10)

     

      

How do you like YOUR bananas?

Though this Saturday started late--10:30AM--it was a productive day.  I got laundry done--and put away, 2 loaves of banana bread baked**, the dishes washed and the kitchen floor wiped up. 

This afternoon I went to for leisure walk to enjoy the very early spring. With my handy-dandy camera I got snips of local "color" all within a mile of my house.

                          early pussy willows

I found the leprechaun house!

* Do you have a compulsion you just can't change?  Like thinking you have to buy bananas because they are good for you and you should eat one every day?  Even though you really don't like eating bananas?  That's why I baked banana bread today.  Last week on my way up from Milwaukee there was a quick mart that had bananas at 49 cents a pound.  Thinking I  should eat a banana every day I bought a bunch of 5.  Every day after that I looked at the bananas thinking I should eat one, but I didn't WANT to eat one.  Every day they got a little riper.  There is one thing I like even worse than "just right" bananas and that is soft bananas.  I DO like banana bread.  I have been known to put over ripe bananas in the freezer to keep them from completely spoiling.  There they can rest until the right moment--sort of like the woolly mammoth.  Then when the time is right and all the other needed ingredients are in the kitchen they can come out, thaw out (though black on the outside and mushy on the inside), be mashed and stirred in with the flour and eggs to beome--wa la--banana BREAD!  At any given time there will be at least 5 frozen bananas in my freezer.  The count has gotten uncountable on occasion in the past. And on occasion in the past one or more of the children would make a comment---like,"Why don't you throw those things out?"  Actually that is more like a request than a comment.  I do remember once when I needed to clean out the deep freeze there were TWO grocery bags of black bananas resting in peace.  I was heartless and threw ONE out but had compassion on the other. To my knowledge it is still there. Anyway, I have started a fresh supply (of frozen bananas in the freezer) not because my goal is to raise frozen bananas or to traumatize Chuck (he has very vivid memories of black things in the freezer) but because you should eat a banana every day so I buy them whenever I go to the grocery--or quick mart.

This has been a good banana bread baking, spring day in the life of Grandma G. 

"The cheerful heart has a continual feast."  (Proverbs15:15)

It's Friday Night!!

     Friday nights are suppose to be special--the end of the work week, the end of the school week, get to party all night, get to stay home on Saturday.  Yeah!  So to roll all that into one Mrs. J and I went to pig out at the Black Bear before being scared out of our wits watching "The Little Shop of Horrors".  I certainly won't feed my plants ever again!
     That was the musical put on by the local high school.  I had never seen it before, though the title was vaguely familiar in my head.  I mentioned to a fellow at the restaurant that the play we were going to see was "The Little House of Horrors".  He replied that in that one "horrors" is spelled differently.  Oh.

 China Beijing in the winter

     The afternoon at the music store was busy socially.  A fellow came in to browse while his wife finished her meal at the China Beijing--just 2 doors over.  He said he and his wife lived in China several years.  Now that he is retired he likes to spend his time seeking out high end Chinese restaurants.  He said this one is a combination of Chinese and American Chinese; that it actually was quite tasty.  He went on to say that here in America we wonder why the Chinese make such "junk". Over there, he said, the Chinese workers wonder why Americans like to buy such "junk".  The Chinese don't like that stuff.  They manufacture it because there are American contractors who order it.  Hmmmm
     Frank stopped by while I was enjoying "studio" time. Usually his wife is with him so I asked where she was.  At home---he needed to get away for a bit.  She has dementia.  We talked a little about me moving and closing the store.  He was hoping I'd keep it going through July since he has a little recording area in the back and doesn't know where to transfer it to.  I wish I could help him, but time and money are tight for me. 
     Another couple came in for the guy to buy a few things.  The girlfriend tried out a piano and wondered how you tell what keys to play--there was nothing to indicate which ones.  I said one has to learn the names of the keys and what printed music means.  She did get involved with an impromptu lesson on a smaller keyboard.  While she was engrossed  he tried out a few different guitars. They wiled away about 30 minutes                                                                                                       Jamie           
     Jamie came in to pick up something for a friend.  I told him about the amp that Wally L had brought back a couple days ago.  He tried it out and fiddled with some of the settings but couldn't get it to sound clear.  Of course, he and I had various opinions of what might be wrong.  While we were engaged in that Jeff popped in.  We got him involved.  He took the guitar, flipped it upside down so he could play the chords with his right hand (he's left handed) and started strumming away.  Abruptly he pointed out a tan spot inside the amp and declared a magnet was detached.  Some guys are SO smart.
     After Jamie left Jeff and I chatted a while.  He is the one who prepared the master CDs for me.  He got a kick out of me taking the wrong one to the recording studio.  I said it was his fault for giving me a choice of two.
     Later in the afternoon a young girl had her piano lesson.  Afterward her mom asked about summer lessons.  I hesitated and she probably was thinking I didn't want to give her daughter lessons.  Actually I was pondering if I should reveal that I won't be around for the summer.  Finally I told her I am going to be done the end of May. They both seemed surprised and disappointed.  I told them I will also be closing the store.  She responded she thought it would be fun to run a music store.  I mentioned that I thought a person would have to have a side business included to make it work.  She left looking like she was thinking a bit.
     It is difficult for me to announce my "retirement", yet I don't feel any pull to keep here another winter. 
     One last development for the day.  I got it in my head it would be nice to "run" out to Deb's for Easter and check out the house possibility.  I told myself that if I find a 25,000 mile FF ticket I would do that. (Yesterday they were all coming up much higher priced.)  I was "browsing" and came across a nicely timed one that first showed 32,500 and then clicked in at 25,000.  Now what do I do? If I leave that page I might not get it back.  If I reserve it I have until Sat. midnight to cancel it.  So WHAT did I do?  Find out tomorrow....... 
     It is now 1:30AM Sat. CDT.  It is, however, Friday night so I can stay up as late as I want....I just have to remember NOT to feed the plants. 

    This had been a good socially active day in the life of Grandma G.

"So I saw there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work beause that is his lot."
(Ecclesiastes 3:22)


    

"Keeping on" Day...

   "You gotta keep on keeping on, You gotta keep on moving strong,

You gotta keep on keeping on.

Don't let no mountain high, no valley low,

no raging waters stop your flow,

You gotta get up and go, You gotta own your soul, 

You gotta keep on keeping on!"

(coming in full song to a CD near you----some time)

      I had a reasonably well controlled day.  At least I got started on all the financial chaos.  This evening while filling out some forms I discovered they were great worksheets for estimating how much I am going to need to live adequately.  I have some idea what the needs and financial goals are.

    I have a lead on a possible house in Vancouver. Yeah!  It may not materialize, but I have something to think about.  I do know that it is already the end of March and something will have to become real real soon!  A little scary, but exciting!  I would so like to hope onto a plane and fly out to Deb's for Easter weekend and take a look. BUT......have you checked flight prices lately?  They are sky high!  Oh, yah.  One can't afford to get high anymore.  Not me, anyway.

     I reached a mile stone at the music store this afternoon!  I paid the last premium for the business insurance.  It is a start of the end of Northwoods Music and Supplies.  For a long time I felt upset about closing the store, but lately I am relieved to be letting it go and be on to new ventures and adventures.

BECAUSE EVERY BLOG NEEDS PICTURES.........

CUISINE....

  NAME THAT PHOTO.......1.  Grandma G mega salad
                                        2.  Christmas fruitcake
                                        3.  What IS it?
                                        4.  chicken wild rice soup        
                                        5.  vegetable noodle soup 
                                        6.   Oops
                                          

This has been a good " keep on keeping on" day in the life of Grandma G.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."  (Proverbs: 14:9)

TOO OLD for Sweepstakes?

     I entered (rather, TRIED to enter) a sweepstakes this evening.  One of those that ask for your age and has a list of years.  I tried posting 1946 and it didn't want it.  It only went to 1947---the oldest one can be is 65 to enter.  Discrimination.  So, folks, I lied.  Yes, I lied.  I put down I was born in 1949, which is what came up when I tried to be honest and say 1946. And the program was happy.  So we are both happy.  That's modern life--just trying to make an honest sweepstakes living. Only thing that can make me happier is actually winning.
     I came across one this evening for 4 nights in Banff  National Park, Canada!  That one has to have my name on it since that is where Kate, Betsy and I are headed this August.  Now, though, I guess it's Kate and I are headed that way OR Betsy and I are headed that way since it will be for me and one guest.  Sure hope Betsy isn't the one left out since SHE is the one that has always wanted to go there.  Sorry, Betsy, but we'll send pictures and updates.

Flashback!   MT. Hood and Columbia River between Portland and Vancouver.  My soon to be new home!  Not the mountain or river, but a cozy house in Vancouver. 

     I am in the thick of my ADD challenge---financial matters.  I can relate to people who have ADD problems.  Trying to figure out money matters for me is like having a bunch of mice running all over the house.  I know they are there and need to be caught, organized and caged, but try to catch them!  And I mean a bunch, not just one or two.  Trying to do taxes for the store, inventory, personal taxes, paying bills, figuring things between Lou and me is so overwhelming I simply don't do it. (sigh)  Is that what ADD is? (sigh)  There are so many good programs on TV, so many sweepstakes to enter, so many thoughts to think about, so many posts to blog, so many good snacks to consume, so many.....there is no time to do finances. (sigh) 

     I did get my printer to work.  After spending a half hour with Chuck on the phone, he suggested that perhaps I need a new ink cartridge.  Whatta you know!  I bought and inserted a new black ink cartridge and one wouldn't even know there was ever a problem.  Chuck is SO smart.  Another reason I can't get finances done.  Actually I can't blame that on Chuck being so smart, but rather that I needed to go to the store and buy a black ink cartridge, bring it home AND install it.  AND check to see if that made the printer work.  (You don't think I need to be concerned about ADHD with all that running to the store, etc, do you?) 

   Tomorrow is another day.  Tomorrow I will catch some mice that are running all over my house and table and purse and mind.  Tomorrow I will concentrate and get financial matters stablized.  I will.  Unless there are more sweepstakes to enter and TV to watch and black ink cartridges to buy and install and see if that makes the printer work.   

    This has been a good "need to catch some mice" day in the life of Grandma G.

"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5)

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING

     Spring showed up today covered in rain clouds, though no rain.  It is now 10PM.  There is the rumble of thunder outside with the onset of the first thunder storm of the year..  The sound is quite relaxing.   
     I had a good morning. After a 20 minute mile on the treadmill, a hot shower and a new pair of  light weight tan pants I was ready to face the world.  I did the needed important task of sending out the proper master CD of  "Oh, the Places I've Been".



Rich at ryproductions

  On Tuesday 2 weeks ago on my way to Milwaukee I took a short detour to a recording studio to get my new CD produced.  My studio friend here in Park Falls had run off two different master CDs--one for "Places" and one for "Grandma G's Bag of Surprises".  I had carefully put the "Places" CD in the computer bag so it was ready to go the morning I had to also pack suitcases and load the car.  I had a great drive down until I came to wet dirt roads and got stuck after bypassing where I was to end up. (But that is for another time and story.)  Once successfully where I needed to be I took out the master CD and......discovered it was the WRONG one.  OOPS.  I did have one for him to listen to so I could let him know what adjustments needed to be done. 
     So today I sent out the proper one.  I am eager to get this project done and available for people to buy.  There are folks here in Park Falls that have expressed desire to know when I have a new CD.  I want a chance for them to obtain it before moving from here.  I've been trying to get this done since last fall and am excited it will finally be accomplished.
     At noon I was quite distressed as I pulled into the music store parking lot to see Wally L walking and carrying the new amp he bought while I was gone.  Wally isn't the brightest chap in town.  He has a knack for messing things up so I knew this was not going to be an easy interchange.  Sure enough, he couldn't get the "squeal" out of the amp.  His big thing is having an amp where he can plug in a microphone and guitar so he can sing along while he plays.  Those amps are hard to find.  I let him demonstrate the problem and after some discussion, wondering, looking in the catalog and expressions of dismay he finally settled on buying a different amp. He figured he could take his old small amp, plug in a mic to that one and have his gig all set up.  I was glad to see him leave happy that he had solved his amp problem at least for now. 
     I spent an hour of "studio" time---time practicing news songs.  That is always relaxing and restoring to me.  There are four pieces I hope to do at my last piano recital. 
     I was excited this evening to see that a new season of "The Little Couple" is back on.  Jen is a not quite 3 feet tall baby doctor. It is the story of their life and recent efforts to have a baby by a surrogate mom.

   Flashback.....snow, red barns and windmills.....
Lou and I always liked to see who could spot a windmill first whenever we drove around Wisconsin

               snow fields and farm land








Coming SOON......a revised presentation of moving activities and goals!! 

This has been a good first day of spring in the life of Grandma G.

"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." (Psalm 116:7)

Happy B-Day, Burt!

     Today is Burt's 41st B-day.  He is a man of many talents and can handle several things at the same time.  I don't know how he does it.  When he was born I asked the nurse how he looks.  She said he was "all hands".  I thought she meant he had big hands.


     A favorite story of mine concerning Burt was when we brought Angie home from the hospital--Burt was 15 months old.
I sat down with Angie on my lap and uncovered her so big brother could see her.  She had a lot of black hair.  Burt stared at her for a long time, started to shiver with excitement, squealed "woof, woof"... and bit her.

Wisconsin Schmidt men--Cory, Josh,Devin, Al, Burt, Chuck, Lou,  Logan, Eddy, Tyler

Burt's Family.....Burt, Jen, Tyler, Logan, Devin, Cory, Josh

     Burt had the privilege of being a foreign exchange student in Shepparton, Australia when he was 16-17 years old--24 years ago.  Three years ago I had the privilege of visiting his exchange family there.  (Today I don't think I would have the courage to send a 16 year old off by himself half way across the world.)

     Today we had a record high of 78 degrees.  I have NO complaints.  I am hoping I will NEVER see another Wisconsin winter.  It is such a relief to be free of snow and cold.  I am grateful God sent us a mild winter and early spring.  I am like a lizard, getting active in the warmth (not heat) and shutting down in the cold.

    I was pleasantly surprised this morning with a phone call from my brother John.  He is my ONE devoted fan who reads this Blog daily.  With him signing up on Google Friend Connect he DOUBLED my  following!  Thanks, John! ( And thanks, Chuck, for completing the other half!)  We talked for quite awhile. He enjoys hearing family news he doesn't hear otherwise.  And in my mind I can hear Susie laughing at some of the goings on and humorous pictures.     

 John and Susie, Indianapolis Christmas 2011

     This afternoon a customer came in the store to buy guitar strings.  He commented, "So you are closing the store."  I said yes, that I am moving to the Portland area.  He said that is a good place, that it is a great music center--a lot of good music comes from there. 

     I did talk to (and sing to) the B-day Boy this evening.  "Happy B-day, Burt!  I love you and am proud of you!"

   This has been a good Burt's B-day in the life of Grandma G.

"A wise son brings joy to his father (and to his mother)."  (Proverbs 10:1)    

Count Down Time!

    In the BIG PICTURE it is time for me to outline time lines!  I am in the midst of many projects, many issues, many decisions, many feelings.  Late mid-life crisis?  I am a little fearful of making and seeing my goals come to pass.  Fear of making wrong decisions?  Probably.  Uncertainty of WHO I am?  Probably.  Overwhelmed at the tasks to be done?  FOR SURE.

     Today was a very warm, beautiful early spring day.  It was so warm this afternoon I needed to wait until evening for a walk.  Highly unusual. 

     For our church service we had a Christian Seder meal.  I found it inspiring, educational, and tasty!

      I "wiled away" most of the afternoon watching TV.  It started off innocently enough with an entertaining true story of a high school girls' basketball team and coach.  It ended up being caught up in "Untold Stories of the ER".  The programs are good.  It just that by evening I have a Boob Tube hang over and nothing significant accomplished.

     I typed a "spring concert/ this is my last year teaching" letter to my students and parents.  I couldn't print it, though, since my printer isn't printing.  I shut down the computer and will try in the morning.  I do dislike technology malfunctions.  I'd much rather be out flying in an airplane.
                                                                                                               

 IN PRECIOUS MEMORY........

My foster dad, Jim Sperry, died on Thursday, March 9, 2012.  He was 93. 

I had a great visit with him and Susie, my foster sister, in late December.  Visiting with them in Indianapolis was a yearly event for the past several years.

On this last visit I took these pictures of their family crest; also of the Abagaile doll and book that that Jim's mom created and sold in Nashville, IN during the Depression. 














"Rest in peace, dear Foster Dad."

This has been a good Sunday in the life of Grandma G.

"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
 (Psalm 139:16)

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Can you find the leprechaun?

This has been a refreshing St. Patty's Day.  I drove 45 miles to a nearby town for a ladies' meeting.  The weather was unusual.  The temperature was already in the 70's in the morning.  With snow still on the ground and the sun shining brightly the warmth caused a low mist along the road.

The ladies' meeting was good and lasted until close to 2PM.  Being hungry I stopped at Burger King for a sandwich.  I was treated to free french fries and St Paddy's special sauce--GREEN.  I know it was colored ketchup, but the look was a bit gross.  Tasted good! 

Later at home I went for a 30 minute walk.  Saw the first robin and then second and third.  Sorry, no camera. (Did you know that Wisconsin robins spend their winters in Washington state?  Smart)  With the temperature in the 70's this was probably a record high day.  "Normal" temp would be around 20 degrees.

This evening our missions board, pastors and visiting missionaries had a dinner at a local restaurant.   Oh, yah, I was there since I am on the missions board.  Didn't want to randomly tell you about something I wasn't involved in.

I finished the day by watching a 2 part movie titled Real Women.  It was a combination of the times around the civil war and  settling Texas.  One of the main characters was named Georgia.  She was a feisty gal.  It was strange to keep hearing my name.  The movie was more violent than I am comfortable with, but I can understand the psychology of it.

The truth of the day is that I was really tired all day---don't know why and don't like it.  Perhaps it is a "hangover" from vacation.  Hopefully tomorrow will be energized.  Still was a good day.

This has been a good ST. Patty's Day in the life of Grandma G.

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." (Genesis 8:22)