Crossed a few bridges....

      I kept waking up over night and got up feeling like I was 66 years old.   Oh.   I am.  
      At 8:30 I needed to be in Butternut, a town 6 miles north of here, for rehearsal with the elementary school kids for their end of the year program.  I was to accompany only 3 short songs, but had to wait around until the director got the presentation organized. 
      Returning home around 10:30 I had a brief time before heading off to a chiropractic appointment, (66, remember?)  then had to be back up to the school by 1:15.
      The program was cute.  Fortunately for you I forgot my camera.  WHAT?   I FORGOT my CAMERA. 
      I am now finished with "extra" obligations and can focus on closing the store, finishing financial reports, and start thinking about what to take with me out west.  AND to kick back and ENJOY.....SUMMER.  (Even if there are frost warnings again for tonight.)

     Later in the afternoon Steph stopped at the store.  She graciously agreed to help me do some inventory for a possible buyer on left over merchandise.  I was glad for her help, otherwise I would probably sit around for a few days deciding how to handle all that.  She even brought in her laptop so she could program in the items, then print the sheets out through my printer and I can fax them tomorrow.  She hadn't brought her cable so we were a little puzzled what to do.  Checking my printer I discovered there was one already connected, just waiting for us.  Instant professionals!

       We enjoyed supper at McDonald's and then returned to the store to close up for the night and soon forever. 

Why I didn't go into acting

Hopefully Steph will be one of my first visitors in Vancouver.  Thanks, Steph, for all your help and friendship!

       Today I crossed a bridge from feeling "yuk" physically to more energy: a bridge of apprehension to completion; a bridge of confusion to "a plan"; a bridge of drudgery to fun.

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

"But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety." (Deuteronomy 12:10)

Tis a Work Day.....

     Waking up this morning I realized that some work is just beginning---cleaning out the store.  It seems like an overwhelming task, but  taking it "one climb at a time" it will get done.   I hope.  By Saturday.  I hope.

      I spent an hour at the computer "tweaking" my new CD project.  There is still hope of finishing it and having it available in mid June.  Hurray!    Oh, The Places I've Been!

      BUMMER!    The spin cycle on the washer just quit.  I could still ring out the clothes by hand and put them in the dryer.  At this point its the laundromat for 2 months OR maybe a new washer from the landlord!

     The afternoon at the store was mostly quiet.  I turned on the "open" sign one more time.   A lady and her daughter came in to pick up a drum set, and a few folks stopped to look around. 
     I started cleaning out my teaching studio.  This "closing out the store" project is going to be much more challenging than I thought.  It's what to do with stuff like a bunch of pencils, pens, paperclips, partially used pages of stickers---toss out or sort for a garage sale?
     Then in the backroom there's piles and piles of paper---receipts from past years, buying and selling records, tax forms---what needs to be saved?  Add old catalogs (lots), old music books (are some antiques?), advertisements.  Oh, the fun never ends.  And that's all before packing left over merchandise.
       I won't be turning on the "open" sign anymore.  The fellow from a nearby shop came to buy it from me.  It will flicker on even when I am gone. 
       I need to prepare myself to live in a mess the next 2 months.  There isn't enough room in my house to store everything in an orderly way.  A few years back that wouldn't bother me, but now I get nervous with TOO much mess.  How much is just right? 
                                                I stayed at the store until 8PM before venturing out into the October night.  Well, it felt like October.    Even  the flowers at the Garden Center were needing  blankets for the night. 

Possible frost.

This has been a good "get to work" day in the life of Grandma G.

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands."

(1 Thessalonians 4:11)

  

An Odd Sensation....

     At 10AM everything in me is telling me I need to pack a lunch (usually a "maga salad"), get my books together, get myself ready and be off to open the store by noon.  OH.....there is no Northwoods Music and Supplies to open this morning....or ever again.  OH.   I think I might cry.

      I do have an exit ramp to ease me into the future.  I need to go into the store this week to clean up, pack up and move out by Sunday.   Next Monday will be the really odd day when there will be nothing to go open at all.  Culture shock.  Good one, though.  

    I am in the thick of planning my actual move to Vancouver in mid August.  My sons are wanting to know logistics.....dates, routes, how much "stuff", moving truck, etc.   My 2 sisters and I are figuring travel plans and hows of getting them  here to Park Falls and us to Glacier NP and Banff and on to Vancouver, WA.  Plenty to keep my mind occupied. 

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Happy B-day to Jake!  11 years old today!! 

He's a head of everyone!!








 Happy B-day to (mama) Anna who has a B-day today!!


Anna was living in Portland when Jake was born in Vancouver on her B-day!

Jake and family enjoying dumplings!

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     I turned the "open" sign back on one more time.   The afternoon was abuzz with customers looking for last minute bargains.  I had 3 special fellows come in-----fellow Indiana Hoosiers from the Indianapolis area.  They were up fishing for the weekend.  They are also into music and found a few items and teaching books for one of their wives.  They were gracious to let me photograph them.  We all agreed that northern Wisconsin is a great place to live in the SUMMERTIME.  And that Indiana can get very humid in the summertime.  Thus, Grandma G is  settling in the  Pacific Northwest.

     I will miss the conversations with congenial folks who venture into Northwoods Music & Supplies.

       There is still a fair amount of inventory left; 3 days remaining until the store is cleared out and the door is shut for good. 

      The weather today was as chilly and damp as it was hot and muggy yesterday.  Variety.

      This evening I relaxed while watching 2 hours of Deadliest Catch.  I can relax because I know I am not out there on  the Bering Sea.  Rough way to make a living.

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

"He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of the faithful." (Proverbs 2:7&8)

        

Sunday Revisited...

     Sunday, Sunday.....  I was "plum tuckered out" by evening so I gave me a day off from blogging,  BUT, Sunday was a great day and needs to be revisited.

Some dear friends of mine celebrated their 50th anniversary.  They were honored at our church service.  Congratulations, Joyce and Glen!

We were also honored to have the MPK Christian Celtic Band to minister to us in music---Scottish Celtic style!   A wonderful family band, full of pep and love for God.   

A great web site:  mpkband.com

     I got to talking with Deb, the mama leader, and how my music store has gone out of business.  They were all thrilled to come check out Christmas in May bargains.  They found many, and after graciously signing my memory autograph book, went home happy with their treasures!  (And I have my treasure---their newest CD, Almost Home.  Don't get alarmed if you see me doing a little Scottish reel---grandma style.)

This was a good musical Sunday in the life of Grandma G.

"Praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals." (Psalm 150:5) 

Memorial Day!

     Today is Memorial Day.  The day we remember and honor our soldiers who have died defending our country and the freedoms we have.  These men and women have also died defending the rights of people all over the world.  I salute them, thank them and their families for the sacrifices they have made.  Thank you.

     We also recognize and honor all those who serve and have served in the US military.  Several of my children and their mates have served or are now serving. 
         




Angie, (middle) playing oboe, with the NG band

  I thank.......

Louie, my  husband, for serving in the WI National Guard.  He was called up for several months service in Tacoma, WA.

Debbie, my oldest daughter, for serving with a medical unit of the WI NG.

 Keys, her husband, for serving in medical unit of Washington NG.

  Burt, my son, for serving in medical unit of WI NG and MOSTLY for serving on the front lines of Saudi Arabia during the 1991 Operation Desert Storm.   Thank you, Burt! 

 Jen, Burt's wife, who continues to serve in a medical unit of the WI Air Force guard.  She has served for over 20 years.

 Angie, my daughter, who continues to serve after 23 years in the WI NG.  She served 20 years in the band. She is now with a nursing unit, serving full time. 

 Al, my son, for serving with a engineering unit of the WI NG.

 Chuck, my son, for serving full time with the Air Force in Colorado Springs.

              The greatest time of fear for my children was when Burt was on the front lines the first day of Desert Storm.  I felt like evil had reached in and pulled one of my sons into the depth of it.  I remember the joy I felt when his unit returned safely and we welcomed them home in southern Wisconsin. 

        On the lighter side.....when I was around 12 years old there was a TV program, West Point.  I would faithfully watch it every week and fantasize about being a cadet at West Point.  In those days only men were allowed to go there.  In my grown up years I realized I was not physically strong enough to have endured such rigorous training.  But I am proud to be part of the military tradition through the 8 soldiers in my family who have served.  And there is the reality of me doing MY military duty through many days of caring for grandchildren while the military moms were at annual training.

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          American bald eagles in Yellowstone National Park, May 2006




  This afternoon I'll have the traditional first bratwurst cookout of the season with some of my family coming over.  The day started dark clouded and rainy, but the sun is shining at mid morning!

This is a good Memorial Day in the life of Grandma G.

"They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation with not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4)

Graduation Parties!!

 I drove to Wausau Friday evening.  Eight of us sat around the campfire.  My 2 sons, Burt (41) and Chuck,(36) got to chatting about married life.  Guess what they were discussing?   How they HATE stinky dish rags when they do dishes.  Burt throws them out because you know they are full of bacteria.  Chuck simply makes sure they go in the laundry each night.  After listening awhile I asked them if 20 years ago they ever imagined that stinky dish rags would be their conversation around a campfire. 

 making a "porcupine"  fruit display for a 9AM to 1PM brunch.

At 17, Josh is my first grandchild to graduate from high school. He will be attending the University of Minnesota with a full scholarship, majoring in chemistry with the intention of med school.  Congratulations, Josh!! 

 Jen, Burt, Josh

     Wisconsin Geo/Lou Schmidts attend Josh's party!

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        By 3PM on Saturday I was driving back to Park Falls for another party.  There were storms off and on in the afternoon, but my drive home had only drizzle.  (The car ran well and braked smoothly after the $900 repairs the day before.)

      I attended the graduation party for steph, the girl who worked for me during the schoolyear.  It was at a city park.  The meal was in a pavilion with a cozy fire going to ward off the chilly air.   

Congratulations, Steph!! 

________________________________________________________________

     At 6:15 I was on the road again for a graduation party 30 miles north of Park Falls. Malchi is # 6 of 11 children.  I have known him and his family for several years through our church.   I don't see them much as they attend a different one now.  This was a wonderful evening to visit, to tell them I am moving  and to have them sign my memory book.  It was probably the last lenghty time I will have with them.  

Congratulations,  Malachi!!  

                              Which picture are you going to believe?

     By the time I left at 9:30 flashes of lightening and rumbles of thunder fill the night air.  I was fortunate to follow a young man who was at the party and drivng south as I was.  He lit the way  till I was close to Park Falls.  Finally it was 10:30PM.   I was home tired, but safe and ready for....BED. 

This was a good graduation parties day in the life of Grandma G. 

"Of  making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." (Ecclesiastes 12:12)



The End of an Era....

     Today was the last day for Northwoods Music & Supplies to be open.  It is the end of an era, a season, a pursuit, a business, an experience, a life style, an interaction for me.  When I took over the store 5 years ago I had in mind to run it for 5 years.  (At that time 5 years seemed like a long time to go.)  I didn't purposely close now because it WAS 5 years, but because it seemed time for me to do so. 

     The store had previously been an off shoot of Wausau Music located in Wausau, WI.  When I leased the suite it was with the agreement of subleasing to Wausau Music  and I would have a teaching studio.  This worked for 4 years and then Wausau Music wanted to pull out.  That is when my retail career started.  Frank B. had been working for WM  and agreed to stay on to help me.  (To this day some people still refer to the store as "Frankie's Store".) Frank remained my local helper until 2 years ago when his wife became ill and she needed him to be with her.   And even now he's done many chores for me. 

     I've learned many things these past 5 years---about ordering, about what people in this area like and don't like,  about trusting individuals to pay and some don't, about many business fees and taxes that are owed, about seeing kids happy to make their purchase, about aspiring musicians trying out instruments and dreaming of their first gig, about local musicians just wanting somewhere to hang out and swap stories.

     This has been a growing experience for me.  I 've learned to converse with people who were just looking for someone to listen to them.  I've learned to interact with folks even when I felt withdrawn.  I've had many "studio" hours to write and practice songs during afternoons when no customers came in.   I learned the discipline of showing up at a job everyday Monday through Friday.  I have grown in self-esteem, self-confidence, strength, objectivity, responsibility.    

    Now it is time to exit this season of my life and leave the music retail world to others.  I am happy for the experience and all that it has taught me.  I am ready to look ahead and pursue a new season in my life.

    This was also the last day of giving lessons here in Park Falls.  I've taught at the store (studio) for 9 years; at a different location 3 years and at home for 15 years.  I feel sad to leave my present students, but I know other teachers will come and fill  the void.  I will forever be attached to all the kids I have taught.  

     But I look forward to a new studio in my home in Vancouver, to new students and to new experiences.   

     These closing weeks and days have built a wonderful, satisfying, secure bridge for me to transition into the future.  That bridge will also be here for me to cross to come back for visits and to feel wanted and loved here in Park Falls.  The bridge itself has been built by all the kind words people have spoken to me of appreciation, gratitude, of missing me when I'm gone, of letting me know I am loved.

_______________________________________________________________

     The afternoon was "crazy".  There was a steady flow of customers checking the half price sale,  friends wanting to chat and wish me well, people trying out guitars to see if they were the proper fit, buyers calling their friends to find out what gauge guitar strings they wanted, piano players stocking up on music books.  
     The time passed quickly. Suddenly it was 5PM and time to turn off the "open" sign for the last time.  I have no sighs, regrets, wishes, or should haves.  I am ready to close shop and head into new pursuits.  These have been good years, good experiences, good goals and good achievements.   I am a kid just let out of school for the summer!!

      It was 6:30PM and time to be off to Wausau--a 2 hour drive from here-- for the high school graduation party for  my first grandchild.   But that is tomorrow's blog

This has been a good "end of an era" day in the life of Grandma G.   

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







    

Portland Connection....

     A cute couple came into the store this afternoon to check out a few items.  I asked if they were from around here.  They live in a tiny village 40 miles north of here.  Somehow I got around to saying I am moving to the Portland area. (If I say Vancouver most folks think of Canada.)  He replied that he lived in Portland for 7-8 years and is familiar with Vancouver, WA--he has friends who live there.   He moved back here recently to be close to family, but they do make trips back to Portland.  They are going to be out there for a week in January for the "Old Time Gathering"---a festival dedicated to "old time music", pre-blue grass music.  I know where I will be hanging out  January 16-20 and I know some "back home" folks I will be looking up!  

     (Great website: Old Time Gathering)
                                                                              

The Last Thursday

     The afternoon passed quickly.  Jamie came in to check the guitars and soon a friend of his came in to look over the sale prices.  He and Jamie chatted away for quite awhile. 
     I sold 2 more guitars, 2 cases, a drum set, a mandolin and a ukulele.   It's amazing how sales increase at half price.  I should have thought of that 2-5 years ago.  I've sold a lot of merchandise; still plenty left.   

     The weather was so warm I thought I would stand outside to eat my lunch.  Hang on to your hat!!  It was so windy it blew me right back into the store.  I did get a great picture of  a machine vacuuming up the blacktop off the highway.  All that construction will give the town something to complain about and analyze all summer and into the fall.

     There were only 2 lessons this afternoon.  The one boy brought me a hand written thank you.  His brother also took lessons for awhile. 
    

The girl has been my student since her kindergarten year.  She is very gifted.  Her dad reminded me that I was concerned when she started that she was too young. (I don't remember that.)  She gave me a gift of a gorgeous necklace that her mom brought back from the Philippines.

     A man from a nearby shop asked how much I wanted for my "open" sign.  I gave me a price and he said he will take it--I guess the price AND the sign.  He will pick it up tomorrow around 5PM. Seems I am officially done!  (There really isn't a car inside the store;it's just a reflection.)

      The weather was threatening storms all day.  Mostly it was windy.  By late afternoon the sky turned dark and the rain came.  We had tornado warnings for the evening.  One did touch down in an area about 100 miles from here.  All is quiet as the time is near 10PM. 

      My daughter in southern Wisconsin called yesterday afternoon.  She said, "Guess what I have?" "A puppy?"   No.  "Pneumonia?"  No.  "Shingles?"   "Yes, how did you guess so fast?"  "Moms know everthing."  I haven't had a chance to call her today to see how she is doing.   

     This has been a good "Last Thursday" in the life of Grandma G.

"The prospect of the righteous is joy." (Proverbs 10:28)

 

Gifts and Goodbyes....

      Today was "The Last Wednesday"  at the store.  It was also a day of last lessons, gifts and goodbyes----but not final goodbyes since I will be here until mid August.
      A grandma of one of the students came in to look at music books.  After the last recital she  presented to me a marvelous, exciting musical idea and potential.  It is so stunning that I am not going to tell you what it is.  It's like not telling your friends where your secret gold mine is---sorta.  It 's just that I want to mull it around, imagine it, picture it, reflect on the reality of it, visualize the "how" of it before I even talk about it---except to  the lady who planted the inspiration in me.  Anyway, she came in this afternoon and I told her that I have been thinking about her idea and am excited to think more about it.  She signed my autograph book and told me to dare to dream big. 

      Today was the last work day for the girl who helps me.  She doesn't have to quit or get laid off since the store is closing on Friday.  Stephanie has been a faithful, trusted helper for 2 years.  I have enjoyed having her come in while I give lessons.  On Saturday I will be attending her high school graduation party.  
God's  blessings and success to you, Steph.  I will miss you.     

She gave me a gift of a plaque that reads, "Family and Friends make our house a home". 
Steph, come visit me in my new home in VC!






     An enthusiastic boy came in for his last lesson.  At this point he is also enthusiastic about summer vacation coming.   All along he has been asking if someone is going to take over the store.  He asked again today.  When I said no, he said he knows of some one who might.  I think he REALLY  is sad about the store closing. 

     A second enthusiastic boy came in for HIS last lesson.  His goal the past 2 weeks since the recital is learning to play the Pink Panther.   He heard a boy play it and had figured out the starting measures.  I was able to find the song in a book.  The notes were too difficult for Carson to read so he worked with me to memorize it.  He came back today with most of it memorized; we worked on the rest of it.  When his dad picked him up I said now he'll have The Pink Panther to listen to.  Dad said, "I know, I know.  We've listened over, and over and over and...."

     A young girl came in for her lesson.  She was excited about getting the same lesson book as her friend.  Now they can talk about various songs.  Her mom bought a stack of books so another lady can continue with the lessons.  She gave a gift that proves I am the world's best music teacher.!

    My last lesson for the day was a girl who has been with me 6 years.  We have grown attached to each other.  Lately we've played a lot of duets.  She and her dad found 2 light up baby seals with their strings wound together.  He said it reminds him of our many duets.  He bought them--one for Maria and one for me.


    





She gave me a gift of teas--my favorite drink-- and a ceramic glass featuring the Packers' Super Bowl win in 2011.  Her mom doesn't want me to forget my "football" roots.
We are already planning their trip out to visit me




   Page views have reached 1005!!  Woo!  Woo!

This has been a good "gifts and goodbyes" day in the life of Grandma G.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." 
 (James 1:16)

The Last Tuesday...

     I went for a 30 minute walk this morning since rain was forecast to set in about 11:15AM and remain for the next 5 days.


     As I walked I in took in the "sounds" of spring here "up north".   Robins were chirping, a couple of geese honked as they flew over, crows cawed from some one's yard and dogs barked as I walked by.  Sounds of weed whackers, lawn mowers, a few cars going by, a four wheeler, front end loaders from the road construction, distant hum of machines from the paper mill, the warning blast of a train and a monarch butterfly fluttering by (he didn't make much noise)--- filled the air.  They are all glorious sounds.  Life is enjoying the warm, sunny weather that is way too short here up north!  There was even the sound of human voices as a fellow out trimming his yard noticed my camera and asked "what's up" for me today----pictures, I responded.



Many spring flowers are opening up:






these particular ones always remind me of a candy I liked when young--wafers of chocolate covered with tiny white balls. (I can't eat them now because those tiny white candies get stuck in my teeth.)





          "Bleeding hearts" bush is the first plant I remember being intrigued by when I first came to Park Falls.  Aunt Emma had a large one in her back yard.  For years I tried to get one to flourish but couldn't. 



white lilacs

                                                                                   lupine
                                                                                                                   tiny"hobbit"daisies                                                                      

                                                                                                 

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       I took my car in this morning for an oil change, but also because the brakes needed to be checked over.  I told the fellow at the desk (I know him as Chuck) that I plan to drive the car out to Washington in August and need to be it to be road and mountain worthy.  (Chuck said they can do that for a mere $786. ) Whatcha gonna do?

     The afternoon at the music store was "The Last Tuesday".  There was already a fellow waiting for me when I got there. (Maybe because I was late?)  Wally K.  We have been good friends for many years.  I actually had been thinking about him the past few days and had intended to call him that afternoon--really.  He stopped to say goodbye to me and the store.  He also bought back a keyboard that I bought back from him after he bought from me.  He said that is the first time he bought the same keyboard from me 2 times.  Wally is 80 years old;started playing piano 6 years ago and hasn't stopped---he plays for hours at a time.   

                      He has a small business of roasting and packaging Colombian coffee---WK Coffee.  He doesn't do web selling, but he can ship to Vancouver,WA or anywhere else.  Good stuff.

   Though we officially said goodbye, I plan to meet up with him a couple occasions this summer.

A recently acquired friend--Dana-- also stopped in. He is looking to invest in a guitar---and coaching me on purchasing sound equipment in case I decide to do that. 






     A dad and his grown son came in to purchase a classical guitar they decided they liked.  They live in a rural area north of here.  Somehow we started talking about wildlife.  The dad was inquiring about grisly bears and snakes in the PNW.  We talked about the game animals here in northern Wisconsin and how some of them are getting to be a problem.  The DNR introduced elk a little north of here and they are thriving.  They seem like an overly large animal to be running loose here in the northwoods.   We shook hands (the customers and me--not the elk) and they wished me good luck out west.   

     I had one student this afternoon.  She and her mom brought me a present---a photo album and a necklace set.  The mom explained that her neighbors are from Uganda.  The husband is a doctor here.  The wife has several craft items from her home area that she sells and the proceeds go for medicine and food for the people.  What is unique about this necklace and bracelet is that even though they appear to be plastic or wooden, the beads are made from rolled up paper.   I will certainly treasure this gift and wear it often.  




     And the RAIN?   It never came.

     This has been an enjoyable, relaxing "Last Tuesday" in the life of Grandma G.

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,"  (Isaiah 55:12)