Memories...

I learned today that my great aunt Elizabeth had a stroke and is now at Fairview Ridges Hospital. I do not know her prognosis, but since she's 93 years old, I am not completely optimistic.

I remember spending the night at her house in Virginia, MN, where she lived with her father, my great grandfather Olaf. Olaf was born in Sweden, and by the time I was old enough to have memories of him, his hearing was almost gone. He would shout at me in Swedish, and I would reply in English, and somehow, we understood each other (or at least that's what my memory is telling me now).

Elizabeth still worked back then, so she hired a woman from Greece to watch over my great grandpa. The Greek woman's name escapes me, but I remember she made these great potato dish (okay, the name of the dish also escapes me), and she was thrilled that I liked it.

I haven't seen my great aunt in a while, and the last time I did, it was clear that she was getting older. I am comforted knowing that if Elizabeth does pass, she will join her sister, my beloved Grandma Fran. My memories of G'ma Fran (as she abbreviated it) would fill many Web pages. For now, I will just sum it up: She was one cool grandma!

Life is good

(With apologies to Jugglernaut for stealing her post title.)

Last Saturday, I assembled our new entertainment center. This Tuesday, the Husband will pick up a new area rug for our family room. When Ikea is restocked, I will pick up our new coffee table (that matches the entertainment center).

But do you know what's really good?

Yesterday evening, the Husband and I simply sat on our deck with Pepper and soaked in the beauty of a late summer evening. There was a nice breeze and the temperature and humidity were in check. Pepper noticed some deer in the field bordering our back yard, but (somehow) managed to keep himself from charging (behavior we quickly rewarded with some treats).

Before long, the leaves will start changing (and it'll be time to get out the rakes). Raking aside, I love Fall. The coolness, the colors, the reduced dew points... (sigh). Is August over yet?

Any online shoppers out there?

I figure that if you're reading a blog, you may well be the type of person who may also engage in a little commerce online too. (Is that too much of an assumption?)

Here's a little something that may be of use: retailmenot.com.

You know how there's a space on the online order form for a coupon code so you can save a little moola? Well, if you're ordering online, check this site first to see if there's a coupon code for your online merchant (if you don't already have one).

Online merchants put their codes everywhere (like Coldwater Creek, which puts the codes on those annoying cards you find in magazines). The problem that I have is that I never have a code handy when I am actually ordering.

Hope you find this useful!

Camping 2007

We (the husband, the dog and I) went camping on Big Sandy Lake north of McGregor, MN this past week (for two nights). The weather was beautiful and we had a nice time. Pepper had a great time -- he got to go swimming a bunch of times and he even tried his hand (paw?) at duck hunting (the duck got away).

The week of Independence Day we went camping at a place near Lanesboro, MN (down south). We did not have as much fun since it was so unbearably HOT. The pool was wonderful... and badly needed. Someday we may venture south again, but not in July!

Postsecret

If you have never visited Postsecret, I need to ask: Where have you been? It's a unique site to which people send their secrets (written on postcards). Some are sad, some hit close to home, some are scary and some are kinda funny.

The site gets refreshed every Sunday. This week is a treat -- instead of postcards, Frank (the Postsecret guy) has a mini movie. Cool stuff.

35W

First things first: my heart aches for those who died, were injured, or were at all impacted by yesterday's awful tragedy in Minneapolis. My thoughts are with the victims and their families, as well as the emergency workers who are risking their safety to rescue and recover people.

Growing up in Roseville, I had plenty of opportunities to cross the 35W bridge on my way to Minneapolis. I did not like that bridge. When I was a younger driver, I was never thrilled to go over any bridge (an irrational fear, I know), but that particular bridge was bad because the exit I typically took (Washington Avenue) required me to merge to the far right hand lane while driving over the Mississippi. I preferred to stay to the middle lane on bridges so I wouldn't accidentally go off the side (I said this was irrational, didn't I?).

I thought that I was past my fear of bridges until now.

This morning as I drove to work, I had to cross the Minnesota River from Eagan to Bloomington. Even with my exit approaching, I found myself in the inner-most lane -- just like old times! Man, that bridge is longer than I thought! It seemed like it took forever to cross.

I can't begin to imagine what the survivors of this terrible collapse must feel. I truly hope they all get whatever help they need (I see a lot of post-traumatic stress syndrome coming to Minneapolis). May their hearts be calmed and bodies be healed.