A Birthday, Graduation, Father's Day and Remembrance

Friday was Mike's birthday and our good friends, Bonnie and Barry, came down to the lake. (The picture above was taken when we celebrated Barry and Mike's birthdays while at Lanesboro a few weeks ago. They do play well together!) After doing a few car things and having a light lunch, we planned to take a boat ride and enjoy Madison Lake. Well, as is usual this spring, the wind was blowing so hard that our plans for boating had to be postponed. (We have only been in the boat once since coming to MN!) So, instead we took a drive around the area, stopping for a couple of beers and some pull tabs along the way. We ended up in Cleveland, MN at Cherry Creek Days where there was a vintage car show and the volunteer fire dept. was putting on a pork chop dinner. There was also a silent auction and of course we had to get in on the fun. I was the big bidder ($12) on a designer throw, haircut and tanning session package - what a bargain! We enjoyed a couple of drinks at the Legion Club before heading for home - It was a really fun day! (Dan and Sue, you were missed and spoken of often.)

On Saturday, we celebrated the high school graduation of our granddaughter, Megan. This is Megan and her grandpa.

Since both of the great grands, Amariah and Brian, were at the celebration, we had to get a picture.

Here is the graduate with her nephew Brian, mom Tammy, and sister Ashley.

Congratulations, Megan! We look forward to the good things you will accomplish in the future!

On Sunday after church, we joined Terry and Janet, Chris and Sara, Kaci and Amariah, and Brian and Tammy for Brunch at Applewood in Mankato. Mike thoroughly enjoyed this Father's Day gathering - Thanks, kids!

Now on to the remembrance. June 14th has come and gone. June 14th was my Grandma Sadie's birthday and it is Flag Day. Grandma lived well into her 90's and has long been my hero. She lived a rather straight-laced life and was even a Republican... but I admired many things about her ... especially her patriotrism. She never saw a flag go by in a parade without standing and showing respect. I think of her whenever I take pictures of flags.

My father has been gone 15 years and Mike has not had a father for 14 years. Whenever Father's Day rolls around, we can't help but think of those two men. I have a picture of me at three years old sitting on my dad's lap - that picture sits on our desk and I look at it and think of him daily. Even after all this time, I miss him; he was a wonderful father and I hope I let him know my feelings when he was alive. Happy Father's Day to all Dads; those we see and those who watch over us from heaven.