The News from Minnesota

The lead story is that mom is doing "OK" at The Home. Where that may not be a ringing endorsement, OK is good for now. She doesn't particularly love the place, but she is adjusting to the fact that she needs to be there. One day this past week, she consented to a visit to the house to take a look around. It was an exhausting trip for her; the steps were very difficult and it took both Mike and I to hoist her into the car when we left. But, it was an important moment. Mom sat in her favorite chair in the corner of the livingroom and proclaimed in a whispery voice, "I couldn't live here now. I couldn't do it." Those words must have been very difficult to get out but they may make her stay at The Home easier. She has a cold right now, but other than that is doing "OK".


In other news... we visited with Kaci, Amariah, Janet, Terry, and Chris on Thursday. It was a delightful way to spend a few hours and, of course, gave me an opportunity to dust off my camera. We probably always knew that Ammer would become a "Motorhead" what with Terry as grandpa and Chris as uncle, but we didn't know it would happen at 2. Here she is checking the batteries that were on the charger before getting in her car.

After checking out the flags and utility markings (there isn't a thing that gets by this little girl), she felt the need for speed in her swing (which she is quickly outgrowing).

Later, after a good meal, which Ammer ate on the run, she got the chance to explore her new motorcycle (an Easter present from grandpa and grandma). She loved her helmet as much as the bike! The checkered flag floor makes a perfect backdrop...

This is my new favorite picture. Can you believe those facial expressions...

And on to other news. Last night I had a chance to visit my niece Cheri's new home in Rochester. She is a first time home buyer and that calls for celebration. The women in the family brought food and beverages and kids and a few gifts, and the house became a home.

The kids loved the swingset in the spacious backyard.

A moment of joy between Cheri and Olivia.

"Us girls" - that is the new homeowner beaming in the middle.

Thanks, Cheri, for the great time and congrats on your new home!

And that is all the news from MN on this Saturday morning. We are heading back home on Tuesday, if all goes according to plan...