All Settled In

We have settled in to our new summer home in Elysian. We have neighbors closer than we are used to having but those we have met seem very friendly so I think it will be just fine.

A new outdoor carpet and the awning addition, along with my plants and our bird feeders make for a comfortable living space... at least till the mosquitoes come!

We have been busy this last week. Last Thursday we joined 12 friends for "The Lutheran Hour" - actually, it is a group of fun loving people who used to meet each Thursday year around for tacos and frivolity at the local municipal liquor shop. Since that fine dining establishment is no longer operating, the group meets in various places around Cleveland. The participants vary depending on schedules, but the talk is always lively and "spirited". It is a good fellowship!

On Friday, we went out with Corky, Whitey and Jeanie for ribs at the Little Dandy over on highway 99. And on Saturday, we headed for Courtland for a birthday party for Mike's cousin, Wayne. There we connected with lots of relatives and ended up going to a surprise party for Joy in Nicollet. But in between we joined Gary for a couple of cocktails at the local watering hole.

Sunday was Mother's Day and when I asked mom what she wanted, she said we should just come over... so I made mom's favorite meal - turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy and corn and cranberries.

There was plenty left over for a couple more meals. It was a relaxing and enjoyable day. I am so very lucky to have my mom! And when we got back to the motor home, there was a hanging petunia plant and a card that was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes; thanks Janet and Terry.

Monday was moving day and on Tuesday I met Adrienne for a long lunch at Mazatlan's in Mankato - very good Mexican food. Today we had Bible study and then when it finally quit raining, we went over to check out the wild flowers at Bray Park. "Jack In The Pulpit" is now blooming and is still plentiful in this park.

You have to think of some of the old old churches with the covered pulpits off to the side of the altar, to figure out where this plant got its name.

Some of the small beauties made it into a bouquet and were pressed in a book later. Someday, they will become a craft project... who knows what or when...

The woods are slowly greening. It hasn't been below freezing for a couple of weeks. The humidity is increasing. It must be Spring!