"It's Over"

Those were the words I heard several times on Sunday afternoon. I heard it from cousins and nieces, friends, and a sister-in-law. They are right. All of my parents' possessions are now owned by others; it is a very strange feeling. But, that is skipping to the end, let me tell you about the month.

There was a picnic at my family home. It was a potluck and Jo even made "the birthday cake" - a recipe that was used to celebrate many birthdays for grandchildren (and me) over the years. It is a mess and oh so good!

I played "Grandma Sadie" and had us siblings and spouses pose on the steps... seemed like an appropriate place. Who knows when we will be together again...

The next weekend, we hosted the BIG Fischer/Fisher Reunion at the park in Nerstrand. There was a fabulous turnout; Uncle Cal and Aunt Patti were there from Arizona, Wendy and family were there from Texas, Todd came from Oklahoma, Craig and Gracia from Wisconsin, and Paul drove in from Nebraska. And there were lots of family from Minnesota. Elaine brought a bouquet of flowers "In loving memory of Mabel". It was heartwarming to spend time with this extended family and feel the caring and concern.

Uncle Cal is the family patriarch; I think everyone there made a point to spend time with him.

Cousins shared stories and laughter,

Jim tried to tell two "Fisher women" who was in a picture - they don't seem to be buying it.
This young fellow seemed content doing just what he wanted... new sandals maybe?

It was great to see Marilyn and her daughter at the reunion; first one she has attended and before it was over, she had volunteered (been drafted) to plan the next one in two years.

It was a warm humid summer day but the family hung around till late afternoon. It was a very good day.

And then the next weekend was the Friesen Reunion. And I didn't take any pictures. But, I brought a whole lot of photos to Jerry and Ceil's home that had been part of mom's collection. We spent a couple of hours laughing over the old styles and making up stories when no one knew the facts. It was a small turnout; only 10 of us first cousins and spouses. But again, it was comforting to spend time with this extended family. Each of these people were so important in mom's life and they each had remembrances to share - nice.

In between the reunions, Mike and I spent a great deal of time at the house packing and getting ready for the auction. We did take time out one day to golf at the course in Montgomery - fun to spend time with Lael and Doug.

This past Sunday was the auction. It started out early; I couldn't sleep so why not get up at 5. It was a hazy day at 7:30 when we got to Kenyon. Rich was already up and about.

All of the contents of the house needed to be moved out... and there was alot!

Dan and Travis Turek, the auctioneers, arrived at 8 and it wasn't long before their crew, Rich and Anita, Cheri and Mike and I had the first 40 foot trailer loaded. I didn't know they loaded it and then moved it into place. Once in place, Barb, the auctioneer's wife, took over moving and straightening and putting things in order.

And then the second trailer and all the furniture was out. While Anita sweep and cleaned in the upstairs and Paul and I cleaned up the basement, the people started to arrive.

It was a little surreal to wander through "stuff" that had been a part of my parents' life for so many years. The implements that were used in the garden would be sold last and for very little money. I have to admit that when I saw the first lady "dig through" a box of linens on the big trailer, I had to turn away.

It was nice to have cousins there and I know mom would have been happy that each of them wanted something with which to remember her.

And 3 1/2 hours later, it was over; people left and odds and ends littered the yard. Julie packed the pictures and frames she bought in a suitcase and shows off the bell she bought.

In a rare moment of quiet before we left, a big branch on the apple tree broke... a sign... it was strange. There was no apparent reason for the branch to break...

On Monday, Mike and I drove over and helped Joanie load the Victrola into her van. Anita and Rich will pick up all their furniture purchases today. The bedroom lamps are with Pam. Jo has the china cabinet. Jeanne has glassware and linens. Julie has the clock with the dancer. I have the chair that great grandma Friesen was photographed sitting in all those years ago. Kathy has the silverware, a classmate has the organ stool. We all have a bell or two. Everything is somewhere and the house is ready for the new owner.

It's Over...

The Fourth of July

This was a wonderful weekend! On Saturday morning, my "old" college roommate, Suz, arrived and she was nearby until late afternoon on Independence Day. It has been a long time since we spent that much time together and it was a delight! Corky was kind enough to let Suz stay at her house since we "sleep two". It is always a risk when you make arrangements and people have not met each other but these two ladies became friends quickly.

On Saturday afternoon, Mike loaded his "harem" in the boat. While Corky and Mike tried to catch supper,
Suz and I enjoyed the sunshine and the company.

Corky was the last one at the hardware store to get her fishing license before the state of Minnesota "shut down" last week. But the fish didn't seem to care... neither one caught anything.

When we got back on shore, we enjoyed a few beverages and the food that Suz that brought along. She is a part of a garden cooperative and she gets fresh produce every week from May to October; there is nothing better than fresh produce when you don't have to plant and care for it. As it had been a long day for her (she drove down from Moorhead)the evening ended early with plans made for the next day.

On Sunday, Corky and Suz met us at church and we all participated in a service of "Courage, Devotion, Patriotism and Sacrifice" during which Pastor Shelly asked all former military to stand and introduce themselves. I am always so proud when Mike speaks of his military service. Pastor than asked all the women who served by supporting those in uniform to be recognized. I listened as Corky spoke humbly about her daughter's service and now her grandson's. I knew this was going to happen and I knew Suz did not want to speak, but I never thought Pastor would ask me to speak on her behalf. I honestly don't know what I said as I had tears in my voice. You see, Suzanne is a Gold Star Mother; her son Andrew was killed in Iraq in 2007. It was a very emotional service but one I was proud to attend with Mike, Corky and Suz as to me they are the faces behind the freedom we celebrate on The Fourth of July.

After church we enjoyed small town America, in Elysian, with pancakes at the fire hall (and a silent auction), a flea market where the town's library was giving away books for any donation, and a car show of 30 or so oldies - some of which Suz and I remembered owning or riding around in.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in conversation between the girls. Mike deserted us for the air conditioned comfort of the MH and we three, drank a bit and talked much. You see all of us are the same age and have much to discuss. Over several games of GREED (dice game), we yacked about retirement, what to look for in a man (them, not me) and where to live when we get really old... think we will start our own nursing home where drinks are served regularly... no sense facing crap sober! Corky went home early as she had plans. Terry and Janet, Kaci and Aiden came out to join us for dinner. It was a full and fun day - too busy to take pictures.

On July 4, 2011 Corky marched in the St. Peter Parade and Suz and I tried to find a spot to watch the boat parade - Francis is a very populated lake. We couldn't get real close so the pictures are not good but these were our favorites.

After a shopping trip to the Mercantile, it was time for the parade to start. We had placed our chairs in a good spot early in the morning but as 2:00 approached the latecomers filled in the street and our spot was not so good - learned something for next year...

The many branches of the military were represented and the crowd stood and applauded as the veterans marched
or rode by.

I wonder what this young boy was thinking as he watched the tank roll by; he sure was intense.
The LeSueur Sheriff's Posse was in full force. DeeDee gave Corky a big wave.
And so did Lonny when he came by.
After the parade, we went back to the MH for awhile and all too soon it was time for Corky and then Suz to head for home. It was a very enjoyable and much needed weekend with girlfriends.
Thanks Ladies... and thanks Mike for putting up with us.

Spend your freedom wisely!

The Auction Will Be July 24th

Mom's Estate Auction will be July 24th in Kenyon. For a listing and pictures go to:

http://www.tureksauction.weebly.com/

East or West?

Many mornings this past month have begun with that question. This summer, we live just a block from a paved bike trail and I have been trying to get a bike ride in every day... it usually ends up being 4 times a week due to rain, heat or just plain laziness.

Each trip, east or west, has aided in the healing process. Some days, my thoughts were angry and my pedaling was fast. Some days, my thoughts were just plain sad, and I would find myself barely pedaling at all. And some days, I would be trying to make a decision or process a decision make for me and my speed would vary from "ferocious" to "feeble". I am proud to say that I can now pedal 8-10 miles without pain and have done a 12 mile trip a couple of times.

And then, I began, once again, to take notice of what was around me; the trees and their fragrances on humid mornings, the trail and its "potholes", the flowers and their delicate beauty, the birds and their mysterious habits, the rabbits who pose for pictures
and the deer who stay just ahead of me when I don't have my camera and never show up when I have it in hand. And with each trip and each mile, smiles have come more easily. So, most people will call this trail from Mankato to Faribault, the Sakatah Bike Trail. I call it the healing trail. I actually have picked up my camera a few times lately and taken it along as I ride. This is "my" trail.

Along this beautiful tree-lined path, the Queen Anne's Lace is blooming.

And this delicate beauty shows up every couple of miles. This mailbox looked lonely one morning; it was all alone and just waiting for something.


I never really did figure out what this was going to be and now I don't remember where it was that I saw it... The wild roses were prevalent this year. Seems there were two of us creatures attracted to this one.
Some of the crops were suffering from the many inches of rain.
There is old farm place that captures my attention every time I ride by.
And after an hour or so of riding, I always feel better... healthier. And no matter how you may be feeling, life keeps coming at you - that is a really good thing! And each day is a little better.

We were joined by family on Mike's birthday and enjoyed dinner together at The Landing in Madison Lake.

Amariah brought smiles when she produced her magic wand on Father's Day and turned rocks into coins... Mike and this Great Granddaughter love to play!
Who wouldn't smile when this bit of sunshine poses for you.

We went golfing a couple of times; once by ourselves and once in a benefit for Jack Zimmerman, a wounded soldier from Cleveland.

We helped out at Take A Kid Fishing again this year. In the pouring rain, Mike drove the only pontoon without a top but the kids had fun and they caught fish.

Whitey and Jeanne have stopped by a few times and the last time they brought kolarabi.

We reconnected with Dag and Marlys and Mike and Sis and spent an enjoyable couple of hours with Lonny and LeeAnn playing Greed.

We had Pam and Bill over for dinner one night and laughed, cried and just cherished our time together.

I've had lunch a couple of times with my dear friend, Adrienne. We have talked about everything and nothing.

We went to dinner and an evening of cards at Lael and Doug's. and we have been going to dinner on Thursdays with our "spirited" group and sharing stories and laughing.

As my friend Richard is fond of saying, "Life is Good!" (at least it is getting better)