The Apartment

Well my daughter is all moved into her first apartment!
It has been a stressful ordeal but we finally got things in. She was supposed to have been moved in over a week earlier, but the apartment wasn't cleaned on schedule. The former tenant was in the military and got orders, and left the place a mess. He was also a smoker and must have burned a lot of candles, so there was actual black soot on the walls. After having a second inspection they decided they would need to paint the place.
The building has to be close to 100 years old, and is really a cool place with all the old charm. But the things it does not have is off street parking for all the tenants and no plug ins for the car for those cold North Dakota winter nights. I am sure we will be getting some calls this winter for some rides when the old jitney doesn't start.
She does not have cable or internet access, she is now realizing how she took for granted quite a few things. I think she will be getting the basic cable all 15 channels, and has to have internet for college. So more expenses ahead.

Where did the summer go????

Here it is almost the end of August and like everyone else I am asking "where did the summer go?" And as far as summers go this is one of the coolest and wettest I can remember.
Now it's time to prepare for fall and then the dreaded winter, the older I get the more I really hate the thought of that first snowfall. I have never been one for going outside and doing any winter activities, so it tends to be a long 5 months.
I have always said that fall is one of my favorite times of the year, but this year I don't feel that way, probably because we have had many summer days that have felt like fall already.
We ran the AC only once this entire summer, that certainly says something.
Ron is on a plane right now as I write this heading to a very hot Texas, he is going to be in Dallas for the next 7 days for work. While he is gone, it will be a busy week for Laura and I, as she is moving into her very 1st apartment. While I am excited for her to spread her wings, I know it's going to be very hard for me. I am always worried about everything. I know she will do fine, she will be so busy between working 2 jobs to pay the rent and going to UND full time. She is going into Graphic Arts,, following in her brothers footsteps. Chris and his fiance Katie are busy working and living in Minneapolis, I foresee
one day Laura living somewhere like that too.
We will post pic's of the new pad soon, it's in an very old building just a few blocks from downtown. It's one of those buildings where the ironing board drops out of the wall. It's just her style, Laura is an old soul and likes things from the past.
So here we are to the next step in Laura's life, and to the next step in Ron and my life, truly empty nesters.

VEGAS BABY!!!!

We finally got to Vegas! We went on Thursday, July 30th and returned Sunday.
We went with 8 other people, 5 of us have, or will be turning 50 this year, so that was our "excuse" for taking the trip. Ron and I have never been to Vegas before, it is hard to know what to expect until you are there in the midst of the craziness.
Eat, drink and be merry was the motto, and for the most part.... and of course some gambling. None of us came home any richer, but it was fun hoping for that big win that would change your life. We went down to Freemont St. on the first night, this is the old part of Las Vegas, and for me I think the most fun. We listened to music from the summer of '69, and they have this amazing light show that bounces to the music. We discovered the bar Hogs and Hefers, which I think was much better that Coyote Ugly which we also visited on another night.
We sat by the pool by 9AM every morning, with pina colada in our hands by 9:05. It was hot but I enjoyed every minute of it, it's hardly been 80 degrees here this summer. It topped out at 107 degrees, but as they say it's a dry heat.
The only celebrity sightings we had were Carrot Top, and our friend Cindy saw Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife Beth, whom she spoke to. Also a sad looking Pete Rose signing autographs in a sports store if you bought something. Oh the fallen heroes!
We stayed at the Luxor, which is the hotel shaped like a pyramid, the hotel itself was beautiful, but the rooms no better than a Holiday Inn, nothing special, but of course you are not in the room much..
We will definitly go back someday, cuz you can always find a cheap flight and find some good deals on hotels, but not anytime soon. I think I prefer the beauty of nature, rather than the glitz of the lights.
It was fun and some great memories with good friends were made!

36 hours together!

Laura, my wonderful daughter and I got to spend 36 hours together this past weekend! I can't remember the last time we spent this much time together alone. We only got in one shouting match, this happened when I was trying to give her some advice about work, and for some reason my advice to her, comes across as nagging.
This one and only argument came in the first 2 hours of our trip, the rest of the time was really great.
The reason for the trip was to check out the Art Dept at UMD in Duluth, MN.
I have to say I was a bit nervous about driving to Duluth as I have not navigated in a bigger city in some time by myself....(I have become quite dependent on Ron to get us to places safely. Duluth is really not even a big city, but I am a little challenged when it comes to directions and reading maps.) Thank Goodness for the Christmas present I gave Ron last year, the Tom Tom, GPS. Without our little guide, I don't know where Laura and I would have ended, once we were in Duluth.
Laura and I went down to Canal St, and sat by the water on Sunday night, and then went and had supper at Old Chicago, it was really nice to spend time together.
The next day we were able to go downtown Duluth and do some shopping at some really cool little shops before we needed to at campus for her tour.
We had a private tour, and Laura seemed impressed by the department. She did find out that it would be advantageous for her to do her art courses here at UND and have her portfolio ready to be reviewed by UMD art dept for acceptance next fall. So I believe she is going to enroll back here at UND, hopefully it is not too late to get her ducks in a row for the fall semester. I think she now knows the path that she wants to take and will be succesful doing so.

Fair Food!!!!

Now is there anything better than the food at the fair?
Ron and I took the new bike and went down the road on Friday and went to the Polk County Fair in Fertile, MN. Now we did not go to ride any rides, we went with only one thing on our minds, what delicacies we could devour, and devour we did! Our first goal was to find a batter dipped corn dog, they were great!. Then Ron's other goal was a funnel cake, and as we were eating the funnel cake sitting next to the mini donut stand, I decided that was my next choice. We had to wash these wonderful items down, and what could be better than a big chocolate milkshake, and of course a DIET coke.
It was just a great way to spend a summer afternoon with each other, we sure do like the same great things in life!
Monday back to the same old grind and back to counting points!

Summer Vacation 2009

We had another fun-filled vacation to Wisconsin last week. We left last Sunday and spent the night in Mpls. We got to spend some time with Chris and Katie. Chris showed us where he worked, and they showed us the new apt that they moved into a few days later. We went out for a wonderful Italian dinner and topped it off with cheesecake from the Cheesecake factory, that was the start of my one week binge. Oh and it was all so good!
We spent the next night in Eau Claire Wi. , got to see Ron's 95 year old Grandma and his Aunt Sharlene, it was off the the local buffet for supper. We then went for drinks with Ron's step sister and brother, it was a nice day. The next day we headed to the Dells, on the way we stopped and test drove a Harley and then headed for the casino, won over 400$.
Ron's Mom lives in Baraboo, which is about 7 miles from the Dells, we went out for supper with her and then later that night Ron and I walked the downtown of the Dells. Stopped in some old fun bars and had a few Leinies and cheese curds, with a stop to the candy store to have some treats to eat in bed.
We have now arrived in Janesville on Wednesday, after a stop in Madison, where Ron's newest dream came true, we traded the Goldwing for a new 2009 Harley. He is like a little boy with a new toy, I love seeing his face when he starts it up. That evening we went to Rons son Dan's house, where he and his wife Brandi bbq'd supper for us, it was very good and a fun evening of visiting.
Thursday we headed to Milwaukee with Ron's sister Vicki and her husband Ken to the Harley Museum, a few hours there and a lunch at the Harley restaurant made for a nice day. That evening Dan and Brandi took us to a Japanese restaurant, where they prepare the food in front of you, that was a fun experience. Plus, I tried sushi for the first and probably last time.....thank you Dan.
Friday we went back to Madison and picked up the new bike, and came back and took a ride and then in the evening we went to supper with both Ron's sisters and brother in law.
Saturday was the big ride for MDA, there was about 1200 bikes and 1800 riders, it was a 80 mile ride in beautiful weather, it was great on the new bike.
The last evening Dan again made us supper on his grill, we enjoyed pork chop sandwiches, boy were they good, and then we topped it off with a trip to the local Tastee Freeze, mmm good...a wonderful way to end the week
Sunday was an 11 hour drive home, we were tired and ready to be home.
It's so true, there is no place like home!

My husband the Shriner!

It's official Ron is a Shriner!
He had an entire day of festivities yesterday. It all started with a Shriner Parade, and ended up last night with a dinner and dance that included the spouses.
It was a long day for Ron and also a long day for me, as I was at Whiteys Wonderbar by 9AM, for toast and a bloody mary for breakfast as we waited for the parade to come by.
Ron and all the other new members had to walk in the parade holding onto a rope.
They had a day full of ceremonial activities, where Ron was given his Fez during a the fezzing ceremony.
Ron is going to be a part of the cycle corp, you know, the guys that ride the motorcylces in crazy circles in the parades. He will have a blast! They include the wives in most of the activities outside the temple. Our first fund raising activity that we will be involved in, is the Shriners Bowl, which is a big fundraising football game with high school players from across the state.
A new phase in our lives, it should be a lot of fun and at the same time very rewarding!

Friday night and nowhere to go!

It's Friday night and nowhere to go, and actually thrilled about it. Ron and I always go for a few beers on most Friday nights, but he is out of town tonight. He is still in Baltimore, just got done talking to him, they went to a wonderful BBQ restaurant, good food, he's had plenty while he's been gone. I had my usual frozen meal and salad, I don't like to cook when I am home alone, and I really like lean cuisines. Laura was home, so I did offer to grill some chicken, but she was being moody when I said no to her request to go out for supper.
So of course she now has gone somewhere to get fast food instead of eating here. If it does not come in a paper bag, or if it's not served to you by someone other than Mom, it's just no good. I guess she just still has to much money to burn.
So here I sit, just excited that it's the weekend with nothing to do!

Husband left me!

Ron left this morning for Baltimore, MD for a work related conference. He was excited to go, he has never been there before, he will be back on Sunday evening.
You know how much you love someone when they leave for only a few days, and that even before they have left you know how much you are going to miss them. That is how I feel when Ron is gone.
I kept saying to Ron how busy I was going to be while he was gone, I have no idea with what though. I thought maybe I would redecorate our bedroom, and I am going to attempt to paint my first oil painting to hang on the wall at the head of our bed. I don't know if I have an artistic bone in my body, but I just have this urge to find a hobby to do that I could become passionate about, and who knows maybe it will be painting. Both Chris and Laura are very artistic, so lets see if some or any of that comes from me. I will hang this painting no matter what, so hope it looks good, I will know what Ron thinks when he walks into the bedroom on Sunday night when he returns, he is pretty honest with his opinion regardless of my feelings.( Except when it comes to my weight.....smart man!)
Well I better go get busy..........ya never know, this could be the start of something BIG.

Sunny Day in Minnesota

Because it has been such a long dreary winter here in Minnesota, I get so excited when we have a day like today. Now for some of you, a day like day today would not mean much weather wise, but there is not a cloud in the sky and the wind is not howling at 20mph. So even though it's only 45 degrees, it looks like a beautiful day to be outside. And we are expecting a high of 55, I think I will break out the capris (fat girls shorts!) and let the arms get some exposure. I did go to WW this morning and actually lost 2 pounds, now don't give me too much praise for doing this, this is the same 2 pounds I have gained and lost since January. BUT, it's actually a miracle after all the eating I had done over Mothers Day weekend.
Well like I said it's great outside and I am going to get off this damn computer and take a long walk with my hubby!
Have a great day where ever you are.

Is is spring yet?

I can't believe it's May 9th and this morning it was in the 30's, with a high of only 48 degrees expected today. It was the longest winter I can remember and so far this spring, only one day even close to 70 degrees. Oh well, I guess when we finally get one we will really appreciate it.
All the spring activities are happening in town today whether it feels like spring or not. Today is spring fest for all the UND students to celebrate the end of the school year, and its prom tonight for one of the high schools.
Ron is spending the day at the Masonic Temple becoming a Shriner and learning all the secrets of the order. We all know that it's also a good excuse to drink with the brothers a couple of times a month. While he is doing that I am just relaxing and playing on the computer, a lazy day once in awhile is a good thing. I was going to take my Mom for her Mothers Day lunch today, but she was not up to it, so we are going to go Tuesday night instead. I am going to take her to LBistro, it's a Greek eatery, I think she will enjoy it.
Tomorrow on Mom's day, Laura wants to take me to the Chinese restaurant, sounds great! Then I will wait to hear from Christopher to make my day complete.

Lazy Sundays

After a busy Saturday, we have decided today is a perfect day to be lazy.
Yesterday, Ron took his Grandson Josh, to the car and motorcycle show at the Alerus and then out to the Chinese buffet for lunch. While he did that I was going out to do some shopping when the NEW car acted up again, so I drove it right back to Rydells for the 3rd time, the other 2 visits they said they could not get a read on the problem, and it would have to be doing it at the time I drove it into the shop. As luck would have it, I was 2 blocks from Rydells, when it happened again, so I sped to their shop. So once again I had to leave it there, and they had to drive me home in the courtesy car. The worst part of that was, that sitting in the shop was my old car, the one we had traded in, looking like brand spanking new, waiting for it's new owner to DRIVE it away, as I was getting driven away in the courtesy car.
Finally at 4:30, Rydells called us back and told us they found the problem, a loose wire. Now tell me this, how could they have not seen that the other two times it was in there? Frustrating when you have not even made the 1st of 60 payments. Oh well, hopefully problem solved.
After all this, we got gussied up and went out to meet a group of friends, the first one of our Vegas group turned 50 yesterday, so we celebrated his birthday at the famous Whiteys Wonderbar. Ron and I then left there and went and checked out a new band that was playing elsewhere and danced to the Auctioneer song, it's a good old song where you really have to know how to kick up your heels, yee haw....good fun.
So needless to say, that is why today is going to be a lazy day, it's a gloomy cool day outside, and as the old saying goes, "there's no place like home!"

Easter Memories

We had a very nice Easter Sunday yesterday, had family over for a mid afternoon meal.
Our family get togethers seem to get smaller every year, but my siblings and my parents are right here in town and we can still enjoy these holidays together.
I like to remember when the kids were small and we would color and decorate eggs the night before Easter. Then when Chris and Laura would go to bed, we would go outside and hide plastic Easter eggs filled with treats all over the back yard, many years there would still be snow on the ground. The next morning they would get up and find the eggs and then they would come back into the house and find their Easter baskets.
I have many of these memories on video tape, so feel blessed that I can actually relive these memories to this day, in my heart Chris and Laura will always be those cute and adorable children looking for the eggs the Easter bunny left them. I hope one day in the near future they can make their own memories with their own children.

Another weekend in the life of the Berghs

How does Monday roll around so quickly everyweek?
This past weekend was our annual Polish Party at the SouthGate Lounge, we have gone every year for many years. We always dress up in costume and make a grand entrance in the afternoon. This year we were all dressed in white jumpsuits, and were the Polish Gas Company, now I will not go into any more than that, but remember we put a polish twist on everything. I will post pictures soon so you can see how we looked. We stayed for quite a few hours, and decided to get a ride home from a neighbor and leave our car in the lot until the next morning. Well that was the right thing to do, BUT when we went to retrieve our car on Sunday morning, we noticed someone had slashed our tire, on our brand new car that we have not even made a payment. Pretty upset, but what are you going to do.
Well in my world when you are upset, you eat! So off the Golden Coral for a late lunch. Ron has wanted to go there since they opened 2 years ago, but always being on a diet, I know I have no control at a buffet, and I was right........the best part being the dessert buffet. I had carrot cake, cheese cake, and a hot carmel sundae, this after making sure the coast was clear and there were no fellow WW members in my midst.
The week looks nice ahead with lots of sunshine, hoping to bring Easter in with no snow left on the ground this Sunday

Snowy days and Mondays getting people down

Its almost April 1st and as I write this today, we are waiting for our next winter storm that is roaring this way. Just when we were feeling we were going to beat the flood, mother nature is going to add this to the mix.
I have been surprisingly taking it all in stride. Where so many people are not, I have come to the conclusion there is nothing you can do to stop the weather. I feel confident we are protected, and as long as my family is safe that is all that really matters.
I got a call from a close friend from high school last night, she is from Fargo, but has been here in Grand Forks for the last 8 days with her Dad, who is in the intensive care unit with pneumonia. While she is here taking care of her Mom and sitting with her Dad, her husband is back home protecting their home, they live very close to a dike that is having some leaking.
She said it all in one simple statement, "All you can do is HOPE and PRAY for the best."
Our prayers do go out to her and her family, in this most difficult time.

Why Oh Why!

So why do we live up here in this frozen tundra? That is the question we find ourselves asking once again. Just when we were getting to the point where all the snow was gone, another blizzard last night, this combining with another flood capable of having the same crests of 1997. The big difference this year is that we have the multi million dollar flood wall in place. Fargo, just 75 miles south of us is not so fortunate, this may be their, flood of the century,, they are fighting a good fight, and God willing they will win the fight.
We only have one bridge open between East Grand Forks where we live and Grand Forks where we work, they are saying that by next Monday the lone bridge may have to close as well. Just hope I am on the right side when that happens, meaning a few days off work cause we have no way to get there. If not, my parents will have a couple of house guests, you know, that would not be such a bad deal. I know my Mom she would be cooking some great meals for supper, heck, Ron probably would not want to go home to his lean cuisine suppers.
Well I will let you all know how we fare, hopefully we will stay dry. We did not take the gamble and buy flood insurance. So if for some reason the worst happens, we may be retiring to the south earlier than planned.

Weight Watchers Struggles

Well I did it! I got on the scale this morning at Weight Watchers. I knew it was not going to be good, gained 5.6 pounds, YIKES! I did this in the last 2 weeks, I will tell you I did enjoy a lot of good food and restaurants in those 2 weeks, heck last Saturday night we ate supper twice, WHO does that?
And of course our Friday nights out don't help either, last night was the same as usual a few beers and then all willpower goes out the window, Ron and I then proceeded to eat a large pizza. I had been doing pretty good on most of my Friday nights by planning ahead, but have struggled with all of that the last 2 weeks.
Next Friday we are having a Polish Party planning meeting at a different establishment, they are famous for their scooners of long island teas, we think they will help us get our creative juices flowing so we can decide on our group theme for the party.
Polish Days is a party every year in April at the Southgate lounge, we have been going every year for the last 7 or so. Last year we went as the Polish Curling team, it was good timing, because at the same time Grand Forks was hosting the world tournaments.
So far we have thrown around ideas like Polish Housewives of Polk County / Polish Octuplets , that type of thing, so you can about imagine.
We are trying to decide what to do today, We were thinking of a drive to Fargo and do some shopping,....or a CASINO. They do have a great buffet at the casino....... and I don't have to weigh again until next Saturday......... oh the vicious cycle continues.....

Great weekend after a very long week!

It's been over a week since my last post, mainly because it's been a long depressing week up here in the Great White North! We had a blizzard on Tuesday, don't know if winter is ever going to end, now, all everyone is talking about is another huge flood. Do you take the gamble and buy flood insurance or not? We have elected not to buy it, mainly because of the multimillion dollar flood wall that was constructed to protect our fair city after the flood of 97. We shall see in a few short weeks, if we took the right gamble.
But alas, the weekend came and all was well in the world, as the sun came out and the temp was above freezing and started melting some of that nasty snow once again.
The best part of the weekend was when my son Chris and his fiance Katie came to visit this weekend. It was a short visit, but so wonderful. They packed a lot of visiting in, in a 24 hour period, they got to lunch with his Dad and Renee, and Laura and her boyfriend Brian. They got to both Grandparents, and out to supper with us last night.
While they were busy visiting in the afternoon, Ron and I did our annual St Pat's loop of the downtown, and watched the parade. A little green beer and some Irish stew, it was a good time.

Blizzards in March

Ok, I am not talking about blizzards that come from mother nature. I am talking about the ones that come from the Dairy Queen!
Last week Ron and I drove past the DQ, I never even think about stopping there until it's summer, but I read on the sign that the blizzard of the month was the chocolate covered cherry, Ron's favorite. We did not stop that particular day. But last night after having a few glasses of wine and supper with friends, Ron said, "I want to take you for a treat.", which really meant, he wanted his treat, we headed for the Dairy Queen. It was snowing and blowing and very cold, not the kind of night I think of going out for ice cream. I did indulge slightly and had a small vanilla cone, for some reason to me, it tastes alot better on a hot summer night than a cold blustery one in March.
The past week was pretty uneventful for us, Ron has been sick with a cold, which I think I am now coming down with. We did make it to dance class and learned some new turns, and had some more great laughs while doing so. Laura has been sick with an extremely bad ear infection, so bad that she has not gone to her friends places for the last 3 days.
I got bad news at work, getting denied for my vacation time in July, this is the week that we were to go to Vegas with our friends, I am looking at other options so we can still get there that same weekend, but maybe a different flight.
Just happy it's the weekend!

Thank God for heated mattress pads!

Another weekend is coming to a close, they go way too fast. We did our usual on Friday night and met our friends at Joe Blacks for a few beers and something to eat. It's a big hockey weekend here in Grand Forks, state high school hockey and the the last home game of the season for the Sioux, so we watched some of those games.
It has been so cold here again this weekend. We got home on Friday night at 9, and it was so cold we decided just to crawl into bed, we have a heated mattress pad and I swear to you it is the best investment you will ever make if you live up here in the great white north.
Saturday I got up and went to WW then over to visit my parents, I walked into their house and it smelled glorious, my Mom had just made home made cinnamon rolls. Good timing after just coming from WW. Ron was home busy in the garage working on his restoration of the 65 Chevelle. This is about a 3 year project that takes a lot of time and money, but when it's done it is going to be so much fun, we are going to take it to car shows around the area. After he completes the Chevelle there is the 70 Gremlin in the other garage to tackle.
In the evening we decided to go the Gate and watch the Sioux game and play some bingo, of course we did not win, but we got together with Tomi and Pat again and had a few more good laughs, called it an early evening, went and rented another bad movie which I only saw the first 10 minutes, as I quickly fell asleep because I had placed my chair directly in front of the fireplace.
Today is Sunday and Ron is going to meet up with his work cronies at Wild Wings to do trivia and have a few beers, and I don't have a plan other than to grocery shop and plan supper, a nice way to end the weekend and ease back to the new week.

nearing 50 and trying to get healthy

This is year 2 for me being a member of Weight Watchers, and I still have not reached goal. I have successfully lost 48 pounds, but the weight loss has come to a screeching halt since the new year started
There is something about having a few beers on the weekend that leads to some mindless eating. It's tough having such a busy social calendar.
Ron would also like to lose 20 pounds by summer, so every week we say we are going to start strong on Monday. We go to the grocery store and stock up on good healthy choices and talk about walking. It is not until I get to the checkout that I see what he has hidden in the cart.......Pringles, candy, ice cream, etc. We both love to snack after supper, it's a hard habit to break. I am beginning to wonder if I will ever be able to break this habit.
Well I think that once the weather changes around this darn place and we can get outside again, things will start to change for us. We now are at the age that weight loss is more for our health and not so much for vanity. Although I will say it's fun being in the smallest size I have been in since 1990.
We want many more years to share our lives with one another, and see our Grandchildren grow up....So after this weekend.....we'll start on Monday.

Where do the weekends go?

Another Monday here again, where do the weekends go?
After a fun filled Friday night our weekend was pretty quiet, which is a good thing!
We went to see a movie on Sunday, our plan was to see Slumdog Millionaire, so we could say we saw at least one of the nominated films before watching the Oscars last night.
But when we got to the theater that was only playing in the evening, and we only do matinees, gotta save money somewhere. So our only choice at that time was to see, "He's just not that into you." Ron is always a good sport and will take in the occasional chick flick we me, as long as he has his tub of popcorn and a big box of Dots.
It amazes me how many people go to the movies all by themselves, there were quite a few people who were alone. I am one of those people that could never go anywhere alone. The strangest thing to me was a man well into his 50's came in and watched this movie by himself, I don't know it just seemed an odd choice to me.
Gotta run for now, it's dance class night, I wonder what steps we will learn tonight.

Living the good life on a Friday night

Last night was another fun Friday night for the Berghs and friends. We went out to our usual Friday night spot, Joe Blacks for some drinks and supper, and then had a limo pick us up at 6:30.

Tomi and I had gone to a soup supper back in November and bid on it. All the money went to the food cupboard in town. Our original plan was to ride around and look at Christmas lights, well that never happened so we just decided on a random night in February. We did by the way find one house who did have their Christmas lights on!

We had the best time, the group of us that went last night, are the same group that we will be going to Las Vegas in July. There are 5 of us that turn 50 this year, so we decided that would be a great reason to finally get to Vegas. We had a great time in a limo for 3 hours, can you imagine how much fun we can have actually going to sin city. oh my lord! We have already planned that one night will be Housewives of ND night, now if you don't watch Housewives of the OC, you probably don't know what that means. Lets just say I will have to find one really good, amazing push up bra. I am the only one in the group not very well endowed.

We did take many pic's in the limo last night, but I don't have them off the camera yet....will post at a later date.

The rest of the weekend is going to be pretty quiet, I do believe. I think I am going to make my husband a good supper and settle in front of the television, hope you all have a great weekend!

Memories of Grandpa

I don't have a lot of memories of my Grandpas, my Grandpa W died when I was 7. I only have one vivid memory of him, I was a Brownie in the Girl Scouts, selling calendars, they were 50 cents, and when I asked him to buy one, he said "NO." I was so hurt, and scared of him. My Grandpa W was a mystery to his entire family, he came over as a young boy from Yugoslavia, and never really shared his story with anyone.

My Dad, the next generation, Grandpa W is totally different with his Grandchildren, he loves to talk to them and help them solve problems, and of course he always bought everything that was ever being sold to raise money.

Which brings me to why this memory came to light last night. We have a Grandson, Josh who is 14. He called his Grandpa Ron last night to let us know he had a basketball game if we wanted to come and watch. I was unable to go, Ron went and watched the game and then took Josh out for supper. They were going to go to the new Space Aliens, but looked too busy so opted for Dennys for some Grand Slam breakfasts.
Ron got home and said they had a nice time, and then he hands me 6 Papa Murphy discount cards. Josh had to sell them in order to raise money for the class trip to Valley Fair, he had been having a hard time selling them, so Grandpa Ron bought them all!

Reality TV Addict

Ok, we admit it, my husband and I are reality tv junkies. I don't know what that says about us, but I describe it as a guilty pleasure that is purely, entertainment.
Our tastes go from the Bachelor, to Dog the Bounty Hunter, Jon and Kate plus 8, The Biggest Loser, Sober House, etc. I could go on and on. We have a date with the television every night of the week. Ron gets in his lazy boy, I get in mine, feet up and we are ready for our night.
Last night there was a new program on TV land, Class Reunion. Now this one brought me back, to memories of my high school days. I have changed since those days so many years ago, but for some reason you never forget how you felt when you were a teenager in highschool. For me, the memories are not great ones. I was overweight, had long straight hair, and wore the greenest of eye shadows. No dates, no prom, worked at a nursing home, had my circle of friends but went unnoticed by the boys. That period of my life my self confidence was low, to this day I still have a very hard time accepting a compliment.
I did attend everyone of my class reunions, my 10, 20, and can you believe it 30 year class reunions. It was not until my 30 year, which was 2 years ago, the I really felt confindent walking into that party.
I danced all night long with my loving husband, Ron, and still had the same best friend, Tomi sitting by my side.
So my reality is pretty darn great!

GInger and Fred are a little sore today

Last night Ron and I started a dance class, it's offered through adult education. It is something I have wanted to do for years. It is being held in the basement of Whiteys in East Grand Forks
We were the youngest of the 15 couples that were there,I always thought that all the older folks knew all the dance steps. We met some of the nicest people, great older couples that have been married for many years, still enjoying new things together. We are going to learn everything from Texas 2 Step to a Polka, it is a 2 hour class one night a week for 5 weeks.
I must say it was quite a workout, we were exhausted when we got home, but still had enough energy to show Laura a few of our new steps. She was truly amazed..... yeah right!
Tonight will be a quiet night at home in front of the television, Ron is at the base overnight. I am addicted to certain reality television, especially Biggest Loser, as my entire life I have worried about my weight. Oh well as they work their butts off on the screen tonight, I will be in my lazy boy chair with my feet up, eating my Weight Watcher fudge bar!

Another week starts, but it's the only way to the weekend

Well, another weekend behind me, they go so darn fast.
We had a great weekend, we went south on Saturday, all the way to Hillsboro,ND. for Valentines night!
I know, anyone who knows the area is saying, WHY?
Well we love going to small town bars and restaurants and the people are always so nice in these small towns.
We got to the local motel and checked in, a small mom and pop place, the main criteria was that it be clean, and it was.
Then we headed to the local sports bar, called the Sports Bar. As the husbands watched the Sioux hockey game on the big screen, Tomi and I played all the best tunes the jukebox had to offer.
We had great burgers on homemade buns and fries, so much for WW for this holiday night out.
We then headed to the local VFW, where a band was playing, we danced to every Johney Cash, and Patsy Cline song known to man.
Then back to the sports bar to sing karoake, we sang Donna Fargo's, I'm the happiest girl in the whole USA.
Good times, good friends, what more can you ask for?
Hope you all had a great day with your sweet Valentines too!

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day !
I love Valentines Day, I don't know if it's because chocolate is once again involved, or that I that it's a holiday that I usually get flowers!
I did go and visit the local candy store Widmans, nothing like the smell of chocolate.
I bought quite a few boxes of chippers, everyone's favorites.
Today Ron and I, and our friends Tomi and Pat are taking a road trip south to the big community of Hillsboro, we are staying the night, and we are going to all the fine establishments the town has to offer, that's 3 bars, and a pizza ranch.
We are planning to eat, drink and be merry, with alot of dancing thrown in.
Laura has a date with Brian to go to the Sioux hockey game, and then I think they are going to come home here and hang out since we will be gone, and Scooter needs company.
Well, I hope you all have a great Holiday!
I will let you know how our fun outing in Hillsboro goes.

Hi all,
Well I never thought I would start a blog, but what the heck I sure like reading other peoples.
I am not very computer savy, so we will see how this goes. Maybe one day I will figure out how to add pictures.