Bruce died on January 6, 2014. I miss him, even though I have been without him for 34 years. We'd be out of touch for years although I saw him twice in 2013, once at Joel's service, and again for coffee in September. I heard from him the night before he died - about the the Packers losing, for goodness sakes! How can life end so suddenly?
I am grieving for a life lost.
Choices made.
Life goes on.
sisters
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Sunday, December 22, 2013
2013
Oh my goodness, NO posts is 2013. I will move forward; yet at the same time I am listening to the Moody Blue's 1972 Seventh Sojourn on Youtube. Life is a continuum, I'm never sure which year I am living in. Memories take me back, dreams take me forward.
A lovely Mahowald family tradition continues. Yesterday, four generations, 40+ people gathered at Daniel and warren's for our 32nd Cookie Bake. I love how bake has become a noun in our family! I love, love, love the hubbub of this gathering. Flour flying, cookie sheets dashing between loved ones. Little ones running in circles. It isn't the treats we bring home from this event, it is the joy we share in being together.
My wish for my children is for them to continue whatever gathering keeps them close. Every day is precious.
Meanwhile, I'm going back to 1972………..
A lovely Mahowald family tradition continues. Yesterday, four generations, 40+ people gathered at Daniel and warren's for our 32nd Cookie Bake. I love how bake has become a noun in our family! I love, love, love the hubbub of this gathering. Flour flying, cookie sheets dashing between loved ones. Little ones running in circles. It isn't the treats we bring home from this event, it is the joy we share in being together.
My wish for my children is for them to continue whatever gathering keeps them close. Every day is precious.
Meanwhile, I'm going back to 1972………..
Thursday, October 25, 2012
.....and what happened to summer?
Okay, I have been ignoring this for most of the year! Ironic after one of our driest summers ever, it is pouring rain, lightening and thundering right now. Is it my fault we didn't get rain? Moose is resting his chin on my left hand and wondering why we aren't out walking.
Summer was spent working and trying to capture little weekend trips. We managed one camping trip to Wissota State Park east of Chippewa Falls - lovely, lovely. Bought a new tent for the occasion that worked out great, and now it is stored for the season. Still need to get an air bed before I sleep on the hard ground again (haven't I been saying that for several years now?).
We are a friendship family to a young woman from Myanmar. The Saint arrived in August and we helped her get moved in to St. Kate's. She will spend one year through a State Department program and is experiencing all of American life and finds much of it perplexing. Her country is tropical, typical temperature range from 75 to 105 degrees F. Minnesota is quite the contrast. They have only had a democratic government for a few years so she is not used to personal freedom and the ability to travel. She has gotten us to St. Catherine University for several O'Shaugnessy events that have been fun and we'll see her Saturday to carve pumpkins.
Steven moved to his own apartment in River Falls and is enjoying his freedom and his job at the River Falls Country Inn. He started part time and now has five days a week from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift. Seems to be working for him. Brian moved from his River Falls apartment to Eau Claire in August. He is studying at CVTC and taking seven classes. We picked him up when we visited Tenba Ridge Winery in Blair WI and enjoyed wine tasting and dinner at Northwoods Brew Pub in Eau Claire. He doesn't call, hope all is going well with his school.
We have been saving our vacation for a BIG adventure. We leave for New Zealand in 16 days. We fly to Los Angeles on November 10 and then a 13 hour flight to Auckland New Zealand. We will have a rental card and first stop will be in Matamata where we will see The Shire from Lords of the Rings. We spend a day in Roturua by the lake before traveling to Wellington. The ferry will cross between the north and south islands. We will whale watch by Kaikoura, see the western coast by Punakaiki, walk on glaciers on Fox Glacier, see glow worm in caves by Te Anau, take a boat tour on Milford Sound, visit vineyards at Wanaka. Bill with fish a full day while in Wanaka. We then will travel to Invercargill, the southern most tip of the country, explore the coast to see penguins, seals, sea birds by the Caitlins and end our trip in Dunedin where we spend three days, take a wildlife tour to see more penguins. Can you tell - I am really, really, really excited. This trip has been on our wish list for 31 years, and a year and half in planning. We'll see how I do being away from home for three weeks. I will miss my walks with Moose and early morning access to my coffee pot!
Speaking of coffee, time to refill my mug.......
Summer was spent working and trying to capture little weekend trips. We managed one camping trip to Wissota State Park east of Chippewa Falls - lovely, lovely. Bought a new tent for the occasion that worked out great, and now it is stored for the season. Still need to get an air bed before I sleep on the hard ground again (haven't I been saying that for several years now?).
We are a friendship family to a young woman from Myanmar. The Saint arrived in August and we helped her get moved in to St. Kate's. She will spend one year through a State Department program and is experiencing all of American life and finds much of it perplexing. Her country is tropical, typical temperature range from 75 to 105 degrees F. Minnesota is quite the contrast. They have only had a democratic government for a few years so she is not used to personal freedom and the ability to travel. She has gotten us to St. Catherine University for several O'Shaugnessy events that have been fun and we'll see her Saturday to carve pumpkins.
Steven moved to his own apartment in River Falls and is enjoying his freedom and his job at the River Falls Country Inn. He started part time and now has five days a week from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift. Seems to be working for him. Brian moved from his River Falls apartment to Eau Claire in August. He is studying at CVTC and taking seven classes. We picked him up when we visited Tenba Ridge Winery in Blair WI and enjoyed wine tasting and dinner at Northwoods Brew Pub in Eau Claire. He doesn't call, hope all is going well with his school.
We have been saving our vacation for a BIG adventure. We leave for New Zealand in 16 days. We fly to Los Angeles on November 10 and then a 13 hour flight to Auckland New Zealand. We will have a rental card and first stop will be in Matamata where we will see The Shire from Lords of the Rings. We spend a day in Roturua by the lake before traveling to Wellington. The ferry will cross between the north and south islands. We will whale watch by Kaikoura, see the western coast by Punakaiki, walk on glaciers on Fox Glacier, see glow worm in caves by Te Anau, take a boat tour on Milford Sound, visit vineyards at Wanaka. Bill with fish a full day while in Wanaka. We then will travel to Invercargill, the southern most tip of the country, explore the coast to see penguins, seals, sea birds by the Caitlins and end our trip in Dunedin where we spend three days, take a wildlife tour to see more penguins. Can you tell - I am really, really, really excited. This trip has been on our wish list for 31 years, and a year and half in planning. We'll see how I do being away from home for three weeks. I will miss my walks with Moose and early morning access to my coffee pot!
Speaking of coffee, time to refill my mug.......
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Rain, rain, lovely rain
There have been very few mornings with rain hitting my head as I walk Moose. Today is one of the rainy ones! We have been so very, very dry, it is welcome. Temps had dipped below freezing the past few nights, however this morning we are in the 50's - hurray for warmth.
The birds are happily singing, I can hear a cardinal calling from the birch tree. I still haven't identified the repetitive 'oo, oo, oo, oo..." sounding bird down by the marsh. It is there every morning between 5:00 and 6:00 and appears to be flying as I hear the sound from various spots in the western edge of the marsh. Would love to be able to see it.
Have to get ready for work - a lovely day ahead.
The birds are happily singing, I can hear a cardinal calling from the birch tree. I still haven't identified the repetitive 'oo, oo, oo, oo..." sounding bird down by the marsh. It is there every morning between 5:00 and 6:00 and appears to be flying as I hear the sound from various spots in the western edge of the marsh. Would love to be able to see it.
Have to get ready for work - a lovely day ahead.
Friday, March 16, 2012
March 16, 2012
A significant day in Mahowald history - Casey Rainier Milesko will marry Kimberly Alice Yeske at 5:00 p.m. today in Duluth, Minnesota. Liz and Joe are so proud, and happy for them. Young love, eternal promises. I wish the best to them.
I packed for the trip last night. My first instinct was to grab a back pack - it is only ONE day. After laying things on the bed (and deciding between three dresses), I grabbed a larger bag. When I finished, I realized there are FOUR pairs of shoes in my packing plans. How is that possible?? One pair of brown flats to wear with blue jeans in the car, one pair of black heels to wear to the wedding, one pair of "backup" flat sensible shoes to wear if my feet are hurting at the wedding, and one pair of tennis shoes for working out at the hotel. Now does that make sense?!! I have taken the heels out, and will go with the sensible shoes for the wedding. I am contemplating wearing tennis shoes in the car for today and tomorrow non-wedding events. Tennis shoes, ugh. Sensible shoes for a wedding? I may go back to the idea of four pairs!
Elaine is in town for the wedding! She had an audit in Kansas that ended yesterday so she diverted her flight to MSP and will stay through Sunday. It's really unfortunate that her entire family can't attend but not realistic. Family members are staying at different Duluth/Superior hotels. Most of us will be at the Sheraton as it is right next to they Greysalon Plaza where the reception will be held. Ann, Warren, Paul and Shane will stay at the Voyageur Lakewalk Inn right down the street. Pat, Jean and Laura will be at the Superior Inn, and Daniel and warren will go back to their cabin. So excited to see everyone.
Moose will spend the night at Hilltop Kennel. I'll drop him off at 9:00 a.m., and we'll head out after 10:00. All of my family (less Brian) will be there. We plan to take our time driving, stop for lunch in Hinkley and see Lake Superior before checking in to the hotel. Steven and David will have their own room so they can be independent of my early to bed, early to rise schedule. I plan to dance at the wedding, so perhaps it won't be quite so early to bed tonight!
I packed for the trip last night. My first instinct was to grab a back pack - it is only ONE day. After laying things on the bed (and deciding between three dresses), I grabbed a larger bag. When I finished, I realized there are FOUR pairs of shoes in my packing plans. How is that possible?? One pair of brown flats to wear with blue jeans in the car, one pair of black heels to wear to the wedding, one pair of "backup" flat sensible shoes to wear if my feet are hurting at the wedding, and one pair of tennis shoes for working out at the hotel. Now does that make sense?!! I have taken the heels out, and will go with the sensible shoes for the wedding. I am contemplating wearing tennis shoes in the car for today and tomorrow non-wedding events. Tennis shoes, ugh. Sensible shoes for a wedding? I may go back to the idea of four pairs!
Elaine is in town for the wedding! She had an audit in Kansas that ended yesterday so she diverted her flight to MSP and will stay through Sunday. It's really unfortunate that her entire family can't attend but not realistic. Family members are staying at different Duluth/Superior hotels. Most of us will be at the Sheraton as it is right next to they Greysalon Plaza where the reception will be held. Ann, Warren, Paul and Shane will stay at the Voyageur Lakewalk Inn right down the street. Pat, Jean and Laura will be at the Superior Inn, and Daniel and warren will go back to their cabin. So excited to see everyone.
Moose will spend the night at Hilltop Kennel. I'll drop him off at 9:00 a.m., and we'll head out after 10:00. All of my family (less Brian) will be there. We plan to take our time driving, stop for lunch in Hinkley and see Lake Superior before checking in to the hotel. Steven and David will have their own room so they can be independent of my early to bed, early to rise schedule. I plan to dance at the wedding, so perhaps it won't be quite so early to bed tonight!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
My favorite day of the week
The best quote I've heard in the past few weeks was from Liz, "every day is significant". Based on that it is safe to say, today is my favorite day of the week. Enjoying coffee, browsing on the computer, watching lovely flakes of snow drifting softly just outside my windows. A squirrel is eating sunflower seeds from below the feeder. Need to get that filled so the birds can enjoy their breakfast.
Participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by Audubon and Cornell Labs. I enjoy our feathered friends, the day I counted saw the normal backyard visitors - chickadees, blue jays, house sparrows, redpoll, cardinals, Within the next few days after the count also heard a barred owl, saw an eagle, red tailed hawk, juncos, gold finches (or are they pine siskins?!). Wonder if I could make a living watching birds?
The birding job would need to pay well as this has been an expensive week - water quit working on Thursday morning. Called Aune Well Company and he came within the hour. By the time he left we had a new submersible pump, control cable, pressure switch and my bank account was lightened by $1200. The same day Bill stopped at P.M. Bedroom Gallery and ordered a Cooper Sleigh headboard with a foundation drawer unit, and a new queen sized Sebastian mattress. It will take five weeks to be made at a spot just south of Eau Claire. After 31 years of just a mattress and box spring on a metal frame, this will be a delight. Warranty - 267 years! Who will get that when I'm ready to downsize?
Megan is home. David picked her up after work yesterday and I'll take her back tomorrow for her to be at work at 8:00 a.m. We'll grocery shop this morning, and want to check if Treasures from the Heart has any coats, stop at Karma Gifts. She wants to bake and take treats back to her roommates. We have tickets to see the play, Almost Maine at UWRF this evening so called the box office and had them set aside an extra ticket for Megan. Gene and Susan Frederickson will meet us at Mariachi Loco at 5:30. It will be good for Megan to meet Susan as she is an occupational therapist.
David should be getting up soon for work, will make an omelet and pack him a lunch. Moose wants another walk.
Participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by Audubon and Cornell Labs. I enjoy our feathered friends, the day I counted saw the normal backyard visitors - chickadees, blue jays, house sparrows, redpoll, cardinals, Within the next few days after the count also heard a barred owl, saw an eagle, red tailed hawk, juncos, gold finches (or are they pine siskins?!). Wonder if I could make a living watching birds?
The birding job would need to pay well as this has been an expensive week - water quit working on Thursday morning. Called Aune Well Company and he came within the hour. By the time he left we had a new submersible pump, control cable, pressure switch and my bank account was lightened by $1200. The same day Bill stopped at P.M. Bedroom Gallery and ordered a Cooper Sleigh headboard with a foundation drawer unit, and a new queen sized Sebastian mattress. It will take five weeks to be made at a spot just south of Eau Claire. After 31 years of just a mattress and box spring on a metal frame, this will be a delight. Warranty - 267 years! Who will get that when I'm ready to downsize?
Megan is home. David picked her up after work yesterday and I'll take her back tomorrow for her to be at work at 8:00 a.m. We'll grocery shop this morning, and want to check if Treasures from the Heart has any coats, stop at Karma Gifts. She wants to bake and take treats back to her roommates. We have tickets to see the play, Almost Maine at UWRF this evening so called the box office and had them set aside an extra ticket for Megan. Gene and Susan Frederickson will meet us at Mariachi Loco at 5:30. It will be good for Megan to meet Susan as she is an occupational therapist.
David should be getting up soon for work, will make an omelet and pack him a lunch. Moose wants another walk.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lovely, lovely morning with a sky full of starts. While walking Moose at 5:30 I kept my eyes to the sky enjoying the celestial show. Saturn and Jupiter both visible in the night sky, big dipper high in the north, the three sisters protecting the south.
Bill helped make pumpkin and pecan pies last night, they are "hiding" in the downstairs frig. We went to the Whole Earth wine tasting and Bill selected a rose wine, I also want to serve the Cannon Falls St. Croix to remember Kevin. Megan made her bread crumbs for the shiitake walnut dressing last night filling the house with aroma of garlic and olive oil toasting..... The turkey will go in the oven by 7:00 and then will make bread to form in to rolls later this morning. My most favorite meal of the year!
Off to Skype with Liz and then to get the turkey in the oven.
Bill helped make pumpkin and pecan pies last night, they are "hiding" in the downstairs frig. We went to the Whole Earth wine tasting and Bill selected a rose wine, I also want to serve the Cannon Falls St. Croix to remember Kevin. Megan made her bread crumbs for the shiitake walnut dressing last night filling the house with aroma of garlic and olive oil toasting..... The turkey will go in the oven by 7:00 and then will make bread to form in to rolls later this morning. My most favorite meal of the year!
Off to Skype with Liz and then to get the turkey in the oven.
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