Journal

I can't believe it was Halloween since I wrote an entry.  I received the notice that DS friend, Ronny, had passed the first week of April.  I feel so sad.  He was always inspiring and supportive to people on DS.  He will be missed. 

Had to go to Red Lake last week for my Aunt Ruth's funeral.  It is so hard to see my uncle and aunt in wheelchairs because of their declining health. 

My fosterparents sent back walleye with me.  My fosterdad does a lot of fishing, whether its ice fishing or regular fishing.  The fish was delicious!  I invited a friend of mine over to eat with my daughter and cousin and I but my older sister, niece and nephew showed up unexpectedly, so cut the fillets in thirds instead of halves and was able to feed us all. 

I had an early Easter with my daughter and grandbabies coming a week early.  My daughter had taken the wrong week off from work (she thought my grandson's school break was the week of April 13th but it turned out to be the week of April 6th instead) and so we celebrated early.  It was wonderful to have them all with me for almost a week.  Chaotic, yes, but wouldn't trade it for anything! 

Almost Halloween!!  Can't believe it!  On my way to work this morning I was admiring all the colors and the glistening river as I crossed the bridge to get to St. Paul.  Leaves swirling around; people out running and all bundled up too.  The frost on my windows and having to wait for the car to warm up before I headed out to work. 

This weekend I had my car broken into in the garage in my apartment building.  I was taking my daughter to work on Friday night and when we walked out of the elevator to the garage, we interrupted 5 boys that were going through cars.  I asked what they were doing and one said he was getting something out of his dad's car.  I told them it looked more like they were up to no good and trying to go through cars.  They were scattering and running by then.  I didn't notice they had stolen my garage door opener until I pulled out and was looking for it to open the garage door.  Damn thing is going to cost me $100 to replace it now.  I called the management office and reported it on their voice mail, called the emergency number for the building and also the police as well.  The management office reviewed the security tapes yesterday and will send it to the police to include with my incident report.  Those kids came back later in the night and did some vandalizing and stole some bikes that were in the garage and I don't know what all they were up to but they caused trouble.  I had to park outside in the parking lot because of not having the garage door opener.  I actually had to start wearing a sweatshirt since I wasn't able to just get in the car and head out. 

I'm thinking of putting together some photo albums for my family for Christmas.  I have tons of pictures of when the kids were young and I want to share them.  I'm hoping they will like them.  I plan to write some notes/poetry/stories to include with the albums for each person that will receive them.  Money is tight and I'm trying to think of what I can give to them that would be meaningful, you know, instead of moolah although that would be appreciated too!  : )

Anyway, I have lots of ideas for it - which means I better get started now instead of just thinking about it. 

Doing pretty good considering everything that has happened in my life.  Must be the age factor!!

Arlene

Finally home now for a couple months!!!!  No anticipated travel for awhile.  Plan to go with my friend to bingo for my birthday.  My nephews and nieces had a surprise birthday dinner for me last weekend.  They already know I'm going to be at bingo on my birthday!  I got to hold my new grand-nephew (he's almost 2 months old now); hug up my 2-year-old grand-nephew and got lots of hugs and kisses from my grand-nieces!!  Plus time to spend with family - it was a great way to spend Saturday evening. 

I was thinking of going to Red Lake for the upcoming Labor Day pow-wow this weekend but changed my mind.  I've been doing so much driving lately, I just want to stay close to home.  Plus next week will probably be horrendous for driving around the Twin Cities - St. Paul is hosting the RNC and I'm sure it'll be chaos around the Twin Cities. 

I'm heading up to Duluth in two weeks for my grandson's 7th birthday party.  So, it's not like I'll be home for long.  But the two weeks of being able to stay home will be wonderful. 

State Fair is going on right now and so I try to avoid that area of St. Paul due to the crowds and congested traffic. 

Thinking of my family a lot.  And my friends.  Some I've lost contact with over the years.  Wondering if I should try to get in contact again.  Unsure at this time.  Will have to think about it.  What if they tell me to "get lost" or hang up on me or ignore me?  Or maybe they'll be glad to hear from me again?