Geez.... Just when we learned how to sing a fast song acapella, the choir was handed some African piece entirely in a language I've never seen before. We took about 10 minutes per 3 bars to figure half of it out. The song before that was pretty cool, though. It was apparently written for a New Mexico church's 1992 confirmation class. I think it's written by David Poole if you've heard of him, Dad. It has really nice 4-part harmony and is in a "Cantor" style or something like that. About halfway through, though, I was swayed over to the tenor part and enjoyed it actually much better than the bass line. Of course then Steve, the guy from the Ford dealership, felt "sandwiched between tenors" that way. Maybe I should offer to sing either/or depending on which the director needs more of because we often seem short of tenors and a bit bass heavy. I just can't wait to see the look on Ormand's face when he sees the African song..... :o) I think he forgot about practice tonight, lucky for him.
Dinner at Danny's Pizza was nice. It's a pretty nice little place by Subway and across from the city park by the high school. It has a juke box and a video game room in the back. We had a family sized half supreme/half chicken alfredo pizza and managed to get to choir on time. When I was at Danny's though, I spotted a really nice looking leather Gophers jacket and was admiring it. I asked the lady wearing it where she got it, "because my dad is a Gopher and he'd look good in one of those..." She responded by saying, yeah, I know your dad... I must've looked like a deer in headlights then trying to figure out how she could possibly know my dad without knowing me. Then she clarified that she had seen me in church and she used to have you for a teacher a long time ago. I didn't catch her name before she left, but she did tell me that she was the original owner of Charlie, our little old terrier on the farm....
We picked up some Shark Tale cupcakes at Hugo's after choir tonight (Daniel's choice, of course) and got caught up on our grocery shopping. We took Andrew's little 1990 Honda Civic. You may think I look cramped in a Chevette, but you should see me find my way behind the wheel of a Civic... Not a pretty picture, I can say that much. I asked Andrew if I could just rip the front seat out and sit in the back, like Bubba Smith did in the Police Academy movie.
I'm thinking I could use some gardening expertise this summer when you get here, Mom. There's a patch on the side of my front walk that's pure black mud, the greasy kind. I'm thinking perhaps I could plant a little bush there or something so the neighbor boys don't end up tracking the mud in, not to mention the dog. One last thing... It's a good thing we're living here in backwoods TRF. Aaron's been leaving his nice new bike out front on the sidewalk for hours on end and tonight, just after we got back and stocked the frig, I walked around back to find Daniel had left the back door WIDE OPEN.... Ordinarily in Seattle I would have freaked, checking every dark corner of the apartment before allowing anyone inside. Here, it was more of a "ho hum" response. We do the best we can to keep things secure, but....
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Six Short Years and Counting...
Well, at long last, Daniel's birthday has arrived. Hard as usual to believe six short years ago he was sleeping in his little bouncer seat at my side of the bed so I could stick a foot out at 3:00 am and rock him back to sleep. I'm reminded of that time every time I see another baby with a binky in their mouth as Daniel was permanently attached to his for so long. First Aaron is halfway to his driver's license, now Daniel is 1/3 of the way to emancipation. If he could only stay as cute and contankerous the remaining 12 years....
This past week has been pretty fun for the boys. On Sunday, we had our dinner at the Grochow's and then Dusty spent the night that night since they didn't have school on Monday. During the day on Monday, there must have been about 80 entrances and departures of multiple boys at the house. They spent most of the day outside riding their bikes (or learning to at least) and over at their house on the corner.
Andrew took the boys to the Jose Cole Circus in town here last night and a good time was had by all. I guess the humor of the clowns was somewhat ribald from what Andrew was saying, but they had fun nonetheless. It was a nice warm day for the circus, almost seeming to get into the 50s. I didn't get a peek at the thermometer that day. The snow has almost completely melted from at least half of my lawn, clearing what I didn't realize had been a path underneath the snow that leads from the back steps to the gate by the garage. I had been thinking all winter of what to do about a path because I was envisioning having to ruin the lawn. The one there looks like it was made of bricks, though many of the bricks have sunk too low, I think, to be of much utility. The sandbox is now completely cleared of snow and the whole front yard is now down to grass. I can't wait now for the green in the grass to return, not to mention the leaves on all the trees around here. Andrew and I are mulling the idea of possibly getting some paintball practice at the old farm this summer, time and weather permitting. Neither of us have tried it and the paintball course back there looked like fun. Unfortunately I'll be about three times as big a target as Andrew, though... :o(
Daniel came home today with a birthday crown on his head and a birthday certificate from his teacher. We're heading to "Danny's Pizza" as previously mentioned at about 6:30. We have choir practice at 7:30, so will have to eat faster than usual. He's out playing with the neighbor boys before we have to get ready. That's pretty much all that's happening around here other than the recent car problems and the need to do a little housecleaning after all the boys... Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend and enjoy your collective weeks wherever you are!
Jim
This past week has been pretty fun for the boys. On Sunday, we had our dinner at the Grochow's and then Dusty spent the night that night since they didn't have school on Monday. During the day on Monday, there must have been about 80 entrances and departures of multiple boys at the house. They spent most of the day outside riding their bikes (or learning to at least) and over at their house on the corner.
Andrew took the boys to the Jose Cole Circus in town here last night and a good time was had by all. I guess the humor of the clowns was somewhat ribald from what Andrew was saying, but they had fun nonetheless. It was a nice warm day for the circus, almost seeming to get into the 50s. I didn't get a peek at the thermometer that day. The snow has almost completely melted from at least half of my lawn, clearing what I didn't realize had been a path underneath the snow that leads from the back steps to the gate by the garage. I had been thinking all winter of what to do about a path because I was envisioning having to ruin the lawn. The one there looks like it was made of bricks, though many of the bricks have sunk too low, I think, to be of much utility. The sandbox is now completely cleared of snow and the whole front yard is now down to grass. I can't wait now for the green in the grass to return, not to mention the leaves on all the trees around here. Andrew and I are mulling the idea of possibly getting some paintball practice at the old farm this summer, time and weather permitting. Neither of us have tried it and the paintball course back there looked like fun. Unfortunately I'll be about three times as big a target as Andrew, though... :o(
Daniel came home today with a birthday crown on his head and a birthday certificate from his teacher. We're heading to "Danny's Pizza" as previously mentioned at about 6:30. We have choir practice at 7:30, so will have to eat faster than usual. He's out playing with the neighbor boys before we have to get ready. That's pretty much all that's happening around here other than the recent car problems and the need to do a little housecleaning after all the boys... Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend and enjoy your collective weeks wherever you are!
Jim
Sunday, March 27, 2005
God Rolled The Stone Away...
We're back home now after Easter services at Trinity. We sang "He is risen" and a personal favorite, "God Rolled The Stone Away." It was the first time since moving here that we received applause. We sang up in the balcony and it sounded great. Mike did a trumpet accompaniment with Dee Wollenzine at the organ for a couple of the hims. Special music at the 8:30 service was Joe Drevlow's boy, Brett, on the piano up front. He was pretty cute. We had an Easter breakfast of scrambled eggs, fruit, and sweet rolls down in the fellowship hall between services where I met Ward Sinn. They are celebrating their 48th(?) anniversary this Sunday. Ward's brother unfortunately passed on this past week. There was no Sunday School today. The boys are getting some video game time in now while I get some reports typed before we head to the Grochow's. We'll head over about 2 0'clock, I figure. Even more snow has melted out here, so Easter has somewhat of a spring feel to it. Aaron just commented that he spotted the sandbox in our back yard. That should be fun keeping him out of it until things dry out in April or May.
Catch y'all later...
Catch y'all later...
AND ON THE THIRD DAY...
Just a quick note to wish you and yours a most happy Easter today. Spring is definitely upon us here in TRF, with most of the front yard cleared of snow now and the streets bare and dry for more than two days in a row. I thought it would never come. I've even managed to clean out Funny Bunny's cage in honor of Easter. She's definitely content laying on her cracked corn bedding taking a nap tonight. We'll be heading over the Scott and Kristi Grochow's place for Easter festivities/dinner tonight followed by a relaxing remainder of the evening at home, hopefully. Sorry we can't be there with you, Jen and Mom/Dad, this year as we experience our first Minnesota Easter since 1982... Thanks again for the flowers, Jen.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Palm Sunday...A Musical Day...
Palm Sunday has just about come and gone and Easter will soon be upon us. Yes, the backyard is still piled high with snow, though a nice slushy path has melted through the lawn to the back gate. Pretty soon we'll have to lay some stones or tiles down to get to the car without hip waders. Today was a fantastic day for music at church. We attended both early and mid-morning services as it was the choir's turn to sing again. This time we wore robes for the first time, though they were emerald green and had stoles of gold with ivory trim this time, not the old blue ones. Andrew looked mighty dapper in his, I must say. By the way, Mom.... The choir is in dire need of some new stoles....How's that sewing machine of yours workin' in retirement??? :o)
It was a pretty cool service (both, actually) in that we started it out with the choir up at the entrance to the sanctuary and the congregation lined the ramp all the way down to the lobby/narthex with everyone holding palm branches. We heard opening words from Pastor Hermodson and then proceeded, choir first, down the center of the church singing the opening hymn. I dropped Aaron off in the very last pew at the back before heading up front. We (the choir) stood up in front of the altar looking out at the congregation where we sang our two anthems at the start of the service. For Dad's edification, we sang "Ain't No Rock" and "Sing to the Lord." The first piece was pretty up tempo, kinda like something you might hear in Sister Act with some real nice chord progressions and four-part harmony for the men. The second piece was a little more traditional, though Pastor Hermodson would point out not quite "Lutheran," but enjoyable to all nonetheless. Mike Lehrer had a nice solo while we hummed in the middle of the piece. It almost sounded, though, like something the Vienna Boys' Choir would sing with a high soprano solo.
After the first service, we had our congregational meeting in the fellowship hall downstairs where we all brainstormed on what we would like and need in a new senior pastor. The call committee has only begun their work and Pastor Hermodson worked with us to identify those things we have as strengths and those we need work on and how we think a new pastor will help us achieve our goals. There are a couple of different staffing models on the table, the first being a "couple" team where one would be senior pastor full-time and the other (wife?) would be part-time and focus more on youth whereas the second would be a senior pastor and then a youth pastor from the seminary who would give at least one sermon a month. Both options would run around $90,000 to 105,000 a year total package. We just need to figure out what we want. Some interesting ideas we had were beefing up the acolyte program so kids get a better idea of what it is and why it's a privelege to serve in that capacity, etc. Also, making Trinity a place you can go to any day of the week just to "hang out," not just on Sunday's and Wednesdays. In other words, a more "open" church model where the great facility assets we have are put to good use.
After the second service, we were all downstairs putting our robes away when the guy that runs the Ford dealership in town, a bass, mentioned he had complimented me to Ormand and some of the other guys in that he has grown to like standing next to me because I "nail all the notes DEAD ON..." The choir director also complimented the choir as a whole that we "really sound good." Not to downplay previous choirs, but we really did sound every bit as good as we did back in Trinity's glory days.
In other "non-church" news, the boys had one of the most recreational weekends if not thee most hours spent the entire winter with the Widerski boys down the street. Yesterday alone they spent a good 10 hours or possibly more playing nonstop with them. Much of the time was spent over there and outside so Andrew had some peace and quiet to watch a "grown-up" movie. To give you an idea of how much fun they have, when I woke up, Aaron was already gone to his buddy's house, having woken up early. Daniel wasn't far behind either. Today was somewhat of a repeat, but they played from around noon until after dark at 7:00 p.m. I told the mother of the Widerski boys that it was "too bad our kids don't get along with one another" and on Friday when Aaron was begging inside their house to stay and play Playstation a little longer, I jokingly commented, "It's not like you're never over here," which Mrs. Widerski had a good chuckle over.
That's all for tonight's blog installment. Good night everyone! :o)
It was a pretty cool service (both, actually) in that we started it out with the choir up at the entrance to the sanctuary and the congregation lined the ramp all the way down to the lobby/narthex with everyone holding palm branches. We heard opening words from Pastor Hermodson and then proceeded, choir first, down the center of the church singing the opening hymn. I dropped Aaron off in the very last pew at the back before heading up front. We (the choir) stood up in front of the altar looking out at the congregation where we sang our two anthems at the start of the service. For Dad's edification, we sang "Ain't No Rock" and "Sing to the Lord." The first piece was pretty up tempo, kinda like something you might hear in Sister Act with some real nice chord progressions and four-part harmony for the men. The second piece was a little more traditional, though Pastor Hermodson would point out not quite "Lutheran," but enjoyable to all nonetheless. Mike Lehrer had a nice solo while we hummed in the middle of the piece. It almost sounded, though, like something the Vienna Boys' Choir would sing with a high soprano solo.
After the first service, we had our congregational meeting in the fellowship hall downstairs where we all brainstormed on what we would like and need in a new senior pastor. The call committee has only begun their work and Pastor Hermodson worked with us to identify those things we have as strengths and those we need work on and how we think a new pastor will help us achieve our goals. There are a couple of different staffing models on the table, the first being a "couple" team where one would be senior pastor full-time and the other (wife?) would be part-time and focus more on youth whereas the second would be a senior pastor and then a youth pastor from the seminary who would give at least one sermon a month. Both options would run around $90,000 to 105,000 a year total package. We just need to figure out what we want. Some interesting ideas we had were beefing up the acolyte program so kids get a better idea of what it is and why it's a privelege to serve in that capacity, etc. Also, making Trinity a place you can go to any day of the week just to "hang out," not just on Sunday's and Wednesdays. In other words, a more "open" church model where the great facility assets we have are put to good use.
After the second service, we were all downstairs putting our robes away when the guy that runs the Ford dealership in town, a bass, mentioned he had complimented me to Ormand and some of the other guys in that he has grown to like standing next to me because I "nail all the notes DEAD ON..." The choir director also complimented the choir as a whole that we "really sound good." Not to downplay previous choirs, but we really did sound every bit as good as we did back in Trinity's glory days.
In other "non-church" news, the boys had one of the most recreational weekends if not thee most hours spent the entire winter with the Widerski boys down the street. Yesterday alone they spent a good 10 hours or possibly more playing nonstop with them. Much of the time was spent over there and outside so Andrew had some peace and quiet to watch a "grown-up" movie. To give you an idea of how much fun they have, when I woke up, Aaron was already gone to his buddy's house, having woken up early. Daniel wasn't far behind either. Today was somewhat of a repeat, but they played from around noon until after dark at 7:00 p.m. I told the mother of the Widerski boys that it was "too bad our kids don't get along with one another" and on Friday when Aaron was begging inside their house to stay and play Playstation a little longer, I jokingly commented, "It's not like you're never over here," which Mrs. Widerski had a good chuckle over.
That's all for tonight's blog installment. Good night everyone! :o)
Thursday, March 17, 2005
The Many Faces of Minnesota Hotdishes...
Wow. That's about the only way to sum up last night's lenten dinner at Trinity. I'm quite certain I've never seen so many variations on a goulash theme in one place since I left TRF almost a quarter century ago. For Norwegians/Swedes, they have the Hungarian food business down pat. I had no idea lasagne could be made in so many different ways either. I'm thinking they used just about every species of macaroni imaginable on the store shelf... It was all good, though, especially the garlic Texas toast on the side.
I was sitting at a table with the boys by ourselves over by the stairs leading up to the sanctuary/narthex, actually with just Aaron as Daniel had already gone exploring after eating about two macaroni pieces and two brownies he snuck by me. A guy I thought had looked familiar in the food line came over and introduced himself, saying he didn't think he knew me, but shook my hand and said his name was...Terry Soine! I responded, well... I sure do know you! He and his wife are apparently members at Trinity and Terry is actually in the choir too. He hasn't been at choir lately, so was pleasantly surprised to hear I would be at practice. He's gone a bit grey/white with a goatee and appears about Dad's age. He was happy to hear the update on the family and that Mom and Dad will be visiting again this summer. He said they didn't really tell people where they needed to be at the all school reunion last year, so he and some other old teachers/administrators showed up late.
I don't know if I mentioned it earlier, but Andrew got a third call for a job yesterday at Pamida. He says he's plenty occupied now, though, with his full-time job at St. Hilaire Seed (which incidentally is just outside of St. Hilaire on your way down to Red Lake Falls) and working at Pizza Hut. He worked around 8-5 at the seed company, then came home and changed and left for work at Pizza Hut until 9 pm last night. Apparently they're talking about giving him some overtime coming up soon at the seed company and perhaps through the summer, so he's looking at a princely sum per month, it would appear. It's great to see him busy and enjoying himself at his new jobs. It beats pounding the pavement with applications at least. He seems to be making new friends too and mentioned last night he doesn't miss the Seattle rain (not Reign).
I guess Keith called Shirley recently and said he'd be coming out again this summer for the marathon he's been running the past few years with Steve Dalager. They've made a bit of a ritual out of it, I guess. I guess he was surprised to hear from Shirley that I was out here. Dusty is still sick, but may return to school by tomorrow.
In other news, I think I actually found a record-breaking icicle on the building across from Trinity's backside last night, maybe even two. My eyes had trouble comprehending it's size at first and it must've weighted about 5 pounds when I pulled it off the eave. It was approximately 4 1/2 feet long!!! I used it as a walking stick to church. The boys had eyes like silver dollars too, taking in its grand appearance. I'm looking forward to the next melt/freeze cycle so I can maybe take a picture for you all to prove it... :o) Well, back to work for now. Catch you later....
I was sitting at a table with the boys by ourselves over by the stairs leading up to the sanctuary/narthex, actually with just Aaron as Daniel had already gone exploring after eating about two macaroni pieces and two brownies he snuck by me. A guy I thought had looked familiar in the food line came over and introduced himself, saying he didn't think he knew me, but shook my hand and said his name was...Terry Soine! I responded, well... I sure do know you! He and his wife are apparently members at Trinity and Terry is actually in the choir too. He hasn't been at choir lately, so was pleasantly surprised to hear I would be at practice. He's gone a bit grey/white with a goatee and appears about Dad's age. He was happy to hear the update on the family and that Mom and Dad will be visiting again this summer. He said they didn't really tell people where they needed to be at the all school reunion last year, so he and some other old teachers/administrators showed up late.
I don't know if I mentioned it earlier, but Andrew got a third call for a job yesterday at Pamida. He says he's plenty occupied now, though, with his full-time job at St. Hilaire Seed (which incidentally is just outside of St. Hilaire on your way down to Red Lake Falls) and working at Pizza Hut. He worked around 8-5 at the seed company, then came home and changed and left for work at Pizza Hut until 9 pm last night. Apparently they're talking about giving him some overtime coming up soon at the seed company and perhaps through the summer, so he's looking at a princely sum per month, it would appear. It's great to see him busy and enjoying himself at his new jobs. It beats pounding the pavement with applications at least. He seems to be making new friends too and mentioned last night he doesn't miss the Seattle rain (not Reign).
I guess Keith called Shirley recently and said he'd be coming out again this summer for the marathon he's been running the past few years with Steve Dalager. They've made a bit of a ritual out of it, I guess. I guess he was surprised to hear from Shirley that I was out here. Dusty is still sick, but may return to school by tomorrow.
In other news, I think I actually found a record-breaking icicle on the building across from Trinity's backside last night, maybe even two. My eyes had trouble comprehending it's size at first and it must've weighted about 5 pounds when I pulled it off the eave. It was approximately 4 1/2 feet long!!! I used it as a walking stick to church. The boys had eyes like silver dollars too, taking in its grand appearance. I'm looking forward to the next melt/freeze cycle so I can maybe take a picture for you all to prove it... :o) Well, back to work for now. Catch you later....
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Better late than never, right?
Oh boy... TEN WHOLE DAYS without an update. Sorry for the siesta. Things are busy as always around here. There really hasn't been much newsworthy stuff to report, though. We have been enjoying more winter weather, large snowflakes lazily drifting down from the sky tonight. I'm wondering when Spring will come, but I'm happy with the weather we have. The big drumroll news to announce is regarding Andrew.... He's been working at Pizza Hut since last week, but at about 8:15 or so this morning, I got a call from a gal at St. Hilaire Seed Co. down in St. Hilaire. She wanted Andrew to come to work for them TODAY. She wasn't impressed when I told her he was sleeping, but I managed to dig him out of that hole I had dug by clarifying he was working another job, hence the different hours of sleep, but assured her I would have him call her. Since she said she was just "going down the list" until she found someone, I rattled Andrew's cage and in about 3 minutes flat, he was hired at about three bucks more an hour than Pizza Hut was paying him. The funny part is the job is even easier for more pay. He spent the day sweeping today, though, as their machine was broken. Apparently he's supposed to be bagging up some kind of beans or something, so she wasn't kidding when she said it was one of their "more simple jobs." Andrew's happy, though, as it's the equivalent of $10 an hour in Seattle since the dollar stretches a little farther over here.
I continue to greet the boys every afternoon at 3:00 with Duchess taking me for the walk. Today was surprising, though. When the bus stopped, out popped about 6 boys and half of them gathered around Duchess and planted a kiss on her snout while giving her a vigorous pet. She has quite the fan club here. Last week, a couple middle school-aged girls slid their window down on the back of the bus to yell, "What's the dog's name??"
I've been busy with the transcription work, burning both candles at both ends most days. I have Fridays and Sunday's "technically" off, but end up usually filling them at least a little with contract work out of Texas. I get a break in the evenings too when the pastor's boys come over and play with Aaron and Daniel.
Oh, I should mention that Daniel's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. I'm considering taking him to "Danny's Pizza..." Nice name for a restaurant at least. Hard to believe he's gonna be 6, although sometimes Andrew and I quietly muse to ourselves whether he has an extra two 6's hidden after that, given his penchant for mischief...
Sorry the update is so short. I'll try to update sooner than 10 days next time. I hope not too many people are having problems viewing the blog. I've heard some errors have been happening out there. Only thing I can suggest if it happens again is to "refresh" your explorer window to reload the page. That has worked for me a few times. Take care all...
The Minnesota Hustads (I thought that sounded better than Minnesota Fats...)
I continue to greet the boys every afternoon at 3:00 with Duchess taking me for the walk. Today was surprising, though. When the bus stopped, out popped about 6 boys and half of them gathered around Duchess and planted a kiss on her snout while giving her a vigorous pet. She has quite the fan club here. Last week, a couple middle school-aged girls slid their window down on the back of the bus to yell, "What's the dog's name??"
I've been busy with the transcription work, burning both candles at both ends most days. I have Fridays and Sunday's "technically" off, but end up usually filling them at least a little with contract work out of Texas. I get a break in the evenings too when the pastor's boys come over and play with Aaron and Daniel.
Oh, I should mention that Daniel's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. I'm considering taking him to "Danny's Pizza..." Nice name for a restaurant at least. Hard to believe he's gonna be 6, although sometimes Andrew and I quietly muse to ourselves whether he has an extra two 6's hidden after that, given his penchant for mischief...
Sorry the update is so short. I'll try to update sooner than 10 days next time. I hope not too many people are having problems viewing the blog. I've heard some errors have been happening out there. Only thing I can suggest if it happens again is to "refresh" your explorer window to reload the page. That has worked for me a few times. Take care all...
The Minnesota Hustads (I thought that sounded better than Minnesota Fats...)
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Danny's night out...
Well, we had a nice relaxing afternoon with Kristi, Scott, and their kids here at our place. Pretty much just sat around and chatted over Domino's pizza while the kids played all around us. It's amazing how loud the noise can get in a short time. Funny thing was they kept playing with our walkabout radios and their daughter and Dusty kept screaming back and forth as if they couldn't hear each other and they were only 20 feet away. I'm thinking those can telephones may have been a better idea. They all left a few minutes ago and took Daniel with them. Yep, it's Daniel's first "non-family" sleepover, I think. He was all excited to go with Dusty and Casey. One less boy to get ready for church now! And Andrew can breath a sigh of relief now that he finally has some peace and quiet to watch All in the Family and Three's Company while I sit and work here at the computer.
I got your request for pics, Jen, but I need to track down the cable to upload them to my computer first before sending. I'm thinking you're one of the ones with more updated pics than others, though, as I usually CC you on my e-mails to dad. I'll send a couple along, though, including one of the Grochow's 5 yo daughter, Kaylyn (sp?) wearing santa christmas stockings on her feet and a Santa hat on her head. By the way, Mom and Dad and Jen: Go to http://www.google.com. Above the search field you'll see tabs with hyperlinks for "Web, Images," etc. Click on the "Images" hyperlink first, then type Keith Grochow in the search field below. You'll see his picture at the University of Washington Computer Science Department. I surprised both Scott and myself with that one... :o) Well, back to work now. Got church bright and early in the morning too. It got well past 40 degrees today, melting almost the whole path from our back door through the back yard to the back alley. It was actually TOO warm inside today...
I got your request for pics, Jen, but I need to track down the cable to upload them to my computer first before sending. I'm thinking you're one of the ones with more updated pics than others, though, as I usually CC you on my e-mails to dad. I'll send a couple along, though, including one of the Grochow's 5 yo daughter, Kaylyn (sp?) wearing santa christmas stockings on her feet and a Santa hat on her head. By the way, Mom and Dad and Jen: Go to http://www.google.com. Above the search field you'll see tabs with hyperlinks for "Web, Images," etc. Click on the "Images" hyperlink first, then type Keith Grochow in the search field below. You'll see his picture at the University of Washington Computer Science Department. I surprised both Scott and myself with that one... :o) Well, back to work now. Got church bright and early in the morning too. It got well past 40 degrees today, melting almost the whole path from our back door through the back yard to the back alley. It was actually TOO warm inside today...
Saturday, March 05, 2005
A quick update...
Last night the Grochow boys, Casey (11) and Dusty (9) came over for a playdate with the boys. They all played Playstation well into the night amongst other games and Dusty spent the night with us. They both came back today, me picking Casey up at his home this morning. Scott stopped by after work and chatted with us. When his wife, Kristi, came over last night, we made plans for a party of sorts at our house Saturday night. Since the boys had a couple days off of school, it seemed like a fun thing to do, though I'll have to work through a good portion of the evening. The boys have become fast friends with the Grochow kids and both eagerly look forward to each chance they get to play together.
In other news, Lisa was offered a part-time position with an assisted living type facility that serves clients who work in the ODC for the disabled. Now for the other shoe to drop... Her direct supervisor will be...Jodi Dallman........ Jodi said she commutes from around Grand Forks every day to TRF and every time she goes by, she says she looks at our old farm on the cutacross. It will be less than 30 hours a week, but will give Lisa an opportunity to get out and about during the week. It's time to hit the sack for now, though. Will update as I'm able over the weekend/early next week. If anyone reading this blog would like more updated pictures of the family/town, feel free to e-mail a request to cougalum1@hotmail.com. Take care everyone.
In other news, Lisa was offered a part-time position with an assisted living type facility that serves clients who work in the ODC for the disabled. Now for the other shoe to drop... Her direct supervisor will be...Jodi Dallman........ Jodi said she commutes from around Grand Forks every day to TRF and every time she goes by, she says she looks at our old farm on the cutacross. It will be less than 30 hours a week, but will give Lisa an opportunity to get out and about during the week. It's time to hit the sack for now, though. Will update as I'm able over the weekend/early next week. If anyone reading this blog would like more updated pictures of the family/town, feel free to e-mail a request to cougalum1@hotmail.com. Take care everyone.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Allstate Selma should get a kick out of this...
Hi all. The week started out with a bang (and a whimper) on Monday. I took Duchess out to the bus stop yesterday to pick up the boys. As I stood there with Duchess sniffing the neighborhood, I realized how beautiful the day really was. I was under the most pristine azure blue sky with not a whisper of a cloud present and a most bright sun directly overhead. It sparkled off the snow on the lawns and eaves like a picturesque Leavenworth (WA) in winter. I'm beginning to pay closer attention to the architecture around here, noticing striking similarities between houses that sit right across the street from one another. It's like they were built by the same person with very little variation around the turn of the century. As for Selma, we had a visitor yesterday to inspect the furnace and wiring of our house for the insurance company. Wouldn't ya know it...It was Dale Langevin, Jenny's husband... I got his number before he left so you can look them up when you come to visit this summer. They went someplace else during the All School Reunion, so they missed you then.
There's not much else on the docket to report thus far this week, so I guess no news is good news. Andrew has his interview today and Lisa has one tomorrow for some part-time work. I'll be making my first ever mortgage payment later this afternoon and will stop by Kezar Music afterwards to pick up my Harry Potter book for the cello. Perhaps I'll actually get a chance to practice a little bit? Tomorrow is our next lent service and choir practice, so I probably won't get back to the blog until Thursday unless I hear another interesting story to impart.
There's not much else on the docket to report thus far this week, so I guess no news is good news. Andrew has his interview today and Lisa has one tomorrow for some part-time work. I'll be making my first ever mortgage payment later this afternoon and will stop by Kezar Music afterwards to pick up my Harry Potter book for the cello. Perhaps I'll actually get a chance to practice a little bit? Tomorrow is our next lent service and choir practice, so I probably won't get back to the blog until Thursday unless I hear another interesting story to impart.
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