My brother and his wife and sons arrived at Mom's yesterday for a short viist. I'm so happy I was able to see them, too! His boys are the best kids ever, very sweet and lots of fun. We visited and joked and enjoyed being together.
Now I am at the airport, ready to get home after too many days away. Seattle got a nice rainstorm last night so I was content with the weather. I'm not really ready for the heat at home, but I'm very ready to see Gary and the "girls" (our dogs).
Monday, July 23, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
The convention is over
I've been absent from the blog for a few days, as Britta pointed out to me. It was because I was in Bellingham, WA at the Daughters of Norway convention. It was so much fun being around so many other Norwegians. The first thing I noticed is that they all were wearing my favorite colors--lots of green and orange and purple and teal. And there were a lot of blondes that you know must be really blonde because their eyebrows and eyelashes were as blonde as mine. There was entertainment and lots of essential meetings and goodies and great stuff for sale, as well as raffles. I wish I could post photos because I won the raffle of an amazing wooden bowl that was painted black with red rosmaling on it. I was sooooo lucky! Our lodge founder has a gorgeous bunad (Norsk costume) that no longer fits her because she lost weight. I didn't lose weight so it fits me perfectly and I got to wear it today. I felt more Norwegian than ever in that beautiful outfit.
Now I am back at Mom's in beautifull Woodway. Tomorrow my brother and his family will be here so I'll get to see them this trip, too! I got to see my sister on Wednesday before I left for Bellingham. It has been a great trip, but I have been gone long enough. I got to talk to Gary every day, but I've been going thru dog withdrawal--I need to see my girls! At least I get to go out and give a dog biscuit to Mom's neighbor's lab each day I am here. She has begin to expect it whether I am here or not. It helps when I miss our dogs too much.
The weather has been my idea of perfect--some rain, some clouds and when it is sunny the high is about 75 or less. Today was 73. Gary told me it was 100 at 2 p.m. in Roseville. Yuck!
Now I am back at Mom's in beautifull Woodway. Tomorrow my brother and his family will be here so I'll get to see them this trip, too! I got to see my sister on Wednesday before I left for Bellingham. It has been a great trip, but I have been gone long enough. I got to talk to Gary every day, but I've been going thru dog withdrawal--I need to see my girls! At least I get to go out and give a dog biscuit to Mom's neighbor's lab each day I am here. She has begin to expect it whether I am here or not. It helps when I miss our dogs too much.
The weather has been my idea of perfect--some rain, some clouds and when it is sunny the high is about 75 or less. Today was 73. Gary told me it was 100 at 2 p.m. in Roseville. Yuck!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Bellingham, Here I Come
The past couple of days were full of errands. Mom likes having a free driver around. Yesterday was a bit rough. I took her to her eye doctor appt where she found out both eyes were bleeding and needed shots. She came home and slept the rest of the day. Today is a better day. She can already see better now that the bleeding is under control. Phew!
I am packed and ready to leave for the Daughters of Norway Convention in Bellingham. I have never been a tourist in Bellingham before. It was always a spot in the road on the way to Canada. This is going to be a fun few days filled with friends, nice scenery and cool weather!
I am packed and ready to leave for the Daughters of Norway Convention in Bellingham. I have never been a tourist in Bellingham before. It was always a spot in the road on the way to Canada. This is going to be a fun few days filled with friends, nice scenery and cool weather!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Fog!
We have now had one more new type of weather that we didn't have on our trip--fog. It is so nice and cool here--can't complain at all.
This morning I am making the traditional cinnamon rolls for Mom--her favorite thing to eat--cinnamon rolls are followed closely by pie. Last night her old friend Buck came over for Linda Hultman's beef barley soup and pie and he wanted to skip dinner and just have pie. I told him he had to eat what was good for him before i'd give him pie. ; )
As Mom and I sat in church yesterday I thought about how lucky I am to have a 97 year old Mom who is doing so well. It is a real privilege to sit with her in church and do things like this trip with her. The hard part is that there are only two people she still knows at Trinity. Everyone else has died. She only gets to church when I am here to take her, so doesn't make new friends. It is a HUGE church and not super friendly like Advent.
We're still adjusting to the time change. I don't know how you people who go overseas ever adjust! Only 3 hours and our sleep schedule is still weird.
This morning I am making the traditional cinnamon rolls for Mom--her favorite thing to eat--cinnamon rolls are followed closely by pie. Last night her old friend Buck came over for Linda Hultman's beef barley soup and pie and he wanted to skip dinner and just have pie. I told him he had to eat what was good for him before i'd give him pie. ; )
As Mom and I sat in church yesterday I thought about how lucky I am to have a 97 year old Mom who is doing so well. It is a real privilege to sit with her in church and do things like this trip with her. The hard part is that there are only two people she still knows at Trinity. Everyone else has died. She only gets to church when I am here to take her, so doesn't make new friends. It is a HUGE church and not super friendly like Advent.
We're still adjusting to the time change. I don't know how you people who go overseas ever adjust! Only 3 hours and our sleep schedule is still weird.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Back to Seattle
We made it to Seattle in record time today--got here early. On the ride from the airport we got some nice rain (as per my order--I always put my order in for rain before I come). But now it is cool and nice outside with no rain.
Delta First Class is much nicer than Alaska First Class. If you get to choose, go with Delta.
Our most expensive hotel was the worst. Not only did they give us a room as far from the elevator as you could get (after I requested close to it 2 months ago when I made the reservation) but this morning the toilet broke. Three visits from the repair staff caused them to determine we needed a real plumber. We checked out early and went to the airport where they have many toilets to choose from and at least one must be working at all times! The bus drivers were the best part of this hotel visit--and they were wonderful. They loved Mom and took very good care of her.
I have been to Trader Joe's for essential groceries and we are ready for bed. It is 8 p.m. Seattle time, but 10 p.m. Minneapolis time that we are used to. Maybe tomorrow will find us back on PDT.
It was a good trip, but we are glad to be back where we don't have to eat in restaurants for awhile.
Delta First Class is much nicer than Alaska First Class. If you get to choose, go with Delta.
Our most expensive hotel was the worst. Not only did they give us a room as far from the elevator as you could get (after I requested close to it 2 months ago when I made the reservation) but this morning the toilet broke. Three visits from the repair staff caused them to determine we needed a real plumber. We checked out early and went to the airport where they have many toilets to choose from and at least one must be working at all times! The bus drivers were the best part of this hotel visit--and they were wonderful. They loved Mom and took very good care of her.
I have been to Trader Joe's for essential groceries and we are ready for bed. It is 8 p.m. Seattle time, but 10 p.m. Minneapolis time that we are used to. Maybe tomorrow will find us back on PDT.
It was a good trip, but we are glad to be back where we don't have to eat in restaurants for awhile.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Thunder, Lightning, Rain--a beautiful day!
Last night we enjoyed the sound of thunder from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. Got up to a very warm, humid morning. As we drove from Decorah to Minneapolis, we saw flashes of lightning and lots of rain. Then we drove into sunshine and wind. It gave us lots of variety.
Before the rain hit, we accidently found the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Burr Oak, Iowa. It was quaint and interesting and a nice break in the drive.
We got to our hotel, checked in to a room that is as far from the elevator as it can get--even after I explained we needed to be close. It also has a sloped floor into the bathroom. If neither of us falls tonight it will be amazing. Otherwise it is a pretty room.
The rental car was returned with 1155 miles driven --all by me! Then we took the hotel shuttle to the Mall of America. It is HUGE! And it could be a destination point like Disneyland with all the rides and carnival games in the middle of the mall. Mom really wanted me to see it and I was duly impressed. She found a pair of shoes on sale and a pair of slacks. My suitcase is already too full to buy anything more. As we left the mall, the skies opened up and poured. We got soaked because those raincoats we carried the whole trip were in our room. Duh.
Tomorrow we head back to Seattle. I'm looking forward to no more restaurant food for a few days.
Before the rain hit, we accidently found the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Burr Oak, Iowa. It was quaint and interesting and a nice break in the drive.
We got to our hotel, checked in to a room that is as far from the elevator as it can get--even after I explained we needed to be close. It also has a sloped floor into the bathroom. If neither of us falls tonight it will be amazing. Otherwise it is a pretty room.
The rental car was returned with 1155 miles driven --all by me! Then we took the hotel shuttle to the Mall of America. It is HUGE! And it could be a destination point like Disneyland with all the rides and carnival games in the middle of the mall. Mom really wanted me to see it and I was duly impressed. She found a pair of shoes on sale and a pair of slacks. My suitcase is already too full to buy anything more. As we left the mall, the skies opened up and poured. We got soaked because those raincoats we carried the whole trip were in our room. Duh.
Tomorrow we head back to Seattle. I'm looking forward to no more restaurant food for a few days.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Miles and miles and miles
We are up to almost 900 miles on this rental car this trip and still need to drive to Minneapolis tomorrow. I am ready to take a long break from driving.
Drove to Decorah, Iowa today through corn and corn and more corn. It was so green and beautiful. We learned that locals in Wisconsin consider a speed limit just a suggestion unless they are driving through a small town. I was driviing the speed limit and angering a lot of drivers behind me. I'd pull over and let them pass and eventually there'd be more stuck behind me. We drove Old 18 so didn't mess with the freeway today. Much prettier scenery when you avoid the freeways. We also learned that a Rest Area in Wisconsin is called a "Wayside". There is no end to the education you get on a trip like this. : )
Vesterheim is beautiful We saw two rosmaling items done by my Daughters of Norway friend, Karen Nelson. She is so talented! While I enjoyed Vesterheim, I have to say without bias that the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard, WA is equally well done.
For tonight we are in a motel with a large number of motorcycllists--very large motorcyclists. Interesting group.
Our motels this trip have run the gamut from a 50's style small town motel to modern high quality motels, to the beautiful Ruby Marie Hotel in Madison last night that was buiilt in 1875 and refurbished about 10 years ago. It is full of antiques and was very nicely redone to stay in the 1800's period style.
It has been a great trip and Mom has held up very well and so have I.
Drove to Decorah, Iowa today through corn and corn and more corn. It was so green and beautiful. We learned that locals in Wisconsin consider a speed limit just a suggestion unless they are driving through a small town. I was driviing the speed limit and angering a lot of drivers behind me. I'd pull over and let them pass and eventually there'd be more stuck behind me. We drove Old 18 so didn't mess with the freeway today. Much prettier scenery when you avoid the freeways. We also learned that a Rest Area in Wisconsin is called a "Wayside". There is no end to the education you get on a trip like this. : )
Vesterheim is beautiful We saw two rosmaling items done by my Daughters of Norway friend, Karen Nelson. She is so talented! While I enjoyed Vesterheim, I have to say without bias that the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard, WA is equally well done.
For tonight we are in a motel with a large number of motorcycllists--very large motorcyclists. Interesting group.
Our motels this trip have run the gamut from a 50's style small town motel to modern high quality motels, to the beautiful Ruby Marie Hotel in Madison last night that was buiilt in 1875 and refurbished about 10 years ago. It is full of antiques and was very nicely redone to stay in the 1800's period style.
It has been a great trip and Mom has held up very well and so have I.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Pick Your Own
As we left Sister Bay this morning, Mom had an even stronger craving for raspberries. Since we woke up so early, nothing was open. When we finally passed a roadside stand that was open we stopped. Yes, they had raspberries, but you had to pick them yourself. Sooooo, at 9 a.m. I picked a pint or raspberries. Mom was so horrified at the price she insists I put it in the blog--it was $4.50 a pint.
Then it was on toward Madison. Unfortunately, because we were up so early there weren't many things open for stopping, so we kept on driving. i have already driven over 700 miles on this trip and we aren't anywhere close to the end. It was another sunny, but cool day--in the high 70's and low 80's. This time we drove along Green Bay. And we thought of Tom and Audrey as we drove through the city of Green Bay.
Yesterday we drove past about a zillion Lutheran churches, two Catholic churches and two other assorted denominations. Today there was more varety as we drove south. So many cute old fashioned white churches, lots of corn growing, everything neat and clean--this is a beautiful area.
Mom is like a little kid--if we stop anywhere that you can find ice cream, she has to have a cone. That is what she ate for lunch today and Monday. Yesterday she ahd sausage gravy and biscuits for breakfast, so wasn't hungry for lunch. I've been keeping half my breakfast bagel and eating it for lunch. I should not gain weight this trip!
Then it was on toward Madison. Unfortunately, because we were up so early there weren't many things open for stopping, so we kept on driving. i have already driven over 700 miles on this trip and we aren't anywhere close to the end. It was another sunny, but cool day--in the high 70's and low 80's. This time we drove along Green Bay. And we thought of Tom and Audrey as we drove through the city of Green Bay.
Yesterday we drove past about a zillion Lutheran churches, two Catholic churches and two other assorted denominations. Today there was more varety as we drove south. So many cute old fashioned white churches, lots of corn growing, everything neat and clean--this is a beautiful area.
Mom is like a little kid--if we stop anywhere that you can find ice cream, she has to have a cone. That is what she ate for lunch today and Monday. Yesterday she ahd sausage gravy and biscuits for breakfast, so wasn't hungry for lunch. I've been keeping half my breakfast bagel and eating it for lunch. I should not gain weight this trip!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Door County, WI
Lake Michigan was smooth as glass as we rode over from Ludington, MI to Manitowac, WI on the Badger, the last coal fueled ferry on Lake Michigan. It was a diffrerent experience from the Puget Sound ferries we know and love. For the Badger, you leave your car with the keys in it and they park it on the ferry for you. You are not allowed to go down to the car deck at all. They turn the cars around because they have to be driven off the same end they used to drive onto the ferry. A lot of teenagers had jobs driving cars on and off the ferry and they hustled. No walking for them! There was a lift alongside the stairs for Mom and other slow-movers.
After the four hour ferry ride, we enjoyed a beautiful drive up to and into Door County. We went past beautiful, clean farms with gorgeous flower beds, all within view of bluer than blue Lake Michigan. Definitely not polluted looking at all---very clean.
I sure wish I could post photos for you. Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay is so cute! There were 3 goats on the sod roof today when we got here. I got lots of goat photos. And on the way we stopped at The Farm, which is a tour of an old farm with plenty of animals to feed. There is a Texas long horn steer that sticks his tongue out so you'll toss in the grain they give you to feed them. He was a riot!
The weather is nice and cool--high 70's to low 80's today. We drove along water all day. The only complaint I have is there was too much sun to be comfortable driving weather. I'm really glad we decided to go home by way of Door County.
After the four hour ferry ride, we enjoyed a beautiful drive up to and into Door County. We went past beautiful, clean farms with gorgeous flower beds, all within view of bluer than blue Lake Michigan. Definitely not polluted looking at all---very clean.
I sure wish I could post photos for you. Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay is so cute! There were 3 goats on the sod roof today when we got here. I got lots of goat photos. And on the way we stopped at The Farm, which is a tour of an old farm with plenty of animals to feed. There is a Texas long horn steer that sticks his tongue out so you'll toss in the grain they give you to feed them. He was a riot!
The weather is nice and cool--high 70's to low 80's today. We drove along water all day. The only complaint I have is there was too much sun to be comfortable driving weather. I'm really glad we decided to go home by way of Door County.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Last day in Michigan
We started the morning by heading to the Walmart in Cheboygan. Needed a new Garmin gps since ours broke the first day I tried to use it. Such a relief to have one again. My iPhone gps worked fairly well, but Mom couldn't see it, so I had to take my eyes off the road to look at it and that isn't good.
We drove an interesting route from Mackinaw City to Ludington today. Lots of farmland, lots of beautiful scenery. Sure wish I could put a photo up, but no luck yet. I even tried taking a photo with my iPad and still couldn't put it on Blogger. Might have to try a new blog server. Britta has been working on that for me.
My favorite sign of the day was a road id sign that said "Road 12 3/4". It is a real road!
Rest Areas in Michigan are called Roadside Parks. They have porta-potties and the only water is an old pump. You pump it until water runs into a water fountain looking bowl and quickly stick your hands under before the water stops. No soap anywhere in sight. But the park part is beautiful--lovely settings. I have a photo for you, but no luck loading it.
Tomorrow is the ferry ride to Door County. Can't wait!
We drove an interesting route from Mackinaw City to Ludington today. Lots of farmland, lots of beautiful scenery. Sure wish I could put a photo up, but no luck yet. I even tried taking a photo with my iPad and still couldn't put it on Blogger. Might have to try a new blog server. Britta has been working on that for me.
My favorite sign of the day was a road id sign that said "Road 12 3/4". It is a real road!
Rest Areas in Michigan are called Roadside Parks. They have porta-potties and the only water is an old pump. You pump it until water runs into a water fountain looking bowl and quickly stick your hands under before the water stops. No soap anywhere in sight. But the park part is beautiful--lovely settings. I have a photo for you, but no luck loading it.
Tomorrow is the ferry ride to Door County. Can't wait!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Mackinac Island
We began the day with the fun of breakfast with the extended family. Great food and more visiting. Our extended relatives are such nice people.
Then it was off to Mackinac Island (pronounced Mackinaw Island). Cars are not allowed on this island, so we took the ferry over, then went on a horse buggy ride. It smelled so good and was so relaxing to go at a horse's pace.
We did a self-guided tour of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. It was very nice, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, but Mom was expecting a grander hotel. It is huge and lovely, but old.
Then we took the ferrry back to Mackinaw City and our hotel. Every night has been early to bed. We don't eat a lot. Tonight I bought a small pizza to share in our hotel room. Michigan is beautiful--so much green. Lots of farmland is in this part of the state. I love it when you ask people where they live in Michigan and the first thing they do is hold up their left hand with the thumb toward the middle. They all think of their state as the shape of a hand. I keep learning new stuff every day.
I've been trying, but can't figure out how to put an image on blogger. So this trip will be without photos until I have a lesson from Britta or get to a real computer. Sorry.
dp
Then it was off to Mackinac Island (pronounced Mackinaw Island). Cars are not allowed on this island, so we took the ferry over, then went on a horse buggy ride. It smelled so good and was so relaxing to go at a horse's pace.
We did a self-guided tour of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. It was very nice, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, but Mom was expecting a grander hotel. It is huge and lovely, but old.
Then we took the ferrry back to Mackinaw City and our hotel. Every night has been early to bed. We don't eat a lot. Tonight I bought a small pizza to share in our hotel room. Michigan is beautiful--so much green. Lots of farmland is in this part of the state. I love it when you ask people where they live in Michigan and the first thing they do is hold up their left hand with the thumb toward the middle. They all think of their state as the shape of a hand. I keep learning new stuff every day.
I've been trying, but can't figure out how to put an image on blogger. So this trip will be without photos until I have a lesson from Britta or get to a real computer. Sorry.
dp
Saturday, July 7, 2012
The Reunion
The reunion was small, but fun. Mom had a ball answering questions about her grandmother. I emailed a request for photos to Britta, who came thru with flying colors, sending 4 emails full of photos they needed. This enabled them to ask Mom more questions. I learned things I didn't know, too.
This area is so beautiful. Reminds me a bit of North Lake Tahoe, but every yard is manicured here and the lake is incredibly blue. I had always heard about polluted waters in the Great Lakes--not in this part of Lake Michigan! Haven't seen a single homeless person. Lots of absolutely gorgeous people walking the streets, many of them walking equally gorgeous dogs. We were lucky weather-wise. First thing this morning we had a big rainstorm, but when it stopped the sun came out along with humidity. Our hostess' house was out in the country and no humidity there and cooler temp. It was a perfect day.
This area is so beautiful. Reminds me a bit of North Lake Tahoe, but every yard is manicured here and the lake is incredibly blue. I had always heard about polluted waters in the Great Lakes--not in this part of Lake Michigan! Haven't seen a single homeless person. Lots of absolutely gorgeous people walking the streets, many of them walking equally gorgeous dogs. We were lucky weather-wise. First thing this morning we had a big rainstorm, but when it stopped the sun came out along with humidity. Our hostess' house was out in the country and no humidity there and cooler temp. It was a perfect day.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Michigan!
Morning came very early today. We were up at 2:30 a.m. to be ready to catch the airporter at 3:45. I think it will be early to bed tonight. Mom is taking a nap as I type this.
The first leg of the trip was wonderful. It was my first time to fly first class. I could get used to this kind of flying! We had a very tasty breakfast--omlet with gouda cheese--yummy. Lots of snacks came by and my tea was refilled over and over. Very nice.
The good flight ended in Minneapolis. Then we got on Pinnacle Air--a puddle jumper with 26 seats--all full, mostly people who evidently don't believe in deodorant. Stinky flight.
This part of Michigan is beautiful. Traverse City Airport looks brand new--very small, but very nice. We found our way to Boyne City in spite of the Garmin that decided to die as soon as we got in the car. My iPhone gps only worked now and then depending on signal strength. Our motel is older with only swamp coolers for a/c--but with this humidity, it is better than nothing. While Mom took her nap, I went for a walk and discovered that Boyne City is having a celebration tonight and there are 3 bands performing in different parts of this cute little town.
The signal strength is so weak here that I won't attempt to post photos until I get somewhere that we have more signal. Sorry--I'll keep on taking photos just in case I can figure out how to get them from my iPhone to my iPad.
My flight from Sac to Seattle was fun. One flight attendant announced that the fellow who was in charge of my row among others, was selected Flight Attendant of the Year for 2012. I don't know if that is a real competition or not, but he was very funny. Had most of the plane laughing all the way to Seattle. I've never had so much fun on a plane ride!
We're looking forward to the family reunion tomorrow. I'll do my best to blog afterward.
The first leg of the trip was wonderful. It was my first time to fly first class. I could get used to this kind of flying! We had a very tasty breakfast--omlet with gouda cheese--yummy. Lots of snacks came by and my tea was refilled over and over. Very nice.
The good flight ended in Minneapolis. Then we got on Pinnacle Air--a puddle jumper with 26 seats--all full, mostly people who evidently don't believe in deodorant. Stinky flight.
This part of Michigan is beautiful. Traverse City Airport looks brand new--very small, but very nice. We found our way to Boyne City in spite of the Garmin that decided to die as soon as we got in the car. My iPhone gps only worked now and then depending on signal strength. Our motel is older with only swamp coolers for a/c--but with this humidity, it is better than nothing. While Mom took her nap, I went for a walk and discovered that Boyne City is having a celebration tonight and there are 3 bands performing in different parts of this cute little town.
The signal strength is so weak here that I won't attempt to post photos until I get somewhere that we have more signal. Sorry--I'll keep on taking photos just in case I can figure out how to get them from my iPhone to my iPad.
My flight from Sac to Seattle was fun. One flight attendant announced that the fellow who was in charge of my row among others, was selected Flight Attendant of the Year for 2012. I don't know if that is a real competition or not, but he was very funny. Had most of the plane laughing all the way to Seattle. I've never had so much fun on a plane ride!
We're looking forward to the family reunion tomorrow. I'll do my best to blog afterward.
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