Sorry
It's been a few weeks since I've had a good chance to sit down and write much. Work has been busy, nights have been taken up with errands. Life at its finest!
We hit the Twins game two weeks ago with Mike's cousin Mikey, who was visting. He turned 16 while he was with us, and we had a great time showing him around the cities. Nice kid-and Madison loved to have company and someone who would run all over the house with her. Twins game was nice-I hadn't been to a game in almost 2 years. The new turf at the dome is amazing. I like it a lot more and it looks better then the other stuff. That artificial turf made it look more like indoor-outdoor carpeting. This stuff is much more realistic.
We also took advantage of riding the new Light Rail train into Minneapolis. By parking at Fort Snelling, the ride took about 15 minutes and dropped us off right in front of the Dome. Granted, the trip took about the same time as it would by driving, but you reduce the crap of finding a parking place and paying a small fortune for it. I will gladly do this again for a night out in Minneapolis.
Last week was spent in preparation for the big annual family camping trip. For 2 freaking nights and 1 day it takes A LOT to get going. Granted, this year was the easiest of all because everything is easily accessed in our basement, instead of a small closet in our apartment! I took Friday off, and we were on the road by 3:30. Madison made herself at home on top of all the coolers and had a nice perch to look out the windows and sleep on a blanket. We got down there before 7pm (Caledonia, MN) and were able to get the tent up with everything else before dark. We had some chilly nights, but with enough blankets and sleeping bags it was fine. Madison slept in her kennel, which we had room for in our large tent. She LOVED camping. Getting to run around in the country with other darks, a creek and people that wanted to play with her was perfect. Not to mention lots of bugs and fish to keep her interested! By the time evening rolled around, she would fall asleep at my feet around the campfire.
We had the annual Winnebago Bowl football game. I only played one game this year because I just wasn't up for more. We lost, so it sucked. The others all had fun. We had the new flag belts this year which make for easier capture. But, Derrick still managed to tackle Mike during the first play of the game instead of pulling his flag! (that sounded bad)
Nights were quiet, for once. Grace fell asleep on Saturday night at the fire, so she was decorated in grand tradition. What was funny was that she was the one that was so excited about decorating someone else! Cousin Randy and his family showed up as well, which is usually the only time we see them. Michelle and Dewey had gotten married quietly the weekend before, so we celebrated with a little cake and some gifts. Danny and his girlfriend were there with their 2 month old, Olivia. What a beautiful baby! I hadn't seen Danny in nearly 4 years, so that was nice that he came. Good time overall.
Went to visit Grandpa and Grandma on Sunday, in Harmony. We brought Madison to meet them. She licked Grandma, who thought she was a nice dog and pet her a bit. Same with Grandpa who proclaimed she was a smart pup! I spent a good hour chatting with Grandpa about how they are doing. Not great it sounds-and looks-and he did mention moving to the nursing home in Mabel. We'll have to see how that goes. He has a lot of responsibility in his hands and with his eye site going away, it can't be easy. It's very hard to watch the two people you love as much as your parents slow down and get older.
Madison's obedience classes started last week. We went to the first one without her, as requested, so we could learn what to expect. This week she comes along. I'm anxious to see how it goes! She loves other dogs but likes to whap them in the face with her paw. Some dogs don't take too kindly to that. She is the youngest at 5 months, with the oldest being 6 years. We took some advice from the class already and began working on things. When I let her out now and ask her to wait as I grab the chain, she does. I can't wait to see the dog named Elvis who is coming to class!
Tomorrow I am throwing a shower for my co-worker, Amy. She is due September 15, but I have a sneaking suspicion that she will go early. She is getting so big and round! It's been a great experience to be a part of her pregnancy since Day 1. They are having a little girl and are naming her Sophie. So, tonight I head off to Michael's, Factory Card Outlet, and Target to get all the things I need. I also have a haircut and eyebrow wax later, so I doubt I'll be home before 8:30pm tonight. Thankfully, we are not going anywhere this weekend. The plan is to paint the bathrooms and install shelving in the garage.
Bush and Cheney are in town tonight for a rally at the Xcel Center. This is like the 3rd or 4th time in 5 weeks. The interesting part is that the secret service is requiring all people to check in with their social security number and address. If they are a registered Democrat, they will not be allowed to enter. Nice. That's why Regime Change Begins At Home.
My most favorite t-shirt I saw recently with Bush's picture on it said, "Like a rock, only dumber." Classic. Kerry should be here again in the next week it sounds like. I can't wait until Election Day. I think I may have to take the day off, or take the following day off to recover from staying up to watch the returns!
Can Bill Clinton be our president again, please? (By the way, I'm only on Page 328 in his book. It's good, just has a lot of information to process.)