Whew! Just some knitting left...

I have completed all my shopping for Christmas. I have a few things to make, but at least I have all the necessary supplies. Of course, in my normal fashion, I have missed two birthdays I hope they will forgive me. I had cards with knitted goodies gift certificates, but I missed them at the hotel on Saturday. Well off to finish the Christmas gifts.

Tundra Trip to Wonderful Winter Wedding

We just returned from Grand Forks, ND. The idea of driving 300+ miles north to where the temperatures are usually frigid and the wind is biting id not usually my idea of a good time in December. Well, we went anyway. My brother Jay was married on Friday, December 14. Despite the cold location, the trip was a success and the wedding beautiful.

Steph (the bride) and her mother had planned some fun events for the geographically very wide-spread family and friends to get to know each other. My son's highlight (along with his cousin) was the helicopter flight simulator in the UND - John D Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. There guide allowed my 9yo to give piloting a try. The flight he simulated was that of an emergency/hospital helicopter pilot. After his first bumpy landing, I guess he ended up doing pretty well, flying thru trees, up and down as needed and finally landing on the heli-pad at the 'hospital'. He has informed us he will be going to college there. Since that is my alma-mater and his aunt and uncle live there, what can I say? At least there have been improvements to frozen campus - the best of which is a sky way system that is referred to as the 'gerbil tubes'.

While my son was enjoying the lure of being a pilot, I went to a luncheon at a neat little B&B where all the women gathered. It was fun to see what has been to a gorgeous old house. I was able to meet the mother of the bride, and most of Steph's family and friends. It was also fun to spend some time with my sister (usually located in Oregon), my dad's wife, my dd and my niece.

The Friday evening wedding was beautiful. The reverend who performed the service had a great sense of humor mixed with the seriousness of the vows they were making. Can't wait to get a picture of the bride and groom as well as an updated family picture with everyone there but Dan (sis' hubby). It has been a while. The bulletin was really neat to and started me crying before the service was underway. They had written a dedication to Steph's dad and my mom, who both have suffered with and died from cancer. Following the service there was a champagne reception at the UND art museum. It was fun, beautiful and with the possible exception of M, we all enjoyed it thoroughly. (M didn't really have anyone there her age to 'hang with'.)

I think the only rough spots through this whole adventure were the long drives to and fro, as well as some stress for me about a project at work that many (at work) felt I should be babysitting most of Friday, or however long it took. Oh well, it didn't really interfere too much. Oh, and one final, fun little touch. There was a package for each room of guests. We received a box of Widman's 'chippers'. If you don't know what these are, I highly suggest you go try one. They are the greatest treat for those of us who can't choose between salty and sweet! We're home safe now, relaxing for an evening.

Back At Last...

Hello to anyone who might see this. I have been soooo busy, my computer died, and I only have my pictures on one of the not-networked computers. Excuses, excuses. Anyway, thought I would try to keep up on this. Time will tell.

Anyway, this summer we had a few 'biggies' happen in our lives. The biggest is that we upgraded campers! Below you can see us driving off with the 7 year old pop-up. It had served us well, we have many fond memories and will never forget the years we had it. Now onto the new camper!!!! The best things are: bathroom, 3 real beds, bathroom, full size refridgerator, bathroom, the main area is hardsided - ready when we get there! and did I mention... A BATHROOM!

I know it might seem odd that I am so excited about the biffy, but at my age I fell I deserve to travel only a few feet in the middle of the night or bad weather, not 1/4 -1/2 mile!

As we were setting up our new digs we had a few minor changes at home too. We now have new air conditioning and furnance. OK, not the most fun big purchases, but we live in Minnesota - need them both in WORKING condition!

Anyway, the camper is hibernating and the furnace is on. Now all we are having to deal with are the bills! ladeb

Knitting Show & Tell

Some of my projects this past year:

Gelato Felted Purse

Ellie Elephant (Designs by Cid)

Modular Knit hat, scarfs & mittens (MDT Warm Hearts)

Bright Winter Hat (MDT Warm Hearts)

Bibs & Booties (bib from Mason Dickson).

Matching bib & booties

were a gift, the rest are for MDT Warm Hearts.

Felted Clog Slippers (before & after)

That is all for now. Still to come: socks & tops.

Lazy Sunday

Another first for our family! We all went down to Lake Nokomis last night (11:30pm) and walked around 1 lap with Pastor as he continued working toward his goal of completing the 24 hour marathon. He wasn't running when we took our shift with him, but the fact that he had been moving since 8am and wasn't supposed to stop until 8am the next day was crazy. You are probably wondering why a 52yo man would decide to do a 24 hour marathon - he is so committed to reaching youth and those who aren't comfortable going to 'church' for Jesus. His goal was to raise $75K to complete our gymnasium - where our congregation plans to use it for outreach, after school programs and make it available for community stuff. He completed 74+ miles and his body did finally give out at 4:30 am. We will learn of the financial status next week, last I check, we were over 2/3 the way there.

WE ARE SO HUMBLED TO BE LED BY SUCH A COMMITTED GODLY MAN. YEAH GOD & DAVE!

As for our family, we made 1 lap and went home to bed (1:30am). It was a first for our children (esp. the time of night) and we all learned that there was no way we would attempt 24 hours. Today we are being extremely LAZY, after we went to church this morning.