The Great Grandchildren were here on Sunday. Wish we could bottle that energy!
Hey Mikey!
Cee Cee
Peach
Baby K
You can always count on babies to scratch themselves before holiday photos.
Yesterday I finished ordering the 2026 Calendar...the Greats will be 9, 6, 3 and 1 in 2026!
We had a beautiful day yesterday! The sun was shining!
Minnesota weather; High 43F or 6C Low was 15F or -9C at least it is windy!
Far Side
Getting all the young adults together is hard, last Sunday worked for most of us to gather. Adam drove from Western North Dakota...Adam's fiancee Courtney had to work or she would have been here too.
Here they are oldest to youngest! They brighten up our lives! We played games and had a White Elephant gift exchange....and an incredible meal that Andy cooked. Prime rib, twice baked potatoes, carrots, parsnips, popovers and snickers salad and then all kind of Christmas goodies.
It was so quiet in the house after everyone left.
Far Side
Here is a blast from the past.
In this area of Minnesota and North Dakota right across the river many people say... It's cold but at least it's windy. It's hot but at least it's windy. It's raining but at least it's windy. It is most always windy here and it is part of the weather you can count on. I swear the wind comes off the mountains in Montana and gains speed over North Dakota because there is nothing to stop it...just my opinion.
Minnesota weather; High was -2F or -19C low was -18F or -28C eh! The real feel of the air was in the -20F to -30F all day. Far Guy and I did not leave the house and we felt sorry for Sadie who lays in the snow!
There were two Sundogs but I only got a photo of one. Photo taken out of the windshield when I was safely pulled over.
I stopped and took this photo on my way back from PT and a trip to the corner of happy and healthy to pick up a prescription for Far Guy. I have new exercises to do for my back and my bad leg. I have known the Physical Therapist for a number of years.
Cold here...but at least its windy.
I plan to work on the puzzle while the rest of the household watches the Hockey game on Friday night.
Minnesota weather; High was -3F or -19C Low was -20F or -29C eh. Next week we will be 64 degrees warmer than we were if the weather predictions are correct. Crazy extremes.
Supper was freezer meals...Far Guy had chili, I had soup and Jen had an egg sandwich. Andy was working late.
Far Side
About seven inches of it.
Sadie barks at these deer.
The main roads are petty good however the side streets and some parking lots are still a challenge.
I picked up our grocery order from Walmart and went to Aldi while Far Guy had his weekly Infusion then we went out for a late lunch early supper at Perkins. Breakfast is good anytime of day!
In the evening Jen and I went to the library for the puzzle exchange:)
Minnesota weather; High 13F or -11C Low was -7F or -22C eh! Forecast for Friday is a Winter Weather Advisory because it may snow a bit more and it will become very windy.
Far Side
We finished the puzzle, it was a tad difficult.
Redwood National Park
Then I finished a baby blanket.
We have been lucky and had no appointments so far this week until today Far Guy has his weekly Infusion and on Friday I go to Physical Therapy. It was a digging out day yesterday...we got about seven inches of snow.
Jen made spaghetti and meatballs for supper and beer bread. She cannot eat either of them so she is a star cook! Jen has a gluten intolerance.
Minnesota weather; High was 16F or -9C Low was -3F or -19C eh! We are headed into the deep freeze for a few days...Friday and Saturday we will not get above zero.
Far Side
I am working on the Christmas Cards. I always say I should start earlier. Perhaps I should not change ideas so many times. The first design... I was just not feeling it. So I spent an afternoon watching watercolor videos.
Blank cards ready for the magic.
They are a work in progress and hopefully they will be mailed before Christmas.
Monday was a snowy day. We are headed into a Winter Storm sometime Tuesday....it may snow and the wind may blow...or not.
My view from the craft room patio door.
I am working on Christmas Cards.We went to the grocery store because that is what you do when a Winter Storm is forecast. We needed a few things...ham, potatoes, crackers, pudding and fudge bars.
Supper was egg, ham and cheese on an English Muffin with some of Far Guy's delicious fried potatoes!
Minnesota weather: Snowy, High was 18F or -8C Low was 4F or -16C eh!
Far Side
Sunday was baking/creating day. Maddie came over with the Greats.
Maddie made peanut butter blossoms, a chocolate chip/Reeses cookie and then Bugles with some almond bark and a M &M...I think it was supposed to look like a Grinch hat:)
Andy made truffles, pretzels with a Hersheys kiss and an M&M...one night last week we did the pretzels with a Rolo candy and a pecan on top.
I got to feed Baby K. She got really mad at me when her bottle was done...her mood goes from okay to screaming crisis mode just like that. No whining or fussing...just screaming!
She is very focused on her Mother's voice and her siblings make her giggle. She had a bubble bath and afterwards I clipped her fingernails while she was asleep!
I can report that Maddie put an undershirt on the child!!
It was a chilly day. High was 6F or -14C low was 3F or -16C
Supper was a bacon cheeseburger, french fries and a chocolate shake...Andy is one heck of a cook!
Happy 46th Anniversary to my other baby brother and she who sees robins first!
Far Side
Our friends Sarah and Chris have a Flower Farm. This is their first year adding trees, porch pots, table decorations and various crafts for sale in late November and early December.
They have several spots for picture takers.
I had Book Club on Thursday afternoon. The book was The Switch by Beth O'Leary
On my scale of 1 to 10 I give it a 4. It was a lot of fluff and not much substance. I enjoyed the 79 year old woman in the book and her outlook. However I would not read the book again.
Seems like it has been forever since I have read a page turner!
Recommendations are always welcome!
Friday was a quiet day, toward evening Jen and I went to Michaels. Far Guy waited in the car. He people watched and talked to my sister on the phone whilst we were in the store!
No yarn was purchased just watercolor paper for more cards.
Far Side
I finished a hat and matching booties for Baby K.
The hat ...it fits...it covers up her ears and that was the main intent. Babies that get cold air in their ears get earaches and ear infections...just an observation over the years. Hope Baby K has an undershirt on...I do check that from time to time and give her Mama the what for on undershirts:) ( Babies need the layers to stay warm and cozy)
All the "stuff" for Christmas cards arrived so that will keep me busy for a few days.
Far Guy and I went out for a late lunch after his weekly infusion...so supper is left overs if you are hungry. I love a no cooking day!
Minnesota weather; Downright chilly. High was 24F or -4C Low was 18F or -8C and it was WINDY!
Far Side
We are kinda lost on quiet days with no medical appointments. No need to hurry and get up to be someplace. No place to go yesterday. I slept til 9AM Far Guy was up at o dark thirty...the hormone med ( Tamoxifen) that he has to take causes him anxiety which keeps him awake. It is a conundrum. Tamoxifen blocks estrogen and stops cancer cells from growing. Tamoxifen was discontinued during radiation and started again after radiation was finished.
I am working on a very frustrating project...so I needed a time out. So I started some scrubbies to put in Christmas stockings.
Christmas Tree at the Cancer Center
I put a pork roast in the oven we will have mashed potatoes, gravy and some baked carrots and parsnips for supper. Comfort food on a very chilly Minnesota day.
Minnesota weather; High was 13F or -11C Low was -9F or -23C. Even Sadie says it is a tad chilly.
Far Side
Radiation is over. The 20 treatments are done.
We are thankful to cross breast cancer off our list. Far Guy saw his Oncologist and the spot on his scar that was concerning us is scar tissue. Not cancer!
Far Side
First the snow report; it snowed twice maybe three times and this is what we have. Granted some might have blown away.
Not much to complain about!
I am wearing my snow boots now...just too cold for Crocs even with socks.
Far Guy has one more radiation treatment on Tuesday. Monday's appointment had a little glitch...as we have to see the surgeon again as a troublesome spot has appeared on his incision. Is it a radiation burn? A pocket of fat? A stitch? Something to worry about? Something not to worry about? The Radiation Oncologist says he is going to err on the side of caution and recommends that he see the surgeon. Needless to say Far Guy is discouraged.
I refuse to be discouraged until I know exactly what to be discouraged about. What is one more appointment anyway...it is what we do.
Far Side
This is one of the puzzles that we picked up at the puzzle exchange at the library.
Proof that we finished it!
My cousin Dion died on November 9th 2025. He was a bachelor and is survived by his siblings. He was the first born to my Uncle Butch and Aunt Kay in 1962. I remember when he was born.
The Celebration of Life was this past week. I sent a card as it was impossible for us to go. He was a very quiet unassuming Christian man.
Dion
Tim, Keith, Dion, Kenny and Dwight....old photo from 1987.
For the family history; Dion was my Mom's nephew. There were 42 of us cousins counting me (I am the oldest). Sadly four have died...Linda in 2020, Dean in 2021, Diane in 2024 and now Dion in 2025. So 38 remain.
Far Side
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live. I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. Philippians 1: 21-23
There was a fun puzzle at the Cancer Center. Trouble was it was all done.
Then they called Far Guy's name.
Someone who knows who...it might have been an elf...
Thankful for a day to sleep until 11AM and then shower and relax the rest of the day. We watched a couple of movies. The Last Word and Everybody's Fine the last one is a bit sad.
I was just too tired to venture out for Thanksgiving Dinner with the Grands and Jen and Andy. Paige and Cole hosted this year at their new home. They gave us a video tour. We missed seeing them all.
I made some grilled cheese sandwiches and peaches for supper...easy peasy. Sadie was happy for the company...but she slept most of the day.
My sister sent a photo of the Headwaters of the Mississippi at Itasca State Park a photo she took last Sunday. I am sure it looks different now after the snow.
Far Side
Lefsa. It is a process. Jen and Andy cooked up the potatoes, riced them and put them in the fridge overnight on Monday. Far Guy and I heard lots of commotion in the kitchen and wondered what they were doing. Tuesday evening after supper Jen showed me how to mix the butter, salt, half and half and honey. Andy showed me how to mix the flour and riced potatoes. So I was a mixer, Andy a roller, Jen and Far Guy were the flippers on the lefsa griddle. It was a group effort.
Boys will be boys.
Far Guy is feeling lots better today. His appointments went well.
Oh yes it snowed and blowed around. Our first snow. The Interstate highway from Grand Forks to South Dakota was closed.
Far Side
We had a hard day on Monday. The third appointment for the day was an in office surgical procedure. Far Guy is feeling rotten. That appointment generated two extra appointments for today…an 8 am appointment and a noon appointment. They are keeping a close eye on him as am I.
His procedure was called a uro lift and it is supposed to help older fellas pee better. Time will tell.
We didn’t need to add any appointments to our schedule…now it is 10 appointments in 3 days. Uffda.
We are already exhausted after the 3 appointments on Monday…onward to the 4 on Tuesday.
Far Guy called the beautiful sunset to my attention. I was just beginning to cook some potatoes for supper. Jen made a turkey.
Reflection in the old window.
November 23 2025 Sunset! Thanking God for another day even if the day was filled with frustrations. Some days are like that!
This week we have six/ seven maybe eight medical appointments in three days...we feel like we are off to the races!
It was a nice day High was 51F or 11C the low was 11F or -3C.
My arthritis says that the weather report is for cold weather this week and maybe snow.
Far Side
It was a quiet Saturday. Jen and I went out to a friends Flower Farm where they are getting ready for Christmas sales. We helped Sarah put together a number of arrangements with assorted greens, sticks, pinecones and festive picks. A few extra hands makes for fast creations! No photos...the next time I go out I will take some.
I am packaging up Christmas Ornaments 2025 and getting them ready to mail. There were two errors...easily fixed but I should not have made the error in the first place.
Our latest puzzle.
A very difficult puzzle....frustrating at times ...so many possibilities.
Far Guy and I had brats and scalloped potatoes for supper.
It was a very nice day. High was 50F or 10C and the low was 32F or 0C...there was frost on the roofs this morning.
Far SIde
I spend some time in parking lots near the Cancer Clinic and the Hospital.
My view from where I sit in a pretty much empty parking lot while I wait for Far Guy to have his radiation treatment....some days the Valet Parking is available and sometimes not.
This is backside of the hospital...the Cancer Center is the beige shorter building next to the brick building on the left.
My view from another parking lot...Far Guy gets his weekly infusion inside the Emergency Department/Infusion Center.
I drop him off at the door...run my errands and then I wait in this parking lot for him to text me so I can pick him up at the door after his infusion. When the wind is blowing and it is way below zero the drop off/pick up service will be appreciated!
Friday was day 15 out of 20 radiation treatments. Far Guy looks like he has a sunburn now, I encourage him to lather on the radiation cream. He is getting more fatigued everyday. Next week he has three treatments due to Thanksgiving....so radiation treatments will continue on into December. Hopefully December 2nd he can ring the bell that signals the end of treatments. Fingers and toes crossed.
Far Side
I was minding my own business working on Christmas ornaments when I heard peals of laughter downstairs. Then my phone pinged.
Far Side
The Cancer Center is across town. It is about a ten minute drive unless I hit all the traffic lights wrong then it takes a bit longer. There is a marvelous volunteer there who greets people, answers questions and helps those who need help. This week they still have Valet Service so I use it. Far Guy says the girls who do the radiation are very nice. Yesterday was number 13 out of 20! As of Thursday morning 7 medical appointments have been completed, 4 to go for a total of 11 for the week.
They have a puzzle in the waiting area of the Cancer Center.
It is a rainy dismal grey day here. I did some online ordering...a yarn that was discontinued and groceries to pick up.
Minnesota weather; rainy almost all day. High was 44F or 7C and the low was 33F or 1C eh!
Jen cooked supper ...it was ham, egg and cheese on a English muffin and fruit.
Far Side
Far Guy must be stressing me out as I am real sleepy. I do not get anxious...and if I do ...I clean something or have a nap. Far Guy says I do not get anxious properly or for that matter worry properly.
Jen took her Dad to radiation yesterday. I had the morning off to just sit and watch TV and crochet a bit.
We had salad and bbq chicken for supper.
Minnesota weather; High 42F or 6C low was 33F or 1 C eh!
Recently I sorted through fake Christmas greenery in the craft room and made this arrangement in an old milk bottle. That is Christmas paper rolled on a pencil for filler inside the milk bottle.
Radiation treatments are going well. Monday was #11 out of 20. When we hit day 16 the radiation changes a bit as it will then be concentrated on the scar. It seems that often times breast cancer comes back on the scar and the last 4 treatments should take care of that. On Monday's we see the Radiation Oncologist and he says things are going well. Far Guy is really good about using the special radiation cream about four times a day.
Far Guy finished up the Christmas Ornaments and now it is my turn to seal them and put names on them. Soon I can package them all up. I have 16 more to do and then I can cross that off my list! Hopefully in the next day or two!
Tuesday is a two appointment day also...radiation and then a virtual appointment in the afternoon.
The smaller booties fit perfectly. At the end of November Baby K will be six months old.
Sadie needed some attention so for fun we took her to the dog park.
Jen threw the ball for her.
Sadie is there in the center of the photo...she is really a red color this Fall.
