First Week of School

I've got to admit I've been thinking about all the fun things that happen these first weeks of school.  I've always loved the first day with the kids!   So exciting!  I am missing all that, but not the long days, etc.
It's a pretty slow life up here in the UP.  I do appreciate the beauty and the weather.  Most days I walk to see my Mom which is really nice.  Over the week-end we went to a small museum that showed how Finnish people lived when they first settled in the UP in the 1800's.  Went with my sister Kris and her grandsons so it was fun to see it through their eyes.  We watched a cow being milked, and one of the little boys said, "Where's the cheese?"  His mom told him you get cheese from a cow too so he thought that's how it came out!  That's why I miss school.  All those fun young kids!
Working on a tshirt quilt for one of my great nephews who is going to Michigan Tech this fall.  it helps keep me busy.  I never travel without my sewing machine, that way you'll never be bored.
Today I have on my long jeans and sweatshirt.  It was 55 this morning and probably in the 60's now.  Still waiting for my husband to join me so we can do a little traveling in the UP.  Should be the first week in Sept.  right after Labor Day.
Two of my other sisters will be here this week, so it'll be fun to visit with them also.  Lots of family up here!

Well I'm now settled in Michigan for a few months!  It's been beautiful weather-warm during the day and cool at night.  I love visiting with Mom each day.  My sister Kris lives close enough that I can walk to see Mom.  Great exercise and I enjoy the beautiful scenery.Pretty quiet living here, but I love being in this beautiful part of the country.  Kris and I poked our toes in Lake Superior and decided maybe we could brave the cold water (55) and go swimming one day soon!
Memphis and Nashville were so fun!  I met Bill in Memphis and we spent one night there.  Went to a restaurant for barbecue spaghetti that was featured on Diners, Drive ins and Dives.  Really good.  Of course Elvis had eaten there many times and he was there in spirit.  In Nashville there were 17 of us-brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews to celebrate my brother Jeff's 60th  birthday.  We all had t-shirts that had a guitar on them and said "Honky Tonkins!"  (Tonkin is our family name.)  At every bar they sang Happy Birthday to him, and there were plenty.  I couldn't believe how crowded it was.  Evidently it's the Bachelorette Capital of the US.  Saw lots of drunk young ladies and Jeff danced with them all! Was fun to party with four of my five siblings and family!

A regular retirement day

Had a very nice day today!  Got up, played with the two little ones, then had coffee and watched the Today Show.  I've been dreaming of this all the days I worked!  The simple things in life.
Then I went for a walk in the park.  Beautiful morning, (in the low 70's).  Sat outside most of the morning reading a book!  I never cooked much while I was working, so I'm enjoying some of that now.  Have a whole chicken cooking in the crockpot, and made a Mexican casserole last Friday for the neighbors (of Lindsey's) to share while sitting outside!  Doesn't sound like much, but it's so different than my life has been for the past 40 years!  Really relaxing into each day, and take it as it comes.
Speaking of coming, meeting my brothers and sisters in Nashville this Friday celebrating my brother Jeff's 60th birthday!  Should be a wild time.  Then on to Michigan.  I'm not missing the 100 degree days! 
I hope to figure out how to post pictures next time.  Just learning.