The Brewer's Wife

What's new?

2010-11-19T17:38:00.002-06:00

Haven't been blogging for a long time. For so long in fact I almost just typed "logging". I forget what it is I'm suppose to be doing here. I should keep it up. I'm going to try to blog daily. Even if it is for just a short time. I want to journal. This is the best way to do right now.

I'm going to commit to this today Friday November 19, 2010. For a month.

Lots going on. Getting tons of remodeling done here. Well, really fix ups. No floor in kitchen today.
Think about it. The floor out beneath you is pulled. The thought of that. You need to approach the room differently. Just like when one would use that term as a form of analogy. You have to think of the situation differently. Approach life differently.

Anyway, that's it for The Brewer's Wife

Uff'da

2009-07-31T20:46:00.002-05:00

Chris just made some lovely bread for our camping trip!

This is what we missed when our friend's were visiting. So I'm sending out virtual fresh baked bread to them way down in Georgia!

Keeping busy with baseball, playing, chris gigs and small projects. Our friends from Georgia came to see us two weeks ago. It was so much fun and the weather was extra cold for them. Jennifer is from Minn so, whenever they get a chance to come back we try to visit, this time we got to meet husband/daddy Jason! It was just like he was an old friend, even though we've just met him :)

If we ever get to Georgia, ya know we hope to hang with them in Uber cool Athens :)
Oh, I had grand plans to have yummy Vietnamese food for supper (made by Chris of course, ha!). It's too hard to plan stuff sometimes, so we ate pizza, visited our new library and hung out on the patio with beer and stuff. Jason brought Chris beer from Athens local brew Then Chris went off to the White Horse for a gig and Jason went too. Nice bonding time at the local watering hole. I dropped the two off, took Jack and Hazel shopping for treats. Those two are like 2 peas in a pod! Even though they've not hung out much, in reality, they just get on so well.

Chris took Jason to work the next morning to show him the ropes and do "beer stuff" For a brewer that includes drinking before noon; "It's noon somewhere" need not apply.

Chris' band played at the Farmer's market in the afternoon and we all headed out. The kids had treats and ran about. My favorite thing was when Graham ran up to me (basically on the band stand, though it was just a small tent cover) and announced loudly, "Mommy, I think I just pooped in my pants!" He had a shart, but it wasn't too bad. As an experienced mama of 10+ years, not too much rattles my senses or pride. I'm over it. I think. Many people in St. Joe farmer's market might not be, but we are on to new "battles".

Anyway, having Jennifer and Jason and kids was one of the highlights of the summer. Just darn cool people.
Watch the film that her kiddo and friend did, love these kids.

Whoa! Where have I been?

2009-06-24T22:04:00.003-05:00

OK, not very up to date here, sorry. I know I don't have many followers and I've found facebook- oh no!
I just got done with this book.

I promise to come back and update more, maybe tomorrow?

Busy with baseball and junk, not getting to the computer but to read the emails, news, a little research and some facebook.

Tried to natural dye with Lily of the Valley leaves and berries from our tree out front (Hawthorne tree?). Not successful. Hits? Something around my midwest yard I could use?

2009-03-29T12:17:00.006-05:00

Potatoes, Potatoes, Potatoes!!

A recent Sunday brunch at our house.

So, da boys like the white substance that makes such fabulous Scandinavian greats like Swedish potato sausage and lefse. Chris and Jack can't get enough of that white vegetable, so in addition to lefse and sausage, there are hash browns smothered in more white stuff- Butter! Often, we have in addition to butter on our hash browns, Swiss cheese. Yes, we are OK mixing our ethnic dishes- ha!

Everyone needs a nap after this type of brunch, ya-betcha!

Don't mess with a boy and his potatoes!!

You'd Think Rapunzel Was Here!

2009-02-22T18:48:00.002-06:00

I took a good 4 inches off of Graham just now!

I love his long locks, but they snarl a lot and it was time for a new look. We'll likely let him grow it out again. I just wanted to see what a little boy cut might look like on him.

It's not actually straight, but it's doable. I cute Jack's too and I really like the look. His grows so fast and I merely cut the ends, sides and bangs just a little- I did some fancy "layering" cuts. He looks like Andy Gibb a la 1978-CUTE! Well, that's my dream love, so maybe I'm going too far there. It's more Bay City Roller/ a feathered look. It's pretty funky and I like it. He likes that I think it's cool, so maybe therefore he's cool. What do I know, I'm not exactly the picture of hip.

If they let me takes pix, I'll post.

More Beauty

2009-02-17T19:57:00.001-06:00

Absolutely stunning!

I'm No Longer The Brewer's Wife!

2009-02-01T18:52:00.004-06:00

You can almost hear it crackle in this picture- a thing of beauty!

Yes, it is true. I should say, I'm not longer just the Brewer's Wife, I'm also known as the Baker's Wife! Chris has taken yeast manipulation down a new, tasty path! We've (more like, Chris) pushed around the idea of the "bread in 5 minutes a day" for over a year. We first heard about it on The Splendid Table over a year ago. By chance, Chris' mom gave us the book by Zoe Francios and Jeff Hertzberg for Christmas 2007 and it sat almost untouched until just before this past Christmas. Well, we toyed with the bread ideas again and how to best approach it in our family. We had just the right container to use (I happily turned over my large, round Rubbermaid goodie/cookie container to Chris). We re-read the book and pledged ourselves to try it full-heartily this time. Chris is really the man, I just help with the small details like going out to the grocer when there is a flour emergency! Oh, and I'm on board as the full-time taster, but Jack and Graham have pushed up the ranks and I'm losing the job to the boys. They love the bread and we haven't heard one complaint for "normal bread" in over a month!

I've heard that just about every Row band member has started down the bread baking road as well! Not sure if this is really true, just the story that came down the pike after the last gig Thursday.
Pick the book up at the library (a pretty long line for it at GRRL) or buy it. I'd say we could lend it out, but I think Chris looks at it almost everyday.

Permission to SWEAR!

2009-01-27T10:20:00.005-06:00

I went bowling on Saturday night with "the girls" from our family for the (we hope) First Annual NOhMANn Ladies night out.

A fabulous idea put together by my niece Megan!

However, I suck at bowling and should know better than to bowl when I've been trying to heal a herniated disc. But, oh no! I wouldn't stop, even after one round. I went right ahead with the humiliation into a second round. And, at the very last (the very, very last) roll of the night while everyone was watching and I was trying to at least get a higher score than my sister Lucy, I fell on my ASS! Yes! I did!

So, on top of sore hips, aching back already, I throw my back out right there for everyone at Granite Bowl to see. Remember the commercial "I've fallen- AND, I can't get up" ? Oh, my gawd, my sister Lucy tries to pull me off my ass and I'm telling her "NO!" you can't just pull me up, I've thrown my back out!"

So, I'm on my ass, I can't get up and all my sisters, et al are laughing at me and Amy dear is taking a picture of me while Lucy is trying to pull me up. What a disastrous end to a pretty, cool night! I get up there and start crying out of frustration, embarrassment and pain. What a dandy!

I went to the chiropractor yesterday and to my FP today for some muscle relaxants and my wounded pride (what little I have) is being restored little, by little.

So, I asked Chris and the boys everyday if I could have permission to swear! Sunday it was "crap" or "shit", yesterday I asked for "damn!"...today, can I say "Son of a Bitch"? I think after today, things will be looking up, so I won't ask for the "F'Nheimmer tomorrow, I promise.

SON- OF-A-BITCH!

Tea Anyone?

2009-01-14T09:45:00.006-06:00

Only a Mom would know.......

"One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me.
I was maybe 2 1/2 years old and had just recovered from
an accident. Someone had given me a little 'tea
set' as a get-well gift and it was one of my favorite
toys.

Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news
when I brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which
was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of
praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.

My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring
him a cup of tea, because it was just the cutest
thing! My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watches him drink it up.

Then she says, (as only a mother would know..... :)

'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can
reach to get water is the toilet!'"

Thanks to my friend Donna for this funny FWD message, lol :)

(I found the tea up photo online, so I'll link up the credit to where I got it from and who might be the photographer. I loved the shot and really, feel guilty just using photos especially such a well crafted photo).

What the?

2009-01-07T22:30:00.004-06:00

I'm not going to link any of the news items, you'll just have to believe me on this. Besides, I got it from Jon Stewart and the Daily Show is the only unbiased news source out there!

What the ?? is wrong with the media following the Obama girls like a bunch of stalkers and reporting what they are wearing, the kind of doll hanging from their backpack, eating at school for the next 2 days, and so on? Geez! Kind of creepy. The Daily Show had great comments- just classic! ;)

Gotta Love This!

2008-12-23T13:04:00.003-06:00

So, we're here hanging with Graham watching The History Channel and the story of Christ's birth. When the narrator started talking about Jesus, his ears perked up and he looked to the TV and said, "I know Jesus." And, added "but who was he?" Then before I could answer, he expanded on his question, "I know who he is, but I don't know how he got that bad word for a name"
Classic!

just pjracticing a little editing!

2008-12-15T20:08:00.001-06:00

Huh!

2008-11-23T19:03:00.003-06:00

I love this look on Jack's face!

"Whadda-R-Yalookin' At?"

Trying to get rid of our piano, so we can get a smaller one from our friends. Anyone want it? It's still in working condition and Jack still uses it almost daily :)

Halloween Pix

2008-11-16T15:58:00.014-06:00

I forgot to post Halloween pics on the post earlier today! Doh :)

"Change You Can Believe In"

and "Death"

Halloween and Day of the Dead

2008-11-16T11:36:00.010-06:00

Late posting Halloween pictures- but they were fun, so even though they are late, ENJOY!

Graham decked out in his Day of the Dead wear!

Skull shirt, shorts, socks and shoes. The socks are really neat and particularly "beautiful" with green and sparkles; in true Dia de los Muertos style (not ghoulish, but celebratory)

I decorated a ceramic skull with real and fake flowers, colored in some of the teeth and lines with pretty and sparkling colors. Graham and I made candy suckers. There were haystacks, corn, flowers and best of all, skull suckers (all molds of which I had on hand, no special purchases for anything). The only thing I had to leave the house for on this project was to walk across the alley to my neighbor Sue and ask if I could have some yellow mum blossoms! The black eyed Susans we had (two with life). Marigolds are the traditional flower of Day of the Dead, but these yellow mum blossoms were perfect! I had a cute little blue bow to but on the skull forehead, so this calvavera was of the female persuasion, ha!

And, then we were off to a Day of the Dead party at the Jorgenson's of Saint Joseph! How's that, a bunch of Scandinavians celebrating Dia de los Muertos?

I love the rockers jamming out on Guitar Hero! JD shaved his head just for the occasion. I was the lame one out and didn't even try Guitar Hero. I claimed to be band manager and asked if anyone needed something- like a drink? It was great fun and there was super food all around. Those Jorgenson's know how to put on a spread :)

Wow!

2008-11-05T09:07:00.002-06:00

Looks like WE did it!

I'll let the pundits, political scientists and entertainermedia give the schpiel, the spin, the political forecast and fashion forecast for the White House.

All I'll give you is what I saw personally on the streets. Personally from what I read. Personally from what I feel at this moment.

Everyone came together.

I canvased for the DFL a bit the other day and not in what I would call a typical liberal stronghold of St. Cloud. My hope was reignited as I talked with our older folks that were home. WWII vets. Housewives. Grandmas and Grandpas. Great-Grandmas and Grandpas. They wanted a change for their children and grandchildren. They've seen it all. They've lived through the depression. They know the sadness that can take over a country not looked after. Not cared for. Not united.

My Hope has seen the light of reality.

A sigh of relief before the work begins.

A GOOD day in my house! In my Minnesota! In my United States of America!

Guts, Guts, Guts!

2008-11-01T09:42:00.006-05:00

PUMPKIN GUTS!

2008-10-30T21:58:00.004-05:00

Wise words, from a wise man:
"I've been meaning to ask, just haven't gotten around to it, plus I'm
worried that the question is premature. But you know, I think I'm finally at the
point where I believe it will happen. Now there's less than a month to go. Now
it's just a matter of days. Days until America does something which, I'll be
honest, I would have bet America would never do. At least not any time soon.
Just days until in one swift moment, the entire world will do a double-take.
Days until Americans of all stripes will come together to reaffirm America's
promise to its own people. Days until MLK's dream, and the dreams of all people
who love this country's founding PRINCIPLES more than life itself, finally come
true. I want to know: Where's the party? On the evening of November 4th, when
this moment is finally announced, where do I go to celebrate? Where can I be to
experience this historical moment with my brothers and sisters in humanity, with
those who truly understand what it may mean for us all? I'm not going to be at
some Democratic party balloon fest. I am not going to be at a bar. I am not
going to be in a gym. I am going to be at home, watching the TV with the volume
turned down so I don't wake my kids. And when the time comes, when the moment is
announced, I will walk out my front door into the street, and I will look up at
the sky and shed tears of joy. That'll be my victory party. To look up at the
stars and hope that this means a better future for my little ones. If I'm lucky,
some of you reading this will come outside right then too, and maybe we can
smile at each other in silence. Either way, when you finally hear it announced,
on the evening of November 4th, that Americans came together and took their
country back, and you're sitting at home celebrating the moment quietly alone or
as a family, spare a second would you and join me out in the street, and look up
at the sky and feel the smiles, hopes and joy of millions of people like you and
me reflecting down from the stars."

I received just received this from my friend Stevie. It was written by her friend's husband (I believe he is from small town Iowa, I've communicated with him and his wife on Diaper and Natural forums). Anyway, wouldn't it be nice if we all could open our doors up Tuesday night at Midnight and look up to the heavens and give thanks for a new day; new country; new world view?

So, after my downer post earlier today, let's keep up the hope!
Peace!

2008-10-30T09:02:00.002-05:00

How are ya'll faring with this election stuff?

I feel like I see a light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm just too darn scared to believe and get my hopes up after the last two debauched presidential elections. I still can't get over 2004 and how, oh how on god's green earth Dubya made it work his way again. But now, I'm even more scared, because Palin as VP makes no bones about wanting to push her weight around, whereas Cheney didn't let on so much that that was what he was doing. I don't know who is more dangerous, one with a public announcement of her agenda or the one with covert operations? They are both overzealous characters with one war happy at all costs; the other still wanting to be voted in as head cheerleader at the high school rally! What's up with winking at the camera and scrunchy up your nose acting as if somebody just told you Barak Obama has cooties? Nut cases at any rate!

I really believe in Obama and think he has the capabilities to unite us with the rest of the world again. If he gets in and he doesn't come through and totally falls back from his promises I will likely never vote again. I know that I shouldn't put all my hope on one guy, but I don't think I can get my hopes up again or believe in somebody ever again. We are all so down and need a country that we can believe in and I think Obama can deliver that. At this point in my life, I've been let down so many times that it's hard to see that there is anyone good out there anymore (in life and politics).

OK, not so to get ya'll down, but that's what I'm thinking up here in Blue, Blue Minnesota- I hope Blue is going to mean more of a reflection of the country's tide and not my state of mind!

It's Not For Girls!!

2008-10-22T19:41:00.016-05:00

My sister Ann brought these lovely candy bars from the UK for the boys! I've had them hidden for them for a while because I wanted to get some good shots of them with these unique candy bars. Not sure why they are NOT FOR GIRLS, but it seems like a good gimmick to get the kids to buy their candy! Made by Nestle and I liken it to a Chunky- remember those?

When I was in Canada this summer with my sisters, I promised Jack I would bring back a super good chocolate bar that he had got the last time he was in Canada (2007). They were out of them at the border store, so he had to settle for something regular. I want to say it was a Caramilk he wanted, but that's just like a Carmello I think. Anyway, when Ann was in Scotland this past August, she picked up these candy bars because she felt bad for him because he didn't get the special candy bar he wanted. She thought these Yorkie bars were super funky and silly and of course they thought they rocked. I mean, come on! A candy bar made just for boys? How cool and Auntie Deutschie is so KEWL too!

Camping in October

2008-10-19T16:01:00.010-05:00

We went to Fort Ridgely State Park last weekend and had beautiful tent camping! The fort was pretty cool and the historical center had two very helpful staff. They answered a lot of questions and gave us more ideas for reading material about the Dakota Uprising. Poor Graham was sick- but what a trooper! He was feverish and up-chucking, but still was in the camping spirit (as much as he could be).

Graham trying to stay warm

after everything had to be pulled

out of the tent quickly

for "a blow-chow" incident, requiring the

HAZMAT team (mostly Mom) to do an assessment and

cleaning!

One Happy Boy...

2008-09-24T11:01:00.014-05:00

and one very mad boy!

The tale of two brothers:

One Happy Boy!
Jack turned 10 on Monday and we had a *special cake for him.
*As for every birthday at our house, we hit the Cub Foods clearance rack in the morning and get what we can.*
Sometimes we score with a Twins cake or other desired design. Sometimes the cakes are "generic Happy Birthday", which is just fine because one can jazz them up a bit with trinkets and candles from the decorating bin in the cupboard. Not OK is a Princess, Barbie or Hannah Montana cake! We were at Cub a few days before his birthday and I teased him that there was nice Hannah Montana cake that would last until his birthday- NOT!
This time Jack got a LadyBug Cake! Yummy double layer chocolate and bright! This seems to be an OK "special" deal with the kids. It's fun to see what Mom (and sometimes Dad and the kids) can find for a bargain. I once received a cake with a downhill skier planted headfirst into the cake by two cheeky bargain hunters (Daddy and Jack). That was classic and I will fondly remember their gesture. Truly "special"!

Another boy, not so happy as the mini-magnadoodle pad displays. Graham not happy about having to go to his bed last night decided to protest with an emotional sign. When I got up stairs to check on him and turn off his light, I found a sacked out little boy with this sign on his chest! Clearly he is angry with me and wishes that he didn't have a Mom. This is a sentiment we hear often from him when he is met with aversion. He has displayed similar notes with Dad as the big No-No! We've also heard it vocalized, often with a loud scream (ugh!). Brother Jack has often felt and heard the wrath of an upset Graham as well. But, right now he is happy as can be. Ah, the life of an almost 6yr old, silly, spirited, misunderstood boy!

Speaks for itself!

2008-09-15T20:59:00.002-05:00

My neighbor gave me a heads up on this one (I missed it when it originally aired). Apparently it's one of the hottest things that's been seen on youtube these days and has had many, many Google hits (count mine as 4,305,200,779,868,099 today, lol).

Funny and yet, one of those "rings of truth funny".

2008-09-15T09:43:00.002-05:00

I love this weekend's opinion by Garrison Keillor! My sister pointed it out to me while hanging out at the homestead. My dad, not too thrilled with the "liberal" line of thinking was not impressed.

Go ahead. Click. Punch. Poke. Garrison's picture to read it!

VIDEO: The Daily Show on \"The Gender Card\" and Palin | Reproductive Health | RHRealityCheck.org

2008-09-10T13:42:00.001-05:00

VIDEO: The Daily Show on "The Gender Card" and Palin | Reproductive Health | RHRealityCheck.org

Posted using ShareThis

Watch out for her TEETH!

2008-09-05T22:20:00.004-05:00

They're sharp!

And, all the dog needs is some lipstick!

More Words on McCain

2008-09-02T23:50:00.002-05:00

A wise woman I know said this:

My thoughts on the McCain pick is this... it was like an impulsive Las
Vegas Wedding, Intoxicating and thrilling and bold idea at the time, but come
Monday morning you look over and see who you really got!
from sister Ann :)

They're Going Down!

2008-08-29T11:30:00.001-05:00

No way is the McCain/Palin ticket going anywhere!
'Nuff said, don't you think?

2008-08-28T20:24:00.023-05:00

Graham, Al and Jack

Graham and Jack sitting on the Step of Greatness with Al Franken, DFL candidate for Minnesota Senate.

When people started asking for photos, Al told people they could come on up onto the "Step of Greatness"- of course Al was just being goofy. He's really not full of himself, he's quite down to earth. Daddy told Jack to cheer Al on with "You can take that guy! You can take that guy!" Jack got up there and told Al just that. Al was pretty impressed and wanted to know where Jack heard him say that. When Al was at the Wellstone Dinner, he told a great story that Paul Wellstone's son told him. When he was running cross-country races, Paul would run along side of him and cheer him on, chanting "You can take that guy! You can take that guy". He'd be down and falling behind and his dad would keep up with him. Then, he'd look and his dad would be far, far ahead of him- out running him!

Jack told a Franken booth staffer that he only had "9 more years until I vote!" I had no idea he figured that. She was quite impressed (and so was I).

We are watching the Democrat National Convention. As we wonder how McCain will fair with his acceptance speech/crowd. So, is it the media coverage that makes him pull all of these people together? Both Chris and I see or think there seems to be some media love-affair with Obama. We wonder if McCain will get this much "coverage" and he is "announcing" his VP candidate tonight. Will he get the coverage Obama did when they (media) were stalking various VP options. I haven;t seen it so far and unlikely McCain is going to pull the coverage like this. One of the reasons we hear more about McCain's VP pick is because our Gov Tim Pawlenty is suspected to be on the very short list.

So, back to my question. The reason, I feel that Obama gets such coverage is because he is pulling out into uncharted waters- history in the making! Beyond that, he has made many people from all sides (especially the youth) come together and stand up like never before. The media covers what's hot and Obama has been on fire for a long time now. The fire hasn't died and the coverage just keeps going on. As long as there is a fire, the media will chase it down. The television, radio and paper are only a small part of the media that keeps this fire going. More, the Internet and the youth have shaped a lot of this campaign in my opinion. He's stayed super positive and that keeps the fire going. What an exciting time in history!

State Fair!

2008-08-25T22:41:00.004-05:00

The boys and I hit the Minnesota State Fair on Saturday! Awesome weather :0) Can't beat 75F and sunny!

The boys were pretty darn good. We went with friend Robyn and her little guy, Jonah. We got there about 9:30 and were leaving at 2:30ish. Perfect timing as it was getting a bit crowded from my taste. If you go, make sure you do the "Park and Ride". We had no problem getting parking at Energy Park (exit) at ETC.

Graham, Jonah and Jack hitching a ride to the Fair!

We all wore Boston Scientific shirts, as did many other fair goers :) Robyn works at their Maple Grove office and it was their corporate day (employees get discounted tickets and rides). If we were spotted, we could win prizes. Actually, only Robyn could win, but we were helpers to her with our bright, blue Boston Scientific shirts! Well, because Robyn was with me, of course she was spotted and won! LOL. I'm tellin' ya, I'm a lucky one ;)

Actually, Jack answered the first trivia question, which she admittedly didn't know. What is Minnesota's State tree? The rest of the questions were about her company, her department and her supervisor's phone extension, etc. She ended up winning a $25 Pier 1 Imports gift certificate! Yeah!

We had a great time together and I'll blog more about our adventures tomorrow!

Good Night all!

Two Super Cool Things!

2008-08-22T08:56:00.012-05:00

One to read about

and

One to watch!

Yesterday I got a phone call from JM Oil (JM Speedstop) and I won $250 in gas! YES!
I usually go to the one in Foley because it's almost always less than in St. Cloud. I always have a .05 cents off coupon (per gallon, jack couldn't figure out I was so exicted to get a nickel off, lol) and get my card stamped. Wednesday's are double stamp days, fill up fast that way! Once it's full you can get free ice, soda, chips or .05 cents off/per gallon...then fill out the other side with your info and turn it in and WIN!

So, remember when I asked the question? Are you still sure you don't want to touch me? LOL

OK now, two of the cutest kids I know just put out a video!
My friend Jennifer from Athens, GA has some of the cutest kids I've ever met! Each one delightful, cute and so darn talented! Scroll down past the info on the "FLIP" and watch the fun and cuteness (sound is a little fuzzy at first, but don't worry it comes in better later). Oh, and heed Jennifer's warning!

Stella and Lyle

The Wellstone Dinner 2008

2008-08-18T13:07:00.056-05:00

We were honored to attend the Wellstone Dinner at the St. Cloud Civic Center last evening.
And, Chris was double honored to help entertain the crowd with Mike Sharp. Chris sang the Mason Jennings song The Ballad of Paul and Sheila. A hard one to listen to, no doubt. I captured some photos. The boys really wanted Al's autograph- I didn't feel that would be "kosher" (friend Corrine said Al was super nice and won't mind, but I refrained from approaching him in the end).

Al Franken was a guest speaker at the Wellstone Dinner.

Corrine (Salk) Jacobs and Rob Jacobs.

Rob is running for MN state rep for the area mostly east of us.

Corrine grew up in my hometown and I worked with her many years at the St. Cloud Hospital. She's super sweet, funny and breeds bengal cats. She and I have a lot in common: She grew up on Main street. I grew up on Main street. She is from a huge family (12 kids). I'm from a huge family (13 kids). Her dad was working all hours of the day and weekend -our town doctor. My dad worked all hours of the day and weekend-refrigeration repair man, especially farmer's bulk tanks, when they need fixing, it's dire or the milk will spoil. Her mom pretty much stayed home, didn't drive (as far as I know) and raised kids. My mom stayed home, didn't drive and raised kids. She was friends with my sister Ann and of course I'm really close to my sister Ann. On top of that, there are many of her siblings and my siblings that share the same names- there were only so many good, Catholic names available for our parents in the 50's & 60's apparently! LOL Also, like many of the kids around town back in the day, we families with lots of kids pretty much had the run of the town. Those were good days!

Klobe ( sounds like, but not really like... Kobe)

When Doug Clark was asked to introduce Senator Klobuchar (in Tarryl's absence), he asked his sons what he might say. Son #2 who does a lot of phone banking for the CentralMN-DFL asked if he might convince "Klobe" to come down to the district office and help with phone calls!

Klobe? I think I like it!

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum

2008-08-07T09:23:00.005-05:00

I'm a big, fat cat sitting on my big, fat bum!

Eat your heart out Garfield!

Halvor is quite a sight most days- he is the furriest, laziest, purriest, messiest, whiniest feline I've ever set eyes on (we thinking he was watching TV when this picture was shot)!

Jack celebrates his NICU graduation

2008-07-29T21:49:00.011-05:00

St. Cloud Hospital NICU

celebrated 20 years this past June.

Dr. Norman Virnig and Jack (June 2008)
Jack says hi every body Jack is cool signed ruth!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As a past graduate, Jack was invited to the celebration at Molitor's Trout Farm. This September will be 10 years since Jack was whisked out of my sight and taken to the NICU. The 17 day ordeal was totally unexpected (I was having a very healthy pregnancy) and much longer than we expected. We are so happy to have our healthy, happy, silly, funky boy. He's a fine example of very dedicated doctors and nurses who work to help our babies when they take an unexpected turn. Way back when Jack was patient, Dr. Norman Virnig and Dr. Fredricks were the only NICU doctors at the St. Cloud Hospital. Dr. Virnig set up the NICU and was there to greet all the graduates.

Dr. Virnig or Dr. Fredricks are no longer neonatoligists at the St. Cloud Hospital, but I owe them everything for taking care of my first little boy!

Winnipeg Folk Fest

2008-07-16T16:44:00.003-05:00

I just got back from the Winnipeg Folk Fest on Monday- what a time!
This was my second WFF and the most interesting (even for many long-time WFF attendees). The weather was crazy! Lightening like mad the first night (I thought for sure we'd all die). Rain and winds all day long on Saturday-sustained 40mph winds. Did I mention that it was all day long? Tense familial storms that I weathered with my 3 sisters Ann, Mary and Diane. Four sisters, one Toyota Prius and lots of issues. Add to that mix the worst weather I've ever been in, much less camping 5 days through it all. Ah, but the music. The sweet, sweet music.
I was really excited to see Nanci Griffith- her music and voice have been part of my growing for the better part of 2 decades. I can't believe that I waited so long to see her. I loved that the whole group sitting out in the windswept rains of Saturday sang together as she led us in Pete Seeger's "If I Had A Hammer"!She's a gem.What more can I say?
Lots of world music and folk fest faves. It was hard to see it all (well, actually impossible). Some of my favorite sounds came from the klezmer, middle Eastern, Brazilian/Latin sounds. Michael Franti and Eliza Gilkyson were great. Though my husband was right about seeing Michael Franti two years in a row- not as special or groovin' (though that could have been the family tension of the first night there, yikes).
The big surprise there for me was Justin Townes Earle. Though I knew I wanted to see him. I just haven't had time to explore his music and I'm glad I didn't listen to his album first. His stripped down two piece stage show at the folk fest was super. I now have the CD "The Good Life" (signed, thank you Justin for taking the time) and I really enjoy the pedal steel, fiddle and B3 organ sounds great. But, I truly enjoyed the troubadour charisma that he led on stage. Just him and Cory Younts on harp, mando and the right complimenting backup vocals. Earle hits the showmanship styling right on- old time country, mountain or storytelling with a soul beyond his years. He has an old soul, but also a tenderness of a young man growing up in these troubled times. I look forward to seeing him grow whether he sticks with his troubadour styling or moves on down new roads. I can hear his dad at times, but if you told me his name was Justin Smith I'd still be amazed at his heart filled, soulful lyrics and voice. He's got history behind him, and history in front of him and he's a good one.

So another music experience well worth it. Love the feeling of getting away and letting music control my life for a while. Back to reality, kids and work. But music is never far off in my life. Always the background of what we do around here. And, a funny thing happened at the library yesterday. A woman came in wondering about a request she made. She's an older woman, definitely not what I'd call Red Hot Chili Peppers material at first glance. When I looked up the bio she had on her list I said, "oh, an Anthony Kiedis bio, I didn't know he had written a book." She looked at me and said, "Wow, I'm impressed you knew who that was". I guess I don't look like RHCP fan material either, ha-ha-ha! ~Yep, I get out of my "librarian" box a lot!
Pictures to follow, at some point ;)

Little Blessings

2008-07-01T11:05:00.008-05:00

I came across this picture and note in my emails (from over 2 years ago, I really need to clean out the files). But, this is why I save stuff I guess. The email was from my sister Mary and it was entitled "Little Blessings".

"Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you this morning. Though are lives are sometimes complicated and frustrating, it helps to find peace in the little blessings of the day--like a freshly peeled orange, fresh brewed coffee, the warm winter sun, chocolate covered booger kisses, good music, the love of a sister...etc.....
Hope things start to look up for you soon---follow your heart--you were meant for Something More! (another good book to read). I'll bring it along with Simple Abundance(by the same author) on Sunday. Hope to catch up with you at Mom's.
Peace,
Mary"

I was going through some tough times, a mid-life crisis of sorts. Coming up on 15years at the St. Cloud Hospital pharmacy (20+ years in pharmacy life) and not happy, fulfilled or monetarily benefiting from it either, really. Mary, always the optimist and looking out for the soul, spirituality and mentality of others sent me this simple and precious, yet poignant photo that she had taken before her morning breakfast.

Within 3 months I was hired at the Great River Regional Library and on my way to a new career and happier times!

PIGS IN THE MUD!

2008-06-30T11:23:00.008-05:00

Oh, wait! That's "KIDS in the MUD!"

The mud brothers

Graham, Graham the Mini Mud Man!

Jack, Graham, Rose and Josie creating a mud hole in our back yard last weekend when it was super hot outside!

And, I did manage to get their swim trunks nice and clean again (after much scrubbing).

Happy Birthday to you

2008-06-07T17:59:00.009-05:00

...you look like a monkey and you smell like one too!

Graham was singing the classic kids lyric to his daddy for his birthday. Of course, Chris did not want to be in a birthdy picture. Tuesday Chris turned another year and it was also our 19yr anniversary! Yikes, next year is the Big 20...

Since Cub didn't have any clearanced out cakes, Graham and I got daddy what he really likes anyway-Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls!

Graham helped me decorate and set up the birthday rolls for daddy.

SOLD!

2008-05-16T09:27:00.003-05:00

Sold the old Volvo yesterday for a whopping $750! Whoo-hoo!

Some guy was suppose to come and get it weeks ago and we could barely squeeze $650 out of him. After promising several times he was coming to get it, I gave up. I posted it on Craigslist Mpls for $900/o.b.o. and then later on Craigslist St. Cloud. After a few inquiries and some more promises to come up to see it- some woman from Annandale came over yesterday and offered $750 cash and she'd take it away at 3pm. SOLD!

Ah, now we are not the TT of our neighborhood anymore and another Clampettmoilbe has left the premises. Oh wait, our house looks pretty crappy still, so maybe we still are the TT of the neighborhood. Well, it's good to aspire to be "something", right?

Evil TV?

2008-05-09T11:24:00.023-05:00

Well, I haven't updated for a while. Let's see?

What's up with evil TV? It's not evil like you may be thinking ...let me tell you a story.

Sometimes, when we are desperate or think we are desperate, we do not always make brilliant decisions. I find that I often drag my feet on things. I'm not one to change my mind, my hobby or surroundings often. I would categorize myself as stable, predictable. And maybe the following story isn't out of desperation so much, but lack of planning. That I'll admit to not planning or procrastination-this much is true. So, I was telling my beloved father my woes about TV's dying and going on the fritz all to often these days. Says I, "I wish they made them like they used to. Give me a good old Zenith or Curtis Mathis". My father says that they have had issues of late with their TV as well. We received a call from Dad a few days later about a "free" TV ad he saw in the paper. I called, checked it out. It's big, but free and figure it would work. And, perhaps I could send it to Mom and Dad if Chris nixed the idea. Chris borrowed the 2-wheeler from work to get it out of her apartment. It's a console- not a huge, ginormous console, but in a cabinet and heavy. Off we go, with the back end somewhat not secure, only "slightly open". Only 8 blocks or so to our house- no biggie, right? Chris was still quite miffed with me about agreeing to pick this thing up. Did it fall out of the back of our soon to be sold Volvo wagon? Smash into a thousand pieces on University Drive? Read on.

So, gingerly I made each stop sign so that it wouldn't take on some back-sliding motion out the cargo area. I made it home, but what happened next took me by surprise. While deciding how this TV would make it in the house we came to the conclusion that we should try to just take it on to Mom and Dad's. Chris pushed it in a little further as having the hatch "slightly open" would not do going to down interstate 94. Tough as he is, it was a very tight fit and he could barely push it in further. But, he did clear the latch on the cargo floor. I closed the hatch door (which needs to be held up or it slams down). So, can you imagine what happened next? Yes, I didn't really get a chance to close the hatch, it more or less goes down on it's own momentum. The top of the TV actually didn't have the clearance needed- the damn back window smashed out! No problem if one has comprehensive insurance- but on a 14 year old car with 226,000 miles? Not likely. So, basically my free TV cost me my car!

I called my Dad and he chuckled (not to be mean)- he told Mom as he handed her the phone to be really nice to me and not give me a hard time (like that would ever happen) because I was having a really, really bad day.

Still waiting on a guy to pick it up for "parts" or to fix-

Bubble's nephew, though he has been under the tutelage of Ricky

- all that's missing is the hockey stick to clear the trash off the car and maybe toaster oven to cook some chicken fingers. You can help this young man come into his own and donate these items- God knows Ricky can't spare anymore of his goodies on this urchin!

Oh, I do have good karma!!

2008-04-24T19:42:00.004-05:00

Do you want to touch me? OK, no? No it is.

WELL- I do have good karma!

I won 6 tickets to the folk fest!

I won 6 tickets to the Winnipeg Folk Fest just for calling up KVSC and asking them to put my name in the drawing.

Earlier in the day our neighbor Greg called and said that they were doing the drawing that night. Every pledge drive they give away groovy things, but this is a big one. Usually every day they do a drawing at 10pm for everyone that calls and wants to get into the drawing- pledging or not! So, I forgot about it and was going upstairs to read to Grammy when I remembered that I wanted to move the cars off the street for the night. I told Grammy I'd be right back and went out to move cars. While driving around the block to get into the back alley, KVSC was on and I remembered that they were doing the drawing. So, when I got in I asked Chris if he had called (I figured it would be greedy for us both to call). No, he hadn't. So I gave it a shot, even though it was about 9:20pm or so. I thought about calling my sister Mary and telling her to call in too. But, I didn't and in the end I was the winner! And, now Mary gets to go with anyway! :) They called me Ruth Lamb- of course! I called Lisa and Greg right away to rub it in (and offer up two tickets for them for sure) even though it was already after 10pm and they are in bed by that time.

I should list all the goodies I've won over the years. Ah, maybe later! I do win a lot and I have a big belly like Buddha. Perhaps rubbing it would bring you good karma? Oh, and I did send out one of the "lucky lotto" chain email letters yesterday. Ya know the type. Send this to 6 friends in 5 minutes, yada, yada, yada! Thanks Donna- I guess that did it!

How many licks to the center?

2008-04-20T12:52:00.005-05:00

of a Tootsie Roll Pop?

According to Jack, 800!

SNOW DAY!!

2008-04-13T22:25:00.003-05:00

Super heavy, wet snow fell Thursday and Friday- school was cancelled all over the state. Some Spring!

I think we got about 8-10 inches.

The wind was insane! What a late season storm- forcast for almost 70F on Tuesday!

Yeah, Minnesota!

Friday, April 11th, 2008

Jack with his snowman Fritz

ON AGAIN! Cannery Row-McCann's April 11th

2008-04-07T12:05:00.005-05:00

OK, if you've been looking at Chris' blog, he noted that the Cannery Row gig for Friday April 11th was cancelled-
BUT...

It's on again!

On-off-on Again!!! Boy oh, boy!

The two manager's both (accidentally) booked the downstairs room for Friday night- but Cannery Row will play upstairs in the dining room. Mike loved the idea, noting that it might be like dinner theatre- hmmm?

So, come!

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

2008-04-06T09:55:00.007-05:00

...apparently Graham is at least as smart as a 5th grader! The other evening while they were watching Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader the question was asked (I was out of the room, so I'm not sure of the exact wording)- "What did Prometheus steal from the gods to give to humans?" Graham knew immediately that it was fire~ Jack and daddy did not know the answer. Thanks to Hugo Cabaret and the real-life wonders of reading, Graham knew the answer! Though Chris and Jack did read the book, apparently when I read the book to Graham he picked up on more of it than I first suspected. Never under-estimate the value of great literature and time well-spent reading with your child!

NOW go read that Book!

I need to update my reading list! I've finished all but Mr. Jefferson's Women and I've started Bless Me, Ultima for The Big Read. I've now more books on my night stand! One Thousand White Women and Infidel. I think I will have to return The Enchanted Chocolate Pot and read it at a later date. It was suggested by my library aid Rachel. She is a fabulous aid and one who reads enormous volumes of (as in, many) books. She lives alone, is not married, does not have TV and loves to read. Generally we do not share the same type of reading material, she likes mostly only happy books and does not go in for Non-fiction at all! The Enchanted Chocolate Pot was written by two Minneapolis writers and looks really fun.

So, I'll let you know how I liked all these new reads (and maybe put up titles on the side later if I have more time). Now, Jack and I are going to watch a movie called Where is the Friend's Home? I watched it last week and thought Jack would really enjoy it. Even with subtitles, it is more about the scenery and the child's emotions. At times, it's what is not said where the story is. I thought it was beautiful and not much in it that would be appalling for anyone, especially by today's standards!!

Good Sunday to all!

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!

2008-03-18T10:59:00.017-05:00

Some recent pictures, well over the past few months of food at our house. I know weird, but kind of fun!

I think Graham has seen a few too many Goosebumps book covers! Look how he attacks that broccoli!! I have to say, that child loves his greens- can't go wrong with a kid that wants to have a whole broccoli bunch as his own special food- like a treat!

Oh notice the background TV shot- some kind of horror flick? This child is a, um, special kind! He really rawks!

Pancake Leprosy!

OK, don't get all PC on us, but we've had a running joke about leprosy in this house. Chris and Jack were trying to out-do each other one day by making up the best/worst leprosy jokes. So, when I presented Jack and Graham with these bear shaped pancakes I told them that I was sorry, but one of the bear pancakes had leprosy and his ear fell off.

I baked a cake for Graham one cold night in January for our own special party because brother Jack was staying with the cousins (having a free-for-all guitar hero marathon, of course). I baked a super yummy, healthy applesauce cake and put it in a funky cake mold (a real pita to clean). But, then I found a recipe for buttermilk-Carmel topping. Oh my! Very delicious, but absolutely killed any healthy aspect to the applesauce cake!

This funny Three Kings Cake was Graham's birthday cake! I did my usual "hit Cub's bakery clearance rack on birthday party day and see what might work out". Graham wanted this cake because he thought they looked like wizards! Jack also thought that they were Dumbledore, Gandalf and some other wizard I can't think of now~ Funny! I'm glad my kids don't really care- as long as it tastes good and looks bright and fun! Jack and Chris picked out a cake for birthday once off the clearance rack with a skier. They made him fall head first into the cake and gave it to me for my birthday! Perfect!

Recently I fried up some fish for friends from Georgia- they thought that was quite cool to have fish that was caught through the ice!

We had sunfish and walleye that night~
The next week my dad gave me more fish- so I took a picture of the frying fish. Fresh fish are a treat for us because we don't fish; but the way Chris and Jack devour them I think they might need to start pulling some fish from the lake. Don't worry if you come to eat fish at our house, we won't cook up anything from Lake George or the Mississippi!

"I'm afraid to link it to anyone...

2008-03-12T16:35:00.003-05:00

I'm afraid my friends head's will explode." So says Chris in reference to my blog and why he won't give me a shout out. He was razzing me for my blog style/type style ie: layout style and "over-usage" of fonts in single posts. "None of that different font, color, spacing stuff you do" when I went into his blog to fix some typos. Geesh!

You're welcome, sir.

There, I saved it for my post...gee there is just so much one can do on blogspot, the possibilities are endless... [sarc].

Finished with Slaughterhouse-Five

2008-03-11T23:34:00.003-05:00

...now I'm reading a guide book/companion to decipher it all! Well, I started that today, but of course there was more reading waiting for me at work. So, I brought home The Replacements: All Over But The Shouting (or from GRRL) thinking I'd glance over the book or maybe offer it up to Chris to read first, as I have many waiting in the wings as it is. Well, I'm into it now and I don't think I want to put it down. Mr. Jefferson and his chicks will have to wait. The Mermaid Chair too, I guess. Hugo Cabret will progress along with this I think- Graham wants me to read Hugo to him and I started, but I want to finish and return it as it has quite a waiting list. I need more hours in the day! I also have the Edith Piaf film sitting here (overdue and with a waiting list as well). What's a girl to do?

PUFFED WHEAT CANDY!!!

2008-03-05T15:11:00.031-06:00

You asked for it justmefromhere, so here it is...

Notice how well loved the recipe card is! I took this from Mom's house, as she had a few copies on hand. I think it is in my sister Lucy's hand writing-

So, here is the recipe for the coveted Ohmann house favorite. One of a few things that the neighbors, the cousins and friends gushed over as they sat merrily munching in the little cluttered kitchen of the house hidden behind the lilac bushes on main street. A sweet concoction, made even more sweet by memories of simple, fun days gone by. Days that were filled with playing a game kickball or baseball in the vacant feed store lot next door. Days where at any given time you could find neighbor kids out on the back step bartering their sugared cereal or fancy store bought snacks for a slice of Mom's homemade bread or pancakes. Days with many visitors coming and going with hardly a knock at the door- all were welcomed into Virginia's kitchen. Sit down and let's see what we can snack on. Often times it was the scraps from the pie crust baked and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Sometimes a little kuchen with butter. Mostly though, our kitchen was full of just us kids- thirteen in number, hundreds if you counted all our stories, imaginations, questions, joys and problems brought to Mom's kitchen. Good days. Good days indeed!

I am often asked now to bring this to family functions, especially girly functions. All crazy eight girls love to have coffee, eat this and gab.

Puffed-Wheat Candy

3/4 C sugar
3/4 C brown sugar
1/2 C corn syrup
1/2 C butter
3 T cocoa (I add about 4)
1 T milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
8 C puffed wheat

Mix in 5 QT sauce pan at medium heat all ingredients in order. Bring to a boil, remove from heat. Add puffed wheat. Mix thoroughly. Spread into 9x13" pan. Let cool. Cut into squares.

What is it?

2008-03-03T15:20:00.004-06:00

The first person who can tell me what this is gets a prize!

(I'll bag this up and send it to you!)

2008-03-01T17:26:00.007-06:00

Jake the Snake is in the house!!!

...Ahhhhh-ahhhhh-oooo-ooooh-hhhhhhhhh-aaaaah!

The crowd goes wild!

I love this shot I took just now of my nephew Jacob! He picked up Chris' mando (shhh- don't tell) and put on a hat we had in the toy box. Looks like an old-time, good ol' boy!

My nephews are here for the night and we hope to have lots of fun. Right now they are out sledding at the end of our driveway- not much of a hill, but still fun!

Visit From the South

2008-02-23T17:53:00.014-06:00

Friends from Athens, Georgia visiting last week during one of the many Minnesota cold spells this winter!

Stella, Hazel, Halvor, Jack, Daisy, Lyle and Graham

Not everyone can keep their eyes open at this point...it was a late night!

Do you think that 6 kids could all sit still at one time?

The kids went outside on Wednesday night to view the lunar eclipse. I ended up staying out with the girls and Jack while the took turns sledding down the snow piles at the end of our driveway! It was bitterly cold, like -10F at that point in the evening, but they just kept going. They had as much fun as they could in that lack of sledding space and the frigid temps! Ah, the joys of childhood.

Haakon

2008-02-18T15:57:00.007-06:00

Haakon sleeping on the couch with Lionel

Such a pretty boy!

Haakon and Graham 12/06

Meet Halvor/Halvar

2008-02-16T16:06:00.014-06:00

This lovely feline decided to head North today and live with a bunch of his own kind- Norwegians in St. Cloud. We just got back from Petco in West St. Paul with Halvor/Halvar a 3-year old Norwegian Forest Cat.

He came from Last Hope in Farmington MN- but the foster mom was set up at the West St. Paul Petco today for adpotions. I called her yesterday and we emailed about our interest in him. We've been looking for a Norwegian Forest Cat or Weegie (affectionate nickname for this breed because of their "triangle" shaped face...or is it because "wegi" is in the name Norwegian, now I'm not sure) for quite some time.

When we got him home he was very smelly and had a dingleberry- I found when bathing him. He didn't care to have a bath, yet was still 100X better than our old cat Bob when we had to bathe him after an enema. Then, he let me brush and brush and brush him. He purrrrrrrr-urrrrr-urrrred and rubbed/pushed into his new grooming brush. Now he's cleaning himself right behind me in the chair. He needed to get a ton of mats out and the foster Mom had bathed and brushed his mats when she got him. He'll have several more days of cleaning, brushing and washing to get his coat to that lovely feel and look that Wedgies are know for.

So, now I'm a female in a house with 3 male humans and 2 male felines- Wow!
And, why a Norwegian? I guess because they are so lovely and it's like having something from the old land, though I'm not even one bit Scandanvian!

Oh, and the spelling is still up in the air (as far as I'm concerned). Since he is a Norwegian, Halvor is the proper spelling. However, the name Halvar comes from a book Jack just finished a book called Viki Viking (but the English translation from the German version about a Swedish Viking boy...got that?).

So, Jack's suggestion was Halvar, which is a great name and he gets to take credit for naming him. Chris and I told him that it's so cool to pick out a great name and that will stick with him forever. He'll remember what the day was like, what he liked to do and how he got the name Halvar long after he is grown and Halvar has gone to Valhalla. Well, at least that's what we think, based on our own lives, feeling and memories. Chris' named his cat Fred; as in Fred Flintstone. Well, you can guess our age-range! Yes, The Flintstones, The Brady Bunch and The Six Million Dollar Man have shaped our lives. Graham and Jack's lives are shaped by SpongeBob. So it goes.

2008-02-11T10:16:00.000-06:00

Another cold day out there!

Jack is staying home today- both boys are coughing, sneezing and blowing their noses.

I'm trying to ge them to drink some herbal tea to help with their respiratory system, but they have refused so far. I didn't like tea when I was little either. My dad used to make us hot teas with lemon, honey and brandy when we were all stuffed up and sickly. And, I drank it because I knew that it would make me feel better. Ah, the days when you could give your kid alcohol and not ende up in trouble with family protection services!

eBay find!!!!

2008-02-07T20:13:00.001-06:00

I have a very famous artise neighbour that has just put on the finale for his major masterpiece. He has used a very symbolic pallet, of mostly green. Very urbane and characteristic of his surroundings.

His work

He has managed to procure the necessary resources to expound on his inital, primative idea. I believe he has reached a new plateau. Time is of the essence~this has taken him days, if not a week to accomplish. Not sure how much higher he should shoot and if he stops at this point, will it sabotage his hopes for taking his work off street? Not sure, but for now I'm supporting him in all his efforts!

OBAMA 08?

2008-02-06T16:35:00.000-06:00

Wow, he did really well last night- ya know, if he doesn't make it this year, he is surely a strong contender for the next round in 4 years. My thoughts are that if he doesn't make it and Hillary does (or vice versa) neither one of them will be on the other's cabinet because they'll be up against each other next time. I think Obama's time is now- if he was in her cabinet, wouldn't that make him less likely (or not able) to go up against her next time? Same, for her? That would put him at 2016 before they could do another big run. Anyway, just thinking out loud.

Obama rawked in our precint- not sure how many rooms at South Jr. High had other precincts from our ward, but we had 86 votes in our room and he got 55 of them! Hillary had 26, Kucinich 2, Edwards 1 and 2 non-comitted. Some people came, voted and left. However, the little math room that our neighborhood was in was packed, with standing room only at the end. Chris and I ended up signing up to be delegates for our precinct. We'll go on March 29th for more caucusing and senatoral stuff I believe. We'll be learning lots as we go.

News from the Citites:

Here is what I heard from the Secretary of State Mark Ritschie- over 300,000 people participated (or will have once they count the mail-in/out of country Minnesota ballots). I heard this morning on MPR something like almost 240,000 were DFL alone? The last caucus in 2004 had a grand total of 60,000 people Republican and DFL combined!!! The record Minnesota caucus turnout was during the Vietnam era and it was a whopping 80,000!!! RECORD SHATTERED!!!

Still no spell check- bear with me!!

Peace!

Mr. Drama Grahama

2008-02-04T11:28:00.000-06:00

So, I'm upstairs about 1/2 hour ago, ya know, needing some personal time. But as many of you moms know, there is no escape, no personal space and even your bathroom break doesn't deter them from putting on a show for you.

Graham just came up stairs moaning, looking forlorn and holding his head. "I'm sick-I'm having a heart-attack in my brain! I need a popsicle to help it. Jack says that popsicles help when your head hurts." Trying not to laugh too hard, I ask him "Is that so?" He goes into more of his song and dance about how he really, really needs one. Then the pleading clasped hands and big round eyes begging for a popsicle. I let him have one just for the performance sake!

So, just a bit ago (after the orange popsicle) and I'm on the phone taking to my work mate Karen, he comes with hand on head, but a little less dramatic- "My head is still cracking". And, because I'm on the phone and distracted he got the best of me again. He just finished a green one.

Happy National Freedom Day!!!

2008-02-01T08:50:00.000-06:00

National Freedom Day is an observance of President Lincoln's signing of the 13th Amedment outlawing slavery (Feb 1, 1865).

Part of freedom in this country is the ability to be part of the electoral process. I encourage all of you to try and be part of the process. Get out and caucaus tomorrow- it's SUPER TUESDAY!

Here in Minnesota we will be caucusing all around the state:
Check out our Secretary of State for more info regarding where to caucus for each party :)

So, we can't all get out and caucaus. I know, you feel intimidated. You feel over-whelmed. You feel like it doesn't even matter anyway.

I say push all your doubts aside and go for it anyway. It's all a learning process and it can't harm anyone if your more informed (or maybe it can, ha-ha).

Here is what I love about this whole process right now. It's fun to watch- who needs soap operas, the so called reality shows when all these presidental hopefuls are duking it out every day and night in the public arena!

Though I'm sure that many of you would think that NPR and it's MPR (Minnesota Public Radio) affilate are bastions of liberal media. But, I challenge you to listen to especially the Midday programs with Kerri Miller and Gary Eichten. Well, I guess her program is part of the morning that they call Midmorning. However, there is balanced, in-depth interviews and reports especially regarding what matters to Minnesota. What both Kerri and Gary do is dedicate whole hours- that's ONE WHOLE HOUR to a subject. Right now Gary is featuring each contender for the Minnesota Senator race. Where can you get one whole hour of info each candidate? Certainly not the Cities television news stations- they have too many fire truck and cop lights they are following. If they do cover politics, they give their political journalists a 3-5 minute round up feature once or twice a week. Other times they just have a few sound bytes here and there, usually the same ones that every other station has. Nothing new, nothing in-depth.

So, my challenge to y'all is to listen for one week to Kerri and Gary and find out for yourselves if you really feel like your being sucked into a liberal, media spin machine? For those of you out of state, but want to keep up on Minnesota politics, you can stream it online or check out your own NPR affiliate for local/state political information. I'd really love hear back about how you felt. I don't even know for sure what others are listening to, but I can tell you that I feel all the Limbuagh's, Hannity and Colmes and Air America shows are just spouting out a lot of spin, jokes and insincere journalism. Just my humble opinion.

Frozen Pipes?

2008-01-30T15:03:00.000-06:00

Ugh!

The kitchen sink won't drain- perhaps a frozen pipe? I've plunged and managed to "break" the plunger. How does that happen? Chris stopped to pick up a new one before he came home. But, my thoughts after I was plunging the standing water this morning turned to the possibility that the drain pipe froze. Though the kitchen sink is on the north side and our house being 68yrs old and lacking newer, more insulated plumbing, the water line is not frozen. As best as we can figure, the drain pipe in the basement on the north end is frozen, the standing water in my sink has no where to go. I put salt down the drain, still nothing (read that on the web)

This too will go away, but right now I'm feeling super bummed! I haven't done anything today but linger about trying to fix the drain and sit back in a big depression. Blah!

Broken plunger, new plunger and standing water (and undone dishes) in the background. Crap, crap, crap!

Nice day for a Ski Race

2008-01-28T09:01:00.000-06:00

Ah, what a lovely Minnesota sight! A Viking bellowing out the signal for the start of the Barnelopet on a bull horn!

The kids went down to Riverside park for the free race. It was the first annual Barnelopet sponsored by The Sons of Norway (closest chapter, Anoka, Minnesota- we are after all in the heart of German Catholicville).

All the kids had a great time and received medals (very nice, I might add).

The Sons of Norway really put out a nice spread and had such great people volunteering. There were tons of homemade goodies and hot cocoa. Two people were making fresh rosettes and krumkake

They also had runic letter key so that the kids write their names in runic, several large swords, axes and even a chain mail tunic!

We forgot our camera and didn't factor in Graham participating either. He was all for it and thanks to our neighbor Lisa Z. for taking the photos! As it turned out, her kids are in the ski club and so many other families we knew! We had no idea! Jack's physical ed. teacher gave the kids sign up sheets so they could get the info about the free race home to the parents. She also has been taking them XC skiing for class. The kids seem to love it!

Graham showing great form for his very first time on skis

Jack coming in for the big finish

Graham

receiving

his

medal after

finishing the

3-5yr old

race.

The race for the littles was 400m

Jack was in the 9-11 year old group and it was 2.1k I believe. But, being the hardcore competitor as usual, Jack decided to do the older kid's race as well. I believe that was 4k and involved several hills (ones that I've struggled to get up in the past). He was worn out and sore by the time we loaded up to go home. He had blisters on his heels (tied his boots too tight?) and needed a good, hot soak in the tub last evening. However, he was gung-ho to get to school to show off his medal (like I said, all kids got them). His phys-ed teacher was out there skiing also and helping and cheering on the few kids from their school that came out for the race (four, I think). She was out there with Jack encouraging him and skiing right along with him for that last big race. He needed that, he might have given up. He was second to last to come in and like I said, worn out. The kids that started off that race were in the ski club, much older (like 12-16yrs) and skate skiing like they were taking a daily stroll. What a beautiful sight! I only wish I could skate ski, but since I have that herniated disc, I'll be sticking to classical ski for the rest of my life (most likely).

Here's hoping for more snow (warm weather and rain in the forecast) so we can get out there again soon. My back is doing better and some steady, take-it-easy skiing would be great exercise for me.

Almost did it again...

2008-01-28T08:50:00.000-06:00

post on Chris' blog! I did that last week and had to cut and paste everything back to mine. I like the convenience of "keep me signed in"... but, ugh! If I'm not careful his blog is going to have girly ramblings instead of manly beer talk.

Blasted Cars!

2008-01-18T09:29:00.000-06:00

Blasted Cars! Why is it that whenever we seem to be getting ahead just a little, the blasted car issues come up? ARGH!

THE GOOD and the BAD

First the BAD:
Coming back from mother-in-law's house Jan 5th we started to smell a weird "wire burning" smell from the Saab. We were just pulling of the interstate and headed home. No warning lights, no hot gauges- so we got in the drive way and popped the hood. Smelled like an electrical fire- but no smoke. So, we used the Volvo until I could get it in a week later to be looked at. I thought I'd start it up and would hopefully drive it out the the mechanic. Um, NO! The cabin immediately started filling with stench and smoke! I called a tow truck and cancelled my chiro appointment. Grrr! Tow truck guy thought maybe a belt, but I was thinking the worse- it smelled like the engine went. It was smoking in and out of the car! Fear kept me from calling the mechanic the next day. When I'm afraid to hear the truth, I often run from it. Finally, I had to make the dreaded call. We were going to have to make a decision as to whether to fix it. But, alas it wasn't as bad as I feared. Wow!

Now the GOOD:
Thank goodness. It was a belt and it took out some other belt. The smell was burning rubber/plastic. I dropped the Volvo off for an oil change and help with a headlight and took the Saab home. Was just fine and no lingering stench. The total for both cars was $400.98! While that is a bite in our cash reserves and is not pocket change, it surely is better than having to fork over $2000.00 for an engine or a different car. So, with 226,000 on the Volvo wagon and 98,000 on the Saab and a few more hundred $$ into the cars, hopefully we'll be good for a bit. It sure beats monthly car payments! Actually, this is the first money that we've put into the Saab in the 1-1/2 years that we've had it. We are hoping it is the last for a while. I feel a little bit here and there is expected. Like I said, we aren't plunking $200-$300 monthly on car payments- older cars by far are the better investment in my opinion. The mechanic said the Volvo is running soundly, but needs some axle boots. A bit more money to put into it, but then it should be good for quite a while. Still a solid car at age 14-yippee!

And, on a side note. While we are no thrifty, penny-pinchers and often have a few too many extravagances imho, we don't roll in the money and expect to live high off the hog. Or, in that case, live far beyond our means that everything is spiralling out of control. I read an article in the paper about a local woman (I have some interactions with her through kid activities and certainly people know about her). Apparently she so needed everything, she started kiting checks and such to pay for those pretty things. Now she is going off to jail for a year for her criminal actions (poor kids). Yikes! No thank you, I'll just live in my 68 year old house, with the one bathroom and two cars from the 1990's.
Well, that is my rant for the day. Perhaps I shouldn't bring up that situation, but it struck me again how crazy things are in this world. How crazy we can get- caught up in all the material wants and then losing face because of it. Well, I think she lost more than face, but somehow I think she is quite oblivious to the whole seriousness of the situation. Don't know, just my humble opinion.

With that, go on and have a nice day. It's gonna be a COLD one out there! Keep warm and find the little things in life to rejoice today. I think I'll bake some cookies to warm the house up a little ;)

Oh, my aching back!

2008-01-13T10:48:00.000-06:00

It's been over a week since my back went out. Friday January 4th I was having a little coughing fit (getting over that icky-sicky thing that has been going on around here) and "pop"- my back goes out. So, I guess it really isn't defined as "going out" but something snapped. If you've ever had this, you'll know what I'm talking about. It sounded/felt just like a "pop" inside, on my lower left side. Now, I've been dealing with a herniated disc that has bothered my right leg nerves and stressing all the way up my right glute for about 2 years. Since September I've been going to the chiro and she's done wonders for me. My regular doc (whom I love, he's great with all of us) was leaning towards me seeing a surgeon. ACK! I don't want surgery! I'm glad I went to see the chiro for that- she's been great.

I went to the chiropractor on Monday- way too long to wait, should have tried to get in Friday. However, I didn't know it would progress to the point where I couldn't get out of bed!

I took a few of Chris' left over Flexeril last weekend- man, I was useless! I also saw my FP and he said he'd write a script for me so I could "get my own Flexeril"- ha-ha! I also got some Darvocet-N.

By Thursday I was much better, but it still aches and I'm fearful that I'm going to turn the wrong way and "pop" it again.

Since this happened to me, I've had several people say that they or somebody that they know has done the same thing or cracked a rib just coughing, sneezing or what have you. Wow- something so seemingly small and I'm all put out!

So, for me the lesson is I need to get on my exercise ball and keep myself flexible :)

Hey! Joe Behm... You RAWK!

2008-01-07T13:22:00.000-06:00

A few months ago we purchased a new coffee roaster- Behmor 1600

THE ROASTER

We had a few glitches with it (the drum), so Joe Behm was right there on it! The soldering that he talked Chris through still didn't fix the issue. So, he up and sends a whole new machine. Mind you, he had been calling on the phone and emailing Chris back and forth through all of this. Usually calling within a few hours after Chris called him. Same with emails- johnny on the spot. He never waited more than a day to contact us when we were trying to fix the issue with the drum. What customer service!

Just now the doorbell rang and I go to the door to see DHL driving away. Here, Joe sent the new smaller basket for roasting smaller beans sizes (like Peaberry, etc.). With 3lbs of greens to boot- no shipping cost, no ordering, no charge! Just sent it right to our door with a very nice, personal letter thanking us for business and the little hassles we had up front with the Behmor 1600. Now that is customer service! Man, unheard of these days!

Man, Joe really rawks! And, the machine really rawks as well!

Here's the Loot that came to the door~

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to me...

2007-12-31T11:49:00.000-06:00

Ah, man! The frustration of turning another year older. Not too thrilling, but not the end of the world, I guess. For my birthday yesterday, we did just about nothing- which is cool. Jack and I went out to Quarry Park skiing last night; that was nice. We'll get out again tonight/today. We actually are going to a party later this evening after we get to Hallenbeck for the the family fun night. Better get some junk done now.

Right now, though I want to write about the frustrations that Chris has been going through for the last few days. Since his beer went on, he got some bad reviews. It's gut wrenching! Really, makes one sick. I've been so bummed for him. He's been thinkin' and rackin' his brain to figure out what's going on.
WELL- come to find out the dishwasher rinse water is too concentrated with whatever it is they put in it. It TOTALLY threw off the taste of his beer. He said he battled with that when he was brewing for O'Hara's- trying to tell the company that they absolutely have to adjust that iodine because it ruins the beer (and every other drink). YUCK!

First impressions are so important, it sucks that something like that can ruins so much hard work. Chris was bringing home growlers not washed in that junk, so everything tasted great to him. Man, what a freakin' scare! Even though he took care of the issue today at work, it still hurts in my stomach just to think of how everything teeters on just some small things (or seemingly small).

So, wish us well in this endeavor and hope that things turn around in the next few days. It would be really great to get going again with the brewing just like before. We really want this to work out so that we can stay around here and keep a brewing tradition in St. Cloud, the heart of German Minnesota culture- just wish the locals knew what a great tradition was set fourth by the early settlers. St. Cloud should embrace fresh beer, hand crafted beer. Ah, one can dream- right?

Off to get some junk done-

Have a safe and
Happy New Year's Eve!

Hot Tamale!

2007-12-27T20:09:00.000-06:00

Mmmmmmm! Yummy!

You can see the steam coming of the plate- I love this shot!

Our neighbors Leyda and Giovanni came over on Christmas day to deliver two freshly made tamles the Honduran way! Wrapped in a banana leaf I heated it up on the stove just now. I did one yesterday, too. The kids were not convinced of it's goodness. We got some last year as well and Chris wasn't sure he liked them that well. Ah, more for me! They were delicious- Leyda rawks!

One isn't suppose to eat the banana leaf, but I did heat it up while it was wrapped in the leaf. That seemed to work better than taking it out and heating it. She put rice, chicken, green olives and golden raisins (I believe). Not sure of the spices, but not at all hot despite the title of this entry.

We have awesome neighbors all around by the way. For every neighborhood gathering she brings fresh, hand-rolled tortillas! Super cool! One day I sat in her kitchen chatting and the whole time she's making these tortillas for her husband and son who are due home soon. She made a Honduran taco, not at all like Taco John's- ha!

Layered with cheese, meat, fresh tomato and a hard boiled egg slices on the top. Yummy! Then when they came in, they insisted I join them. What a treat!

Happy Boxing Day!

2007-12-26T17:23:00.000-06:00

A terrific Boxing Day To All!

What a lazy day here...napped two times, LOL!

We had a pretty uneventful Christmas, which is good. I guess, I mean, I should say- we didn't have to travel far and go through tons of gifts. It was a rather peaceful Christmas Eve. We finished some decorating, watched a Christmas story and we all plopped down into bed about 9:30pm to watch the yule log burn on KSTC-45 out of Minneapolis. Ah! What loveliness.

This is now about the 3rd year in a row that we have done this. A constant fire is burning on the screen, pretty decent Christmas music is constantly streaming. Some great B3 organ was on one and some vibe on another. Lou Rawls and other classics singing. Not half bad I must say. And, another super cool feature, somebody behind the camera reaches in and adds another log and gives it a poke with a fire poker once and a while. All that's missing is the mess and smell. Got the smell covered. Chris once bought a little log-house incense burner and pine log incense. "What the heck" I said, "why would you want that?" Well, now we have a terrific use for it! We burn our little cabin, watch the fire and relax. I read aloud some Christmas traditions and history. Everyone was crashed out by 10:30pm!! Santa came some time after that. He left some great gifts.

Got Christmas cards made at Walmart (Grrr) on Christmas Eve. As much as I hate Walmart, I took my sister Mary's info and inspiration and submitted online an order at 12:42pm Monday. I went to pick them up a little after 2pm on the same day! 50 cards/50 envelopes $.40 each. I had to pay $4.00 extra for 1 hour service. Small price to pay for convience. This is the first thing that I've been impressed with from Walmart; I think ever!

It was a busy week with Chris brewing everyday and preparing to get his beers on tap before New Year's Eve. Since the beers could not be brewed in time for Thanksgiving or even Christmas, he at least wants to get them on for New Year's Eve. I look forward to getting some things done around here this week. I didn't get much baking done, kind of not inspired this week. I guess that was catching. Hardly anyone in my family baked like usual. Hardly anyone got their cards out. The ones that are always on the ball, weren't. But, ya know what? It was a pretty relaxed Christmas all and all. Everyone was in good spirits, the kids generally happy. We didn't go caroling as usual. The first time in many years. Our fearless ring-leader Diane was out in Lake Tahoe for Christmas and without her, I guess we just aren't as inspired.

Well, Dad was out late fishing, so supper wasn't until after 7pm! But it was just as well, we all had a good time visiting. Ann, Gary and family were having trouble getting through the Cities because of the snow. So, it was good that supper was late. They were in Rochester awaiting the arrival of the newest grandbaby due on Christmas Day. No baby yet as I type this.

Ah! The Red Tape Has Been Cut!

2007-12-17T20:47:00.001-06:00

All that dang Federal paper-pushing crap holding up the brewing process for McCann's is over- Tomorrow he can officially brew!

Read his blog

This has been really trying for us all, but of course Chris the most. He has been so down and really short with everyone. Now that Christmas stuff needs to be done, he'll be busy brewing! But, maybe we'll just be lucky enough to have some beer to bring home in time for New Year's Eve! Man, this has been so stressful!

Soon, little boy! Soon the brew will be flowing again!

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!!

2007-12-06T11:38:00.000-06:00

A traditional story about Saint Nicholas is most appropriate for this day. However, I've never been one to do the appropriate thing!

Sedaris' take on Saint Nicholas!

My boys had a terrific time last evening after St. Nicholas pounded on the door and left a hefty sack of fruits, nuts, candies and chocolates. They also received two GINORMOUS coloring books!

I really love Saint Nicholas Eve, more than Christmas really. It's so traditonal, it's about a few treats and the anticipation of somebody great. Santa is really too commercialized. Look at me, I sound like some PSA or religious nut job! Really, though in the Netherlands and Germany St. Nicholas Eve and Day are celebrated as a secular holiday. There is really little in way of "the Jesus" connection, the Christmas connection or heavy guilt ridden expectations. For our home, it comes and it goes. It is one evening of a quick glimpse into simpler times. I would like to (and I would think Chris would be in agreement with this as well) focus more on the St. Nick tradition and keeping it simple and less on the Santa influence.

Two Of My Favorite Men

2007-12-03T11:33:00.001-06:00

Chris

Were on MPR within days of each other!!

How COOL is that???

Tony

Pride of Home State

2007-11-27T21:36:00.000-06:00

It's all about where you're from. What you feel are the important things in life. What your connection is to this world. Apparently, we've made such an impression about the importance of Minnesota, our heritage that when my almost 5 year old Graham was about 3-1/2yrs old he came to me and said, "Look, I made Minnesota"

I have to say, I didn't know that my Graham had such a way with chocolate grahams and so much pride in his state that he'd want to crunch, munch and gnaw the shape of Minnesota out of a graham cracker.
Glad we don't live in Massachusetts! Ha!

Movie review

2007-11-18T19:06:00.000-06:00

Just got back from Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.

Ya know, Dustin Hoffman makes me smile, no matter what he's in. Typical Hollywood feel good, everything is dandy in the end. Well, it's for the kids and rated "G"- I guess, there it is then. Natlie Portman is cute, of course. Justin Bateman, handsome and fun. The kid was cool and sweet. I'd loved to have seen more "wonder" or answers to "how" these things work. Willy Wonka came to mind as I chose to fill our afternoon with Mr. Magorium; minus the wickedly extroverted inventor teetering on good or mischievous at any given moment. Wonka always had explanations, background or "practical use" for his inventions. Mr. Magorium is "just" lovely, if not a little wacky. Willy Wonka, a little creepy (and I like him that way).

Hello and Welcome

2007-11-18T19:05:00.001-06:00

Trying out this new"fangled" blog thingy- Hee, hee!

I hope to post from time to time. We'll see where that takes us (me).

The Brewer's Wife sound cool, kind of like the Butcher's wife, the Baker's wife or something. It sounds like a good title for a book, huh? My husband (the brewer) was afraid it was demeaning to me. Like I'm only identified by him, his life- the patriarch of the household. HA! Everyone knows I wear the pants in this house (and his fondness for wearing silky lady things).

- just kidding!!

Now he probably won't let me "link" up with his blog ;)

Friends and family, I look forward to sharing updates, stories and photos.

Peace!
Ruth