Bad news first. I just found out that one of the male residents in this building killed the turtle photographed in this blog June 25. He killed the harmless being with an ax. He said he will eat it. Oh, yeah, like the deer he killed last fall and left to rot.

Good news. Cedar made a sticker story in her journal and I recorded it for the blog.

Cedar and I waited for the bookmobile and when it came we were the first ones in the door. We selected books and movies. The lady remembered that I had expressed an interest in Seabiscuit. She said one day she was going through the discarded books and found a book about the famous horse. She quickly claimed it for me and today she gave it to me. Some people are so nice.
Wallis called early to invite Cedar and me and Mr C to a pool party and picnic at her house in Cass Lake. We went out to the new housing and picked up Lamaya and little Brandon. It was so hot but the kids stayed cool in the pool. It was a long fun day.

We came home and had a light supper. Cedar watched one of her movies and I am going to watch one of mine.

Chris returned in AM as planned and soon we were off to Grand Rapids to visit the Judy Garland house, museum and gift shop. It was so nice to see everything again. I hadn't been there for several years. Most of the photos were taken by Chris and Robert. I had my camera but just forgot to use it.
We also hit some second hand stores and got a few surprises for Cedar. Also got four movies and a book by Sherman Alexie. Had lunch at Forest Lake Restaurant. Then we went to the Deer River US Forest Service building and got posters and other freebies.
Then back to manor to let Mr C out. Gloria offered to keep him so I could stop worrying about him alone at home. That was a very sweet thing for her to do and I will try to think of something nice that I can do for her. I know Ed likes pizza but I wonder if they would settle for a lunch at Subway?
Afterwards we headed to Cass Lake. We stopped at the flowing well to fill water bottles. I pointed out the Big Fish and The Winnie Store which are both registered with the MN Historical Society.
We had planned to stop at Norway Beach Interpretative Center but felt time did not allow it so we drove on.
When we got to Wallie's we fired up Uncle Rico, the camper, and went to the USFD Headquarter building because I wanted Robert to see the wonderful log structure the immigrant Swedes built. Also I wanted to rave about the stone work in the fireplace. We picked up more freebies and got a map for the Turtle Mound but we had no time for that either. But we did visit Brandon's grave and we stayed for about 30 minutes. Chris introduced Brandon to Marty her deceased brother. They were pleased to meet. We tidied up the grave and returned to Wallie's. But had no time for sandwiches. Chey had prepared chicken salad and potato salad, too.
Then back to Deer River to see Annie and girls. We had a very nice visit but my face started hurting again. Robert wanted Annie to make a pair of moccasins for him so she measured his foot and they got an idea for a design. Then Robert and Chris played a duet on the piano.
They brought me home and Chris gave me a long hug. It was hard to say good bye again.

Soon after they left Annie and Cedar came. Annie is going on a canoe trip and Cedar is staying with me for four whole days! Hooray!

Today started out being my not so favorite day but it quickly escalated into a fabulous reunion.
I started out hungry and did not find food until about 3:30 PM when Gloria delivered a pot of Pearl's delicious home made chicken soup with the most wonderful dumplings.
I spent a long time at Grand Rapids where I had undergone oral surgery for the removal of a fractured root canal... very old. Fragments in the bone had to be removed. I came home and went back to bed until the soup arrived. Ed and Gloria were my patient, non-complaining helpers. They are such precious neighbors to me and Mr C. Ed walks to keep his blood sugar down and he likes to take Mr C with him. He always gives me a poop report as he knows how sick Mr C was just a few months ago. They are best boy friends, now.
I was not doing much talking as my mouth was stuffed with gauze to stop bleeding. But the nurse told me to go to DQ for a malt. The cold would be good for me and the sugar would help get me going. So Ed, Gloria and I had a DQ treat together. Mr C had Cheerios.
When we arrived at the manor and got out of the car we spotted a big snapping turtle. He must be 20 years old. He or she was crying black tears. That was very exciting for all of us.
Then I went home, Gloria offered to keep Mr C so I could rest... which I did.
When Gloria brought the soup I woke up. I noticed the phone was still off so turned it on and immediately I heard Chris Larson talking. "Chris," I screamed, "where are you." She was practically at the door. I went to look out the window and saw Robert parking their car. Chris had come in the front door and we all met in the downstairs corridor. While we were talking Peg arrived! We came up to the flat together and soon Gloria came with the dog. In a few minutes Ed arrived so the small flat quickly filled with gracious conversation. One by one Peg, Ed and Gloria departed. Then it was Robert and Chris. We hardly had time to breathe as we tried to catch up on the years. I saw her last in 1997. I just feel so blessed by the beauty of friends.

Robert had a bowl of soup. Soon they had to leave. But will return in morning at 8:30.

I am fretting but I ate a banana, drank a short glass of milk and had dark chocolate for dessert.
Tomorrow is the oral surgery.
Pearl called to say she is making chicken soup to share with me and others in the building. Gloria came to tell me she is making jello so I won't have to chew. Ed is going to take care of Mr C while I am in the chair. I feel like a dance of Love is going on around me and Kindness is the choreographer.
I did quite a bit of housekeeping because I don't want to be sick in a pig pen. I wish I could say I used my hand-made broom but I used the vacuum cleaner.

When I visited Old Crossing in August 2008, Wendell London gave me a broom he'd made. I think Virgil paid for it. The broom is signed! I never had an autographed broom before.
When we were on Mallard Island Virgil asked me if there was anything I really wanted. I told him I would like to have a handmade broom and so it is that such a broom stands in my closet ready to sweep away the cobwebs that sometimes clutter my life and shackle my dreams.

Chris called and said she will not arrive Sun/Mon but Mon/Tues. That will give me time for the oral surgery and a few hours to recuperate. It will be more fun for all of us.
I read somewhere that eating something cold will help you relax and take the tension out of your throat and back of neck. So I got a box of popsicles today. I shared them with Ed, Gloria and Pearl. Then I asked if they felt more relaxed. No opinions. More popsicles needed.
I've been preparing frozen fruit smoothies with 2 heaping teaspoons of amaranth chia seeds. It is very good and good for you. But the seeds find places to hide and can be irritating under my dental partials. Ann suggests that I soak the seeds overnight and that sounds like a good idea. I also sprinkle them on salad and add to soup. The benefits are not to be scorned.
I made some pretty terrific salmon/cheese/jalapenos quesadillas for supper and shared with Randy, Ed and Gloria. The verdict is still out as to taste and overall quality. I thought it was very good and will make it again sometime.
It's raining! But we had a nice sunny day.

I am going to finish watching Tom Cruise, Days of Thunder. Goodnight!

I had pre-op physical, EKG and blood test. I passed with flying flags!
Then went out to log house and got Annie, Geezis and Cedar to drive to S Lake and visit Wallis' pow-wow camp. We had lunch, Cedar and Lamaya played. On our return we stopped at a couple of shops. Annie purchased The Painted Veil on DVD and I took a hanging candle holder out of the free box. It's for the Redd Shedd.
When I got home Jim the custodian fixed the screens in my front room. Then I was off with Peg to visit Barb. Barb went through her lace, ribbons and silk flowers. Peg said we were hunter/gatherers getting ready for Pearl's bathroom fan making event.
Ann called on c-phone. I discovered the speaker and we four had a lovely visit. Barb is a collector and a crafter extraordinaire.
As we drove back to town Peg gave me an up date on the bench project and we discussed the location of the wigwam retreat.

I had been invited for spaghetti supper with Gloria and Ed but got home too late. However, after I got my tired looking salad out of the refrigerator, Gloria knocked at the door. She reheated the spaghetti for me so I had a good supper after all.
Then I went down to Pearl's and we went through the craft items. She thinks they are wonderful and pointed out that we still need felt and forks.

What a day! It got off to a slow start but was soon running away with me.
I finished reading The Color Purple and started "How Green Was My Valley" I'd seen the movie but never read the book. I thought the movie was exceptional so I am sure to find the book super exceptional.
Also, I got the DVD of The Awakening Land based on the trilogy by Conrad Richter. I saw that on TV in the early 70s. I had read the trilogy and after seeing the movie I read the books again.  I have to say I liked them both just fine. In the book there were more children. I think the movie was B/W but this is in color. Stars Hal Halbrook and Elizabeth Montgomery.
After a stop at the PO to mail packages and purchase stamps, I went out to Annie's. I helped move the woodpile and we found three black snakes and an enormous toad. It was the biggest I'd ever seen. Cedar was not impressed as she said there were very much larger ones in Africa. "Big as cats," she told us.
Then Mr C rolled in something quite rotten and I had to drive him home. Phew! But on the way I saw a wonderfully unique rainbow. I tried to photograph it but the images are washed out and not as vivid as the rainbow I saw with my naked human eyes.
I tied Mr C to the car and came inside to get stuff for his bath. After his parking lot bath... which he hated, we went to the community room and I tied him to the table so he couldn't get on the furniture. I played solitaire for about 30 minutes as he dried. Then back up to our quiet little house.

I called Faith F in Duluth and she is fine. The flood went around her! She said her house is built on a granite hill with very little soil so it is quite stable and she is quite safe.
Photo of Tammie's new t-shirt.

Duluth flood getting a lot of attention. It looks terrible... like an earthquake struck.
I had Cedar today and she had a 3 hour nap. Tired little kid. I took advantage of her down time and had a brief rest. We had grilled cheese for lunch then we found some corn dogs in the freezer for desert.

She practiced on her shoe horn for awhile. Then she took the recorder apart and put it back together. Her shoehorn is the one in the middle.
Today was an extremely wonderful day for me. A dear friend that I haven't seen for 20+ years called. In celebration of their 35th wedding anniversary Robert and Chris Larson are coming to visit me! We have stayed in touch over the long years but no visual sightings. Once a year she sends family photos but I don't think she has seen me in photos. She will be shocked to find I am white-haired and rather lame. I met her in Vienna, Austria where we were delegates for The Mother's of the World Peace Summit. I have photos but the are pre-digital.

We had planned a  big day but Peg called to tell me she was sick so we cancelled.
That gave me an opportunity to wash, dry and fold two big baskets of dirty stuff. Also got started on "The Color Purple" which I read before but had forgotten so much it was new again!
The day has been dark and stormy but that didn't stop the birds from singing in the wind tossed trees outside of Pigeon's Roost.

Found this awesome reclaimed lumber house on fb.

I was up early. Had breakfast and then made a lemon pie. Afterwards I called friends in the building and invited them to a pie party in the community room. I had the coffee on when they began arriving. It was a fun and friendly gathering and the pie disappeared!
I went to grocery store for a few things and did Pearl's shopping, too.
Later I made cherry jello with cherry juice and pitted cherries. My hands turned very dark purples from the cherries but they came clean in the dishwater. I had the rest of the black bean salad for supper and took the cherry jello down to Pearl's to share. Then we played cards.
When I took Mr C (3) out for a short walk we met another dog walker. The dog (7) was named Reuben. I forgot to ask the lady her name.
It's been a long quiet day but I am tired because I got up so early. Tomorrow I will try to sleep-in.

One of the things the PT told me was that I don't walk properly. He said I 'peg along'. I don't use my whole foot. I don't walk heel-toe. So I am trying to focus on that. It is not only a bad habit but because of knee and ankle pain I find it quite uncomfortable. But I am going to slow-walk the hall for 10 minutes and focus on stepping along and not pegging along.
Also, the surgeon said that if I begin all my recovery exercises now the muscles will learn them and know how to do them after the surgery. He said I will recover more quickly. I have been doing them in AM and PM. Last night I added a new one. My body has been complaining about that so I will continue the movement but with fewer repetitions. I am finding muscles I didn't know I had!
I gave up my bike, my ice skates and skis. But I still have my snowshoes. I also have Brandon's as he accompanied me on many a foray in winter's smiling eyes. I believe I will get out on snowshoes again. They have been retired for about 5 years. I also have my old hiking boots. They remind me of Brandon, too. I wore them on all our camping trips. I believe they are good for a few more miles. I hope the PT doesn't tell me they are useless. He has already told me to stop wearing a certain pair of beloved old shoes because they give absolutely no support.

If you love me come to my apartment and wrestle them out of my hands. Then you must burn them... very quickly. Because if I find them I will bring them home. They are the shoes Laura got for me when I visited her several years ago. Annie calls them my gestapo shoes but they are my happy shoes. They still make me smile but they make the PT scowl. They have got to go.

The day began with breakfast at Shelly's with Peg, Margaret, Brenda, Robbie, Carol and me. We are thinking of making this a monthly event. Great conversation and even got an idea for a short story.
Peg brought words for the two songs we want to learn and we sang a bit of one. Those Were the Days My Friend and Mr Tambourine Man. She brought her tambourine and a gourd shaker.
I have made 3 shoe horns including one for Cedar. Cedar and I had our first very private shoe horn session. It was great fun!
She also tried to make Mr C's inside the house dog house more inviting but he still finds it unacceptable. What does he want? A room at The Ritz?
Peg has suggested that we revise our calendar and prioritize our plans. She said we should have pre-surgery plans and post-surgery plans. I agree. So we must begin work on the wigwam retreat by next week.
Then after I'd already had supper, Pearl invited me, Gloria and Ed down for pizza. I was not hungry but I went and found myself stuffed to the ears before I left!
Now I am going to relax and watch another episode of Sherlock Holmes.

Today Pearl planned a dinner and invited guests. It was especially for Jim and Wendy. Pearl brought a cake, a casserole and the steaks. Jim grilled the steaks outside. I brought potato salad. Evelyn brought sliced tomatoes. I had prepared a really beautiful steamed asparagus with mushrooms and red peppers... but it burned while I was working on the 49th roundup!
Did I tell you that the new kitchen light is so bright it is like opening the door into a sunny world? I think it makes vitamin D!

I'm going to watch The Outsiders tonight.

Arrived in Cass Lake yesterday and had a wonderful time with Wallis, Chey and Gene. Then to Bemidji library for the Authors festival this morning. What a beautiful batch of children showed up and so enthusiastic to listen to the old storyteller. Met many old friends, too. They were also quite beautiful.
Afterwards we went shopping. I bought myself a gift. It was a cd in the $5 bin entitled Tony Bennett and KD Lang, A Wonderful Life. Makes me think I should be dancing. "Mmmmm when you press me to your heart... mmmmmm."
Got home and found the mailbox stuffed with good words and gifts! Dick and Cathy sent photos, Flo sent a book and photos. Pictures help keep the memories. Thanks for enriching my life with the precious gift of friendship.
Sat outside with Gloria and Pearl for a short time. But it got too cold and we soon scurried into the warmth of the building. Even Mr C was shivering.
Having fun makes this old girl tired.

I have finished reading "Summer of My German Soldier" for the third time and it is still a good story. I read the sequel, too. But once was enough for that. Now I will get to the "Life of George Bent".
For some reason I thought about how my stepdad got me two dresses for graduation. One was for the prom (pink) and one (yellow) was for if I didn't go to the prom. I had three invitations to the prom but turned them down because I didn't want to ask for a dress! So eventually I wore the dateless yellow dress and we had a left-over pink prom gown to sell.
The custodian arrived to put a new light in the kitchen ceiling. It is so bright it is like walking into the outdoors on a sunny day. I wonder if I can get enough vitamin D from it to satisfy my health needs?
I had one of those terrible flashbacks that are getting farther and farther apart. I was standing at the edge of the tree line when a group of people appeared pushing a gurney. I walked over and a cop unzipped the black body bag. It was my grandson Brandon! He was like a sleeping angel. When I looked up I saw a cop staring at me. I screamed at his impassive white face, "You didn't know him! You don't care!" I tried to reach the cop... I don't know what I was going to do. But my feet got tangled in the grass and I heard women whispering around me, "Don't let her fall." So they held me up with their spirit hands. Even now I can't help but weep for all the long years without him.

Now I am getting ready to drive to Cass Lake to spend a couple of days with Wallis, Chey and Lamaya. I am expected for supper. I know it will be good.

Nick started a fb conversation about Billy Mills the hero of my younger days. We had a good time exchanging words. I wonder how his knees are holding up? I once went to a Red Lake school picnic as a chaperone, Billy was a guest. I asked him for his already-been-used plastic spoon. He laughed and surrendered it to me. I never washed it. But when I showed it to friends and explained that it had been used by Billy Mills, they said, "It looks just like any other old plastic spoon." I realized they were right. So when Billy came to Park Rapids I took the spoon, explained my dilemma and he quickly applied his coveted autograph.
Today was the meeting of the Deer Crest Manor Lawrence Welk fan club. The membership consists of Pearl, me and Mr C. Today I proposed that we give ourselves a really great name. I suggested "The Hotsey Totsey Girls" (Mr C is neutered so he doesn't care). Pearl was in agreement. But when I said we should wear red and white striped jackets and straw hats for our Sunday meetings... she drew the line.
As I was preparing a wonderful omelette for lunch I discovered a double mushroom! I took it across the hall to Randy and he received it like a gift of gold.
I was washing a few rugs and a throw when Cedar arrived. We decided to transplant Dorothy's flowers as the humidity was making it difficult for her to breathe. Annie and Geezis came later. They left and Cedar and I soon followed. We cut some long sticks for our field dancing idea. We added the ribbons to three sticks and practiced our dance until the storm fell around us. Then we scurried into the Redd Shedd, lit several candles and enjoyed the wind and the rain. We discussed the selection of our dance dresses. Annie said she will video the performance. I hope I don't fall on my face...

One of the problems with the sticks is that they get heavy after several minutes so I may have to whittle them down to make them easier to handle.

Gloria was in need of soil for her African corn plant. I happen to know where there is a pile of black dirt that no one has been using. So we got a shovel and I pushed the wheel barrow across the hospital parking area. It was grown over pretty bad so I had some hard digging but I was able to get enough dirt to fill the pot and home we went happy as two old shoes.
She couldn't dig because both her knees are swelled up and look like rose balloons stuck to her legs. I gave her my rice bag yesterday and she said it brought her great relief. She is going to collect white rice from food shelf so I can make another one. Surely no one could object since the rice would be put to a useful purpose.
I have decided to send  the new knees a message of introduction and make them welcome in my life. I will greet them with grace and joy. These old knees have carried me to many fabulous places. They have been good and loyal friends. When I said, "We will go to the mountains." They did not decline.
I probably will not make great demands of the new knees but I do expect them to carry me away from the rather restricted life I have been living. A life without mountains... oh, God! how shall I endure?

Got a date for the left knee replacement surgery... July 19. I have to deal with that fractured root canal first and start a regimen of iron to build up my blood. After the dental surgery on June 25 I am going to start using the immuni-tea with bear root for 2 weeks. Just to give myself an edge. The odds are 2 out of 100 knee surgeries will get infected. So I am trying to avoid becoming part of that 2%.

Peg called me today and sang "Those Were The Days My Friend". She has worked out all the chords so we can add it to our song book. I think I could use a tambourine, too. La la la la la la lalalalalala...

Peg picked me up and we went to Cass Lake. First stopped at her aunt Ella C's very nice house nestled under the tall trees. Ella made a little tea party for us complete with shortbread sandwich cookies. Then she gave us a couple rolls of lace for Pearl's fan project. Then we were on our way to Sherry's for a terrific lunch and a good visit. We got to meet Sherry's mom, Jeannie. Sherry wanted to audition for the kazoo band but I didn't have a kazoo with me.
Peg and I told them about our new idea! We want to build a wigwam retreat out at Peg's cabin. We will begin gathering the things we need at once. Also we have modified our bench idea. We think our first vision was too big and we are now committed to placing two benches for a senior walk project. We have not abandoned the drift wood sculpture idea but it is not the priority. Although we can start gathering the wood at any time.

I finished one of the small purses I cut from my mother's blouse. I will be able to complete eight. Some of the granddaughters will be disappointed.

The roofing crew arrived early and got straight to work. I visited the bookmobile and got 5 movies and a recorded book, Dr Zhivago. Also, two craft books for ideas. I spent most of the day in Grand Rapids. Dropped Mr C at the groomer. Found the zippers I need for a purse project. Ran into Wendy and Jim at Salvation Army store. Came home to find the roof was done and the 12 man crew was picking up debris. It is hard to believe they got the job done in one day. I picked up six kazoos, too. I am interested in starting a kazoo band. How's your hummer? Also, I stopped at credit union to see if my check was deposited and it is in my account. So all is well for 30 days.

The flowering shrub at back door of manor is hosting a community of swallowtails, monarchs and sphinx moths. I got some good shots of the moth. What a beautiful little winged jewel.  I should have added this to the previous post. But didn't think of it until now.

Have the little purses laid out and need four more zippers to complete the project. I will try to assemble one. I'll learn a lot from the mistakes I make. I do have Peg's purse to copy but no real pattern. It will be a challenge but the results will be fantastic. I love to bumble along toward happy outcomes.
Such a nice Skype visit with Ann M today. We hadn't seen each other for a couple weeks. She was sitting under a Mexican thunder storm and I was being entertained by fledgling birds singing their first songs in the glorious green bowers of pigeon's roost.
Her doctor told her to resume some gentle walking. So I am wondering where her steps will take her on this anniversary walk.

Went to oral surgeon this morning. He tells me an old root canal has broken off in my lower jaw and extensive surgery is required to get it out. The rest of the bad news is that my insurance does not cover anesthesia which will be required. So I have to raise the cash before I show up for the surgery on June 25. I have a good job coming up so I can cover the added expense. But I think it strange that it is not covered. I said I would be willing to undergo the procedure with a local but the doctor didn't go for that.
The wonderful injections that I am getting in my knees to reduce pain has changed my life. I know it is only temporary relief but it is wonderful to go up and down the stairs without wincing. The cracking and grinding sounds the knees make can be distracting. But the pain has been so greatly reduced that I am often over confident.
My bottle of ink arrived today. I need it for my grandmother's old pen. I also got a beautiful new journal with a dark red cover embossed with Japanese floral design. It made me feel abundantly rich to smell the paper and touch the flowers.

I am considering a new project composed of driftwood. A large art piece that will require several interested recruits. I think it will be late in the year when I get my legs working again. Onward!

Looking into another busy day but wanted to share a dream. I was at the old Cass Lake Indian Hospital. It was the way it looked in the 1950s. We were having some kind of a gathering and I think a picnic was involved. But suddenly the sun was gone and it became dark as night. It started raining fiercely and many of the people started running for shelter. I decided to go to my mother's house which was near by. As I hurried through the rain I became quite excited at seeing Mom. I knew she'd be surprised to see me because she had been gone for many years to the other side. I had no trouble running because I was not old, but I wasn't young either. When I got to the closest door I entered to find it had been converted to a curiosity shop. There was so much stuff scattered about that I couldn't pass into the rest of the house. Then a blond-haired woman entered with a broom and told me to go around the house to the kitchen door. As I went back into the rain I was smiling broadly in anticipation of seeing Mom. But as I hurried along the side of the old house I started to wake up. I tried to go faster. I heard her laughter. I knew she was excepting me but suddenly I was awake. I felt very sad when I opened my eyes to find myself alone at Pigeon's Roost.

Yesterday was a wonderful gathering at Skunk Lake to celebrate the 40th anniversary of long-time friends Carter and Flo Hedeen. I used to live in the Park Rapids area so it was a wonderful opportunity for reuniting with many other old buddies. Sharon Henneman and Patty Kakac came up from Evansville and I drove from Deer River. We did our 4th show together as the Grandmother Voices. It was a beautiful day. But too soon I had to get back on the road so I would be home before dark. We stopped at Emmaville for supper and to talk about our group, our mission, our name and songs we might add to our program. We found the cafe closed because Clayton was having his 90th birthday party. But we got invited in for a free meal. We sang a much appreciated Happy Birthday to Clayton and enjoyed the party food. Then we sang the new song we are still working on, Many Nations. We are dedicating it to the North Country Trail with special emphasis on the Itasca Moraine Chapter. Clayton was so moved a tear rolled down his cheek. It was all quite beautiful.
Then I was on the road again. I stopped at Jean Whitney's cabin so we could pick up some zippers at Ann Mikkelsen's Hobby House. I got four zippers and had to get back on the road because the sun was sitting pretty low in the sky. Total darkness caught up with me near Federal Dam and I swopped through the night on the wings of an owl... I think.

The zippers will be used for a special project I am planning for my daughters and some of my nieces.

Picked up the new shoe inserts and I can feel where my arches used to be. I have to ease into them and it will take a about 10 days until I can wear them for a ten-hour day. Tomorrow is a two hour day.
Got some sewing done and finished the ironing I was saving up. Ripped the seams of a pair of black pants to get in a new elastic. What a mess. It looks like a rat was chewing on it. Did I tell you I cut eight small purses out of my mother's old blouse? I am going to give them to her granddaughters... just the older ones who knew her best.
Had a few phone calls and watched "The Josephine Baker Story". I didn't know much about her. Didn't know she worked for civil rights and was an active member of the French underground during the war.