Adjusting

Greetings All:

Summer came to a slamming end here in La Crosse this week. Snow and cold weather has moved in at least temporarily for the time being. I believe we will have some (Indian Summer as we called it as a kid 50 years ago) warm weather and I will get at least one more Harley ride in for the year. Although just in case I am getting ready to make a place to store it and get out the snow blower for later this year ( I hope ).

Grandma and I are becoming bird experts and have several feeders and houses up for our feathered friends. It looks like all the houses are full now and we are experimenting with the foods to keep the birds happy. We are the only place that keeps water out year round so we will get our share of all different kind of birds. I will post some of those pictures later.

I still struggle on how to get pictures on to this blog so that is part of the delay I am having right now. My new Palm Pre takes great shots but then again getting those pictures to a place I can upload them has been a challenge.

This weekend part of the troops will be down as Grandpa Thiede celebrates his 90th birthday. We will be dog sitting as everyone helds over for the festivities. It should be an exciting weekend.

I am going to try to through a picture of Grandma up on the blog. Wish me luck. Till later i say "doei".

It has been a while

Greetings All. It has been a while and much has changed since we last documented the life in La Crosse. I have some future blogs to add so look forward to them shortly. They will cover my trip to Canada, my visit with JD, Beth and Hailey (look forward to Hailey's photo shoot she did with my camera), my visit to Grand Rapids (The Lakes Inn was my home away from home) and finally the time spent in Duluth watching football and having a Meal at the Ground Round.

The colors in La Crosse have changed dramatically already much sooner then the North Land. Mom and I have taken up the hobby of Bird Watching. This has been fun and the number of different birds is incredible. I will post a blog with pictures to cover this topic soon.

My Family Wall of Fame is well on its way and I can't wait the kids to see it. If anyone wants to have a picture added just send it to me so I can print it out. Yo conserve space I am using 4X6" pictures. Hope this finds everyone well and my thoughts and prayers go ot to my family, extended family and all my friends (old & new). Special prayers for Abbey, who I miss and am not sure where she is right now and also a special prayer for Andrew as he continues to wait for final orders to getting him going in the Navy and the Nuke Program. He will join his cousin Matt in the service to our Country. Soon he will be able to look at his Uncles Larry, Brad and Jerry and know he is a ship mate.

Well enough for now as the clock strikes (I guess digital Clocks do not strike anything) 3:07 Am. Until next time take care and doei.

Marvin Turns One

Greetings .... the youngest of the 3 4 legged friends who call our home their home turned 1 the other day. It is very true that he has entered the terrible twos, in fact he has been there for a while. It is a tradition that Jerry started that an angel food cake with cool whip would be the birthday boys treat. This year we expanded it to include Melvin and Cooper as guests. Grandma help control the scene and no dogs were bitten during the cake eating session (which did not take much time). Cooper started to check out Melvin's so he took his to the floor. Cooper and Marvin climbed onto the table to make sure not on crumb was wasted. rust me none were wasted and the table was like clean from one end to the other. After everyone finished it was time to go out side and chase birds or anything that came close to the backyard. There are several more picture on my profile if you are interested. Till later ... doei!

Picasa Web Albums - Papa Stu's blog

Picasa Web Albums - Papa Stu's blog

Greetings ...... again tonight I have showed how darn illiterate I am as it took me nearly an hour to post these pictures in a slideshow. Supposedly it was to work on each blog I do but I still can't get that part right. I my need to be saved by my step son Jim or daughter-in-law Heathyr. Anyways I just decided to add as many pictures so friends and family can see what I have in my picture gallery. Everyone can add to this just have Jim or Heathyr tell you how to do it. Enough rambling for now. Until later ..... doei

Landscaping

Greetings .... Jerry just recently had his landscapers in to trim the trees (to keep this old man from hitting his head as he mows) and bushes. The guys ado put wider circles around all the tress. The tree now have mulch around them. Marvin used to bring Grandma rocks from the gardens and since the change, no problems. The also added a Snowball tree that grandma wanted to add to the back yard. She can now look at it from her bedroom.
Doug Johnson Landscaping did the job. I would recommend them to anyone who is thinking of updating their property. Nice work Doug and we can't wait ti show it off to everyone. Till later .....doei

Sleepless in La Crosse

Greetings ..... Sleepless nights lead to beautiful sunrises I can see out of my bedroom window. It is quite amazing to hear the world outside the window before the birds wake up to make their first searches for food. It is also a time that the three dogs we have, Cooper, Malvin and Marvin , start to plan their attack on the bird feeders we have added to the deck. As they say "Build it and they will come", well that can also be said for the birds. Within minutes of adding 3 bird feeders to the deck the attack of all different species of birds started, It is almost as fun watching birds as it was to sit with Andrew when he was young and watch our fish in the large tank we had in the formal living-room of our home in Ft Collins, Colo. We could watch those fish for hours if he was tired other wise it was just a matter of minutes, but I think you get my drift.
Well here in La Crosse it is Great Grandma who gets the most enjoyment out of the birds although by the time she wakes up in the morning Cooper and Marvin have had a field day chasing some of the hundreds of birds that come to eat early in the morning.
So the early morning hours I share with my daughter in law Heathyr (pictured above) who lives in Grand Rapids and who just recently blessed me with a new grandson, Ashyr. These are special times as I always check to see what inspiration comment she will add to face book during these early hours. Some are real thought provoking and some are rants.
Although i t does make it a long day so I do take an afternoon nap, which bugged me at first, but I am getting real used to them and do enjoy the refreshing naps even though the dogs try to take over my bed as the catch an afternoon nap too.
The 4 hours of sleep I get now is more from the habit of getting up early and heading into work at the catering company but seems to work out fine as I have time to blog, read the newspaper and ennjoy the early mornings before the rest of the household gets moving here on French Island. Until later .... later.

A global symbol for diabetes

A global symbol for diabetes

Tonight's thoughts come from me as I try to relate to this life long battle I am having with diabetes, I have always known it is a tough disease but could never imagined the battle diabetics wage everyday of their life. Since the summer of 1968 my mother has had to contend with disease and the side affects it causes. And now after nearly 41 years she still holds the upper hand in her battle. Although it is not easy. People who got diabetes at her age and at that time in history did not win the battle too often. She has and she will beat this disease, although she may not beat some of the other battles she is having. She is 77 years old now and she is able to take significant less of the two insulin's that we both take, her eyes are good and her feet although sore at times still have some feeling vs me who has no feeling on the bottom of my feet. Today, 41 years later she is in great physical shape and has some of the best numbers she has ever had. 12 years ago I had my doctor check my blood sugar (not something that is routinely done), and as I guessed I had a full blown case of diabetes. I actually believe as I look back I probably got diabetes in high school but didn't understand what was happening to my body. Most recently I have had a big flare up that led to my resigning my position at Savories Catering. Since then I have sold my home & move to La Crosse to live with my brother and to help take care of my mom. I thought maybe this would help my situation out, but that did not happen. My A1C has gone to 9.9 from 7.2 which is not good. 7.2 is above the goal of 7.0. It is not uncommon for me to have sugars that range from 350 to 500 where normal range is 80 to 120. I fight this each day and I try to do it with a smile. The pricks on the fingers to get blood to measure 4 to 6 times a day don't hurt as much and the idea of giving myself shot has now become common place. The lab attendants have become friends as they are always drawing blood to see where we are at with the disease. I write this not for people to feel sorry but for everyone to understand what a diabetic goes through each and everyday. Early diagnosis of this disease is important. If your feet burn, you are always thirsty, you feel run down for no reason and if you feel like you are in a fog after eating carbs you may want to get a quick check up. The technology on the treatment of this disease is coming along due to the many groups that are out there raising money. My kids walk for cures for Breast Cancer and I commend them and have let them know how proud I am of them. My brother has rode his Harley in the Thunder Ride to raise money for a cure of diabetes. This was his 6th year. It is my goal to ride next ti him next year. So to summarize my thoughts 1) Diabetes is a tough disease, 2) early diagnosis is important, 3) know and understand the signs of this disease and 4) support the cure if you have the time or money to do so. Till later ....

Tall Timbers Day In Grand Rapids

Greetings All: Several months ago Tony, my step son, asked if would be able to help him with his catering during the Tall Timber Days. Of course I accepted the request and prepared to be a part of his team. I left La Crosse shortly after 3 AM so I could pick up Abbey, my youngest daughter, and bring her to her mom and step dad's cabin. It was a nice ride and Abbey took over the driving duties at Milacs. She did a great job of driving and I was able to catch 40 winks on the drive, A far cry from when she first used to drive the big rigs that we have had over the years. (BTW I don't apologize for my big vehicles) We Arrived at Pizza works and visited with Dean (Tony's dad) for a while and then I took Abbey out to the cabin. It was my first trip out there and the cabin and the new garage are beautiful. Just yards from the lake. As we pulled up grandma Sue was giving the grand kids rides on here electric bike. Jackson, who we say "that is just Jack", had a huge smile as grandma drove him around the cabin. I am not sure who was having more fun, Grandma Sue or the kids because the we all lined up to take their turn. I got to visit with Jaime and my son in law Chad (who by the way is an outstanding father) and see all 4 of the kids. Then it was time to see Tony a find out the game plan. I had my favorite meal at PW the soft taco and broccoli and cheese soup. Tony, Deano and I visited and set a start time of 6 AM the next day. So I decided to check into the hotel (the Lakes Inn) and put my feet up for awhile as i knew it would be a fairly long day the next day. I flipped on sports center a put my feet up (about 1:30 pm) and thought I would catch a cat nap. What I caught was the full banana of a nap. 8:30 pm I woke up wondering where I was and what should I be doing. Call to Tony and I decided a pizza from the hotel would be my dinner. Back to bed. 5am came early but I was ready to go. Dressed for a hot day I went outside to meet the sharp cold breeze of northern MN. Back inside to dress more appropriately for the weather. I arrived at PW at 6:05 AM and Tony was waiting to go shopping for fruits and veggies. It was a blast to see how he thought and selected the items we would need for the 5 events we had today. With several years in catering experience with Savories Catering it was fun to talk portion size, yields and procedures. It was back to PW to start our prep work for the day. I don't want to bore you with the details, but I want to say that the PW staff is well trained, know the procedures to serve safe food and work extremely well together. I was very proud of the job they did. Jim and Dean were the next in and were getting set up for an event in Warba. Jim was a little tired from the events at grandma Sue's cabin. He got a chance to test his arm out on nephews Braden and Max. After some chatting and cooffee the were off. Julie, Tony's step mom was next to arrive. It was nice to see her again and we discussed the funshe had seeing all the kids at Heathyr's cabin. Soon she was of to the food tent to sell the Pizza Works products. Dean's brother Lane arrived with his wife to help out. I kept teasing them saying the can't be married they don't fight when the work together. Everyone helped to make pizza (including me) and Tony and I prep the veggies and fruits for the upcoming events. Things went perfectly due to Tony's organizational skills and leadership. His people performed flawlessly and the old didn't do bad if I must say so myself. The day ended and I headed to the hotel to see everyone serving the wedding that night, but I got lost in the conference center and could not find them so off to the room. Soon the phone rang and Jim wanted me to jjoin him in the Island to watch the Twins game. After a half hour of fun conversation his wife Beth and daughter Hailey arrived. We decided to dinner at the restaurant in the hotel that served Chinese. It was a great meal and a time to catch up on what was happening in their life. Beth ordered her meal with no sauce and the waiter was dumbfounded and it will be a memory I will never forget. Hailey filled me in on the names of the President, Vice President and Secretary of the treasury. I am guessing Dad had something to do with her knowing all this stuff. After dinner it was back to the Island where Dean, Julie, Tony and a couple guys from PW joined us. Fun was being had by all. Heathyr and Ashyr were in the hotel but weren't able to join us. Son Andy posted a comment on face book so Beth took Jimmy and my picture and he posted it. Shortly after that Larry Olson,my ex brother in law and the boys Uncle sent a message to find out where we were and the party started. About 1030 I asked Tony to show me where Heathyr was becasue I wanted to see her and Ashyr. We found Heathyr and she gave Ashyr to me and we took him down to my room. Hailey was excited to see her cousin so we let her hold her and Help Auntie Heathyr feed him. It was time for Papa Stu to hold him again as he got ready to go home. It was back to the island to say good night and tank Larry and Sharon for stopping by. Great night sleep and off to the shop at 8 am. Everything was taken care of so at 10 AM I met Jam, Beth and Hailey for brunch. Heathyr arrived shortly afterwords and Papa Stu to over with Ashyr so Heathyr could eat. Between me and Hailey we accomplished our job and Heathyr got eat. Soon it was time to head back home. After hugs and a kiss from Hailey and one more glance at Ashyr it was time to leave. This was special time just like the time I spent with all the other kids 2 weeks before. Leaving is never fun but I can say my time spent with everyone was awesome. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon. Until then later........

What The Heck Are People Thinking????

Greeting all: Tonight I have decided it is time to speak to some of the things happening in America today. To say I am an expert in politics would be a misleading statement. Over the years I have taken an interest in how our National government really works. And quite frankly I am stunned. A family friend, Ron Kind Dem from Wi is a 16 year member of the House of Representatives. House of Representatives, (an oxymoron) is suppose to represent the people not decide what is best for the people they represent. Ron after 16 years still does not have enough seniority to be a chairman of a committee. With that said you may see some of my concern that we are being represented by a bunch of very long term members that really are not in touch with their constituents. The picture on this blog is my grand children who i love dearly. I am concerned that if we don't start to be more fiscally responsible life as we see it now will be so much different for all the grandchild of the USA. I don't want to ramble too much but let's talk Health care. I have spent the last 18 years in northern MN and my bothers are living in La Crosse, WI and Rochester, MN. Jerry in La Crosse where I am now with my mother and Jeff works for the Mayo Clinic. This area in the country has been lauded for its outstanding health care services and its ratio of spending to patient served. Our President has commented on this several times in recent weeks. My concern is the leaders of the medical community (Mayo President, Gunderson Lutheran VP and the VP for Franciscan Skemp Medical Center) feel this program will hurt there services in this area. They have spoken publicly about this. I back the need to upgrade the system and feel strongly about that position. However, I believe that the way the program is written right now our representatives should vote NO. It may help the country at large, but it will hurt our area. So here is the test and the reason I mentioned oxymoron because it is time for our Representatives to represent us and our piece of the USA. Only time will tell how this goes down but I feel either way it goes congress will have many new faces after the mid term elections. I know many of my family may not agree with me, but remember I am a57 year old, overweight diabetic that does not fit well into the slots that we may need to be in to get treatment in older age. So that is my thoughts and why I feel this way. This is America not Europe or Canada. Later.....

Reunion at the cabin

A special thanks to Heartyr and Tony for hosting most of the clan in the first annual 3 rd weekend of July family get together. Day one gave everyone a chance to get to know each other a little better and to let the kids unwind and baby Ashyr to get held by all his Aunties and cousins. Papa Stu also got to hold him for a while. Uncle Andy spent the day harassing the niece and nephews and chasing the dogs. Pap Stu caught a couple of hours of sleep in the cabin. I think Heathyr thinks its her job to wake me up because it seems lately I have had to nap before going on to other activities. From the cabin, where we had a wonderful dinner prepared by Chef Tony,
we went back to the Lakes Inn, the hotel Heathyr's dad owns. (btw Heathyr and her family took care of the rooms for all the out of towners). "That is the way we roll" Heathyr explained when I questioned the room charge. I have learned early the my girls and my daughter-in-laws are very independent women and you better understand they mean what the say and they say what the mean. The evening ended with a few cocktails in the Island (bar in the hotel) and a pizza made by Heathyr's father Juan who was a excellent host and visited with us as much as he could. Day two started out at 10 AM with a brunch with the whole gang. The meal was excellent, the company was perfect and everyone enjoyed themselves. From there the group headed back to the cabin where Dean and Julie joined the group. As I had to head back home I missed the Sunday event but I understand it was an awesome opportunity to spend more time in the sun. I will get back to Rapids so I can spend sometime by the lake that has so many memories for Heathyr, Tony and baby Ashyr. Thanks again to Tony and Andy's persistent reminding to get this first annual event together. Till later Doei (which my friend Joke from Belgium says means good bye).

A Visit That's Been Too Long In Coming

Greetings All: I have just completed packing and putting everything together for my trip to Grand Rapids via Duluth, MN. I am leaving at 3AM so I will be able to stop at Savories Catering (my last stop on the 40 year food service career) to say hello to my friend Chef Steve Pedley and the ol' FU lady Joyce. It should be fun. Then it will be off to Sarah's house for coffee and reminiscing the last 6 years we worked together. Savories is now her company and she is taking it to the next level. From there it will be a 90 minute drive to Grand Rapids to meet up with my kids and grand kids to have a party with Tony, Heathyr and Ashyr. He is the cutie in the picture on this post. Son Andrew is already in Rapids and says "those Rapids girls better look out now, the big event (I think he means himself) has arrived." Jaime and Chad will be traveling in from Duluth with three of the 4 children and their two dogs. Abbey & Chris are coming in from Minneapolis and Jessica and Mike are driving in from Belle Plains, MN. Thank god Heathyr's parents own the hotel. I don't think they can throughout relatives can they? I am hoping that Dean & Julie, Steve "panky" Hanson (the kids grandpa) and Uncle Larry Olson maybe joining us. I will fill evryone in on the wekend when I get back. So for now it time to end this post.

Pictures

Greetings: Today I again worked on hanging pictures at the house. I didn't get far as I spent more time smiling and thinking about the time frame of the picture and the story behind them. I discovered in a box yesterday pictures that go back to the time when Jessica, Jim, Tony and Jaime were about 7 to 9 years old. Some of these pictures are classics and they also have Andrew and Abbey when they were young also.
This weekend I will bring them up north so all can see. The trend now is to do a better job of capturing the "moments in time" and document a child whole life. I believe this is a good thing and with digital cameras the things you can make of the kids are great presents for Uncles, Aunts and grand parents (hint ... hint).
I am sure the cameras will be clicking in GR and the new memories will start to develop. Documenting items now is easier than trying to do it 30 years later. Well enough for now and happy picture taking and remember to send Papa Stu copies so I caninclude them in the blog.

Picasa Web Albums - Papa Stu's blog - Papa Stu's blog

Picasa Web Albums - Papa Stu's blog - Papa Stu's blog

Dreaming

Greetings from La Crosse:

They say if you dream it you can have it. The book, "The Secret" talks directly about this concept. I have read it several times and am starting to understand its meaning. Brother Jerry introduced the concept to me. Jessica and I have had several conversations about the concept and for my birthday she got me the "Gratitude Book"where you list the things you are grateful for at this time. You also list the things that you want, but list them as if you already have them. The premise is that if you always dwell in the positive and not be negative as you will get what you are asking for in your thoughts. For example, if you are constantly thinking about your debts and having no money that is what you will continue to get as that is what you are dreaming about in your mind. No reverse that process and think and be thankful for a new car (though you don't have it yet act like you do have it) and in time it will come to you. This concept has been around for ever and many of the most brilliant people who have lived have used it. My wish is that all my children would read "The Secret" and see if this will be a concept that will be life changing for them. I believe it can work for each of them. Later ....

Remember to Remember

As tomorrow is July 4th and most of the country is enjoying family gatherings that will probably include hamburgers, hot dogs and apple pie along with homemade ice cream. I hope everyone takes a minute to reflect why the are able to enjoy this holiday weekend. Since the beginning of fight for independence, America has beaten the odds and has kept its people free to practice their religions, build their own dreams and be able to voice their opinions about our country by voting. Now, this didn't come all at once for sure, but as they say we have come along way baby. This year we elected an African American to be President of the United States. Not that long ago in America, the African Americans couldn't vote. But our predecessors fought for what they believed in and change happened We continue to be safe in America today due to the few who stepped up to make a difference whether back in colonial time, the World wars, conflicts and today two war fronts and several other areas of concern. So I say thanks to the men and women who today are still fighting to keep us free and able to celebrate the way we choose. Their sacrifices are what makes July 4th our Independence Day.

Another Crazy Day

Greetings All:

Crazy day on many fronts. First, mom's case worker was here for lunch. Lunch went well but the case worker noticed a big change in mom due to the Alzheimer's. She mentioned to me it was apparent, we see it but it changes such a little each day we don't see the whole picture. The six weeks since she was here told the true story. Secondly, training continued with the dogs. Jerry got Marvin and Melvin ready to go (leash & collar) so we could start. Next thing you find out is mom has taken off the collars because she doesn't like them. Next, she decides to run next door to get the dogs ball and comes back in just a panting.Oh well, only time will tell.

Getting ready for my motorcycle class. Should be interesting. In fact, I need to run so I can do some studying, the old mind doesn't remember as good as it once did. I let you know how the class goes.

Doggie Training

The month of May and first week of June the three dogs went to Doggie School in Elgin, IL. Marvin the 10 month old Boston Terrier was the first to go. Jerry and I drove Marvin down and dropped him off with Marc and Pat shown with Cooper. A week later Melvin, the 5 year old Boston Terrier went down to join his brother.

When we arrived we were surprised at the difference in Marvin. He actually walked on a leash instead of Jerry having to drag him. Marvin was happy to see us but more happy to see Melvin.

A week later we went down to pick them up and Jerry and I had our training as to how to keep them on pace. This was fun and easy until we returned home to grandma didn't like the terriers wearing their new collars and the new rules for them. Basically they had to earn their playtime, toys and freedom. This went over like a lead balloon but we continued to work with them and they are doing very well.

Cooper was the last to make the trip. My goal was to have him be ale to be off the leash some and to come when signaled. He did well at this and was happy to show off for Jerry and I. To date he can be totally off the leash when I am with him and I have gotten him to come back while he was in full stride after a rabbit. He still tries to push the limits but for the beagle breed he is doing great.

LaCrosse Here I Am

I arrived 6 1/2 hours later in LaCrosse and backed the U-haul (much nicer than the one I used to move to Fairmont, MN in 1978) into the driveway and went in to be greeted by Cooper, Melvin and Marvin the family pets and of course Mom was waiting at the window. I would normally show a picture of Mom but I don't have a clue how to do that so I will need to wait for JD or Jaime to save me.

So on the last day in Duluth, I transferred titles for my car and home, picked up Cooper's paperwork, had lunch with Mike, said my good byes and blew out of town.

After a few hours of sleep Jerry flew in from LA and we left to go back to Duluth to get the Jeep as I left it there when I drove the U-haul to La Crosse. A quick 9 hour turn around and I was back in La Crosse for good.

Good news the next day was a day of rest. Then came the paid troops to move my stuff in to the garage and the few heavy things into the basement bedroom. Good it was nice to see young guys enjoying their work as these fellas did for us. Sixty minutes and Sixty dollars later and a good tip from Jerry the guys were on their way. Amazing how few of things I had accumulate after 15 years on Plumtree Circle.

It Started in May

Well it all began prior to the first of May as I stepped aside after close to 40 years in the food business. My friend and confidant Sarah took the reigns of the Savories Catering operation that I had worked to rebuild for 5 years. We Spent 3 plus years getting her and her team ready. They are kicking butt and taking names even in this economy.

So mid April for the first time in a long time I didn't have to get up and go to work. I was a "consultant". Man a nice gig if you hook into one. With that in mind, I procrastinated until 3 days before my move to get myself packed to move. Actually I use the word myself loosely as it was Jaime, Andrew and son-in-law Mike who did the work.

Moving day Mike and the Savories crew go me loaded up and on my way by 2:30 pm and it was on to La Crosse, WI.

About Time Eh

Greetings All:

It certainly been a long time since Jaime set this blog up for me. I am going to try to use it to keep people posted and the family connected. Jim and Jaime do a great job with their blogs, for me I will strive to be above average.

So before I can move forward, I will need to go backwards. I will add posts that will cover my move here until today. Then I will march forward. Enough until then.