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.