White Christmas

Here in Central Wisconsin, we are definitely going to have a white Christmas. Saturday night we got hit with about 9 inches of fresh snow along with winds gusting up to 40 mph. Good thing I went grocery shopping on Saturday morning before it hit. I've attempted to leave my apartment, but there is a 3 foot snow drift right outside my door. I do have a shovel, so I could shovel myself out except the fact that it's in my garage which is on the other side of the building. It is nice not to have to shovel because I live in an apartment complex, but it's not much fun having to rely on others to shovel me out. Hopefully they will come plow me out soon because my parents and Nathan and Katie are coming over here for supper tonight before Christmas Eve service at church. Then, we'll be heading out to my parents house. Nathan and Katie are bringing the dogs with them, so it will be good to see them as well once again. Tomorrow we will be having Christmas for my mom's side of the family at our home. I was supposed to go to my mom and dad's house yesterday to make lefse for the festivities, but I was stuck at my apartment. Merry Christmas everyone!!! Hope everyone's holiday is wonderful!

Christmas Season has started

We look forward to Christmas each year. A time to reconnect with our families. This year we were short one of our family members-Miranda. She started a new job recently and felt she could not come home- And we miss her.
Our family has chosen to draw names for gifts. This is the 2nd time we did this and I am so glad we did. It is so nice no to have to worry about buying tons of stuff which most of us don't need (or maybe want) anyway. We are in Duluth and we had our Christmas yesterday. We had loads of fun, playing games, eating a great vegan meal and enjoying some drinks. We just enjoyed each other...its nice to give stuff but its so much better to just give a bit of time and spend time with our families.
I hope you all can enjoy your Christmas with your own families and I hope to see some of you over the holidays.
Merry Christmas to All!

Dog saves woman's life in house fire

The house that burned down is just one street over from where we live!

 

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) - Woman's best friend? A dog who saves her from a fire.

Cathy Minnig was exercising on her basement treadmill Wednesday night, wearing music headphones, when her Labrador puppy began jumping on and off the couch and otherwise acting strange.

Fire Chief Mike Scott said Minnig took off her headphones to hear fire alarms. She ran upstairs to find her living room engulfed in flames. Minnig grabbed the dog and ran outside, Scott said.

Both woman and dog were OK. Minnig's two sons weren't home at the time.

 

You can read the full story here:  Dog's warning credited with saving Eagan, Minn., woman from house fire

 

quilts

grandma saysi just had to show off my latest quilt. gary was here yesterday -took the pictures an put them on the blog. the colors do not show up real good but they are several shades of purple. there is a little green in the flowered part. i am using it on our bed as a soread
i finally finished my baking. i am sure all of you are only interested in the "burner" cookies.

My New Quilt

Car 54, where are you?

I found this amusing!

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) - A woman suspected in a burglary found a convenient getaway: the squad car of the officers who arrested her.

McKenzie Schafer, 27, of Minneapolis was arrested and handuffed Sunday by officers investigating the theft of a laptop from the North St. Paul Athletic Association building. Court papers say when officers went back into the building after putting Schafer in the back of their squad, she got into the front and drove away.

She was later caught in front of a sandwich shop by officers in another squad car. Schafer told police she took the squad to help look for the men who burglarized the building.

She was charged in Ramsey County District Court with two counts of burglary and one count of escaping from custody.

 

Here's a link to the story if you're interested.

They're baaack!

In the movie Poltergeist the little girl looks into the TV screen and says in a really eerie voice, "They're heeereee!"  In the not nearly as scary and not nearly as good Poltergeist II the little girl looks into the screen and says in a similarly eerie voice, "They're baaaack!"  We're never fully sure who "they" are, since she's looking at a tv screen that's all snow when she says the line.  It's hard to imagine something that would be "baaaack" and cause more fright than a poltergeist.

 

Unless it's zubaz.

 

Next thing you know, they'll revive the old American Gladiator TV show.  Wouldn't that be scary!

Links and posting

Earlier last week Gary wrote a post about a website called SparkPeople.com that he uses to track calories and weight related items.  He asked me if I could add a link to the Family Blog so it would be easy for him and anybody else to easily remember where it is.  I finally got around to doing that this evening.  I put a header in there too, creatively titled "Links".  So if anybody else has websites that they think the family blog should link to, let me know and I can easily add them.

Also, this post was made via email.  I've got the blog set up so I can go into whatever email client I'm using, send an email and it will magically transform itself into a blog post.  Pretty neat, eh?  I know some of you might be interested in a feature like this so I decided to play around with it.  It's really easy to do.  So if you want me to try to set things up so you can do the same, let me know.

I hope everybody had a nice Thanksgiving and is enjoying the snow we've had so far.  It's made biking pretty difficult this past week, but that's what makes life interesting.  Ciao!

Streaker

Lets Say Thanks

I know some of us have been directly afftected by the war, some of us have been there, others have had someone very close to you who has been involved.
I figure this is something we can all do to show appreciation to those of you who have served and for those who are there now!
Thanks to all who have been there, who are there now and who are going!

We would not be here without you!!!!!

Something cool that Xerox is doing.

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!This is a great site. Please send a card. It is FREE and it only takes a second.Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our guys and gals over there need to know we are behind them.

Remember Pearl Harbor Day!!

Nursery Project

Daddy's hard work sure did pay off! The nursery is complete (minus a couple of things to hang on the walls!) Sure, we're pretty partial but we just LOVE it!

Mountain Swooping

This video is simply amazing.



I'm not sure if I would puke, lose control of my bodily functions or completely relax and enjoy the ride. Maybe all three!

Just a few winter pictures after about 8" of snow fell in a 12-18 hour period. We had already cleaned off these areas about 5pm last night so this is what fell into the evening and overnight.

Wost Christmas Decorations Picture Contest

I would like everyone to keep your cameras ready and see who can capture and post the worst, most gaudy decorations this year.

You know what I am talking about...those plastic nativity scenes (made in china)...those foux snowmen...the blow ups...on and on and one and on....

I bet I win. Already I have see the blow ups comming out-you know those giant ugly blow up figures of balloons with a santa inside. We sure have a bunch of those around town. On my way to Red Lake, I found a house with at least 10 of these around the house. I will try to get a picture and post it soon.

I bet it should be easy around Mpls and Duluth to find these winners...

I just hope you do not have to take the picture in your own front yards to win this contest.

Spark People

I have been a member of this site for quite some time. Its called Spark People. It's a healthy lifestyle type site that helps with tracking diet and exercise and provides tips and articles about healthy choices. Anyway since using this site I have gotten my blood pressure back to my recommended ranges. No meds.

I am confident my high cholesterol has reduced (350 at the highest) as well because of diet changes but I have not verified that lately. With meds I had it down to about 250 but for the last year or so I have been life choices that help reduce cholesterol.

Anyway please take a look and take a bit of time on this site and see if you could benefit as well. I was hoping that Carol and Anna could preview this and give some feedback as well.

I have also asked Peter to put a link on the home page for a quick access.

Best of all, its free.

Winter Wonderland

I don't know about the rest of you, but we definitely got quite the snowstorm yesterday. I left my apartment at about 10:30 to go to a baby shower about an hour away and it wasn't snowing yet. I finally got home at 5 and we had gotten about 7 inches of snow. Days like that I really wish I had a truck. I barely made it into my apartment complex's driveway. To top it off, we got some freezing rain on top of all the snow overnight. I'm just happy I don't have anywhere to go until I have to go to work at 7 pm tonight. Hopefully the snow will be cleared by then. Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Theo

Most of you have met our dog Theo, either because you've visited us and been subjected to his overzealous greetings. Or you may have met him at the annual camping trip or when we packed him into the back of the van for a trip to Bemidji and other towns where family resides.

Theo died over the Thanksgiving weekend. We spent the weekend with Nancy's folks out in Lamberton, and sometime on Friday Theo disappeared. After an hour or two I went out in the car looking for him, and talked to a few of the neighbors. When Nancy got home from a shopping trip with her mom, she and Morgan went out again looking (Emma would have gone, but wasn't feeling well), but came home when it got too dark to see. Around 6:30 or so Theo just showed up at the back door, looking all happy and fine. He ate a little bit, but not much. We were up late that night playing Risk, and let the dogs out around 1:30 in the morning and everything seemed normal. But when Nancy's dad woke up the next morning he found Theo. It looks like he just died in his sleep.

He had a pretty good run, all in all, and I think it's easier to have him go this way than it would have been to decide to put him down. We're still finding clumps of his hair around the house and missing him. Bailey seems especially sad, so much so that she's not even all that excited about food. And with Bailey that's saying a lot! The kids think we should get another dog, but we're going to wait until after the holidays before deciding if we get another one.

2007 Thanksgiving at the Saunders'

Here's the happy little group that gathered around the Thanksgiving table at our house last week. Can you see the little Buddha just waiting to join our family next year?

Babe the blue ox

You can imagine my suprize when I read with delight about Babe the Blue OX's head falling off. As it turns out, this imposter resides in Klamath, California. The TRUE(Repaired) Babe is still standing tall and looking good in Bemidi Minnesota!

Bemidji's Night We Light

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/multimedia/slideshow.cfm?id=29

Here is a link for the Bemidji Pioneers pictures of "The Nignt We Light"

Starfire Screen Printing

Scott Lunt (of Nick and Scott) has a Duluth Based Business called

Starfire Screen Printing Company.

He is offering special T Shirts for the holidays. Here the three special ones he is making. These would make great stocking stuffers for anyone!

I believe the cost is $20. each with Free Shipping.

You can e-mail him directly for more information.

starfire@gmail.com

Thank you for your support.

Shop Minnesota

I copied this off a website http://www.mn2020.org/ . According to the web site only 43 cents stays in Minnesota when buying from big box retailers but 68 cents stay in Minnesota if buying locally. Below is shopping page.

As Minnesota 2020 Fellow Lee Egerstrom reported in Made in MN , buying Minnesota made products from local businesses can be a real shot in the arm to Minnesota's economy.Along with the report, Minnesota 2020 wants to make it easier to find Minnesota-made gifts. The directory below will hopefully point you in the right direction.Obviously there are many more Minnesota-made products than those listed here. If you have a product you would like listed here, send us an e-mail along with a photo to info@mn2020.org.

This gift guide was compiled by Andrea Sogaard, Nicki Moen, and Kelly Russell.

Food and Wine

Jewelry

Bath and Bed

Clothing

Toys and Gifts for Kids

Arts and Crafts

Indoors and Outdoors

Pets

Thumbs up on the pumpkin lefse

We got the thumbs up from Hildur-"our lefse leader" on the Pumpkin Lefse.

She thought we should add a bit of pumpkin spice into the dough next time.

She is also planning on making some soon to share with her friends.

Our Thanksgiving Gang

Nancy set a very nice table and with lots of

help from everyone we had a great Thanksgiving.

Vegan Thanksgiving

Grandma and Grandpa

Tofu Turkey with Herbed Stuffing

Even a vegan cheese ball. Eat your heart out Lois! :)

We had a great time.

Happy Thanksgiving

This is what you will Not see at our Thanksgiving Feast in Bemidji.

I am pretty excited about our Vegan ( no animal products allowed) Thanksgiving with Bryce and Hildur and Nick and Scott! I will post some pictures as time permits.

Take some pics at your celebration and post them on the blog for all to see!

Oh, the humanity!

Is it ironic that thousands of turkeys were killed in a fire the day before Thanksgiving?

FRAZEE, Minn. (AP) - Thousands of young turkeys are dead after a fire near here.

Firefighters were called around 3 a.m. Wednesday to the New Life Farm, west of Frazee.

The fire broke out in a barn where 20,000 turkey chicks were placed Tuesday.

Damage to the barn was minimal, but Frazee Fire Chief Paul Thon says there was a substantial loss of young turkeys.

No one was hurt.

It took crews more than two hours to control the fire. Detroit Lakes firefighters assisted.

The exact number of turkeys killed and the cause of the fire have not been determined.

Interesting Concept Indeed

This is an interesting concept with pros and cons on both sides as well as putting values on human organs...I am listening to MPR this morning and there are two transplant surgeons discussing and, I might add, in favor of selling kidneys because the time of wait for a kidney is about six years right now. Think about this...they are proposing a price range between $50-60,000 for a donation of a kidney. Other countries are already doing this...should we follow suit? Could/would you sell a kidney for $$$?

Thanksgiving

How does your Thanksgiving look this year? What this means to me is taking the time to express my gratitude for my familily. I love to get together and eat, play games and just to be with family on Thanksgiving. I have never been a football fan so that doesn't much appeal to me.This year Mom and Dad, and Nick and Scott will be coming. We will all sit around out table and most likely overeat and enjoy the dinner. I always like to play some games with who ever is here (Scrabble of Phase 10 would be good). Later we'll just have more food-I believe Scott is making a Pumpkin Cheesecake. In the evening or maybe the morning we'll call our missing daughter Miranda(some of you may remember her) and tell her we wished she would have been able to be with us again-I miss her!

Pumpkin Lefse Recipe

Thanks to Mom (Hildur) for sending us the instant potato lefse recipe she sent to us many years ago while we were stationed in Hawaii!


We made our Pumpkin Lefse Vegan because Nick and Scott are coming home...let me tell you...they are good. We spread butter on them and sprinkled sugar and pumpkin spice and they we great!
We made 16, ten inch rounds.
We also made some traditional ones as well.
Below is the recipe we used. We had to mix in a bit more flour than we expected because pumpkin is quite a more moist than potatoes.
Enjoy this Pumpkin Lefse!




4 cups instant mashed potatoes


1-16 Oz Can Pumpkin Puree


2 teaspoon salt


1/2 Cup Butter (or Earth Balance Spread for Vegan)


2 cup milk(or Soy Milk for Vegan)


2,5 cup flour


2-Teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice





Melt butter and salt in 1.5 cup boiling water. Pour mixture over instant potatoes and stir . Add 2 cup milk and 2.5 cup flour; stir together, then cool in refrigerator. Roll into golf ball size balls, about 1/4 cup, then roll out thin. Cook in hot griddle (475). Brown lightly on both sides.

Lefse, Pumpkin

Vegan, PUMPKIN LEFSE

A Vegan Thanksgiving

We have invited Mom and Dad and Nick and Scott to our home for Thanksgiving. The only challange is Nick and Scott are vegans-(no animal products). I told Mom this and she said," thats okay" and Dad said," good". So below is our menu. The only thing that is not Vegan is the Honeycomb-It's made by Bees...

Our Guests of Honor Include
Bryce and Hildur
Nick and Scott


Light Appetizers
Mixed Nuts
Crusty Bread with
Balsamic Vinegar and Oils
Soy Eggnog and Brandy

Entrees
Nick’s Mock Toferky & Stuffing
Fancy Nancy’s
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Baked Sweet Pumpkin
With Maple Syrup
Hildur’s Own Onion Breadsticks
(if they turn out-(her words)
Whole Wheat Rolls with Fresh Honeycomb
Gary's Pumpkin Lefse (if it turns out-if not Lena's store bought)

Scott’s Dessert
Scott’s Surprisingly Good
Surprise Desert

Beverages
“Not to Strong” Coffee
Nature’s Own Iced Tap Water
Farm Fresh Soy Milk
Forest Edge Wine

Pumpkin Lefse

We going to try to make Pumpkin Lefse (hold the Ish-Da) this weekend and I am looking for any ideas that might be interesting.

Of course I will be using the quick method !

(instand potatoes are really quick)

I thought I would just replace 1/3 of the potatoes with canned pumpkin and add some pumpkin pie spice.

Then I got to thinking-what about replacing the milk with egg-nog on a different batch? (ish da)

Any ideas?

mrs. senior

no- i don`t know her but i am proud of the way she put bemidji on the map.another lady who does is the one who enters cooking contests and very often wins. i can`t thik of her name now.

MS Senior America

This lady has beed crowned Ms. Senior America recently and guess what? She is from Bemidji! Does anyone know her? She is with her husband and daughter.

hi

grandma says-- good job on the pictures girls

thanks for the veterans day message, gary

Remember Those Who Served

Veteran's Day for me means remembering and honoring the service of those that served.

The old guys-Bryce and his brothers- The Gregerson Boys (whom I will not name)-when they went to war it was "for the duration" and they did not know when they would see home next-Many were gone 3-6 years straight and knew that they were in for the long haul! Most all able bodied men and women either went to war or were somehow supporting the war-

Dad, Thank you for your service!

Cedric-Was also in the "big one". I am remembering you today!

Al Lamon-(Dad's Brother) was in for over 15 years-Thank you Al-for your service!

Scott Saunders, (Viet Nam Era)Thank you Scott, for your service!

Russel Lamon- Russel was in for over 15 years-I saw him while we Germany-Thank you, Russel for your service!

Matt Saunders-Thank you Matt, for your service-If my memory is correct-Matt served for 3-4 years

and our most recent vet...

Mike Lamon. As most of you know Mike has recently returned from Combat operations in Iraq-He was injured and received the purple heart-I am really happy he came back from this one alive. Mike-Thank you for your service!

I am VERY PROUD of all of our families vets!

I may have missed someone but I hope not- If so let me know. (the memory is the first to go).

I'm Chuckling & That Is Good!!

I am eating lunch & just catching up on the blog and really enjoying it.

On November 7th...Grandma says "Hell to Everyone!" (we do know she meant to say, "hello!") However, her next blog says that she is proud of all her kids/grandkids & feels wonderful to have us all in her life (Lois is paraphrasing here!) I just laughed out loud because it caught me as being funny. And, for those of you that read or listen to Dr. Oz...well, we know that laughing is good.



I read (again with interest) Gary's comment about our blog & all of us being the blog! I'd like to 2nd that motion. When I think about how often I see some of my nieces/nephews...well, it is not often enough. This really keeps us connected in a very unique way & I have discovered that we have some very good photographers (thanks, Emma & Morgan & others for posting pics) and writers, too.



I also love clicking on Nancy's & Pete's "other blog" and reading what they are up to, too! And, Nancy, your pictures are wonderful! (no need to click on Lois' cooking blog...she is a slacker in that area...08 could use some improvement there!!)



So, please if you read this...& don't post...consider posting. It does bridge a gap when we are apart & I know that it keeps Mom & Dad up to date, too.

Kids take the most unflattering pictures

We turned Emma and Morgan loose with the digital camera a week or two ago. How do they manage to catch everybody looking their worst??

congratulations

grandma says--congratulations are in order for aaron--nick and randee for their new jobs. it is probably kind of a challenge as well as a little scary to begin with. i am sure you are up to it. we are proud of you as well as all our grandchildren and kids. we feel very very lucky to have all of you.
as for us -- old fogies--we are doing well for a couple of 86 year olds. we have had check ups and things are pretty good. hope everything is well with all of you

Our Family History

I was just looking at some of the old blog entries-we go back about three years-Where else can you find pictures of kids that are not even born yet? Or Santa Kane? It was fun to review some of the posts and comments.
I really wish that everyone would update us every so often-not just read the blog but help BE the blog. This website could go on forever! Once we are dead and gone people may get to know us a bit better just by reading and seeing what we said and hae done. When Pete's grandkids check out his blog-they may be thinking...Grandpa really was nuts riding his bike in the city in the winter. Or I did not know that Grandpa liked beer! Or that Anna was a free spirit.
If you need a new log in you can let me know and I will reissue you an invite. ( or Pete, Nick and Anna can also).

My first video upload

I wanted to try the video upload on Blogger-It was as easy as putting a picture on-get out your Digital Video camera and give it a try. I got this video from an e-mail that Nancy recieved.

Who are you voting for?

Very, very interesting. Not a joke. Try it!
Thinking about next year's election .. already made up your mind? still deciding? try this fascinating website!
Takes about 1-2 minutes.Having trouble deciding who to vote for in 2008?
This will compare your answers with ALL candidates. I found this to be of interest .... It did not select the candidate I had expected! Of even more interest was which were way down the list - and why..
Click on the website below http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460

If you can read this whole story without laughing then there's no hope for you. I was crying by the end.

Note: Please take time to read this slowly.If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better. For those of you who have lived in Texas Oklahoma or Lousiania, you know how true this is. They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Thanksgiving comes around.

Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chili taster named Frank, who was visiting from Northern Minnesota.

Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking for directions to the beer truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted". Here are the scorecard notes from the event: CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI

Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.

Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.Judge

# 3 (Frank) -- Holy sh--, what the h--- is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.

CHILI # 2 - AUSTIN'S AFTERBURNER CHILI...

Judge # 1 -- Smokey, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.

Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure whatI'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when theysaw the look on my face.

CHILI # 3 - FRED'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI...

Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.

Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.

Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feelslike I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone isin the front part of my chest. I'm getting shit-faced from all of the beer.

CHILI # 4 - BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC...

Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.

Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish orother mild foods, not much of a chili.

Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid,was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-LB woman is starting to look HOT...just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?

CHILI # 5 LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER...

Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.

Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lipsoff. It really p----- me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks.

CHILI # 6 - VERA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY...

Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance ofspices and peppers.

Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, andgarlic. Superb.

Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I s--- on myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snowcone.

CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI...

Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.

Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worriedabout Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.

Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing it's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inchhole in my stomach.

CHILI # 8 - BIG TOM'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI...

Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.

Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?

Judge # 3 No Report

hi

Grandma says hell to everyone

Hello

Testing the blog

More From Aaron

Hey, I read the blog, thanks for posting that there. I can expand on the job and you could cut and paste this to another entry:

The Minnesota Bound Show is just a small part of the new job. I start on the bottom rung which means alot of different things but mostly it means I have to pick up some pieces of a show that was started but not finished because the first 6 epiodes were not shot up to standards (a different company shot these). I have to shoot 6 new episodes and edit all 12. The first six months is a freelance period and after that I could go full time. The show is a big game hunting show with 6 week-long shoots in places like Colorado, Montana and other western states. I'm not exactly sure where the finished products will air, but I think it will only be in the Denver area.

The outdoor shows are just part of the company, they do alot of work for the Discovery Channel and History Channel. Right now The History Channel is airing a series called "Monster Quest" that was most recently shot by the company I am going to. So there are some wonderful network and travel opportunities that I am looking forward to. Most importantly I am looking forward to be able to live in Minnesota again. Florida is truly dreadful.

-Aaron

Some GREAT News

Aaron gave me permission to post his news...! We are excited because he is returning to Minnesota around Thanksgiving time. YEAH!

His home/job base will be in Minneapolis, but will involve traveling and shooting his camera for Ron Schara Productions. If you don't know who Ron (and his dog, Raven) is here is a link: www.mnbound.com - we are excited to say the least.

Welcome Home, Aaron!

Some Fun Old Games

GAMES FOR WHEN WE ARE OLDER
1. Sag, you're It
2. Hide and go pee.
3. 20 questions shouted into your good ear.
4. Kick the bucket
5. Red Rover, Red Rover, the nurse says Bend Over.
6. Musical recliners.
7. Simon says something incoherent.
8. Pin the Toupee on the bald guy
SIGNS OF MENOPAUSE:
1. You sell your home heating system at a yard sale.
2. You have to write post-it notes with your kids' names on them.
3. You change your underwear after a sneeze.
OLD IS WHEN:
1. Going bra-less pulls all the wrinkles out of your face.
2. You don't care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don't have to go along.
3. Getting a little action means I don't need fiber today.

Our kitchen is done!

Our Little Celebrity wearing her ribbon & medallion with the Area Coordinator, Gwen.

Congratulations Are In Order!

Tomorrow morning Mom will be receiving a special, century award from TOPS for losing 100 lbs and keeping it off for an entire year. The area captain will be there to make the award with all the other TOPS members in attendance. So, that is why congrats are in order...good job, Mom!

Anna's Visit

Anna came up north to Bemidji for a visit and we had a nice time. She came into town on Thursday and I ran int her at Mom and Dad's-She had requested we go to Dave's for pizza and we did-I ate way to much. She came over on Saturday and had a light lunch, some good games, a hot tub, supper, and generally had a good visit. Anna-you "easy to have around" and we enjoyed your visit. You know you are always welcome.

Hi Everyone

Grandma says good morning. I am learning how to blog. Imagine that!

Girl Saunders

Yesterday Matt & I went to have our 20 week ultrasound. It was so amazing! It's hard to believe we're now less than half way to the due date. The most exciting part of the ultrasound was finding out we're having a girl. So....another granddaughter for the Saunders grandparents.

The baby measured around the 50% range for most measurements and looks as healthy as can be from what they tell us. Here is a pic to view of our daughter, your new great granddaughter, granddaughter, great neice, neice, second cousin and cousin (do I have everyone covered? ;-) )

Hope you are all doing well!

Love,

Matt & Mandy