One of the reasons I love Brian Simmons...

I have the best son-in-law! He is ever so patient with me. We chatted on-line earlier this morning regarding video cameras and where the closest Curcuit City was. So I take off in my brothers truck determined to find my way. I did fine locating Barnes & Noble. But it started to pour and I got all twisted around. I looked at the map I had borrowed from my sister. I couldn't tell which way was up or down let alone north, south, east or west! It's pouring rain so I can't get my bearings from the sun...(yes, Dad I did listen to that part when learning direction 101 from you), so I pull over and look at the map again. Frustrated, I called Brian. Yes, Brian in Utah who quickly got onto to mapquest and figured out where I was and told me where to go. Yes, I know that many young men often joke about where they'd like to tell their mother-in-law to go... I am so lucky to have such a kind and patient son-in-law who can even give me directions in Minnesota while he is still in Utah. PS I decided Minnesota needs mountains. I can always tell where I am by the mountains in Utah.

Proof of the "critters" in my Parent's Yard

I sat down at my laptop to check my email only to discover a deer had walked into the front yard. She was Beautiful. I knew if I opened the door to get a better picture she would dash away. So I had to take the picture through the window - the screen made it fuzzy. It was with my camera phone too - so not the best. But at least I could grab it and take the picture quickly. It is proof that I'm not just making up the tales of critters in my parent's yard. She enjoyed about five apples that had fallen to the ground from the wind earlier in the day and then walked away when it started to rain or rather POUR. I love this place.

Well, the Minnesota girl in me has come out! I love trees. There is something about being here that feels so comfortable and feeds my souland I know in part it is the terrain. Yesterday, I drove to Belle Plaine to see my older sister, Bonnie. Along the way I rejoiced in all the trees. As you can see, I even snapped a picture from the highway. Those of you closest to me know that I've had the hardest time growing trees in my yard. Clark and I finally got a little maple tree start from a friend a number of years ago. I prayed over that thing and it took off. It is in my front yard and home of my bird feeders. Well, I noticed this spring a little maple tree growing by my front door. A seed took root. I cannot bring myself to just pull it out. It's like when flowers grow in obscure places and you wonder how they can find enough dirt to grow between the cracks in the cement. So my latest challenge...or maybe the challenge for Scott and Brian since they are the ones that usually rescue me...is to see if we can transplant that little seedling that is growing. I know it is just more proof that the older I get...the weird comes streaming out of me!