Florida here I come....

and hopping to see lots of SUNSHINE! Doesn't sound like it is going to be super warm, but anything is better than -35 degrees. So, I will take what I can get. Have a great week everyone.

Fun in the forest...

What another beautiful weekend we had in northern Minnesota. Sure has been a treat!

This weekend my nephew, Riley was over. So, we thought we would travel over to the White Earth State Forest. Not a far travel, by any means. I live only 2 miles max from my door step. Can't beat that.

White Earth State Forest is over 160,000 acres. Glaciers created the rolling hills, potholes and lakes. Much of the forest is maple, basswood, red oak, aspen, red and white pine and white spruce. So, you can just image how good it smelled going through the trails. I was surprised by the number of leaves that have started changing colors and or fallen to the ground.

Here are the guys taking a break, before we mozy on down the trail. Of course I'm not in the picture cause I'm taking it, but even my dog Dory came along to enjoy the awesome fall weather. She spends most of her time off scouting in the woods.

We had a great day and it even got better when I got home and learned the Vikings won their second game in a row. Way to go Vikes!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you had a great weekend.

Excuse the lull...

Whew - what a month and to think that September is creeping up on us very quickly. Excuse the blogging lull around here. I would like to say more than anything that I have been busy getting used to a new schedule around here with school starting soon.

However, that is not the case.

I can tell you though that I tried something new this week. Mack has been after me since day one of knowing him to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Well, I took the big plunge and I guess it is not so bad. I love the wind in my hair. I have a long way to go, but you have to start somewhere. So, here is a little video of my first journey out. Oh, and I have to tell you the boy was grinning from ear to ear. I think I made him a little proud. What a treat!

The Ralph

Yesterday, was my first adventure to the Ralph Engelstad Arena. Oh, my! This place looks like a palace. I was not sure what to expect as we drove to Grand Forks in chilly 13 below zero weather. Thirteen below zero I shouted to myself inside my head. Just about the time my fingers finally defrosted we had completed our two-and-half hour drive from Park Rapids to Grand Forks. This warm hearted girl turned more into a popsicle than a sports fan from walking across the parking lot towards the arena. Then that's when it happened, I saw what looked like a palace. A brick palace at that, with white domes and a sign out front that read: Ralph Engelstad Arena. The 400,000 square-foot complex is home to the University of North Dakota men and women's hockey programs. Probably just like everyone else who has walked in here, I was very impressed with the facility. I have no doubt that it is the finest hockey venue in the country. Immediately as I opened the door I noticed that I was walking on a glowing brown granite floor. I also took note of the several Fighting Sioux logo's engraved on the floor.

The fans were buzzing with excitement as they began to fill the 11,640 seat arena. As I watched the fans begin to file in, they were all wearing the team color of green. When I say they all are, I am not lying. In fact, I think I was the only one not wearing green or Fighting Sioux paraphernalia of some kind. It was just amazing!

When I walked around the concourse I quickly smelled kettle corn, churros, pizza and other goodies that filled my nose. As I kept walking I looked to one side of the wall to see plaques, jerseys and pictures commemorating UND history.

The palace contains 2,200 Sioux logos and over 300 televisions including a state-of-the-art big screen hanging over center ice. Each seat is constructed of black leather and cherry wood. Very comfy, I'm sure if I could have only been patient enough to sit in them long enough. The game was very good. I was at the edge of my seat or out of it, more than I was in it. The Sioux battled it out against Denver. It was a fast pace game and a quick scoring game. The Sioux won eight to three.

The picture above was of them getting into a huge scuffle. It was awesome! Is that bad of me? I love it when the boys' get into big old fights. Don't be a hater! I know that I'm not the only one. LOL So, if you ever want to do something sportsy; I defiinitely recommend going to the Ralph. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

Have a good weekend everyone. Stay warm.

Trick or Treat...

I had the opportunity to see several crazy costumes today. Trolls and pirates and hunters and marshmallow men and army guys and Tobi of the Akatsuki (don't ask, I have no clue) and that's just to name a small handful. But I would have to say the hot thing this year was making your costume "dead". Creepy! Like dead princesses, dead cheerleaders...what the heck? What happened to the colorful M&M's and the perky pigtailed cheerleaders? I want to see preppy primary color garb back. You know the stuff that screams trick or treat cheer!

No matter what though, I still like going and seeing my nephew's dress up and seeing them having fun. Yes, even if they choose to dress up as something dead and yes, even if one decides to put his orange balloon sword behind the others head to make it look like a giant penis is going to attack. Yes, even then!? =)

Hope everyone had a great night with lots of treats. :)

Halloween Carnival...

Yesterday was my big debut, being a "Fortune Teller". I think it went well, I'm not sure. Of course I was running late due to not wanting to leave the Pumpkin Party at Carters. Man, I had a good time there. Anyhow, I arrived at the school just after 1:30 and really I was supposed to be there and dressed before then. Whoops. So I go to the staff bathroom thinking that would be a great place to dress because it is bigger than the girls bathroom with the stalls and such. Well I was so into getting my costume out of my bag that I did not hear the janitor fussing with the door and well "hello". Yup, this bathroom is already spoken for. If you could knock next time that would be great. That way we don't have to schedule a preshow. LOL I'm sure it's nothing the poor guy hasn't already seen. Once dressed I make my way to the Cafeterioum and I'm totally shocked how awesome everything is. I really wanted to go around to the different stations and play the games. I just couldn't believe my eyes how many people volunteer and help out.

Just amazing!

Arriving in the cafeterioum and finding my booth. Oh, you should have seen it. It was amazing. It was all decked out in black and purple material and it had candles and a black cat. Absolutely awesome. Someone even let me borrow their electric lighting ball. This totally made the whole thing. I got a kick out of watching the kids look into the thing. Totally mesmerizing for some. I think I could have told them anything and they would have believed it, cause they were so into looking at the ball that I don't even think they heard a word I was saying. How funny.

I do have to say that my three years of subbing definitely payed off a little bit in this gig. It was nice knowing a lot of them and gaging stuff off our conversations. I even had a few adults try it out. That was fun. One boy was asking his mom how I knew so much as they walked away. He couldn't believe that I knew stuff that was actually true. I was a bit amazed, myself. His mom was amazed too, I think. I guess I use to talk to the students too much sometimes, but really I think that is important and well it did pay off. One little girl told me I wasn't real. I told her well I'm caring on a conversation with you aren't I. Then she comes back and tells me "well you don't even have real hair." It was funny then I called her by name and that actually made her mad. What a turkey. I thought it was funny, because really I know her parents well and so I can't wait to say something to them. I think they will think it is funny.

All in all I had a great time. Watching the kids with their overflowing sacks of goodies and their smiles made it an awesome day. I'm really glad that I volunteered. Oh, and sorry that I don't have any pictures. I know! Bummer! My batteries in my camera died and I even had spares and they didn't work. I have been having issues with the poor thing since I dropped it the other day. I hope that I get it working back to normal real soon. I am working on getting some pictures though and I will post them as soon as I get them.

I hope you are had great weekend.

Pumpkin Party...

Every fall I look forward to going to Carters Red Wagon Farm for their Pumpkin Party. If you have not gone before you are missin' out. There is so much to do. Starting the fun is their corn/straw bale/snow fence maze (that kids get through quicker than adults). It's a lot of fun trying to find your way through. I have to admit I needed a bit of assistance to get out. Some folks got so frustrated that they just snuck out. LOL



Some of the other activities include wagon rides, crow shoot, giant slide, a pumpkin propeller, giant pumpkin boats, "cow milking," carpet ball. Fun for all ages!



On the wagon ride they have a silly skit that includes a huge crow, a bear, a gorilla and a boy as Davey Crockett. It was cute.



Lots of photo ops, too. They have several cut-outs to get group photos or individual photos, but only if you can gather the gang long enough to take one. You can even get you picture taken with a giant pumpkin.



They even have a concession stand. With delicious food like hot dogs, a variety of hot soups, chips, fresh-baked pies, pumpkin cookies, caramel apples, cold soft drinks, and warm cider. This is the ultimate place to have your birthday party. Happy Birthday Daityn and Darryl!



So go on out to the Market for lots of friendly fall fun. You'll have a blast.

My Adventure Out...

So, I would like to tell you about my adventures today. I would also like to suggest getting comfy for this heart pouring drama may be intense and long. Just sayin’. Let me set the scene for you. Yesterday I was asked/volunteered willing to participate in our local school's Fall Festival. In fact I have been wanting to do just that for several years, it's just that, that weekend is usually booked as this year it was too, but I figured if I don’t just go for it I will never do it.

So, having the day off, I thought I would take a road trip to Bemidji and look for pieces of clothing and accessories to make up a costume. Well, I first stopped at Target and nothing caught my eye, so on to the mall I went. Once arriving at the mall, I stopped at a kiosk that was selling Halloween costumes and props. I noticed a South Seas Siren costume that I could make work if I would add fabric and some other stuff. Okay, so I purchased it but I should tell you that before I did I checked Kmart and Joann Fabrics. So, back to Joann Fabrics I went. I figured if I bought some fabric and some gold coins that would make my costume look so much better. Okay, whatever. But looking back now this is where it all started. You see, when I went to have the lady cut the cord with the coins on it, I about died when she told me how much it would cost. Okay lady, I think I don’t want them. Well, she proceeded to tell me that the coins really made my costume and that I should really reconsider. In fact, she offered me a special coupon. By signing for their mailing I would receive a 50% off coupon for signing up. Wow, I thought that was a good deal. Wrong! Considering everyone else had one, including myself. In fact, I had one already in my hot little hand. Well, I thought she was giving me an additional coupon, but no. Okay, so whatever. Yes, I did go home with the coins. In line to check-out the lady in front of was returning fabric. While she was waiting for the lady in front of her to finish, the manager came over and discussed her return with her. So, once this lady gets up there, she tells the cashier that she is returning her fabric and a zipper. Oh boy, this was really a sign. Okay, so the cashier tells her that they are not taking returns on fabric any longer, but the customer tells her that the manager okayed it. So off went the cashier. She then proceeds to start yelling at the manager. Yes, loud enough for everyone to hear it. So the cashier comes back and starts typing numbers into the cash register. While typing, she starts yelling at the customer. Oh boy, this is were I removed myself and went to the next register. I can kinda understand why the cashier was upset, but the yelling was not necessary. I guess they had a meeting that morning and decided that they will not be doing anymore returns of cut fabric. No excuses, no matter what. Are you following me, yep then the manager let this lady return hers. Whoops. Can you say awkward? I got the heck out of there.

Well, I was really craving Subway, so I thought I would swing into Wal-Mart and kill two birds with one stone. I had some stuff to pickup to go with my costume and they have a Subway so it sounded perfect. Well this could/should have been another sign. The young guy waiting on me decided to start throwing knives around. Yep, you heard me correct. Knives! Okay people, I should have not walked out, but I should have ran out. Nope not me. I wanted that darn sub that I was salivating over. Okay, so he must not have done much damage, because I’m alive to tell you about my moments of a day from you know where. So, I decide that he is just trying to show off. Yes, absolutely I’m really impressed. Just give me my damn sub, so I can eat. In the mean time, he proceeded to tell me that he is dressing up as a scary clown and that he signed on with the guards and he is going to Iraq. Okay, good luck guy. Just give me my sandwich, already. Please! Once I finally got my sub, I sat down to enjoy every morsel. I started listening around me and noticed that the other three parties in Subway didn’t speak English. In fact all three parties spoke a different language. I felt like the Twilight Zone had struck Bemidji, Minnesota.

Well, I hope you are still reading because this is really where the story gets good. LOL

So, I grabbed my goodies I needed and off to the cash registers I went. Like usual they had a ton of people waiting in line and like three cashiers. So I picked a register and before I can turn around and pick a different one this really big lady (yes, bigger than me) rolls up with three colorful children. One was screaming its blasted head off, one was picking her nose and wiping it on everything and I’m not exactly sure what the other one was doing. I’m thinking maybe behaving himself because nothing stands out in my mind. Well the lady in front of me was buying some plants of some sort. I’m not exactly sure why she was buying them because they were pretty much dead. I think Wal-Mart should have paid her to take them off their hands, but that’s whatever. So she was politely telling the cashier that they were on clearance for five dollars, but of course they were not ringing up correctly. So they are discussing things over. Well, I only have three things that I’m getting and so I’m just holding the stuff. So I look behind me in between the screams of the sobbing, bratty child and noticed that the lady behind me was filling her pockets full of that little crap that is at the cash registers. So have any guesses as to what happens next???? Come on you can guess. Ah, she busts me. She glares at me like she is going to kill me. This is when I noticed that she has a huge bruise on her check and claw marks all the way down her check and forehead. Friends this is when I really wanted to get the hell out of Dodge, but that’s when we, I mean all of Wal-Mart heard a little girl screaming like she is dying. I think I tinkled just a little at that moment. I’m not sure. Okay, remember her little girl smearing boogers all over the place, well she decided to smear them on the conveyor belt thing that brings your goods to the cashier and she got her finger(s) and some of her hair stuck where the belt comes out. OUCH!! So, people I’m not kidding I thought I was being killed when the little girl screamed and that’s when I’m not kidding I honestly did….I threw up all over everywhere. I know, gross huh? That’s what happens when to much commotion is going on around you, oh and not to mention when you think someone is killing you. Well Wal-Mart wanted me to stay and fill out a report, but I was like I’m sorry, but I just threw up all over my bad self and you can imagine what that looked like. Remember I just got done eating Subway. So I left. I’m sorry, this may have been the wrong thing to do, but I was not going to be the victim of that crazy stealing woman. No way was she going to get my personal information. I’m not exactly sure what extent of injuries the little girl suffered if any. I just know that she is alive, which is a good thing.

Okay, so are ready for more? Yes, friends there is more. I know. You are probably thinking how can there be more. Well, there just is. So, leaving Bemidji I noticed that my window on the passenger side was having issues. Sometimes when the window gets rolled down it does not go back up correctly and it whistles like a tea kettle. Annoying! So, I figured I would try rolling it down and putting in back up. In the past this has fixed the problem. In the mean time the air pressure my Subway bag blew out my window. Sh**! I hate littering, obviously I did not intentionally want this to happen. Well so what do you think happened next? Yes, there just happened to be a state trooper behind me. You guessed it, I got pulled over. So, when the nice man came to my window and asked for my license, we had a little talk. I proceeded to tell him about my misfortune I encountered today. He actually knew what I was talking about because he heard it over the scanner. He was on his way there when he was called to a different location. Considering the events I had gone through he was extremely nice and didn’t give me a ticket. Thank you nice trooper man. He just had me promise that I would clean a section of ditch within a year’s time. I’m willing to do so and I will. Much better than a $600 fine.

After dealing with that and thinking all I want to do is get home and try my stuff on and be done with today’s excitement. When all of a sudden I get pulled over again. Now what! It was not even five minutes from my last pull over……grrrrr! This time it was a highway patrol man. He was wanting to know why I was flashing him down. Flashing you down? What? Oh, hell I forgot to put my lights on. You see my lights flicker, because they have a short in them. You see with all of today’s excitement I forgot to turn them on. Once again I told my story. Thinking this is it. I know for sure that I will be getting a ticket this time. He also knew about the excitement at Wal-Mart. Good news. I was lucky again. He did not give me a ticket. Again I was told that I had task to do. He told me to have my lights fixed, so maybe, just maybe they will get fixed this time. My poor car sounds like it has just as many problems as its owner.

So, all in all today was an adventure. I have to say that if nothing ever happens like this to me again, that it just fine. My nephew Riley told me just the other day that I should consider writing a book. Well Riley, I think I just added another chapter. =)

Thanks for listening!

I'm Back....

So, I went on Vay-K to get some needed rest and relaxation. Mack and I packed up my ride, Fordetta and off we went. Our destination: The Black Hills of South Dakota. Once, arriving at our little cabin in the woods surrounded by big towering pine trees, and deer with soft looking velvet antlers, I knew that the R & R was going to begin soon. However, needless to say I was wrong. There were Presidents to learn about, caves to explore, treasure to be found and miles of scenic roads to be viewed. It all was calling my name and I had a great time learning, climbing, walking and driving. Might I suggest if you have never been there, you must go. Plan to stay awhile, don't just go for a day. You will be very sad if you do. I took around 200 pictures while I was gone. Can you say "Scrapbook"? Here is some photos to take a look see at. Enjoy.



The day we went to Mt. Rushmore it was absolutely beautiful out. The sun was shinning and it was warm. No bugs. Oh, and the aroma of the pine trees. Loved it. It was like inhaling happiness. I definitely would suggest taking the Presidential Walk. The views were spectacular.


Also, I would like to suggest going for a day trip on the Needles Highway. I have to say I'm really not a fan of heights. Oh, and driving in heights. Are you crazy? But, friends I did it. I'm was very proud of myself. The sights were just amazing. I loved all the tunnels you get to go though. I think this was the best part of the trip for me.

We went to two different types of caves. This picture was taken at Rushmore Cave. A great place. Mack and I arrived right at opening and started the tour with our guide "Tom" one of the owners. He was a great guide. We probably were into the tour for about five minutes when we were joined by a group of six from Poland. They did not speak English so their translator repeated everything back to them. Our tour took longer then expected, so we missed our train to Hill City. This was a bummer, but a good reason to go back. LOL Our second cave was also interesting. However, this one had 185 small ladder stairs going down into it. Yes, don't forget if you go down, you must come back up. You got it right, 185 small ladder stairs out. For some reason going up is a lot harder then going down. Go figure! =) On this trip we were joined by two young ladies from Germany out sight seeing the US. How cool is that.

Are you up for one more picture? Another attraction that was really neat was the "Cosmos Mystery Area". This attraction truly amazed me. Nothing works normal here...balls roll upward, you can't stand straight and water flows upward. It was exciting. The tour of this place is guided and our guide Heidi gave us good information about the place. The tour ran for about 30 minutes and we enjoyed it a lot. This attraction is definitely a don't miss attraction in my opinion. This is a picture of Erwin in one of the demonstrations. I had never saw such a big grin on Mack's face, until we went here. He was having the time of his life. It also helped that Heidi picked on him more then anyone else. LOL

Well I hope you enjoyed the pics. I had a great time and can't wait to travel, rest and learn more again soon. Until next time. Happy Trails.

PS. I'm praying for my friends in Houston. It seems Ike was not friendly to them. I hope that I can contact them soon. I know most of them went North. I pray that they will find their homes in one piece once they return. Please say a prayer for them. They need all they can get at this time. Thanks. Jody

Red River Zoo

Have you ever been to the The Red River Zoo? This zoo maybe a smaller zoo, but still full of life and promises for a good time. In fact there are over 300 individual animals representing 75 species that live in natural habitat exhibits. The zoo also has beautiful flowers for your viewing pleasure. Here is a list of some of the animals waiting to see you: Bactrian Camel, Persian Onager, Sleder-tailed Meerkat, White-lipped Deer, Red Panda (my favorite), Squirrels, Porcupines, Sichuan Takin, Goats, Pot Belly Pigs, Horses, Snakes, Toads (very large), Ducks, Bald Eagle and many more. I took a few photos. The Red Panda was a little busy following a rabbit that had gotten into his exhibit. We watched for awhile to see if he would eat it, but he pretty much just followed it around. So if you are ever in the area, be sure to check out the zoo. Happy trails!