Where are you from?

That's a question that I get asked often. The problem is how to answer. Most recently, I was asked that question yesterday in an interview for the Friends of Swan Lake NWR newsletter.

I'm just not sure how to respond. Do I say I'm from Chicago, where I grew up and spent the first 27 years of my life? Or do I say New York, where I spent 18 years, in the small town of Newark Valley, raising all three of my kids? Or do I say Minnesota, where I lived in Dodge Center and Kasson for 13 years, before I retired? Or do I say Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where I have claimed residence and have my mailing address?

If you live in a house, it's easy to say where you're from. If you travel in a motorhome fulltime, it's not so easy. None of the places where I've lived in a "sticks and bricks" call out to me as where I'm from. (I'm having a little issue with italics and can't turn it off) So there's the dilemma....

I'm thinking that the next time I'm asked, I'll just say I'm from the United States of America. What do you think?

I rolled in the awning today since there are thunderstorms possible overnight and tomorrow. Other than that it's been boring chores for the last two days like defrosting the refrigerator and freezer. I always like to leave a location with all the frost out of the small freezer. Depending on the weather tomorrow, I may or may not venture up on the roof to wash it down. I couldn't talk anyone into washing and waxing the RV here, so I may work on some of that myself.

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later, Judy

Happy 4th of July!

What a very busy couple of days it has been! On Thursday, I started out by dropping Emma off at the kennel and then met my son, Andy, and his family for lunch. Later, we went to his house in Kasson, where the wedding will take place. I spent the afternoon visiting and getting in some great time with my two grandsons, Joseph and Seth. At two and three years old, they are talkative bundles of energy!

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The plan for the evening, was for a rehearsal out on the lawn and then we thought we were all going over to the home of the bride's parents for a dinner. The rehearsal was to begin at 5:00, but the only people to arrive at that time were the groom and groomsmen. As 6:00 neared, I began to wonder where the bride was. Then, her entire family arrived carrying food containers and told Kelly, Andy's wife, to put the lasagna in the oven and cook it! Eventually, Crystal arrived, but not before Kelly and I scrambled around her kitchen rearranging things to accommodate all the cooking she found herself doing. After taking a head count, I cornered Dan and told him to send the groomsmen to the local grocery store to get some plastic eating utensils, cups, and beverages for the twenty some people that had arrived. I knew Andy and Kelly didn't have enough plates, silverware, etc., to accommodate this crowd.

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By 7:30, the rehearsal had still not begun, and the food wasn't yet ready. I decided to head back to my rig at Rice Lake, because I really prefer not to drive after dark. I tip my hat to Kelly for gracefully handling this sudden turn in events.

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The festivities on Friday began with a photo session (that lasted several hours) at the Mantorville Park. Hundreds of photos were taken by a professional photographer, but I'll only include two, that were taken by not so professional, me.

The happy bride and groom...Crystal and Daniel, and their dog, Buddy. Later, at the ceremony, I would accompany Buddy down the aisle as he was the ring bearer!

I seldom have all three of my "kids" together at the same time, so I had to take this photo. That's my youngest, Andy, on the left; Daniel in the middle; and Robyn on the right. As you can see, grandchild #4 will be here before too long.

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After some brief showers just before the time for the wedding, the ceremony went off without a hitch. I'm thrilled to report that now, all three of my children are happily married. The reception was held at a hall a few blocks away, next to the motel where many of the guests stayed the night. I enjoyed the evening visiting with many old :) friends and my older :) sister and brother-in-law. For our dance together, Dan and I did the Beer Barrel Polka! That got the crowd clapping and having a good time. I received quite a few comments about that choice.

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Once again, I headed back to Rice Lake just before darkness enveloped. I must also say, that the food served at the reception was the best chicken dinner I've ever had at a wedding.

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As much as Emma can be a pain in the neck, I must say that it has been rather odd not having her here the last two days. I've enjoyed sleeping in until 7:00 both mornings, but I do miss her company. I was supposed to pick her up today at noon at the kennel, but the kennel owner called to say that she had to make a fast trip to Iowa today because of a serious illness in her family. She is hoping to return by 8:00 this evening and will give me a call when she gets back. I hope it is before dark...

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This afternoon, my friend, Lois and her new husband are coming out to the park for a cook-out. Lois was, and still is, the school social worker for the alternative school programs I ran in Rochester. Lois is such a positive person, that I know we will really enjoy getting together today.

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Don't forget to fly your flag proudly today.........and be safe.

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Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later, Judy