Two years ago today.

While most of you know this story I felt the anniversary was worthy of mentioning. Today marks 2 yrs since Jerry contracted West Nile which in turn triggered meningoencephalitis. Yes its as bad as its spelled. I had left him at Mayo trying to learn to walk again to go pack up all our things and pets. We had been on vacation there for 6 weeks and our car was full. Friends in the cities were going to drive the whole package to Calif. for us ~bless them. I was going to return to Mayo to wait for Jerry to get well enough to fly home. I had not slept in days and I was so overwhelmed with my outofcontrol life I couldn't stop crying on the drive. I felt like Buster and Grace were my last bits of normal and I hated to let them go. As I was driving this amazing sunrise began over a vast Minnesota corn field. I was so taken back by the beauty I felt this wave of calm come over me. I felt God was showing me that even today was beautiful and a reason to be joyful. That this life lesson would pass and we would once again be whole. I could be strong enough for the both of us and find our way home.

So here we are two years later and while things are sailing along smoothly so to speak we will never be the same. All people have life changing events occur and it just matters how you respond to them. We have a new normal and maybe a need to live life faster just in case. Our road trip to MT made me realize how much we enjoy being on an adventure together. I hope seeing the country at a slow pace becomes our new normal as well.

A bit of news is that Rande will be moving to LA this week to begin a somewhat new job. He has been living with us on and off for about six months.  While it was longer than any of us anticipated it seemed to work. I was just telling J I felt badly because he doesnt have any friends here to do stuff with. We have become set in our ways and routines as most 'old people' do and truly are not much fun for him. Of course we do have endless wine and beer so he found a way to make it thru. It hasnt helped that its been over a hot summer where no one has much fun. Every time I felt upset he didnt put something away or left a mess I would remember there would be a day we would wish with all our hearts he would visit us.  We are excited he is moving fwd in his career and still getting to tour which he loves. 
Our other big news is Ky will be transferring to MSP on Oct. 1st! He has made it 6 months in NY and just realizes its not for him. I am not sure if living in Brooklyn is what has made getting to the 3 different airports more difficult. Yet it was one of the few rentals he could afford on a brand new FA salary. No matter what he tried it and now he is off to Minneapolis with one airport, good public transportation and a sense of returning home. As much as I was looking fwd to visiting him in NY I was dreading trying to get to his place from the airport. MSP is one of my favorite cities and now I have such a good reason to visit more often!

I have been looking for a new quilt for our guest room. I am so tired of sewing up the holes and yet I cant seem to find one I like. At my age you kind of think this might be the last so make it right. I also have an issue with buying something I am capable of making. Yet bed quilts are my least favorite thing to do as I get so bored with the repetition. I finally broke down this week and started cutting and piecing. I have told my self to shoot for a table runner and then you can quit. I think I am almost up to a baby quilt...A queen is one heck of a lot of blocks so we will see where I end up.

I think its going to be really pretty and cheerful but I am also envisioning me worrying if guests are getting it dirty. Most of my guests tend to be my boys and they wont care if I run in and fold it down while they are asleep!! Right?!?

I have one more photo to share and then its back to the 'office' for me. 

While on vacation we brought both girls kennels to use in hotels and our rental. We feel they are more relaxed not worrying where we are and with Jetta no chance of puppy mischief. What we didnt know is just how much Gracie wants to upgrade to the BIG kennel. We had to pull her out every time we left and as you can see Jetta will do anything to be liked! Too bad only her front legs fit! I just love how much laughter and joy pets can bring into your life.
Thanks for dropping by~