Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday morning from our corner of Iowa where rain and cooler temperatures have been pushing away our "normal" average temps.  Today we have sunshine and are heading up to eighty degrees, so there is hope we will dry out from all the rain.  So many farmers here and in parts of MN cannot get their fields all planted due to so much rain!

We are heading down to our grandson's graduation party today.  Looking forward to seeing their family.  So proud of Grant, who has received several recognitions at his high school, and his degree from DMACC (2 yr college) along with his high school diploma.  Will be the first time I have traveled outside of the city since last October.  We'll stop at Trader Joe's to stock up on our staples of almond butter, almond flour, almonds, applesauce, and honey before heading home.  We save a great deal of money when we shop for those organic products in Trader Joe's.

Speaking about education, Joel and I both love learning.  We have talked about taking classes available for "life long learners" at our Jr. College here in town.  You pay a small yearly fee and have many opportunities for learning, attending concerts and speakers, and even working out at the facilities there.  Joel first went to Jr. College after high school and got his degree in wild life management.  He then went to The Lutheran Bible Institute for a Bible degree.  That is where we met and I got my degree there too. Our first year it was called The Lutheran Bible Institute and the second year is became Golden Valley Lutheran College....still a two year degree.  I graduated with an AA in Bible and parish work.  Joel also got a bachelor's at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City through the Air Force to be a meteorologist.  A few years later he went to Luther Seminary to get his Masters of Divinity and then he went on to work toward's his doctorate, not finishing when life became too busy.  I attended another college, St. Mary's, for a year to work towards a degree as an Interpreter for the Deaf.  Before coming ill with Lyme I worked in a school as an interpreter.  We like learning and think education is important, but our learning doesn't have to come just from books or schools, of course.  Any number of degrees do not erase the fact that life experiences teaches us so much!  I think that having an interest in growing, learning from others, and listening to God is mighty important,. God provides continual opportunities for us to grow in our faith.  One of the wisest women I know has little book education, but oh such wisdom to share!

This weekend is Band Festival here in our town.  Meredith Wilson wrote the Music Man based on our micro-city so every year there is a big celebration with a parade, carnival, bands, food vendors and more.  It has been a long time since I have watched that movie..........I remember one line of a song the most..."We've got trouble, right here in River City.  Trouble with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool.!"

Thinking about what we have been grateful for this week..........the good MRI report........an oncologist who I was told "has the ability to know what will work for each patient to get results", laughter and giggles...........nesting ducks............. RX Bars that provide protein.................phone visits with family......a break from Verzenio meds and more energy because of it................tears of joy or sadness.....Holy Spirit..............a new favorite meal of stir fry with a homemade apricot sauce............the library..........our comfy SUV, and more.

And so grateful for those we remember on this Memorial Day Weekend.  Those we loved...........those we honor.........those who served.  We remember and give thanks for your sacrifice.