A busy movie weekend

I love three movie weekends. As I mentioned previously I saw Step Brothers with Jared & Gretchen. Then I saw Mama Mia and the X Files with Anita. Mama Mia was great fun for anyone who likes musicals. The X Files was a bit of a disappointment (no aliens). I was sad to hear of Randy Paush's death. I enjoyed his book "The last lecture." I plan to take a look at it again. To see his lecture check out HERE for the long version (90 min) or http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/LastLecture/?gclid=CK-8yof-4pQCFQcqIgodrwzYRQ for a shorter Good Morning America version.

Back to work for a day

On Thursday, I ventured into the office and spent the day there. It was great to see everyone again. It was Lori's birthday so I took her to Lunch. I also attended a spending plan meeting in the morning and an awards committee meeting in the afternoon. I have been keeping in touch a bit via email. So much to do, so little time.

On Wednesday evening I went to a Duck Unlimited planning meeting. Our event is going to be on Thursday, October 9. The fine ladies of Lumen Christi asked if I would be interested in having a tea in their community room on Saturday, October 18. I said yes. October is sure to be a crazy month.

Today, Jared, Gretchen and I went to see the movie Step Brothers. It was entertaining, if you can handle that kind of childish humor. I'm feeling good, but didn't get a walk in today because it rained this morning. I'll have to make a date with Wii Fit.

The doctor says I'm curred.

Today I went for my four week follow up check up with my surgeon. She said all looks great and that I don't need to go back to MN Oncology (Yippee). I'm still under some restrictions for the next two to four weeks (lifting, etc.).

Today was my dad's birthday. After my doctor's appointment Joe and I picked up pizza's and we met at mom and dad's for a great dinner. Gretchen made a great Jello salad and cheese bread. Terri brought a salad and mom made her fabulous chocolate cake. We had a great time.

Monday evening Jared, Gretchen and I met with Terri, Dianna and Robin and ended up having dinner at the casino. Another fun evening. Before we left, we had a visit from Glenn (Joe's dad) on his way home from the doctor's office. His hip problem was confirmed, which was actually good news, so now action can be taken. In the morning my sister Kerri and I met to walk a bit by Rice lake. Lots of fun. I've been keeping busy.

and the gifts just keep on coming

I had lunch with a few of the girls from work on Thursday. It was great to see them and get caught up on things. They gave me another office gift in two large gift bags. Things to keep me occupied. I got all kinds of things including cookies, a box of chocolates, mints, books, pedicure things, toys, tea trinket boxes, candles, basically way too many things for me to even list. Another great gift.

I also received a cute backscratcher on an extension that goes out and in (the end resembles a curved fork, long story) sent to me in the mail from Nancy. Another fun surprise.

Jared purchased tickets to see the 12:02 showing of the "The Dark Night." It was fun to go with him and a couple friends. A great movie, but very dark and sometimes frightening.

The weekend was relaxing, I got a lot of rest in on Friday and Saturday. Walking each day. Sunday was a big day. My sister Terri joined us for breakfast then came to the house and ended up helping me out with a few things. Then we had a double birthday party at my mother-in-law-house for a niece and nephew (Danielle and Jes). My niece Chevis and her family moved back to MN from IL this week, so it was great to see all of them too. Things are always changing. Lots of things to come.

A Wonderful Wensday

I often meet my sisters and mom for dinner on Wednesday evenings. Tonight we drove to St. Cloud and met Janaya and Braxton. We ate at the Olive Garden. We had a great visit and ended up doing a little shopping at Kohls. Joe and Jared got a couple new shirts out of the deal. It's always lots of fun. Braxton is growing and changing all the time.

I've been a slug lately

My list of things to do is long, yet I get so little done. Yesterday Jared and I walked up to Cub (it was really hot and the length of the walk was over a mile), then I watered the potted plants in the yard, and took a nap. When Joe came home I told him what I had accomplished and his comment was "that sounds like a full day for you." Very funny. OK, so it can be the truth. I feel good when I can get something accomplished on the list, even when it's making a phone call I need to make. I'll keep plugging away.

I am watching too much TV. That said, I am looking forward to the new season of Project Run Way tonight. Which I may miss because I plan to go with my sisters to see my niece for dinner in St. Cloud. I'm hopeful that I can up a rerun if I miss the show tonight.

Fun with Terri, Alana, Chelsey and Jared

I had a quite rest filled day (watching way too much TV, although I did get some book listening in). This evening my sister Terri invited me to join her and Alana on their trip to Mille Lacs Grand Casino. Chelsey and Jared also joined in the fun. I haven't been there for years, casino's are not someplace I frequent. That said, every now and again they can be a bit fun. Jared likes the black jack tables, and if I would just listen to him I would always come out much further ahead. He believes that staying away from the slot machines is a good thing. Jared, Chelsey and me sat at the tables with our little guide on how to play black jack, Chelsey and I asking Jared for assistance at most every hand. With Jared's assistance, the three of us were all ahead by the time we cashed out for the evening (Terri and Alana -- the big slot users -- were not quite as lucky this evening). We were there for about three hours and truly enjoyed each others company a great deal.

3D movies are the bomb

Today we saw "3D - Journey to the Center of the Earth." It was very good. Jared and his friend Michael joined Anita and me for the movie. It was Michael's first 3D movie, so he thought it was very cool. It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and take my mind of my aches and pains (my incision has been pinching me lately). My thanks to the court for sending me movie passes, they will be put to good use.

The "Get Smart" movie, that I was on Friday was fabulous as well. If you like the TV show you'll love the movie. It was great fun.

Joe joined me on an evening walk. It was another lovely evening. Now he is complaining that, as the only one in the household who is actually working, he'll need to get to bed to get some sleep. So I will sign off and get some sleep as well.

I have wonderful people in my life

Yesterday, after my morning walk, I called to schedule my four week appointment and asked a couple questions. I got some answers and feel on the mend. I'm moving around well, with only minor aces and pains.

Yesterday was a busy day. Glenn, my father in-law took me to lunch at the 50's grill. We had great food, a great time and wonderful conversation. Then my sister Terri stopped by and helped with some things around the house. We always have a good time when we get together. My friend, Nikki picked me up and brought me to dinner at Red Lobster. Another good time with great conversation. My evening was topped of with a brief visit from Tom and Janice.

This morning I went for a walk. It got humid quickly. On my walk a couple neighbors stopped to talk so I was out quite a while, but it is fun to stop and enjoy conversations with everyone. I'm planning to see a movie this afternoon, Get Smart with Anita. It is hard to keep track of the days but Friday night movie night I can remember. Wonderful times with friends and family.

What a lovely evening

Joe joined me for my evening walk. We walked a mile together. Joe kept me entertained the entire time with stories about his work. I'm averaging about a 24 minute mile.

Following Rhonda's funeral Thomas and Janice gave me a tour of Brooklyn Park, pointing out new walking paths along Shingle Creek. We had a very nice time. I rested while Joe and Jared went trapshooting (Joe said he was shooting a target or two behind Jared). Upon their return Joe and I went for our walk. I'm looking forward to my busy day tomorrow. Stay tunned...

Increased walking distance

I've increased my morning walks to a mile. On Monday, I also worked with Wii Fit. I did an evening walk with Gretchen and Jared (who thought I should go another mile). It started to rain so we ended a walk at a half mile. Tuesday morning, Jared and I walked up to Target and back. We went to Costco in the afternoon. My knees are starting to hurt a bit. Mom brought by home grown strawberries dipped in chocolate. Between Jared and me the strawberries were gone before Terri's afternoon visit.

Joe and I joined Thomas and Janice in attending Rhonda Launderville's visitation (Tammy and Dean were there too). Sadly, Rhonda died after her 16 month struggle with leukemia. This morning I will attend the funeral with Thomas and Janice.

I'm feeling better everyday.

I'm keeping busy, yet doing my fair share of resting (watching more TV than I have in years). Last week I finished a pot holder, coloring a wood frame and have started a paint by number (which is much more complicated than I remember, lots of color mixing). These are some of the items from the activity set Anita gave me. Mom spent much of last week with me, made me soup, potato salad, and a variety of cut up fresh fruit. Between Mom, Joe & Jared (together with all of our friend and family well wishers) I am very well taken care of.

What a great weekend. I had some fun with Wii Fit, working on yoga and balance games (very fun). On Thursday (7/3) we saw Wanted and thought it was pretty good, but very violent. On Saturday we saw Kit Kittredge, American Girl (a great family film). Anita saw both shows with me and Jared provided transportation. It was great fun.

Last night we had dinner at Red Lobster. This morning Joe and I had breakfast with Mitch, Lori, Kyle & Kate Reins at Fat Nat Eggs. Good stuff.

I'm back into listening to books and have recently finished three. Jared brought me on a library run on Saturday. He is enjoying my driving restriction (to him that means my car is available to him most anytime). Luckily for me, my two week driving restriction ends soon (yippee). I started doing stairs more today and have been working on laundry. I'm on the mend, and feeling very good. See you -- Mary

This is Mary taking over

I'm getting my first blog lesson. Stay tuned.

Mary is walking up a storm

Sorry for the delay, I've been out of town.... As for my mom, she's been walking twice a day, half mile each time. 

She wants me to say that she's also working on arts and crafts, and she thanks everyone again for the flowers and candy she has received. She's feeling pretty good. 

I'll be turning the blog over to her pretty soon here so there will be less of "-the boy" posting on this blog. I'll be turning the reins over to her shortly

Until then, have a good day and a pleasant tomorrow. 

-the boy