Update from Isla

Sorry it has taken me so long to post an update from Isla. I've been busy seeing the changes, meeting people (Great to finally meet Wayne and B last night) and doing some work.

First six days were rain, clouds, wind and cold. Yesterday the sun broke through and I spent a nice relaxing day at Zama's Beach with the girls. I think today will be another beautiful day. (fingers crossed) I was beginning to think I was going to go back to Minnesota paler than when I arrived.

Thought I would post a picture of my first meal.


OK.....that was a big one. Ended up picking a smaller fish, but was still delicious!!


Can anyone guess where this meal was?

Tonight will be a few different Halloween parties. Can't wait and will post pictures tomorrow.

Soldier's Field Memorial

Last week I had to spend some time in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. I usually try to avoid this area because I can't stand fighting traffic or trying to find a parking spot.

It was a beautiful fall day so I decided to revisit one of Rochester's breathtaking sights. The soldier's Field Veteran's Memorial.

A few years back I had a "paver" made to honor Biggy B. These pavers extend around the whole walkway surrounding the memorial.


The fall leaves made for a beautiful shot of the memorial from one side.


Then I laid down on the ground to get this next picture. With the Rochester Skyline reflecting off the memorial and the flag waving amidst the reflection. I tried to capture the picture as I was experiencing it, but the picture will never convey the overwhelming emotions I felt as I laid there on the ground reading the names off all of the men and women who gave their lives to give us the freedoms that we cherish.


Thank you to every one who has served and given me the freedom to post this!!

The New Haircut

Biggy B and I finally went out this weekend and spent some time together. Summer's are so hectic with the trucking business....time together is precious.
Took a few pictures and thought I better post the new haircut. Had about 4 inches cut off and layers cut in again. Still need to get it colored before Isla.

Biggy B's hair is long enough now that he wears a pony tail in the back. He's also growing his mustache back...this week!!

Watching and Waiting

Hacker, the cat, is the neighborhood watch lately. I've been so busy with getting my hair cut, having another garage sale, working three jobs and getting ready for Isla that the cat thought he better keep an eye on the homestead.
Sorry to everyone for not faithfully reading or writing blogs lately. Hopefully things will slow down a bit next week and I can start packing for Isla.

As Hacker watches over the outside. Angel, the dog, sits in our closet and sulks!! She has decided that Biggy B's clothes make a great dog bed. That will teach him for leaving them on the floor. She is use to mom being home all day or taking her on walks and car rides. Next week my Angel!!

Hall of Fame Weekend

Saturday I drove to St Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota to share in witnessing my brothers Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.

Bro was a four-year letterwinner in track & field and a four-time all-conference performer. He was named the team's MVP as a junior and went on as a senior captain to earn All-America honors. He was the MIAC Conference Champion for four consecutive years and is still the current conference record holder in the Triple Jump. He graduated from St Olaf back in 1984. OK, enough bragging about my Big Bro!!
Me and My Big Bro in front of the Hall of Fame Wall

We then went on a tour of the campus. What a beautiful campus.
There are "reading and relaxing chairs" placed around the campus.

This Gazebo had a very cool windchime display

One of the buildings with beautiful vines growing up the side

Outside of The Chapel

This stained glass window inside the chapel depicts St Olaf, whom I assume the school is named after.

There was a Birds of Prey exhibit set up on campus for the day


At the football game, bro's family had quite the representation.
My mom, me, my brothers oldest daughter and my three great-nieces.

I had not seen my brother in two years, as he lives in San Diego, CA. It was great to be able to see him, if only for a few hours.

Patio Angels

This past Saturday Biggy B had a very rare day off from work. It started out as the perfect morning to enjoy our Patio with our coffee.
First we enjoyed the sunrise

The hot tub has a built in stereo so Biggy B started some background music.

Our Angel loves to watch the woods, like she is guarding her castle. If she hears a squirrel in the woods or a bird in the air, she quickly chases it up a tree or out of her airspace.

In the midst of her guard duty, she still checks back to make sure we are still sitting in her view.

After a nice relaxing morning, the clouds came in and it was back to work. I spent the day cleaning part of the huge garage and Biggy B spent the day trying to fix one of the trucks. Our Patio season in Minnesota won't be around much longer. Then we will have to move our morning coffee to the patio on Isla!!