Another Year Begins

In the USA there is an advantage to have two new years to begin each calendar year: school year counts as a beginning as well as January 1.

It’s September 2, 2023.

School starts in Minnesota the day after Labor Day. By law.

I already received my first calls to substitute teach.

I have other things to schedule in this lighter fall subbing schedule: Japan, Pennsylvania, camping at Fort Ridgely, and a quick trip to see my wonderful cousin in Arizona.

Sounds busy, right?

Japan may finally happen for us. It’s been years in the planning. Sometimes you have to strike while the iron’s hot, and the stars align. We do not know if things will all come together yet, but we are trying to make it happen.

Japanese gardens, here we come…

I finally get to meet my boss with my Chinese/American NGO this fall. We both plan to be in Pennsylvania for a conference. I get to travel with my dear friends out there, time with special people.

Remember when Ed broke his elbow last winter? We still have the flight vouchers for the trip we were to take to Arizona that day. They are only good for a few more weeks. Gotta make that happen.

Cheri loves to camp, as her dad did. Fort Ridgely was one of her favorite spots to camp. I have to remember how to hitch up the Scamp correctly and get on the road….It isn’t hard, but when you don’t do it often you forget. I am not my husband. He always knew how to do stuff like that.

Pray I do it right. There is always YouTube, but each vehicle/hitch has its variations.

Fall hayfever has made it’s appearance. My mom was talking about rosefever being spring allergies, hayfever being fall. I think it is Ragweed that makes me miserable.

More honey, more echinacea.

My brother and his family have been here from New York, also my niece and her husband, from California. My Swedish nephew-in-law got to experience the state fair last weekend. I think he may have been a bit overwhelmed, but generally he enjoyed it.

Ed, Cherie, and I went to the fair with my son’s family, —my eldest grandson. It was his first time at the fair, and he is 7. He LOVED it, and it was such a joy to experience his thrill at the fair. We had a wonderful day! Lots of people, perfect weather, just fun. I didn’t get to hear my favorite band at the fair: Ecuador Manta. They are playing each evening at the DNR building stage. I am sad I missed them, but our day was pretty full as it was.

In the midst of all this our old refrigerator quit. Spending a week without a fridge could have been worse. We hauled up the dorm fridge that is in storage. Still…

Next week the furnace will get checked. First time in 8 years…

Two windows need to be replaced. They don’t shut properly. Home ownership…

It’s been crazy busy.

My mom is tired after all of this fun, and we are ready to settle into the new routines of the new school year.

What is God doing in our hearts?

There are still days of question, grief, confusion. Having made my decision to “fortress” I am so thankful for the quieter commitments.

Life is different. Life is new.

Thanks for stopping in at Corgi Hollows. Coffee on the porch is always an option. These are golden days in Minnesota.

I imagine many like this in the Millennium. Beautiful, sweet, love-filled days.

MARANATHA!