I've got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart!

Psalm 30:11~~"You turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy."

Good Afternoon, Readers!  I hope this day finds you filled with the joy of life!  I've heard it said that you can never go back home but I totally disagree.  I am blogging from my hometown of Glenwood, Minnesota and finding that part of me that I left behind so many years ago.  As I wander through the streets, there is part of me that yearns to return to the place of my birth.

I was surprised ... my drive northward wasn't as tedious as I thought it would be.  I had plenty of time to listen to talk radio and learn all I could about raising the debt ceiling and balancing the budget.  I am disappointed in the Democrats, disappointed in the Republicans, and appalled at our President.  I'm as guilty as the next person about allowing a specific party to make decisions for me.  At present, I would consider myself an Independent trying to learn as much as I can about political issues and individuals who are speaking for me in Congress.  I wish I would have started being more aware sooner but better sooner than later!

I arrived in Glenwood, MN at 12:30pm last Thursday.  As I approached the hill leading downward to Glenwood, my tummy was in butterflies and I was so in awe at the view of Lake Minnewaska before me.  The little city is so much smaller than I remember it ... I felt like I could stand in the middle of the intersection on Main Street and touch all four corners!  I rang up my sister in law and we met for a bite to eat.  Oh, it was so good to see her!  I followed her out to the farm and got settled in before my brother arrived.  I hugged the stuffing out of him and told him to expect hugs every day til I left.  It is cooler out here in the country and I slept with the window open ... ah, the fresh air!!  The mosquitoes are awful though ... bug spray has become a staple when I leave the house!

I was to meet my friends, Pam and Elaine, for dinner Friday night so I decided to tour the city and take photos before hand.  Not far from my brother's farm, is an Indian Mound.  When settlers came to this area, there were quite a few Indians.  My Aunt Blanche interviewed her grandfather, Anton Pederson, and wrote, "They would usually have their war dance on the hill where the present Glenwood Summer Hotel is now located.  Their war cries, hoots, and banging on pans could be heard for many miles.  At night they would dance around a big fire.  These Indians were not harmful but they frightened the people by their ugly looks and their sly ways.  Many times they would steal grain and food from the settlers and would come almost every day and beg for food."

How do I know this?  I went to the Historical Society and had them copy everything in the files of both sets of great grandparents, my paternal grandparents, and my own family.  What treasures I uncovered!  So much I didn't know ... I am so proud of my heritage I could just shout with joy!!  I look forward to writing more about that.

I ventured around the city snapping photos and reliving special moments.  The mind is an amazing thing ... as soon as I came upon different areas, memories came forth at warp speed!  What a gift this time is for me!!



Dorothy Seidler, Dale Searcy, Elaine Karste, Pam Hoffland

My friend, Elaine, just moved into a condo that has been constructed at the elementary school I attended.  My friend, Pam, divides her time between Minnesota and California and she also met us at Elaine's.  Oh goodness, we hugged and danced around like little kids.  We drove out to Torgy's on the lake for dinner and talked for hours.  We were joined for a few minutes by friend, Dale Searcy and his wife.  You'd think we would have been talked out but heck no, we headed back to the condo for more time together.  Elaine (and Pam too) is a fabulous cook and I've come away with some pretty awesome recipes!

Pam and Dorothy

I asked Pam why she thought that we were still bonded so deeply at 65 and she replied, "Well, we were together for so many years growing up and we knew each other inside and out."  I'm sure that has a lot to do with it but there has to be something more.  Our lives have taken us down different paths but it's like we are kindred spirits redefining our Senior Years and, for whatever reason, it's important that we include each other as we move forward in life.  We're already planning a get together next summer at a lake house for a week.  God willing, we WILL pull this off!

The lake woos me ... I stood on the shores of Lake Minnewaska enthralled at her massive beauty.  I just know I will need to borrow a book from Nancy and spend an afternoon reading while listening to the waves gently lapping at the shore.  I can only imagine what it was like for the first settlers to the area as they topped the hills surrounding the lake and gazed upon the beauty before them. 

Even in a brace, this foot is made for walkin'

Sometimes, we are called upon to take the high road when we'd just as soon fall down in a heap.  That's where choices come in.  God says, "Do the right thing and leave the rest to me."  The human part of me says, "It's impossible ... I can't go on."  I always do though ... step by step ... year by year.  When I chose to shrink and hide, I was the loser.  When I chose to rise above and shine, I was the winner.  I just knew I needed to make this trip to Minnesota.  When the surgeon said my ankle had not healed, my first reaction was, "How can you rig it so I can drive?"  He came up with a driving brace and I was on my way...



Pam Hoffland, Pat Anderson, Bonnie Wagner,
 Jane Hanson, Lynda Neuhalfen, Elaine Karste

Yesterday morning, I got together with more friends for breakfast at Torgy's.  The food was yummy and the company beyond wonderful!  My bestest friend in the whole world in high school drove three and a half hours to spend the day with Elaine, Pam and I.  I saw her and we both felt the years melt away.  I've learned that the most precious gifts are those of time spent with those nearest and dearest to the heart.  Material gifts are often times forgotten but the presence of a friend?  Forever!!

It is Waterama weekend here ... Elaine, Pam, and I ventured down to Lakeside for the festivities (food, water show, lighted pontoon parade, fireworks).  There were storms around us and the wind switched bringing in some cool air.   The statue of Princess Minnewaska was unveiled and families arrived to taste the cheese curds and various and sundry food items.  After touring antique shops and walking miles, we were three tired ladies ... I drove out into the dark countryside hoping to remember where to turn on the gravel roads.  Poor Lily ... she is begging for a nice bath ... I tell her, "Monday!"

Dorothy and Elaine

I slept in this morning.  It is so wonderful to feel the breezes coming in the window.  Roger and Nancy don't have air conditioning on the farm; however, they do have many many fans which is just fine with me!  I feel such peace and do have the joy, joy, joy down in my heart!!  I drove into town for breakfast at Elaine's and to say goodbye to her.  That was tough but I know we will do better at staying in touch!

Trisha Pederson and "Aunt" Dorothy

I am now back at the farm and am excited to say that I have connected with my lovely niece, Trisha.  She is so beautiful ... more hugs to give and get!!  I look into the mirror and pinch myself ... how could I be so blessed?!  Every part of my trip has been so very special!  Tonight, I am taking Roger and Nancy out for dinner in Alexandria.  More memory making moments!!

As today unfolds, I cherish every moment, sigh, and look forward to tomorrow.  God willing, I will wake to new opportunities, growth and JOY! 

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!  We'll chat again tomorrow!