Autumn

Trees are colorful now. Our weather has changed; we are totally into fall here with 60 degree days expected over the next week. Finally had to turn the heat on this weekend.

I have been finishing up the work on the Johnson reunion. We are ready to go. I am sure everyone who comes will have a good time. The planning has been great fun for me, and I am grateful for the help of Carolyn and my cousins. Actually, Carolyn does all the work with the computer. I give her a lot of ideas, but she knows how to create the power point presentation. The cousins really came through with the photos we asked for, so there will be something for everyone's family in the trivia game. I have enjoyed the reminiscing, the laughter, and some serious conversations as well. Thanks to Trish, Barbie, Joni, and Diane, and especially to Carolyn for all she has done that nobody sees.

I have been busy cleaning out my closets. Taking many things to 2 thrift shops here in Quincy, and finding a few treasures in both places for myself. Next I will attack the purse shelf. When I get something new, I don't move the old, out of style, out. Packrat. That's me. If a good or meaningful memory is associated with something, I cling to it. Trying to change that. What's the word....simplify? Don't be attached to the things of this world. Hmm. Well I have figured out that Designers Again is like a recycling center for brand name clothes and the nicer stuff from Kohl's, Bergners, etc. The York Street Shop is for the usual stuff, and every now and then you come across an amazing item of clothing for an amazing price! Just there at the right time.

Niece Stephanie is going on an adventure with her husband Donny to Alaska. He has law enforcement employment there, and Steph will go in early December. I well remember my adventure following Mario to New York to play professional soccer when we were 22 and newly graduated from college and newly wed. It seemed a world away. It was! No computer connections, no cell phones. Well it was good for us. Then our adventure in the other direction to Arizona....we got to see the West and learn a lot about ourselves. So my hope for Steph is that good things are in store for her. May God bless her as she makes her plans to leave the known for her new life in Alaska.

Nolan will soon be starting allergy shots. His eyes are all inflamed now, and he saw the allergy specialist today. He has exsema (sp?), and the dr. wonders if changing his diet could help that. He has a lot to contend with besides being a 4th child.

I saw Hannah's report card today. She has done very well in her first quarter of first grade. That means a reward from Grandma, probably some cash. That's what they like now, all but Nolan. He still likes trucks and tractors and balls.

Cora tried out for the middle school drama club and made it. She will be in a play sometime soon. Blake is now finished with outdoor high school soccer. Indoor will begin in November. He is full-fledged into girls now. No surprise. I knew it would happen sooner or later. Seems to be a pretty tight reign on him from Momma Carrie.

Dancing With the Stars.....will be soooo ready for Cloris to get the boot. If she doesn't, I might have to start voting!