Back home

DH and I got back yesterday from a week in Minnesota with my family.  My one sister lives in Ely and the rest of the family came from Ohio.  It wasn't everybody, but almost.  We shared a 3 bedroom/2 bath cabin at Timber Trail Lodge.  It overlooked Farm Lake.  We had our own fire pit and boat dock.  We made a fire every night and some nights, roasted marshmallows for smores or just plain marshmallows.  We also had cook outs.  Other nights we made my mother's version of spaghetti sauce, which was yummy.  Almost everyone took turns making breakfast.  We rented paddle boats and one day, my sister rented a pontoon boat to take us around the other lakes.  It is absolutely beautiful there - so quiet and serene.  We loved to listen to the loons at night.  My little grand niece has gotten pretty good at imitating them.  We had a pretty large group of baby ducks around our dock.  We also saw several deer and the last night we were there, we saw a doe with 2 babies.  They were so cute!  This was the first time that we all sat around the dinner table and enjoyed a meal together.  When I go back to Ohio for visits, it's usually just a pot luck and we don't actually sit down to a meal.  It was great.  We discovered a fun game called Pocket Farkle.  That provided hours of fun for adults and children alike.  All of us went to tour a local mine that stopped production in the early 60's.  It was fascinating.  Of course, we also did a little shopping.  Oh, I almost forgot, my sisters, nieces, and grand niece went to the Ely 4th of July parade.  OMG, it was the most fun parade I've ever been to.  They know how to have fun.  The kids got a ton of candy, CD's, books, balls, etc., that were tossed out to the crowd.  I even got a hug from a man dressed as a woman!  LOL  The weather was great, but heated up the last 2 days.  We only had a couple of small showers.  We took walks, ate and LAUGHED A LOT!!!  I, for one, really needed that.  I know that many of us said this was the best vacation we have ever had.  I took a lot of pictures and am about to download them now.  They only real mishap was when my sister knocked my niece's cell phone in the water and I had to fish it out with a shovel!  LOL    She said she needs a new one anyway.  There was no TV, radio, or even cell phone reception, except in town.  We also visited a goat farm that was down the road and were given a sample of goat milk.  It's not bad!  The goat milk is used to make goat milk soap, so we had to buy some as gifts.  We even met the goat that is the 'cover girl' on the label. 

 

Unfortunately, I was not able to meet with Lauri.  I didn't have access to my email and she had sent me her phone number to call, but I didn't get it until I got home.  DH and I visited the Mall of America while waiting for our return flight.  WOW, what a place!  We were there for 1 1/2 hours and only walked around one floor.  It's amazing and so many people there.  Now it's back to 'reality' and final treatments.  We have wonderful memories and pictures from this family vacation.

Oh what a wonderful vacation! You sound so happy and relaxed and unstressed. I read in books about the call of the loons and have no idea what it sounds like. We had family vacations in NH when I was young and I still remember and relive the sights. sounds, smells and the great family times playing games. What is Pocket Farkle? Now don't try to get all the laundry done too fast and enjoy your memories. Hugs MK

Pocket Farkle is a dice game.  There are 6 dice.  Your goal is to be the first to reach 10,000.  The minimum combination is 3 of a kind and 1's and 5's are the only ones that count to keep you going if you don't have 3 of a kind or something else.  It's interesting.  We all enjoyed it and bought our own versions to bring home.

Kathy,

I'm so glad you're home safely and that you had a good time. Pocket Farkle sounds like a cute game. I used to play stuff like that with my kids when I was teaching them to multiply. Sounds like the entire week was spectacular. I'm so glad you had a great time.

L&H,
Rita

Tammy, sorry your family does not gather together. It is really fun to get the generations together. We do it in Iowa for the Fourth of July. We host a pot luck supper. Everyone brings something to share. The conversation just flows. People overflowed from the kitchen to the dining and living rooms and out to the front porch. I counted 30 this year ranging in age from DH's uncle who is 84 to the youngest, a cousin's 2 1/2 month old grandson. Once it gets dark, everyone moves to the front curb to watch spectacular fireworks that are shot off just 2 blocks away. Talk about a front row seat. Even my mother and DSIL's parents from Minneapolis come down to join in the party. Good luck in getting your family together. Hugs, Lauri

Lauri! Welcome Home!!! I am so glad to hear that you had a wonderful time and that you were able to answer your great niece's questions. I am sure that she  had lots of them. What a great idea to give all of your female family members the bc bracelet. I am sure that made you feel like you have a special bond now w/ each of them. Take it easy and continue to let your mind and body relax from the vacation.

When is your next treatment?

Hugs..Deb

Kathy: The time will fly and you will be all done before you know it! Are you taking your rads at Barnes?

Deb