Getting Fit

I did it - I signed up at the Fitness Club this weekend, had my introduction class Sunday evening and even signed up for a personal trainer.
What have I done?
I meet with my trainer again Monday evening and then I'm taking an aerobic class too.
I decided that I wouldn't do this without a lot of support.  They have a special until November 15th  for training so I went for it. Melissa and Sarah, I'm counting on you as my cheering crowd.

 Yes, I'm happy now because I just finished that set of exercises.  But will I feel the same tomorrow?

Getting Mail

We've got mail:
Our oldest granddaughter is studying the letters of the alphabet this year in her Pre-K class. 
Recently they studied the letter "L" and she sent a letter to her favorite grandparents in Minnesota.
M and a friend are mailing their letters:

Here is the result:

I taped it to the PC so Grandpa won't miss it when he got home from work on Friday!
Thanks, M for brightening our world.

What I Learned From My Dad

My dad, Bob Eide, July 2008 at Emily's wedding in Colorado.

My dad passed away a year ago.   My daughter and I traveled to Colorado for his memorial service.
We left  Minnesota ahead of the snow and we were greeted in Colorado with sunshine and beautiful warm fall weather.
October 2009
Beautiful fall day - a perfect day to celebrate my Dad and a smile from M.

What my dad taught me:
Keep walking, and walking and walking.
Take pictures and capture the everyday moments to share.
Invite the family to eat - pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners were his specialty.
Keep in touch - type and send a letter every week to family and friends.
Read, read, read - it keeps the mind active and your knowledge current in a changing world.
Attend the family celebrations - he never missed a grandchild's graduation (high school or college) or a family wedding.
Joy in traveling - there's so much to see and so much rich history to enjoy along the way.
Travel the back roads.  The people are friendly and home-cooked meals are the best.
And much, much more. 
Thanks Dad for being a big part of my life.




That's me in the middle - several years ago.  The handsome one is my dad!

Beautiful Fall Ground Cover

I've noticed that the ground cover this fall is just a colorful as the bright leaf colors.  While driving to meet a friend on Sunday, I was amazed at all the purple and lavender among the red, yellow and browns from the wild flowers.  I'm not sure what it is (some weed, I suppose) but it makes a beautiful bouquet fitting for a queen's table.

For the Sport of It -- From the Spectator's View

October 3, 2010 - Metrodome - 7:30 AM as the sun is just coming up.
We had a long busy Sunday.  We were up early to pick up the family runner in St Paul and get her to the Dome by 7:30 AM and the starting line for the TC Marathon.
We spent the rest of the day chasing the participants to various locations to cheer them on and glimpse our daughter zooming by.

 And they are off!  Cheering them on at Hennipen Avenue - first mile out of the 'gate'.
 I missed Sarah by a block - lots of runners in this photo, but not Sarah.

 Nine miles into the race- Minnehaha Parkway and 35 W - under the bridge.

 

 

Running feet.

At 22.5 miles of running -- Summit Avenue in St Paul:

 Lots of runners, and many spectators!  Even a band to pulse the runners on!  Great fun.

Again, no Sarah photos.  Bill and I are posing as spectators.  When Sarah arrived we cheered and clapped but did not stop her for photos.  Check it out at the finish line.

The band was great!

Next stop - on to the Finish Line.

 We had a great view of the runners at the finish.

We met our winner at the end of the race.  Great accomplishment, Sarah.  We are so proud of you.

Sarah after the race.  Great job.

Leaving on a Jet Plane - for Paris

No not me. I wish.
Our daughter heads for Paris tomorrow for a 10 week internship. She is studying abroad this semester as a U of MN student.
Oh, to be young!
Becca, please keep us posted on your adventures and the sights you see. Best wishes for a safe trip.

Bill and I had dinner with Becca at California Pizza Kitchen before she prepared to leave on her trip. We will miss her happy face here in the neighborhood.

Sidewalk Cafe - Minnesota

I met my daughter at Starbucks after work for coffee. (I'm not saying which one but here's a hint - she is soon to be seen in a sidewalk cafe in Paris, France!)
I am excited for her and the wonderful adventure she is able to experience. Here's to safe travels and a wonderful time in Europe!

She also took a photo of me with one of my favorite places in the background.

Don't you just love beautiful Fall days outside? I do!