Old Maid Indicators!

When I was young, I always said I wanted to get married by the time I was 24 years old. I use to look at friends who were in their early twenties and wonder why they were freaking out about being single, they were still young yet. Then I rationalized this, and figured I would understand more when I turned 23 or 24, perhaps I would start to freak out then? Well, now that I approach those years in my life I realize, I could care less!!! Hey everyone, it is my car, my house, my pets, my money, and my life! Opps... Well it is God's life in all reality, but at least this way I don't have to worry about the other half and plan my schedule around someone else. I do what I want when I want, and I spend money however I like. Now don't get me wrong, there are pluses and minuses to being married and single. Married is great because you have your best friend to share life's experiences with and grow closer to each other and God, not to mention other advantages, especially if you want kids to raise and watch as you grow older. I do want to get married, yet I am completely happy in my free schedule. I am sure I will get married, but I am not afraid to remain single either if the right person does not come along. The waiting, can be a pain, especially when other people start to meddle, hence my Old Maid Indicators!

Remember when you were young, and your father had this scowl on his face any time a young man came near? I certainly do, although I never knew of my Dad's worries until my Mom clued me in. When I was 16, I came home with 4 guys in the car. Apparently, my Dad and Grandpa were sitting watching out the window. In my Father's fiery he stated, "What is she doing with four guys in the car?" To which my Grandpa smartly replied, "I wouldn't worry about four guys in the car, I would be more worried if there was just one." At this point in my life, my Dad would eye any guy within a mile of his precious daughter. Any time I spoke to my Dad about guys he got this look on his face and scurried off. My Dad didn't seem to understand me, my taste, nor why I was interested in guys. My Dad's take on good guys was no where near being close to a match for me. As long as they were mechanically inclined, had a good job, and were nice, marry um was his take.

Now.... Comes the Old Maid Indicator. At around 20 or 21, my Mom started suggesting this boy or that, but nothing of too much concern. The real shocker came from my Father, at age 21 or 22, my Dad came home and handed me a picture of a young man next to a stock car. I asked about this in puzzlement, and my Dad stated, I worked on this guy's Catepillar Equipment today and he seemed really nice, and he has a good job. He then went on to state that me and this young man had a lot in common. Now wait one minute!!!!!!!! What is my Dad doing interviewing guys for me? I questions my Dad on this, and he said "Well......" Well, what? Grrrr..... My Dad then went on to explain that I wasn't exactly doing so good of job myself, and that when I did find a good one I cast them away and stomped on their hearts. Now this was getting serious.

At 23 I moved to Red Wing, and I dated a guy who was mechanically inclined, nice, and basically a decent guy........ but not for me. Well, my Dad met him, and of course liked him. That February 15th, the day after Valetintes Day, my Dad called me up (which was highly unusual for him I might add). I responded gaily, "What? You called to wish my Happy Valetines Day, that is so sweet!!!!" To which my Father replied, "No, I called to see if you had a ring on your finger." Of all the nerve!!!!!!!!!

The best indicator of all came one day when I went home to visit my parents. My Dad started ribbing on me about making him some Grand babies, and I got a little tired of it. I figured I would get even with my over protective Father. I stated, "Sure Dad, no problem, but does it matter if I am married or not?" My Dad stopped to think for but a second before stating loudly, "Nope!" My jaw dropped, and I was shocked. My Dad would never had said such a thing a year or two ago, instead he would have threatened murder to any guy who so much as touched me. Old Maidhood is upon me now for sure.

Well, I hope those indicators might help someone. Not to worry about me though, my future is secure, and in all reality I have kids (criminals granted) that I get paid to watch at work that I can leave at the end of the day. I have the kids, who needs the husband?

All the trail mix is gone!

All the Swiss Trail Mix is gone, my Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper is gone, and my Mom is gone so I can no longer go out horseback riding. I guess that means it is time to go home... Not to mention my head has had enough intake of excitement and Iron Range Gossip to sort through for another few weeks. For instance, I visit a friends shop (Bill's TV and Audio), only to find out from Bill that I was getting married!!!!! What wonderful news! I asked Bill, I am, well that is certainly news to me, so you going to DJ the wedding for me? In my excitement I completely forgot to find out who my fiance was! Woe as me! Bill explained that he was surprised when he heard this, but he was quite certain he had been told I was getting married. Hmmm... I don't even live here any more, but apparently I still do all sorts of things that I am unaware of! One thing can be said for moving to a new town, no one knows you, no one can gossip about you, and if anyone does, it doesn't matter because you will never hear about, and no one gossips to you.

As always, it was a very pleasant and entertaining stay bopping around from place to place with a packed social agenda that severely differs from Red Wing where I only socialize with my horse and the lady I board from. After all the quiet of Red Wing the drastic change is a large one to take on. Now that my mind is full of fun, adventure, and gossip :( I must head on back to Red Wing Minnesota to take care of the kiddies at the prison. I mustn't leave my children awaiting for to long! I wonder who got locked up in the security unit since I have been gone? Oh well, I am sure some of my children are there, for they are always causing trouble.

Well, until next time......

Virginia, Minnesota, the 24/7 hub of entertainment

So I recently took a trip up to Virginia, Minnesota, and my memory was suddenly jarred and I realized what an interesting place Virginia Minnesota truly is. I traveled around like a lost puppy at first and located adventure sight number one. I called one of my buddies and he stated that him (CJ) and another friend (Kenny) where heading out to Coons pit to go pick up the bronco (Reliable vehicle number one) because it had stalled climbing over a tailings pill and needed a jump start (Mine tailings, lots of little red rocks!). So we I pull in the driveway, and there Kenny and CJ sit around this little tonka toy truck of a Toyota (reliable vehicle number two) that is leaning to one side in the rear, has a missing rear view mirror, is rusted to pieces, only seats two people, doesn't sound to healthy, and has two flat tires. "We are going to take that!", I exclaim. To which I get to strange looks and and "Yeah, why what is the problem?" I just shrugged and maintained my silence. CJ went on the state that he just purchased the rig, and all he needed to do was air up the tires a bit and tie up the one side that was leaning and we were set to go! So off we went down the highway with me squeezed on the console between two bigger guys bumping around. Finally, we went down a road paralleling the railroad tracks and finally to a four wheeler trail. Hmmmm... now wait one minute, 4-wheeler trail!!!!!!!!! Now I realize the truck is small but ummmm.... tight squeeze guys. Well they were bound a determine, so after the spotter (Kenny) got us through the tight spots (with me hanging on to the sun roof that is missing the top to it so it is open 24/7 over the rough bumps). Finally we reach a true Iron Range play ground. There were hills and big pills of rock every where with trails zipping this way and that. Finally, at the foot of a hill we locate a huge blue beast of a bronco with all the bells and whistles. Now it didn't look too fancy but with the lift and Super Swamper tires, you couldn't go wrong. So we jump started Big Blue and hopped in. Now Big Blue and Tonka Toy were once again running. So they spun in circles, climbed the same hill they stalled on earlier (I guess you don't learn the first time), and went cruising up these steep huge hills. Over all, it was true Iron Range fun, only there was no mud! :(
Well, in any case the fun ended and I headed over to the local hot spot, Holiday Gas Station. Now as I sat at Holiday, I realized why I had never been bored before in this town. People are just so different here! I do mean different! First a bunch of kids in unique dress with died black hair and wearing all black, or with wired tattoos and weird hair cuts, or with just plain different styles wandered around inside Holiday paying for there food and eating in the back of the store. Don't you leave the gas station before eating your food? Well, the store clerk kicked them outside. Once outside the Goth guy proceeded to climb one of the signs/street lamps until he was way off the ground. Next, he proceeded to meow like a cat. I thought about calling the fire department, as his meowing may have been a call for help, but I decided to just let him be and watch the procession. Eventually the lad got down and headed out. Next, I sat all night watching the strangest people wander in and out. Some whining about my boyfriend slept with....... and she ...... I knew I couldn't trust.... Yikes, soap opera central in person and talking loud enough for everyone to hear. Oh, there was also all the people walking in and out staring at me intently like I was some alien specimen. Was it my dress? Did something label me as an outsider? I don't know why I was so interesting, but after a while I almost felt like giving everyone something to stare at. I thought about making a scene for the fun of it, but I figured there was enough interesting people already that they didn't need any help for entertainment. There were guys driving by hanging out the window staring at the gas station..... I can't figure that one out, it wasn't that interesting of a place. There was a guy talking to himself and parking his bicycle in the middle of the path that led between the store and the gas pumps, and there were guys swaggering (I mean full fledged swaggering, they were the coolest thing around). There wasn't a dull moment to be had! I was just in gleeful stitches over all that a saw. Perhaps they thought I was the odd one in the end? Hmmmm.... there is always something to keep one entertained in Virginia Minnesota.

Hunting without a gun, can sometimes lead to success!

My lovely Mom and Dad once went out in the woods with the dog to hunt for the evasive partridge of the north. While walking the dog ran far ahead, chasing up game far to soon, and running excitedly past those buried in hiding. My Mom and Dad slowly approached, my Dad with his gun at his side. When alas, his chance came and a partridge fled from hiding not two feet in front of him. In the panic of being caught unaware, my Father threw up his rifle to protect himself from the flurry of feathers heading his way, swinging wildly, and landed his rifle muzzle squarely on the partridges head breaking its neck and providing the evening meal. Now my Mom states that my Father's motive was money and he was simply trying to save on bullets. All probable of course. None the less, I am my fathers daughter, so I decided to attempt this feat, but on a much grander scale!

The other day, it was stiflingly hot, so I decided to take my lovely steed for a trail ride through the woods. Up the hill I went, and into a path leading between two corn fields. As I was passing between the corn fields my horse started to slow down. In my frustration, I pressed against her sides and urged the stubborn creature forward, only to find myself swiftly placed in mid-air being flung to the side with no horse underneath me and a flurry of feathers racing in all directions, with my horse flying in the opposite direction, running back the way we had came. So here I was laying on my side, the horse 20 feet down the trail munching on the farmer's corn stalks, and five baby Turkeys fluttering away. In the future I shall not try my Father's feats, for I came close, but I missed all five baby turkeys and was unable to land on a single one. However, I did come away with no bruises and I finished my lovely ride.

Three cheers for good friends and family!

I must admit that I believe blogs to be a splendid way to keep contact with friends and family and to keep everyone posted on a more normal basis, while leaving room for feedback without e-mails mandatory unspoken requirement that you must write back! More impressive yet is that in the world we live in today I can give this blog address to my friends and family without any worry of being embarrassed or worried about what comments I might make or that may be made on my blog. Good people are hard to come by and I am glad for those people I have had the priviledge to know and be brought up by.




I hesistantly await the comments published on this blog, perhaps I will be proved wrong! Parents and Grandpa Mark do behave yourselves (I trust my lovely Grandma will behave herself)!

P.S. No need to manditorily respond to my e-mail that gave you this blog address!

Vacation does it truly exist?

First off, I apologize for my rather flippant blog yesterday. You see, after working 16 hours on both July 3rd and July 4th, I was rather psychotic, rambunctious, and crazed. It is amazing how happy one can be when they finally get time off after working so much staring at the same walls, and (for me) dealing with the same belligerent juveniles. Now..... This leads me on to a theory. Granted, I am on my normal days off and not vacation time, but none the less, I was bouncing off the walls. I might add that I also cleaned my house, did my laundry, went grocery shopping, went to work for an hours over time, worked with my horse, and worked with another horse. In the end my need to accomplish tasks left undone while I was working and excitement over having the day off made me rather giddy. However, when I truly think about it, at work I sit behind a desk, talk with some juveniles, direct the juveniles about their tasks and about rules, and I fill out some paperwork. Hmmmm... not to hard, right? While not at work, I run around like an idiot from chore to chore. Why I work harder when I am NOT at work. So, why then do we think we are on vacation at times like this? Why then are we so content and happy about this? Hmmmm....

The Mystery Cave Tour Guide

So.... I headed out to one of my favorite oldest sister's (okay so she is only my friend, but I like to pretend) b-day party. On the way, I begrudgingly avoided all the distractions that captured my interest. I pointedly drove straight to my destination to look up my favorite farrier to hit on... urrrr... ummm.. I mean hopefully I could tactfully avoid the inerest of town gentlemen. On the way I noticed a sign, a blue one, one that typically points out gas, food, etc. this way. This sign stated peaceful praire farm this way. Peaceful praire farm!!!!!!!! I just past fifty of them, what was so special about this one!!!!! Do they not have anything more interesting to point out, and thus tried to put up signs so that the town sounded as if it had something of interest? Alas, I had a journey to make so I kept on driving and arrived at the favorite oldest sister's house.

I might add this was the best b-day party I ever attended for I received presents and not the other way around.!the favorite oldest sister paid for her companions tickets to the Mystery Cave, which I might add wasn't really a Mystery seeing as it was obviously a cave, duh!!!! Any how, we waited around in the heat of summer waiting for our faithful guide. Finally the guide arrived. He was young, hansome, good with words (a sure sign to run), funny, and quite pleasant! So the guide showed us around speaking humbly, joking around, and showing himself every bit the fine specimens of man kind. Graciously, I bowed down and was quiet offering this wounderful guide to the younger sisters. After all, my last experience with men in this area showed rather bizzare prospects, so this one was indeed a rare one to come by! So I graciously provided head way for the other sisters. I might add I almost gave up the offer because the younger sisters were slow to act. Great job acting lack of interest and thus providing the tour guide the opportunity to partake in the chase. On and on we went through the cave without the silly tour guide showig any interest in chasing any of us, with the exception of his charm and a few looks and smiles pointed in the middle child's direction. At last the middle child gave up her act and pointedly took over conversation with teh tour guide on the way out, pullig off a grand performance. As the tour was over, I stopped at the bridge hopig to prolong her chances. I then pretended interest int eh guides job and rocks... yuck.... to hold his interest and keep him around. Int eh last five minutes at teh romantic bridge, the guide informs us all that he is from another state, and...........................................................................................................................................................

has a girl friend. Why of course, why hadn't we thought of that! After all, men are like parking spaces, all the good ones and taken and the rest are handicapped, where were our heads!!!!!!!!

Happy 5th of July all!!!!!! I apologize for my head is fuzzy as I worked 16 hours on teh 3rd and 4th, so now I want to celebrate the 5th, adn why not!!!!!!! Happy 5th everyone!!!!