Sensational Saturday!!

Almost eleven years ago I left the Savage High School classroom to "expand my horizons," thinking that I was leaving the town I had called "home" for the past 25 years never to return. I did, however, return for a high school graduation and a wedding, but never a sporting event.

Due to my daughter's listing on FB regarding my need to attend the upcoming state football championship game (even though she knew how much I dread the snow and cold weather), I was inundated with comments, pleas, and even bribes from friends and former students to attend the event.

Early Saturday morning as I peered out my front window at the snow piling up and as I listened intently to the Weather Channel's winter advisory warnings through Sunday, it would have been so easy to tell TC, "The weather is too bad...let's just stay home." I have to admit that I thought about it, but not for long. How could I possibly disappoint so many people though I knew they would understand if I chose not to go?

Despite the snow, the wind, the semi-trucks and car in the median and barrow pits along the interstate, two hours later we turned off the highway heading down Main Street in Savage. With an hour before game time, we decided to tour the town to see how much it had changed over the years. I admired the remodeled homes, the new decks and fences, the new bays added to the Fire Hall, and the new entrance to the Community Hall. I was most interested, though, in seeing how much the spindly, 12" evergreen trees I had planted two and a half decades earlier had grown. I was so awe-struck as they soared more than 20 feet high....awesome!! But when Terry turned down "Canal Street," (No, Nic, we weren't spying on you.) :) I knew it was time to head to Quale Field. :)

After finding the perfect parking spot where I could see the entire field as well as the scoreboard, I glanced at the outside temperature gauge...12 degrees! This heated truck seat felt sooooooo good as I watched the snow continue to fall, the field being brushed off, and the onlookers bundled up so tightly that I probably couldn't recognize anyone even if I tried. Once Terry left the vehicle and Janelle, Matt, and Jackson made their appearance in the bleachers, I knew I'd be venturing out soon. Even though I told Charity I was warming up until the start of the game, the heat was just too inviting as I watched the first half of the game from our pickup, cheering "GO WARRIORS" for the team (though I'm sure no one could hear me) and honking the horn when they scored.

After half-time, I donned a hooded sweatshirt over the one I was already wearing, added another coat and was set to brave the elements. Louie Reyna gave me the first of many, many bear hugs yesterday. Ohh...I think there was a conspiracy to see who could squeeze me the hardest, and I loved each and every one of them. My only disappointment was that I hadn't left the pickup earlier.

Naturally, I had to have one of my "senior" moments that proved I could still be an "air-head" at times! When Nicki Fischer and some "fella" approached me, he gave me a giant hug and started chatting with me. I looked at Nicki and she said, "You don't know who this is, do you?" ..."Nope." Oh my gosh! That was my moment because I knew she married Brady, but why would she be with someone else? Brady just didn't look like Brady...he had changed so much! Then again, I hadn't seen him since he was a freshman. I'm still laughing at what an idiot I was...not even putting two and two together. Perhaps it was the cold weather that gave me that temporary brain freeze. I am so sorry, Brady. :)

During the game and afterwards at the Hall, I had the opportunity to chat with former co-workers, parents, and so many of my former students. I loved spending those few minutes with each and every one of you...whether we talked about family, work, or school. Unfortunately, there were a few whom I never could find...next time for sure! Just like my evergreen trees, I have watched you grow from rambunctious children into beautiful young adults. I am proud to have been a part of your life and look forward to hearing from you in the future. (If you're not a member of my FB family, please take a moment to add me...the more, the merrier!)

Regarding the football game itself, the boys, none of which I actually know, made me feel as though I was once again a proud Warrior fan. They played as a team, gave every ounce of energy they could muster in such abominable weather, and held their heads high as they accepted the second-place trophy. What more could the outstanding coaches, the proud parents, and the exuberant fans ask of their team--a team that symbolizes such astounding Warrior Pride? Nothing--you have it all!

Because of your warmheartedness and extraordinary hugs, I will affectionately remember yesterday as my SENSATIONAL SATURDAY!

A WARRIOR FAN!

P.S. Amanda, you can just hold that dollar for my next trip to Savage. :)

To Buy or Not to Buy?

I never watch those infomercials that dominate the late night or early morning hours of television, but I must admit that I love thumbing through those quirky catalogs I receive in the mail which try to persuade me to purchase a product that I have never even seen, let alone desire to own. Many of the items described in the magazines are well known because of their "As Seen on TV" status.

I remember walking through the door of one of those "As Seen on TV" stores while living in Virginia and convincing myself that I could find more bargains than would fit into the trunk of my vehicle. I can't recall whether or not I even made a purchase that day; but if I did, it's now in the trash or sitting at the local charity store. Several summers ago TC did manage to grow three tomatoes from that "hanging" plant I gave him, but the strawberry plant was a total failure having produced not even a small leaf.

Yesterday's mail brought me a "Harriet Carter" catalog which brings out both the curiosity and anger in me--curiosity because I wonder if these products actually do what the ad says and anger because I wasn't the FIRST to invent the "goodie" to make my million dollars.

THIS WEEK'S MOST UNUSUAL BARGAINS:


"Garden Torch"

With winter on its way, this "Garden Torch" could be the ideal gift. It uses an "inexpensive" propane-filled cylinder to melt away ice on your sidewalk. My question is: "Where am I supposed to stand while melting that first patch of ice? On the ice? Doesn't that defeat the purpose, especially for a klutz like myself?"  According to the picture, that flame doesn't appear to be very big...How long is this going to take me to do my sidewalk? I'm thinking I'd probably either run out of propane or freeze my fingers before I finished, especially if I planned to do the driveway as well.

Oh, yes, and it doubles as a weed burner--"gets down to the roots"--as long as you don't start your garden or grass on fire...or even worse--your house. All this for the low price of $39.98. Sounds like too much work for me. I'll save it for a shopper who has more ambition than I do!



This is a "Purse Caddy" which allows me to keep my handbag off the floor and in full view while I'm dining out or in a public place. To me, using this device would be equivalent of telling a thief, "Here it is....come and grab it as you run by!" If I placed my purse under the table or at my feet, at least it would take the crook a moment to crawl on his hands and knees to grab it. The caddy does swivel flat for easy storage, but I wouldn't want my friends sticking this device on MY dining room table. It's a real STEAL at $5.98.

 

THIS ONE REALLY TAKES THE CAKE!!

 

This "Giant Cookie" cake pan set is supposed to create a 3D cake, which is no more that two cakes stacked atop each other with frosting or ice cream dividing the two halves. I love to decorate cakes, but when "I have my cake and eat it, too," I want frosting EVERYWHERE!! not just in the center!  However, if I frost the entire cake, the design would be hidden...so why would I buy this cake pan?  I can't see my grand kids wanting to dig right into this cake!

This "Neck Air Cushion" looks like an accident about to happen!  Once you wrap it around your neck, just PUMP IT UP to stretch your tight muscles, relieving  you of sore and stiff joints, pinched nerves, headaches, and MORE! I think I'll save my $19.98 for a trip to the chiropractor.

 

 

 

 

 



MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST

 

TO JANELLE:

 

This weather-resistant and motion-activated "Digital Security Camera" is guaranteed to instantly snap color photographs when movement is detected. It holds 200 photos and has a range of 23 feet, and it can even capture license plates! I'm not exactly sure how that works unless they drive up to your front door, but you definitely could use one of these!!

 

TO JASON:

 

This "Duct Tape" mug is perfect for you while you head to work every morning. You can sip from it while you let the policeman talk to the fella who ran into you; or get out the duct tape to patch the fender (Does that sound familiar?). You may consider keeping a case of it in the car for such emergencies. 

 

If you prefer not to drink and drive, we should re-gift this to Larry Miller. I hear he is quite fond of duct tape!! 

 

TO MY BROTHER:

 

With no ladies in the house, he and the boys might have a good time with this "Toilet Clock" that flushes on the hour.  It is guaranteed to turn their lavatory into a "laugh-a-tory."   

 

 

 

 

TO MY SISTER:

 

 

This "Money Tree" is the perfect gift for her. It's 16" high with bendable branches and twist-tie ends to hold the money in place. Notice that it comes with a gift wrap bag and an attractive card. MONEY NOT INCLUDED! Oh! She will be so disappointed!  For my readers who are not familiar with my sister, check out my blog: "The Most Wicked Award" ...and it's all true.

 

 

 

TO TERRY:

 

Because TC has hundreds and hundreds of caps, I thought this "Cap Washer" would be the ideal gift. When he launders his caps, he hangs them all over the laundry room to try to keep their shape. Doesn't he realize it would be easier just to wear the cap and it would conform to his head? At $4.98, this gift will obviously be the most expensive on my list, but he's definitely worth it.

Oh! and just in case he might forget where those dirty caps belong, I'm getting him this magnetic "Laundry Room Decal" with a colorful clothesline scene. This makes for a "Happy Place."  :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST

 

TO MYSELF:

 

Now that I'm retired and enjoying life more than ever, I hope never to become one of those grumpy older ladies who everyone dreads meeting on the street.  I know they say that "You're as old as you feel," but what about "You're as old as you act"?  That's who I want to be!!

 

Being the only left-hander in the family, I want some fun facts to give my grand kids when they notice that their "Grandma Babe" writes with the wrong hand. I know the time will come!

 

Wishing all my readers a safe, joyous holiday season!!

Expect the Unexpected! (Part 1--Equipment Galore!)

When I chose to become a business teacher, I knew that changes in technology were inevitable, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect to find myself on camera teaching to students in another school miles from home. ITV? What's that? I've never heard of such a thing. Interactive Television Video? That's too complicated for me. After all, I was the teacher who had her students set up the VCR, the laser disc player, and other pieces of classroom equipment because plugs, cords, outlets, remote controllers, and I just did not mix well.

The local communications company constructed an ITV classroom which would literally connect five rural schools and a community college, enabling students to take classes that were not normally available to them. As my superintendent gave me a tour of the classroom, he briefly explained the advantages of "long-distance learning," demonstrated how a teacher could teach two classrooms of students simultaneously, and then broadsided me with..."I have 'volunteered' you to teach a general business course from here to Sidney." In passing, he mentioned that the remote classroom would have a teacher "monitor" to assist me should I need any help. The entire time I am thinking to myself, "He has more faith in me than I do!"

What was he thinking anyway! Just because I was always experimenting with new teaching techniques, it didn't mean that I truly wanted to adventure out of my own "safe" classroom world into someone else's. He further explained that I was to take a 3-day course to learn how to use each piece of equipment (Oh, brother! That proved to be interesting!). Just show me again how you did that picture in a picture--I really don't care what color of clothing I should wear to look good on camera!

Students doing their own experimentation with the equipment.

Now it was time to master this technological "Eighth Wonder of the World" which included four television monitors, various types of cameras, speakers, VCR's to record both classrooms as well as play instructional videos, and a fax machine to exchange paperwork and receive homework.

Several weeks into the semester I thought that perhaps I was worrying for no reason. The class was going well, and it appeared that I had conquered my fear of the "Eighth Wonder." Even the students learned to operate the equipment as they demonstrated class projects in front of the cameras.

I made a point to visit the remote classroom often to develop a relationship with my "new" students. As I was introducing myself to the Sidney class as "The New Kid on the Block," the superintendent stopped by to observe the class and found me performing "live" that day. I had only met him once and was glad to have him on board. That is until one of my students raised his hand and inquired, "Did you ever have Leslie McPherson as a student?" I replied, "Oh, yes, and she was such a sweet girl." He beamed with pride as he told me, "She's my mother!" (Yikes! This wasn't exactly what I had expected!) "Oh, please tell her hello for me, but you should know that I started teaching at age 10. I'm REALLY not THAT old!" As the room filled with laughter, I realized that this was going to be a fun time!

On Halloween Anthony (a Sidney student) presented me with the little fella shown here, which the classes appropriately named "Boo." He became our class mascot and rested comfortably on an overhead camera for all to see during my next three years in the ITV world.

Even today, he continues to be a part of my life, a fond memory from the past, as he watches over my grandchildren in the playroom.

With this first year successfully behind me, I found myself being approached by the Sidney principal who had additional plans for me. What assumed to be an ideal situation was soon to become a teacher's WORST NIGHTMARE!

To be continued...

Special Words from My Son

It only seems appropriate that I share with you a memorable moment that I had with my son Jason, who has no idea how he made me feel so very special one particular evening years ago.

During his high school graduation ceremony, this mom never shed a tear because I knew that this was the beginning of his "real" life as he explored that great wide, wonderful world beyond his sanctuary called home. But there was sadness as TC and I drove away from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where we had left him to begin his journey. I personally was hoping for a college slightly closer to home, but after weighing all of the scholarship offers and his non-stop pleas, the Concordia students, staff, and roomies became his new "family."

I eagerly awaited "Family Weekend," when we could spend quality time with him as well as attend the football game, social events, and most importantly of all, "The Showcase" on Saturday evening. Because Concordia College is known worldwide for its musical talent, the Showcase was attended by thousands of spectators during the two performances. It always included twelve single presentations of either individuals or groups chosen by a selection committee following hundreds of auditions.

As we headed to the auditorium, he revealed to us that he had been selected to perform in the Showcase. He would be playing the guitar and singing a song that he had written, "Two Homes, One Heart." Because he was performing in the first half of the program, he would join us at intermission. I was both excited and nervous for him, but I knew that he would do well--my naturally gifted musician.

Then the moment came...

The lights dimmed in the auditorium...he walked to center stage with guitar in hand, the spotlight and all eyes upon him. He introduced himself, gave a short synopsis of the song he had written, and then quietly and slowly said,

"I want to thank my parents for driving all night so they could be here with me this weekend. I love you, Mom." I had heard those four words from him thousands of times before, but at that very moment, my heart melted and the tears flowed. I'm not sure if it was those special words of love or the song that touched me; but when he found us during intermission, I stood and gave him the tightest hug ever.

I love you, Jason.

Mom

A Message from My Daughter

As my daughter grew into a young lady, I marveled at her accomplishments whether it was taking her first "step," reading a book on her own for the very first time, creating beautiful art projects designed especially for Mom and Dad, giving her "all" while participating in her favorite activities, beaming with pride after obtaining her first job and purchasing her first car, or displaying her happiness at even the most minuscule things in life.

For me, however, there was one very special message from her that I think of more often than any of her accomplishments. It is a handwritten note that was tucked deep inside a Mother's Day gift package she sent to me after having left home to begin her life's adventure.

Mom,

I hope that I have surprised you with this package, and I also hope that you like this afghan. I could not find a better way to say "Happy Mother's Day" than millions of stitches and hours and weeks of work.

If I made one stitch for everything that you have done for me--the afghan would circle the Earth five times. :) I want to thank you for being an example to me and showing me true love, courage, strength, and the will to strive and better myself.

Everything that I have accomplished and will do in my life, I owe to you. Thank you for being the perfect mother.

Lots of Love,

Janelle

Not only does this remind me of what a wonderful, thoughtful daughter I have, but also how thankful I am to have her as an enormous part of my life. I'm sure that she never imagined how a message in a package could mean so much. It's those little things that make such a huge impact in a person's life.

I love you, Jen!

Mom

To my readers: This blog is quite personal, but I chose to write it if I could inspire just one person. If you are fortunate to have your mother or daughter with you today, I pray you will do something special for them. Cherish the moment because life is too short, and only God knows how long they will be with you.

The Paper Fiasco

From as early as I can remember until I turned 13, I spent endless hours with my grandfather while he delivered newspapers for the Billings Gazette. He taught me everything there was to know about the position of "paperboy" including how to fill the vending machines as we completed his route to various hotels in downtown Billings, transportation depots, and the airport.

My father also had a delivery route as a part-time job, and I would frequently accompany him. I laughed as he would describe the special "techniques" he used to sling a newspaper into the appropriate tube. He taught me how to memorize the patrons' addresses and emphasized how important it was to keep the customers happy.

If he were with me today, I'd make him chase down my current deliver "family" and teach them a lesson or two. Having had subscriptions with the Billings Gazette, the Sidney Herald, and the Washington Post over the years, I have never had the trouble that is now plaguing me with the MC Star. Over the past three years, I've averaged at least one call a month to Jeff, the Circulation Manager for "missing" newspapers, but during the past four months those called have escalated to a dozen calls or more.

I was away for almost the entire month of September and asked my paper to be stopped at that time. It took three calls to Jeff to get my subscription restarted. But after a couple of days, my paper stopped again... another call to Jeff. He explained that a family has the route and they have trouble keeping changes to subscriptions straight. "Oh...please tell me something that I don't already know."

The following week, I telephoned Jeff again...no papers on Tuesday and Wednesday. During that same conversation, I asked him to cancel my paper for the following week because I was going to be away from home. He rushed out to my home to deliver the missing papers, but as for the following week... I came home to find FIVE newspapers stuck in my door handle. What was it about "NO DELIVERY" that these people couldn't understand? Another call to Jeff was in order. I asked him if I were the only person on the route in my subdivision, and he explained the route had 56 customers and that no one else has complained except ME.

Just last week I had another missing paper....another call to Jeff. He explained that it was a "family" route. They have a little trouble with it. "Oh, really? I wouldn't have guessed that."

On Wednesday I waited for my paper to check the election results. You guessed it--NO PAPER! By now Jeff can recognize my voice, of course, and immediately he asked, "What did they do THIS time?" I emphasized, "It's what they DIDN'T do! They didn't deliver my paper again." I inquired as to how many extra papers the carriers were given and discovered they usually have 2-3 spares. "Well then, don't give them ANY extra papers, and when they have one leftover, it's MINE!"

That was yesterday, and I did receive my daily paper. However, it's now Friday and I'm still waiting!! I'm at my wit's end! I need help!

Conquering Obstacles (Part 54--My Family)

Even before my children were born, I knew that there would be huge obstacles to overcome while they were growing up; but they were much smarter than I had anticipated. I chuckle when I think about the times they were in trouble. I imagine that their knowing I wasn't able to "run" them down took all the fun out of the "chase." Instead, they would walk very, very slowly toward me with tears in their eyes. Poor babes!

My daughter Janelle
and her son Jackson, 6.

I knew I wouldn't be able to do certain activities with them such as play "tag," but I taught them to paint, to draw, to cook, to care for pets, as well as to share, to play nice, to be fair, to be kind and gentle, to be respectful and to be the best person they could be. 

I could, however, give them a lifetime hobby by spending hours upon hours with them on the golf course as soon as they became old enough to play. Every summer morning (barring rain) we would hit the course for our nine holes followed by lunch and sometimes a little shopping. This was our ritual until they became old enough to get summer jobs. I considered it our "bonding" time while they more than likely considered it "Keep Mom Happy" time. Of course, they became much better golfers than me, but we never were into actually keeping score. I did tally up the unusual "hits," though, which included one bird, one squirrel, and one horse. What fun we had! I'm happy to say that every summer we all vacation together, and it usually includes at least one round of golf.

I encouraged my children to be individuals rather than going with the crowd. As they found various activities to join, I found myself being the supportive mom attending basketball, volleyball, track, hockey and horseshoe pitching competitions. (I'm so grateful they never wanted to learn to ski.) I was sometimes an overzealous fan, but I was there, win or lose.

Jacob, 7, Nicole, Norah, 1,
Leif, 5, and my son Jason.

When I needed them most, they, in return, were there for me. After my second hip surgery, I was resting permanently in a recliner when they presented me with two homemade coupon books filled with pages of tasks they were willing to do for me. They were 9 and 11 at the time and were so proud to do their share. The tasks ranged from cleaning their rooms, doing dishes, mopping the floor, tackling the laundry, to "Pick a chore." I couldn't have been  prouder of them than I was at that one uniquely memorable moment. I used several of the coupons for the easier chores, but felt that the loving gesture was more than enough for this mom.

Terry (TC) and me

Terry is the love of my life, my "true friend." In all our years together, I can't recall his ever asking anything of me. Rather, I feel as though I've lived my life on a pedestal. He would do anything I asked of him. Sometimes it might take awhile, even up to a year, (especially if there's a good "game" on television), but eventually it would get done.

When our children were growing up, he was the perfect dad spending all his free time with them, doing the things I wasn't able to do. But all the children in the neighborhood loved Terry. I recall the time I found a little guy sitting on our deck waiting for TC to get home from work. When I asked him why he was waiting, he asked me, "Is Terry going to the "dump" (to empty trash) today? Could I ride along?" Of course, Terry wasn't planning to make the trip that day, but within minutes of getting home, Terry had Jason, Janelle, and Brady in the truck heading toward  the "dump."

Even now when our grandchildren stay with us, they wait patiently for Grandpa Terry to get home from a 12-16 hour workday because they know that he will take them fishing, or take them to get a movie, or take them for a ride in search of prairie dogs.

I can't imagine what my life would have been like if it weren't for him. He is and always has been the ultimate husband, father, and grandfather, the love of all our lives. We love you..


To My Readers:

God bless you all and may your life be pain free and as fulfilling as mine.