COUNTDOWN!

With my last group of kids out the door today - only 8 more days of school (really 7 teaching days since the last day is one super field trip)! I am super excited for summer vacation or as I see it, an annual 10 week retirement.

Maddison Update

Charlie and I got to spend some time with my mom and Maddison last Saturday. Brandon, Trisha, and Hunter were part of a wedding and baptism in Mankato so they asked mom to babysit for the weekend. It was nice to finally have some time with Maddison. We hadn't seen her in several weeks. She is a pretty happy baby. She loves to lay on her back and play. She has beautiful big eyes!

Patiently waiting for me to get another spoonful of chicken noodle something.

Maddison thought Charlie was a pretty fun guy (not a fungi).

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

The TRUE history behind Cinco de Mayo:

Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's Mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York. This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo.

Local Non-Cooking Wife Makes a Meal!

It is true, I made a delicious breakfast Sunday morning for Charlie and me. It was only fitting after an 18 mile run that ended without Perkins, to bring a little Perkins to us. So I fired up the griddle and cooked a mean breakfast burrito (I guess this is more of a Perkins located south of the border meal). The breakfast burrito contained lightly grilled onions and green peppers, diced tomatoes, deliciously cheesy eggs, and some carefully cut sausage, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Salsa was optional but we both added a little to top off the meal.

I believe it was a success. We both ate it and felt no ill side-effects. So lets see what I could now add to my menu of meals: breakfast burrito, guacomole, monkey bread, pancakes, frozen pizza, grilled cheese, soup, and cereal. Wow, I have a pretty good list! :)

Hamburger Rice Casserole

Wednesday night Charlie and I went to Cannon Falls to catch up with my grandparents. We hadn't seen them in awhile so it was fun to chat. Grandma and Grandpa made supper for us; a dinner from the old days - hamburger rice casserole! I am pretty sure it was Charlie's first time consuming this casserole but it was a staple food for me growing up on the farm.

Grandma and Grandpa prepared a feast - salad, bread, veggies, casserole, and ice cream for dessert. We chatted for awhile and got to know the life of the newly retired. Grandpa has been retired for awhile and is in a routine. His routine is now being altered as Grandma is easing into retirement. Even though she still works twice a week, the rest of the week is full time retirement.

It sounds like they are figuring out a wonderful retirement schedule. Grandpa has a routine 4 PM Diet Pepsi which he consumes after watching the 3 PM showing of Monk. The Price is Right with Drew Carey is a favorite TV show as well. My cousin, Tanner joins them after school too. So feeding and keeping up with him keeps them busy.

Beyond retirement, we talked about their road trip to Graceland with my Grandma's brother and wife. They toured Elvis's house, walked on Beale Street in Memphis, and explored Clinton's Presidential Library. They had great stories and enjoyed some time away.



It was a good visit and nice to see them. Thanks for the dinner Grandma and Grandpa!