Another great weekend! We went out for super with friends on Friday night. That was so nice. We haven't. Been ot with them for awhile so it was great to get caught up. This couple has had so rough luck in the last year. She was diagnosed with epilepsy and can no longer work. She us my age. At about the same time, her husband lot his job because the company he worked fir was sold. I feel so bad for them! I had to work Saturday morning, but that's okay. I needed to get caught up from being on vacation (kruse -a -palooza). I was able to get a lot done! Then Saturday afternoon was spent cleaning and doing laundry. A necessary part of life I guess. Then we ate supper out on the patio and then lit the firepit. It was so relaxing!!!! After church today we ate lunch out on the patio again. Wonderful! This afternoon I helped Laurent finish her 4H project. We started it a few months ago and she needed to get it done now. She wanted to learn his to sew, so I taught her how to make a pillowcase. She did it all herself though and she did a pretty good job! I hope she gets a blue ribbon on it. Now a little time to relax and get mentally ready for the work week ahead.

Well, another Kruse -a -palooza is done. Once again it went very well. We did so many fun things! First on the list was the family 5k. We raised some money to be given to a family suffering with cancer that may not have the resources to pay for all of the expenses. We also did tie died t - shirts with the kids, went to a movie, went on a hay ride, touted another brewery, and lots of other stuff. I always feel tired, but very content when it is over. I don't get to see most of these family members during the rest of the year so it is very nice. As I get older I often wonder if this event will continue when I am old and can no longer organize it. I hope that our children and their cousins will understand how important family is and that this event is important to keep that sense of family is all about. I guess I get a little emotional when I think about it. Okay, now that kruse -a -palooza is done I have other things to get back to. Last night we (community band) played in the parade in Adrian. When we got back to town we had the Fireman's dance. I was really tired, but we went anyway. Since my husband is on the fire department, we really needed to be there. Then today was the Fire Department family picnic. That was fun as well, but once again I am so tired. . . . . Now tomorrow it is back to work. Ugh! Back to the dreary routine!

Well, today is the 4th ofJuly. We did not go to any parades or fireworks or anything. I guess I do miss it it a little, but that's okay. We got a lot done today. I got the laundry done and a lot of cleaning dine. Kruse -a -palooza is just a couple of days away and I needed to get a lot done. The garage us done and the yard is done. I got most if the cleaning in the house done too. Just a couple of small things to do to get ready. Tonight we ate out on the patio. That is di much fun! Then Leon and I sat around the fie pit for About 4 hours. It was wonderful! Now I am pretty tired!

Whew! The whirlwind weekend is coming to an end. We got up early on Saturate morning and got the bandwagon ready to head out. Our first parade was in Pipestone. That was a very nice parade. Once we were done, we quickly got the bandwagon in road ready condition. Then it was off to Granite Falls for our second parade of the day. It was 74 miles between Pipestone and Granite Falls. We made it in pleanty of time. Now that parade was long and hot! We got home and were exhausted. After church today we went to the nursing home to see Wally then off to my aunt and uncle's. House. Their farm was celebrating the century farm status. That was lots of fun. When we got home there was time to weed gardens. I also dud some planning for Kruse a palooza. Now the weekend is coming to an end. Why dies it go so fast?

You know, there is nothing like sitting around the fire pit with a glass of wine and friends. Last night was awesome. It really resets your mindset. I feel refreshed again. We need to do this more often. Life is so busy that we need to take time to relax and just enjoy life. My work week is filled with stress and a very busy schedule. It is so nice to have time on weekends to rest and relax. The next 2 weekends are going to be busy with community band - concerts and parades. I do like community band. I have made so many good friends in band. And there is nothing like making music!!!!! But I find that the busier I am - especially on weekends - the more my depression creeps into my mood. I need that R & R time to refresh. anyway, today should be another good day. If it doesn't rain, I plan to be in the flower garden weeding and mulching. For me that is wonderful therapy. And I really feel like I have accomplished something when I am done.

Another insomnia type night. As usual I slept very well until around 3 a.m. then I was wide awake. I don't really know what was bothering me this time. Maybe my body is just getting used to being wide awake at 3. Anyway, now the sun is up and the birds are singing. It would be a wonderful morning to take my cup of coffee and enjoy it out on the patio. That is not going to happen today though. I need to get to work in a few minutes. My Saturday to wok. I just have to remember the 4 year plan. I hope that I can make the plan work!

Another wonderful weekend - or at least the beginning of one. We had an early supper with friends and then home to a glass if wine sitting by the fidelity. It is so peaceful sitting out here. There are birds still chirping, the sunset is beautiful and the fire is calming. It sure does help to get rid of the stress of a crazy busy week.