*Another Summer Is Over

Another summer come and gone and I wasn't done with it yet!

It was the best summer I've had in many years though. It started with a trip to Washington to visit Ron, Tia and the boys. I worked summer school in my district with some of the same kids I work with during the regular school year and got to know some other kids that I will probably never see again....sometimes thats good and sometimes not. During the week long break we had in July I went hiking/camping with Ed. We had a great time....we even revisited a few places that we always went to when we were still together. Several weeks after that trip, Jodi and I went on another.....we had a blast!! We covered a lot more ground on that trip...holy moly rocky, we were beat but it felt good to be that kind of tired. We had my tent that served as our home for 4 days. We survived on hotdogs, sausage & eggs, munchies and other camping staples. We hiked at Tettagouche, walked around Two Harbors and went out to the end of the breakwater there too. We camped at Finland State Forest Campground right on the Baptism River. We wandered the whole campground to scavenge firewood that had been left behind by other campers. Once we left that area we camped at Knife River (formerly known as Helen's and then The Depot) We played on the beach at Knife River skipping rocks and collecting driftwood for our fire and big rocks for my garden. I've taken up a new "hobby"~rock stacking~. Its sort of a Zen thing. She thought I was nuts and she may not be far off on that....lol I know that she will bring back some big rocks the next time we go and then she can be classified as a nut too. We laughed so much during that trip that it took several days for my ribs to stop being sore. It was just what the doctor ordered for me...fun and laughter! We took goofy pictures of each other that I still laugh at when I look at them. I put 600 miles on my car during that trip. Several weeks after that I headed up to Detroit Lakes for Wefest. Brandi and I worked again this year. It was our 4th year of working there and my 5th year of being there. The weather was not as good as years past though...we had some rainy evenings during a few concerts. I think my Wefest days are done for now. I want to go to Moon Dance Jam up in Walker MN. Its classic rock and there are some great bands from my younger days.

After all the trips were done I started working at All Saints...packing Fr George's belongings as he has retired and moved out of the rectory. I did a lot of cleaning also...what a job that was!!

By the time all of this was over I had 1 week left of summer vacation to spend at home catching up on things that needed my attention. I am hoping to make a Fall Color run up to the North Shore. I love fall the most...nothing else can match the smell of fall, not to mention the colors and sounds when you're in the woods. Its the perfect time of year for campfires and star-gazing! I have often wondered why people have bonfires on nights that are 80 degrees.

I am NOT looking forward to winter in any way.

Also during this summer we have gained some new family members...Katie's new baby Gabriel and my new daughter-in-law; Danielle.

The wedding was beautiful!! I experienced a feeling that I can't quite explain...maybe it was pride & happiness mixed in with some bitter-sweet memories. Whatever it was, it caused a lump in my throat that hurt. The best thing about this summer....

EVERYONE in my little branch of the family tree is smiling!!

Deb

Where is everyone?

Hi All, Just a little update on our lives. You all know that Tyler has left to go to AIT, he is adjusting nicely and does not miss home like he did when he first arrived there. When Tyler first got to AIT he was brought to the base and nobody could tell him where he was suppose to be, he called home in tears telling us that and we had to get him a hotel to stay in. The next day he finally figured it out. The In-Processing, where Ty was at took a week to go through, there is a lot of sitting around and doing nothing, he said he was stuck there with a bunch of idiots. He is now in his unit and has a schedule to follow such as school, P.T., waxing the Barrack floors. hahaha. He told us his Sergeant is crazy apparently when he first got there the Sarg. said " we have the crappiest Barracks on base apparently I was not good enough to get the nice one's so this tird of a Barracks better be shiny because I like shiny tirds." I asked him where his Sarg. was from and he told me "he is just crazy mom he is from hell."

As bad as it may sound, it is nice that he is on his own and we like the peace and quiet here. It is a bittersweet thing but something that must be done and accepted.


Jamie has been working, okay I know. when isn't he? He never knows what his schedule is going to be until the Wed. of each week, so if he wants a day off he does have to let them know at least a month in advance.

I have been working and doing nothing.

Keith's wedding was a lot of fun, good times were had, Debbie looked quite nice in her dress and heels, yes I said heels.

The bachlorette party was a blast, we went to a bar in Anoka, mind you I was not drinking there and ended up getting kicked out, somehow Danielle fell into me and I fell into the owner, he did not believe me when I told him what happened, funny thing is he sit's in the front by the window and door where you go out to smoke and I know he saw me talking to the cops, now I would think if I was drunk the cops probably would have arrested me.


That is all

Talk to ya later

Love us

Saying Goodbye, Saying Hello

I have had to say Goodbye a lot these last few days. There is absolutely nothing good about saying goodbye. As a matter-of-fact, it pretty much sucks. I have said goodbye to my Pastor, who is an awesome friend, (moving to Wisconsin), I have said goodbye to numerous kids whom I have watched grow up, like Lollie, Sarah and Taylor, all friends of Mandy's who will be leaving for college. I have said goodbye to Mandy, who has left for college and starting of her adult life. I have actually openly cried a lot this last weekend, Kris too.

I remember when I left home. I knew that I would not be coming back. I knew that I was headed away and would keep going on with my life. I have visited and called and stuff, but I never really came back. That is the feeling I got when I said goodbye to Mandy. She'll be off living her life enjoying, being, loving, but far away, just like I did. It seemed so final. I know her life is going to be so full and I am so very happy and sad all at the same time. I will hear about things happening, not get to witness them, I'll get pictures or video, not actually watch it unfold in front of me. I'll visit and get a snapshot of her life, not really participate in it. I know that I will be proud of all she accomplishes in life.

Maybe I am being melodramatic. I don't know or care right now. I just know it hurts and I miss her already.

Jessy will be back next week. What an adventure she has had! She will be living here for a few months, getting back on her feet and getting ready to attend college in Illinois. I am really going to enjoy these next few months before she goes off to her next adventure. They are all adventures for Jess! I have no idea how I will react when she leaves, not well, no doubt. I am amazed at the depth of passion she has for the disenfranchised, marginalized people of the world. Her heart is so big and I know she will always be helping someone.

Zach is next...who knows where he will be in 2 years. It will be unique with just me, mom, and Zach home. I am eager to see our relationship change and grow over the next few years. He is growing into a fine young man and I am proud of him.

Kris and I will soon have the luxury of redefining our relationship as our kids grow and move. I am looking forward to the time we will have to rediscover some things that all parents put on hold to raise their kids.

Dave

What I have been doing this summer

I went camping and hiking with Debbie and had a blast, we left on a Thursday morning and came home on that following Sunday. I showered only once can you believe that? The first hike we went on was about 4 miles and I learned I was a little out of shape, I usually blame that on my arthiritis. The following day was the big hike I think all together around 12 miles, It was a moderate to difficult trail haha, I would say more like medium to difficult, there was climbing up sides of mountains (well at least to me it was) like at 90 degree angles, mind you I am terrified of heights so I don't know for sure if it was that bad, there was a lot of big hills etc... I did freak out at one point and had a little anxiety attack, Debbie at first thought I was joking around but realized that it was not a joke and calmed me down. Half way to the mountain we were hiking to my legs were saying why are you torturing me? I said to them because Debbie walks/hikes like the energizer bunny, I seriously don't know anyone who could keep up with her. At one point she did turn around and asked me if she was walking too fast, I chuckled to myself and thought did she just ask me that? as a matter of fact I am laughing right now.
The next day we slowly walked around Two Harbors, the breakwater & the beach where we were skipping rocks and I am the master.
The reason why I say slowly is because I could barely move, everytime I got up from a sitting position I had to fight my body from collapsing. It was actually a little funny. I am so glad that I got away, it does the mind, body and soul good. I don't think I have ever laughed so much in my life, Debbie is really funny. I am hoping to go again next summer with her, but I don't know if I could do the big hike again depending on my knee.

Jamie and I decided to cleanup our upstairs deck, we washed it with mold & mildew cleaner and I was so suprised that the would was blonde colored, it was black. We stained it and it looks awesome. We still have to paint the railing put up lattice. Jamie is going to figure out how to put more of a roof over the top of it. I then get to make a little sanctuary, kind of like Ron's in his backyard, unfortunately I won't be able to grow the big trees and stuff, but I think ya get the idea. I now have to go camping again so I can get some rocks from the beach, Debbie did get some and I thought she is nuts but that is besides the point. hahah.

Other than that had the fourth at mom's, slept at Debbie's and had a fire, she makes a good fire. I am looking forward to Keith & Danielle's wedding and her bachelorette party.
I am going to go have lunch with Kathy Madison in a couple of weeks, I have not seen or spoke to her for close to 20 years.

The boys have been working a lot, I don't see much of Tyler he usually leaves when he gets home, it sucks cuz he is leaving between Aug 24th and Sept. 1st. Mom and Don did find a campground right by Fort Sam so at least he will have some family by him. Jamie and I will be going down there when he graduates from AIT. I do believe it will be in Jan.

Signing off now.

Love Jodi

Lou Gherig's Disease

Hi all,

It is now just two weeks until I ride in the ALS DoubleDay Bike ride to support my friends Jeff and Marilyn Leer. I teach with Jeff, and he and his family found out about 9 months ago that Marilyn has ALS. He is a young guy (my age) with 2 young kids.

For the first time in my life I am doing a fund raising effort for someone other than myself. It feels good and I'm looking forward to the 85 mile bike ride too.

Our team is now a dozen members with a fundraising goal of $250 each. Our team (Marilyn's Army Too), combined with the original Marilyn's Army team could be the major fund raiser if we can all reach our target. I'm asking for any help to reach my goal of $250.

Below is an update from my friend Jeff on Marilyn's condition. It has gone so fast! I have included a link if you wish to make a pledge to my ride. Even $5 bucks would help.

Thank you and love to you all!
Ron


Some days just suck. This was one of those days. We got home from the ALS clinic after Marilyn's all day appointment with heavy hearts. The news was not good. Her respiratory tests showed what Marilyn had been feeling. Her lung capacity has gone from 65% to 28%. We have noticed a big difference in the last few weeks. She needs to take many breaths to finish talking now. The disease seems to be progressing rapidly and the test results bore that out. Our meeting with Dr. Ravits was heavy and dealt with end of life issues. We are to have a family discussion and meet with him next Wednesday. We have to decide if Marilyn will have a feeding tube put in. Her test results are lower than they would like in order to perform this procedure. If it is to be done, it must be done quickly. We also have to decide on what, if any, breathing assistance Marilyn will choose. Heavy issues and heavy hearts. But even in dealing with this, my wife is thinking of others. Dr. Ravits said he could meet with us next Wednesday at the end of the day. Mare asked him if that would be too much for him after a long day. He just smiled, amazed that this lady was worried about him and not about the news she had just received.
Prior to the appointment, Carmen and Lynn had taken Mare to the bathroom. Marilyn's right leg likes to slip and go to the side. While in the stall, her foot did just that and there was someone in the stall next to her. The girls remembered Senator Larry Craig and his bathroom escapades where he was accused of trying to hit on the person in the stall next to him by tapping his foot near the other stall. They started cracking up as they wondered what the other person must have been thinking. To make the story even better, the person in the other stall turned out to be our physical therapist. We had a good laugh at that one. It eased the awkwardness of the news of her tests.
The ALS Ride is a little over two weeks away. We have so little control over our lives right now. Pouring ourselves into this ride allows us to feel like we are doing something. Marilyn has been asked to speak at the PALS (Person with ALS) dinner. It is quite an honor. The other day, the Skagit Valley Herald came out and interviewed Mare and took some pictures. Her story will be in the Thursday edition 7/9/09 of the Skagit Valley Herald. It will be great press for the ride which has not received any press in the previous 8 years of the ride. We are currently 2nd in total money raised (when we add both our team and the "Marilyn's Army Too" which is the team from my school riding for Marilyn) and tied for 1st in total team riders. We would love to be first in both. I want to thank all of you that have sent us checks (2124 S. 15th St. Mount Vernon, WA 98274) or donated online.


How to pledge:
1. Log on to the official ALS DoubleDay Bike Ride and Fund Raiser web site:

http://webwa.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=WA_Bike_event_info
2. Click on “Team List” from the menu at the left
3. Click on our team, “Marilyn’s Army Too” from the list of teams.
4. If you wish to join our team and ride, click on “Join Team” and follow the prompts
OR
5. If you wish to sponsor a rider, click on the name of a team member you wish to sponsor.
6. Click on the “Sponsor Me” tab and follow the prompts.

Mam Te Rad!

Hi guys, this is Jessie again. Thought I'd check back in, since I'm on the other side of the world and my dad insists that you're all interested! hahah.

So far my trip has been good! I've had the chance to see almost all of Prague, the most beautiful city I have ever seen. It really is spectacular, the whole city is made up of four to six level buildings with the prettiest arcitecture [sp?] ever. They're all side by side. It's definitely artsy, and original in it's own way. I've taken a billion and two pictures, and you can go see my myspace or facebook and see them in the albums I've posted!

I also went to Berlin, Germany yesterday. It's the first time I've been back since I was like... two! I showed my passport, which says that i was born in Germany everywhere I went, and I either got a discount or free stuff. So it was totally worth it. hah. We jumped on a tour buss that drove to all the big sites all over the city, we could jump off, and hang out, and then another bus would pick us up in 15 minutes. The best parts were definitely the Holocaust memorial, and Checkpoint Charlie, I've included pictures of both at the bottom of this!

As for life at the center... It's non stop. No lie. Every day we are working all day, daily house chores and building things, I get messssssy.

The biggest thing we do is our "Coffee House Ministry", It's like a street ministry. Four days a week we send out two teams, one walks the streets and the other goes to the homeless villages. I've done both, and both are insanely depressing. I wrote about the street team last time, now the village ministry. There's a huge, abandoned apartment building that about 20 families live in. It is the dirtiest, nasties, smelliest, most satan possesed place i have ever been in. It stank of "a sun roasted mixture of vomit, dehydrated urine, and rotting garbage".

Yes, I just quoted myself from my journal. The Autobiography of an Amazing Girl.

I didn't eat for the entire night and next day. I have never seen anything else like this before, there were thousands of flies, really, flying everywhere. To the point where we had to duck down not to inhale them. The first room inside the door was stacked over our heads with garbage. The stairs were either covered in mud or poop, i couldn't decide which it was. I wasn't breathing through my nose after that first whiff almost made me pass out.

We made it upstairs to where a family was living. I didn't know whether to cry or throw up when I saw the kids rooms, with neatly made beds with one dirty stuffed animal on each, and football sized rats running from our feet. This room was also filled with swarms of flies, and the corners with old needles and the little plastic bottles their parents get their drugs in.

There are 20 families that live in that building, and another 10 or 15 that live behind it. They bunker down under old raised rails for trains from the trainstation. There is a little "living room" area made up of broken and rotting chairs around a fire pit. There is nothing but garbage of the worst kind, feet deep, for at least 100 yards in any direction.

I've never seen anything like this in my life. Most people haven't. It's reall ythe kind of stuff you see on TV, on those cheesy commercials asking you to send money to Africa and stuff. Actually, I think it was worse. These guys don't need money, all it would do is fuel their drug and alcohol problems. They need God.

I don't really know what can drive someone to this point, but that is thanks to my parents. I was raised well. Don't worry Grandma and Grandpa, you bred my dad good. I thank Jesus every day that I never fell into drugs. I think that God gave me a special place in my heart for people who have, though. I didn't know why i was here until i got the chance to go to this apartment complex. I've also got a few pictures attatched below.

Thanks again, to all of you who contributed to my trip. Please keep me in your prayers! I have to run now, I don't have the privledge of unlimited internet access.

I would not trade this summer for the world.

Looking into one of the rooms in the apartments

Under the rails, the living room

Me doing my part, with the help of winterfresh, at the berlin wall!

Me hanging out in the Holocaust Memorial.

Me, Staining wood. Getting dirty.

Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin

Someone sleeps here. No joke, we woke them up.

*Great Get Away

My trip up to Tettagouche Stae Park was amazing! We hiked parts The Superior Hiking Trail. On the night we got there we put in about 4-5 miles, the next morning after a hearty breakfast we left camp at 8:30 and hiked all day. The trail started out as easy walking but the side trips we made to some overlooks got a bit rough in spots. I saw the most amazing sites from some of them but Mt Trudee won hands down!! I took some video from my digital camera and I will try to figure out how to get that here also. It was so windy on the top that the wind almost knocked me off my feet...Ed just happened to be taking a picture when it happened so you will see me in an odd stance. I was trying to catch my balance to keep from falling.
The pictures are in photo bucket album Tettagouche State Park. Some have titles, some do not.

Deb
The link is below.

http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/thejohnstonfamily_bucket/Tettegouche%20State%20Park%20Deb/