And on the tenth day . . .

Margo rested!  I have just completed ten straight days of work and am so glad to have today and tomorrow off.  I'm ignoring the call of the yard until tomorrow . . . I'm beat today!  And I'm doing a double on Tuesday . . .

Blue, Blue, Blue . . .

I was warned!

I knew it was coming!

It looks a bit purple, but it really is blue!

Farewell, Applebee's!

Micah's manager asked her to make a "farewell" cake for the staff at the Lakeville Applebee's yesterday.  She received many compliments from her co-workers for this creation:

  

For now, she'll be keeping her Applebee's uniform on - in Burnsville.  Stop by and visit her . . .

Only at Sand Creek . . .

I had the awesome duty of being the person in charge at Sand Creek today which meant I was the first to arrive.  Lucky me!  First thing I found was the deceased mouse in the trap right there in the office.  Fortunately, when Scott arrived he put said mouse in the big blue dumpster.  I just don't do mice or snakes . . .

Our team build with a  group of forty became a small group of ten and my next duty was to send a staff home.  They were a great group of ten, but we really were expecting forty!  Fortunately, Tim was fine with not working . . .

Our 4:30 p.m. zippers were all checked in by 4:15 p.m. so for once we got off work on time - a first on what I hope is my last day of the season!  I've told our owner I don't need to work when it's cold outside.  We'll see what happens . . .

Until then . . . "Only at Sand Creek" will return sometime this spring when the snow melts and the weather turns warm!

Thankful Thursday . . .

Have you ever had one of those Thursdays, that when it's finally over, you're just plain thankful?  Well, that was yesterday.  Nothing bad happened.  Nothing fantastic happened either.   But when I crawled in to bed at 8:20 p.m. to read for a bit and then hit the light at 8:50 p.m., I truly was thankful that this particular Thursday was over . . . 

Only at Sand Creek . . .

I had a group of six today at Sand Creek for a team build - the two owners, a designer, an office staff and two managers from a high end building/remodeling company.  By high end, they build and remodel nothing less than million dollar homes.  They were a fantastic group.  They worked well together.  They were successful.  They had fun.  They also left nothing for a tip, but did I mention they build and remodel nothing less than million dollar homes?  Arg . . . 

Confirmed

I asked the doctor I've known the longest at Twin Cities Ortho if he could look at my MRI and give me a second opinion on my knee.  After all, he's well acquainted with both of my feet - he's just not doing knees anymore.  Should I really have it replaced?  He totally agreed.  If I want to be more active (how about "just active"?) I absolutely need to get it done.  So unless there's a cancellation and I can get in sooner, I'll be making plans on November 12 for a total knee replacement . . .  

Aurelia

Every so often at the Y there's a major breakthrough, and all of a sudden, swimming connects.  That happened yesterday with Aurelia.  This is her second session with me, third session total.  She's been a tough cookie.  Her favorite lines have been, "I don't want to" and "I'm not going to".  So we worked on positive language - "I will try."  Yesterday, she put her face in the water for the first time - her twentieth week of lessons.  Not just once or twice, but three times!  Then she kept her face in for three entire seconds.  Aurelia, we're going to win!

When voting . . .

Alan, one of my co-workers, found this in Chanhassen . . .

Only at Sand Creek . . .

I had a team build out at Sand Creek today with C.H. Robinson - fifteen fun-filled people!  Not only were they great - but they left me a $50.00 tip!  Which I discovered I had lost/misplaced by the time I reached the small town of Lydia while driving home.  So I turned around and went back to Sand Creek.  It wasn't near the sign I had packed away.  It wasn't in the office.  It was in the parking lot - all $50.00 and my chapstick!  Thank you, Jesus!  

Closing!

Micah came home last night with the surprising news that the Lakeville Applebee's is closing.  The last day it will be open is Saturday, October 27.  She has the option of transferring to either Burnsville or Apple Valley.  Sadness . . .

Only at Sand Creek!

Wouldn't you know - the day I was manager, anything that could go wrong from the "office point of view" did!  We had additional people - but please use a different credit card to pay for them; we had go-pro rentals; we had go-pro memory cards stuck in the go-pro; we had wrong charges - all on a most lovely day!  The good news is - we had a blast zipping!  The better news is - we will all be trained in the office next year!  Excellent plan - today's team is all for that!

Only at Sand Creek . . . on a Saturday!

It was a bit nippy yesterday morning when we started on the zip line.  We were surprised when our first group from Lino Lakes were happy to find out they would not be zipping in snow as they had already gotten a couple of inches up north!

Yesterday was an amazing day - just filled with fun!  Here are a few examples:

The Liberian Connection:

Having lived in Liberia the summer of 2007 with Mercy Ships, I was excited to have a family from Liberia come to celebrate Jamesetta's birthday at Sand Creek.  We had the most delightful conversation - from the airport being upgraded to Liberia now having electricity to the downed bridge in Monrovia.  They understood why I thought it was "normal" when the I35 bridge went down - because we had all lived with something just like it in Liberia, only Minneapolis did not have bullet holes in their bridge!  Meet my "family":

SHEER Terror:

One of my friends from Liberia lost it on platform one.  She was so terrified of stepping off the platform that she put a death grip on back of the platform while crying hysterically.  I was more than a bit worried - I was almost "call 911" worried.  But friends, I got her off - and in the end, she did say it was fun!

 

Dancing on Platform One:

I cannot tell you why we did it, but one of guests and I started to swing dance on platform one yesterday while we waited for him to zip!  What a hoot!  The whole crowd watching us had a smile . . . 

The Slowpitch Softball Team:

The team came and did the high ropes yesterday.  It wasn't too hard to figure out their names - Chris, Chris, Lynne, Christalyn . . . Seriously!

Rob Nelson Day:

I told Sam (the hub) yesterday was Rob Nelson Day at Sand Creek.  I had two of Rob's former students and one of his new co-workers, not all at the same time, but all on the same day! 

  

Secrets:

We had a group of six cousins six zipping because their aunt decided they needed memories more than presents at Christmas.  We were on our second time through the zips, over on platform two, when one of them asked me where the other two who had been in our group had gone.  Since those two were only doing a three zip, they were done.  Then a cousin asked me if those two were dating.  I told them what I knew - he had come up from the south to see her, he wasn't really her type, so as far as she was concerned, she wasn't going to date him.  The cousins loved it - and promised to never tell because I had promised the same thing!  

STUCK:

Sam (not the hub) and I were touring the cousins.  Sam zipped down to four for their final ascent and got stuck.  He was wearing so many clothes he couldn't get his leg over the line to let himself down.  I told the cousins, "I can go rescue him, but you'll all have to get off the platform. One of you can go rescue him, and we'll wait here for you."  Cousin Andrew gets the bonus points!  He ran down the hill, over the bridge and across the trail, and pulled the ladder over to Sam who successfully dismounted and we finished the tour.  Bless you, Andrew! 

 

Everyone Loves Raymond!

It's true - everyone loves Raymond!  Make that "my Raymond", my sister's husband.  He's been an awesome guy since they started dating in high school.  And now, a hundred years later, he's still the best!  And in the process of becoming famous!  Look for him on a road near you!

What you're looking for on the road . . .

What Hy-Vee gave him in honor . . .

Start with the blue shirt, Ray's the fifth guy in - almost in the middle, wearing a white shirt with his arms crossed.  Right next to him are the Metzger twins who have been his friends forever - Loren and Luverne, numbers six and seven.  And if they're Ray's friends, they've been our friends, too.

If you happen to see Ray, give him a wave or me a holler and I'll let him know . . . happy trails!

Only at Sand Creek . . . on a Friday!

It was a glorious day at Sand Creek on Friday.  The sun was shining.  It was warm.  I was wearing shorts.  The fall colors were out.  It was good.  Wish I could remember more, but I can't because Saturday is the only day that sticks in my memory . . . stay tuned!

Thankful Thursday!

I'm running a bit behind this week, as you can tell, finally posting "Thankful Thursday" on Sunday morning!

Thursday started off awesome - it was only Linda and I in the lap pool and I got some serious swimming done!  My three swimming classes all showed up - and no one else did!  Usually on MEA (Minnesota Education Association) weekend, everyone brings all their siblings and the place is packed, not to mention LOUD!  But not today . . . 

So I hurried home because Sam and I had a hot date!  His co-workers had given him a gift certificate to "Barley and Vine" for all his hard work last year and this was the day we were going to use it.  Sam changed the time of our firewood delivery to 4 p.m. so we would have plenty of time to enjoy our lunch.  

We arrived at the restaurant and it didn't look busy at all - mainly because it was CLOSED!  It didn't open until 4 p.m. - when the firewood arrived.  Fat chance of us going back for dinner.  Wasn't going to happen!  Sam wouldn't go anywhere until all of that wood was packed away.  It's a good thing Domino's delivers!

Half way through packing away the wood, my phone rang.  It was was my doctor from Twin Cities Orthopedic with the results of my MRI.  Friends, my knee is not pretty.  In fact, Dr. Johnson would like to do a complete knee replacement as soon as possible as there's nothing left.  The MRI showed how absolutely bad it is.  Devastating news . . . totally unexpected . . . 

Not the Thursday I expected.  But the God I love IS in control.  And I can be thankful that I do have food.  I can move firewood.  I can even move my knee.  I have access to quality medical care.  I will trust in Him and thank Him for today.  

Wouldn't ya know?

Yesterday at the Y, Bill turned to me and asked, "Do you know who that woman is we just swam with?"  I told him I'd swum with her before but had no idea what her name was.  Then he said, "She is the most unfriendly woman.  She never even says 'Hi'."  

Wouldn't ya know?  This morning at Bible study, I kept looking at the woman sitting behind me.  After we finished our large group meeting, I asked her, "Didn't I swim with you yesterday?"  Sure enough - I had.  And her name is Laurie . . .

Only at Sand Creek . . .

I walked in to my most embarrassing moment at Sand Creek yesterday!  I hopped out of my car and a guy got out of the car next to me.  He was so excited to see me (everyone loves the Sand Creek Adventures Mom!) and so glad that we were going to be working together!  

Friends, I had no idea who he was!  I thought it was Sam, who had worked with us earlier this year.  I called him "Sam".  He wasn't Sam.  He was Blaize who hadn't worked with us since last year.  So I said, "Prove you're Blaize.  Show me your tatts."  It was Blaize.  I'd know that guitar on his arm anywhere!  Opps!  Apology . . .

I'd like to tell you the rest of the day went better.  We were short staffed.  Tim had gone home puking sick and we had big groups.  Our course manager, bless her heart, asked me to go all-out-social and calm the masses because we were going to be running late all day!

Blaize hadn't worked on our new line two yet this year, but got a major workout with four rescues in our first group.  If we weren't behind before, we were now.

We had a singles group, "Events and Adventures", book our 3:15 p.m. high ropes time.  I stalled.  I geared up.  I talked.  Anna came.  We started.  We were definitely running late.

I made it up the hill in time for our 4:30 p.m. zip and realized there wasn't enough gear to gear the group up.  So I talked.  I geared up what I could.  I talked some more.  Our gear finally made it up the hill.  We started. 

Bless Maccoy!  He was my less-than-seventy pound friend in the last group.  His family had been told we had a weight vest he could wear.  He could have worn it if I could have found it!  I found the weights.  I knew where they were, but I hadn't seen the vest for a couple of years.  So I told Mac's family about the next best option - buddy zipping!  

After giving Mac the option of zipping with his dad, his aunt, his uncle or me, I was the chosen one!  Yes!  I told him we were going to fly like two m&m's!  I held on to his tether and mine and off we flew!  It was great!

The second line, I filled Mac's harness with caribiners - like a dozen!  I told him that extra weight would give him all the weight he needed to make it to platform three by himself!  Praise God!  He made it with a huge smile on his face!  

Long day . . . busy day . . . late day . . . like I told Sam this morning, I'm glad I was there to be grace for Anna.  I know her story.  Sam does, too, but all that talking just plain tuckered me out!  

     

Fifty Percent Turnout . . .

When the list came out last week, I had ten people signed up for CPR-PR/First Aid and Emergency Oxygen at the Y yesterday morning.  By Friday, the number had dropped down to nine, but only five people had opened the links to do the blended learning prior to class.  

I had seven people show up yesterday.  Two I had to send home as their links weren't completed.  One was a friend and she knew she hadn't done it, but was kind of hoping she didn't have to do it.  No such luck.  The other tried lying to me, saying she had completed the blended learning and couldn't find her certificate.  Sadly, I had proof she'd never even opened it!

Fortunately, the five who had completed it were great fun!  With a small class, I was done by noon and on my way to Sand Creek by one o'clock . . .   

Shared Towels . . .

Rushing out of the pool on Friday, I discovered there were NO clean towels for staff - and I had to be at an MRI!  I ran over to the physical therapists and said, "Toss me a towel!  Any towel - I'm late!"  I used a used towel and took a "real" shower after the MRI.  

While showering after our staff inservice today, Katie lamented, "I have no towel."  Of course I said, "Share mine!"

2018 New Life Family Services Gala

Friday night was New Life's 2018 Gala.  I can not tell you how much fun we had and what a wonderful job Micah did!  You can hear her yourself (sorry, they had this "old" picture up the whole time she was speaking) at:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV0bLNs4e8I

She's the first speaker after the emcee.  If by chance this address doesn't work, go the the New Life Family Services Facebook page and go to the Gala.  She'll be up soon. 

What I found most amazing about the whole night, was that little girl in the wheelbarrow with Micah?  Her name is Charis.  Her mom, Bonnie, is a foster mom for New Life and I have had her in CPR multiple times.  We sat at the same table as both our daughters spoke.  We never realized that we had met nineteen years earlier when this photo was taken.  

Here are our daughters now:

Charis and Micah

Absolutely lovely!      

Thankful Thursday!

Oh, what a lovely day to be thankful!  I am even thankful that the snow was a nice change from the rain!  Three things I am most thankful for today are Annie's scabie babies are gone!  After two bouts of medication and four baths with medicated fur cleanser, all of the scabs on her belly are gone.  I'm also thankful that Micah and I were able to go to Sam's classroom and change his bulletin boards.  It was time.  The third thing I am thankful for is, after 1O4 days of waiting, our Charter cable is finally buried.  I can not tell you how many hours I was in contact with Charter trying to get someone here.  Never mind that in the beginning we were told it would be seven to ten business days.  Our order went from "forgotten" to eventually "rush" this Monday.  I would tell you what I said to one of my contacts, but a few of my keys are not working.  The one I'm missing the most would be the "round green vegetable" that rhymes with "me" key.  That's why we used fur cleanser on Annie and not shamoo . . .  

STUBBORN.

Hmmm . . . that would have been me this morning.  I was taking the written test for "American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer" at the Y.  I said to both of my supervisors who were in the room with me, "I refuse to answer question 24 because none of the answer are the right one."  They laughed at me and told me to chose the "best" answer.  Again I refused and said to count it wrong because we three all knew the right answer needed the word "modified" in it. 

As I expected, stubborn or not, I passed the test and am now certified for two more years as a professional rescuer.  And yes, it is modified CPR . . .  

Blessed with a prayer . . .

Last week, a friend of mine from church sent me this prayer and I so appreciated it:

"We praise You Dear Heavenly Father.

You are Jehovah Jireh - the Lord our Provider.

You know Margo's every need and you are supplying for her.

We pray that we will be supportive as a friend to Margo.

Help us to be sensitive to the trial and unknowns she is facing,

and with that sensitivity we will accept the responsibility

to pray effectively for her.

Thank you for surrounding her with medical expertise, family 

and a community of faith that will provide 

answers, godly support and encouragement.

Praise you, Lord, that this experience can help mold Margo 

more and more into Your image. 

We pray that You give Spirit led instructions to her and her medical team.

Thank you, Lord, that the decisions and choices Margo makes

will be tempered by Your Word, prayer and wisdom.

In Jesus name.  Amen." 

Finishing the Whole30 . . .

Back in June, one of my co-workers, upon hearing about my polymyalgia rheumatica, told me about the Whole30 eating program.  She encouraged me to try it.  It was only thirty days.  It was doable.

Fast forward to August, my sister-in-law sent me her daughter's copy of "The Whole30" saying they had had encouraging results from following the eating program and I should give it a shot.

Not one to rush into anything, on September 6, Sam, Micah and I started the Whole30.  We actually finished it on October 5 and are now in the process of re-introducing foods over the next ten days.  

It wasn't a hard to follow program.  We ate veggies and fruits and meats and eggs - lotsa eggs.  It gave us the options of what foods were "best", "better", and "good".  There were days our budget only allowed for good; other days we went best.

The hardest part of the whole program?  Grocery shopping!  And grocery shopping!  And grocery shopping!  Sam said it was very European.  I said he wasn't the one shopping!

Did it work?  Well, what I thought was PMR flared up during that time instead of getting better/going away.  Neither of us are sleeping well at night as it was suggested we would.  I'm either dealing with constipation or diarrhea - hasn't made any improvements on that end!  And I still have my lovely under-eye circles.  

However, Sam has lost twenty pounds.  Micah and I both lost eight.  I could be at this weight simply be eating right.  I know.  I've done it before.  Will I make healthier eating choices in the future?  I hope so.  I like being thinner.  

Will I continue to follow the Whole30?  It hasn't been a miracle cure for me.  We'll see what happens when I add rice (tomorrow), dairy (Friday), and breads (next Monday) back in.  Legumes went fine on Saturday.

Best story from our time on the Whole30:

Last Saturday, I had to go put on my old size 6 skinny jeans in order to go to work.  The other ones were going to fall off on the zip line.  Matt was most appalled.  

 "Mom, those aren't skinny jeans!  I can't believe you don't know what skinny jeans are!"  

"Well, hon, we're looking at the waist here, not legs - and that's why these are my skinny jeans!" 

Photos from Sand Creek . . .

Here are a few photos from Sand Creek for you to enjoy!  Some have been embellished with "Bible Lens"!

Platform three was being rebellious and I'm leaving this snap here!

Heading off to two . . .

Waving goodbye . . .

Getting closer . . .

Enjoying the fall colors on platform two . . .

No longer stranded on platform two . . .

Only at Sand Creek . . . on a Saturday!

I started work at 8:15 a.m. this morning with a smile on my face.  My so-not-a-morning-person-friend in Seguin, Texas, Sarah, was actually up this morning and we had a texting frenzy on my way in to work.  Sarah is a breast-cancer survivor and it was so good to connect.  (Note:  I was talking into my phone.  Her daughter was laughing at her slow texting.)

Our first group of the day was from the Trios program at St. Olaf College.  They are first time college students in their families.  I volunteered to work the low ropes course and had a blast with both teams.  We ended with a zip and once again, I was NOT left behind on platform two - life is getting better! 

Then, THEY started to arrive!  We had so many zippers today, that at about 5:30 p.m., I said to the girl I was launching, "Ding! Ding! Ding! You are the two hundreth person I have launched today!"  I'm not sure if she really was or not, but believe me, I felt like it!  And it was probably pretty darn close.  

Highlight of the high ropes course at 3:15 p.m.? We had two women from Ukraine, both named Julia (pronounced "You-lia"), who loved the fact that I had been to their home country last year!

Question:  Why did I get the extra dollar in tips today?

Answer:  I went in to our "portable restroom" and cleaned up the disaster I found!   

Only at Sand Creek . . . on a Friday!

I rushed from the Y to Sand Creek yesterday, only to discover, for the second time this year, my team build had arrived before me - and I was a half an hour early!  (Don't ask at what speed I managed that!)

My group was from Brightstar Financial downtown - a bunch of programmers.  We started in the low ropes and filled the place with laughter as well as some deep thought and excellent comments.  From there, we were off to do two elements in the high ropes - the leap of faith and the giant ladder.  We ended with a zip - this time I was NOT forgotten on platform two!

The story of the day I dedicate to those who read this blog from Trinity:

In our time together, it came out that Allison had danced for fifteen years.  She did every thing with flair and grace.  On the zip line, I asked her where she had grown up and learned to dance.

"A small town in southern Minnesota."

"Which one?"
"Willmar."

"I lived in Granite.  Willmar is not a small town."

"Okay, I'm from Sundberg."

"Are you kidding?  Do you know the Reigstads (Don was our pastor at Trinity.)?"

"I am a Reigstad!"

Thankful Thursday!

Ten things I am thankful for on this particular Thursday in no particular order:

1.   Only Bill and I were swimming in the lap lane today.  It was so pleasant!
2.   Sarah came back to teach the MS class WITHOUT her playlist.  We have a great time together, but definitely like different types of music!
3.   All three of my classes at the Y were fun today! 
4.   We finally have all clean towels at our house.
5.   I didn't have to walk Annie (our dog) once today!
6.   Micah didn't completely forget to put supper in the oven - it was just an hour late . . .
7.   I had a great group at Sand Creek even if my boss forgot me!
8.   My PT at Twin Cities Ortho is willing to help me with my knees via e-mail!
9.   My husband finally made it home to cut up the ham.
10.  I got to talk to Dad while driving home from work.

Only at Sand Creek . . .

STRANDED ON TWO!

It was another awesome afternoon at Sand Creek! I had a team build with the staff from a vineyard church up in Detroit Lakes.  They were thinkers.  They worked well together.  They encouraged one another.  It was excellent . . . until we went zipping . . .

Duane (the owner) was on platform two.  I zipped down to two so he could go to three and relieve Anna (the course manager) who needed to be up on top to greet our 4:30 p.m. guests.  

I sent the remaining group from the church down to three and waited for Duane to signal me to come.  He never did.  I watched everyone leave the platform.  I was ready to zip down, but then I realized the brake block wasn't out.  I've been having some struggles getting in to the platforms so I didn't want to risk coming in without the block.  I tried calling Duane.  No answer.  I tried calling Anna.  No answer.  I sadly took the steps off of two and walked the back trail up to the parking lot where I said good-by to my group.  Then I went over to talk to Duane.

"Did you forget anything on platform two today?"  

Puzzled look.  "Umm . . . no."

"You forgot me."

The look on his face was priceless as he realized that's exactly what he had done . . . only at Sand Creek!

 

On the Road to the Rheumatologist!

   

This is the awesome song God gave that I so needed on my road to the rheumatologist!

"Steadfast Love" by Lauren Chandler

Life (was/is) not working for me this fall.  In between working at Sand Creek and working at the Y and working for ISD 196, thinking I had PMR, not to mention Micah starting college, the dryer dying, the dog being sick and the garage door failing to open, I had to make a hard decision. 

If I were going to continue with the Bible study I've been going to for the last ten years at Trinity, I was going to miss at least three weeks due to groups at Sand Creek.  After all, I am the Low Ropes Team Build Manager out there.

Not to mention, Trinity was doing Genesis.  I wasn't really pumped about Genesis.  So I checked in to Berean's Bible study options.

Their studies started the first week of October - another month to breathe and try to catch up.  It was only eight weeks.  I would be done December 5.  More room to breathe.  And they were doing a study on worship.  Worship has been on my heart all year.  

I took the chance.  I went to the women's study this morning and I know I'm in the right place for right now.  One of my dear friend's is at my table (thank you, Jesus!), a missionary who I could have met last summer had we gone to Uganda rather than Ukraine is at my table, and a whole host of other wonderful women. 

I truly miss my friends at Trinity, but I am looking forward to what God is going to do!

It's NOT PMR?!?

I met with a rheumatologist today, Dr. Prabhu Deepak Udayakumar, and he said, "I don't think you have PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica).  Your Prednisone dose is too high.  PRM should be controlled with 7.5 mg or less."  Knock me over with a feather!

"So, then what's wrong with me?"  "Well, we're going to find out!"  Next Monday morning, I have a fasting lab where I'm going to be checked for everything under the sun.  Okay, slight exaggeration - I'm only going to have nine tests run and hopefully one of those tests will give him a lead.  Obviously, there is definitely something wrong and he is going to do his best to help me!  

Things you need to know about my doctor - he laughs at my jokes!  I admired his wedding ring - it has his wife's name in it - Jenn (at least I can say hers)!  And he's a believer!  Glory!  

Unfortunately, there will be no definite answers until my next appointment which is sadly on Halloween.