A Busy Month

The birthday kids.....

A Busy Month
By Allan Olson
The summer rush is almost over, with that comes some relief in hopes that maybe some normalcy might return to my life, whatever that might be. This summer has been a crazy mix of fun vacations and just overall busy days and weekends. This year we took more vacations/extended weekends than ever before bringing our kids to different parts of the state and to other states to enjoy their summer vacation. When the teachers ask them what they did this summer, they better have a litany of stuff to say since they were busy all summer long.
The last two weekends kept us very busy – the third weekend in August, I was co-host of a geocaching event at Norway Beach, the event went off without a hitch, the weather was warm and if I had a choice, I was much happier with the warm weekend in comparison to last weekend’s cold and damp weather. The event was a lot of fun, I met some new people and visited with some longtime friends, however by the time Sunday afternoon came, I was glad I wasn’t out looking for the geocaches and headed home for a much needed nap. That evening, I played baseball with the kids at Ferris Park and returned home to crash for the rest of the evening.
This past weekend was another fun weekend; we celebrated the 9th birthday of Abigail and Marcus on Friday evening with a house full of family members and a couple of Abigail’s friends were also able to help celebrate. That evening, I took the Abigail and I took the girls home and on the way I took them to a few geocaches that I had yet to find – they thought it was fun and wanted to do more, but the hour was getting late and they needed to get home.
On Saturday – we were on the road to celebrate another birthday – my big brother turned the big “40” and since I haven’t celebrated a birthday with him in probably over 20 years, it was time to do so. I did a little shopping for him earlier in the week and on Saturday my wife decided that we should add a little more to the gift items. So we hit the local box store in search of some special “old timer” gifts just for him. I did this, knowing full well that he has a few short years to plan his revenge before I make my plunge over the hill, but I’m banking that since he’s older – he just might forget, but I probably won’t get that lucky.
Our plans for the day, were just a quick trip and then back home that evening as the party wound down at the ripe late hour of 7:30 p.m. my wife and I decided with some strong nudging from my cousin and his wife that we shouldn’t venture home in the stormy night but rather seek lodging in their safe environment – so we did. We spent over four hours visiting and laughing at their home and we retired for bed with me being the undefeated air hockey champion. Prior to my arrival my cousin had those bragging rights –defeating those few he had played. I took him down in a blaze of glory trouncing him the first time and coming back from behind the second win in a glorious win. He might use the excuse of the adult beverages blurred his vision, but truly it wasn’t that – I was just better.
We left for home early Sunday morning and made it home before noon and shortly after it was nap time and I enjoyed a good afternoon snooze for the next few hours and then tried catching up on the Counting Cars episodes I have stored on the DVR – before calling it a night once again.
Personal Note:
On a sadder topic, Monday morning I learned of the passing of a friend – a local community member – Sherry Palmer, who lost her fight with the dreadful cancer. While I’ve only known Sherry for the last nine years, she has been a friend the entire time. A person always knew where they stood with Sherry and I’m glad I was always on her good side. This “paperboy” as she has called me for as long as I can think of, will miss her larger than life smile and her large voice at many community functions in particular (Miss and Little Miss Cass Lake pageants), her direct questions on the school board, not caring how it sounded and that I might put it like she said it in print. My deepest and sincerest condolences are extended to her husband Rob, her children, grandchildren, her BFF and all her many other family members – “the good truly do, die young.”
School is starting next week for many in the area so please remember to watch out for the buses that are carrying our most precious cargo. Remember to take pictures to preserve a lifetime of memories. Thanks for reading, and have a great week! Feel free to drop me a line at cltimes1@arvig.net or stop by the office for a visit.


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