Saturday, July 23, 2005

Tons of Fun


Tons of Fun

This is the new Tons of Fun ride that they presented for the first time at the Rice County Fair in Faribault today. When I asked Morgan how the ride was she said "tons of fun!" We checked out some exhibits, played games, ate at the Bethlehem Acadamy (my high school alma mater) grill, the kids went on rides and then we went to my folks' house. They gave us veggies from their garden. Yum -- we had fresh cucumbers and broccoli for dinner. The kids all fell asleep on the way home! It was WAY hot today -- 84% humidity. I'm glad my air conditioning works . . .

Friday, July 22, 2005

Orchids


Orchids at Minnesota Zoo

I love orchids. They are so pretty and remind me of beautiful Hawaii.

I'm sooooooo glad it's Friday. Morgan's friend Emily and her mom, Kris, came over for dinner. Emily and Morgan share the same birthday. Kris and I have become good friends over the years and get together once in a while to play Bingo and commisserate about life. By the way, Teddy, you ROCK!!!! Kris' husband, Teddy, came over later and hooked up my "entertainment center" in the family room. Emily is staying for a sleepover and then it's off to ride Tons of Fun tomorrow . . .

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Robins Eggs


Robins Eggs

This picture was taken at my parents' farm in Faribault in May. The nest had unfortunately fallen out of the tree.

The weekend is finally here . . . one more day of work and it's BBQ, fair & pool time! :-) Everybody have a GREAT weekend! We're going to try to stay cool in the 96 degree heat that's predicted for Saturday. Pool & sprinkler . . . here we come!

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Good Night, Howard

The last thing I said to Howard was "goodnight." He, unfortunately, passed away very unexpectedly a few weeks ago from a heart attack. Here is the article from the StarTrib published shortly thereafter.

Howard Groves, 59, an attorney 37 years

Howard Groves was known for his practical jokes and light-hearted attitude. He poked fun at people at home and at work.

"My mom worked for his law office," said family friend Craig Trepanier. "She was selling little carved wooden ducks and asked if he wanted any. Howard said to her with a total deadpan look, 'Well, how many do you think will fit comfortably with me in the tub?'"

Groves, a resident of Burnsville, died June 29 of a heart attack. He was 59.

He was an attorney for 37 years. He began his private practice in 1973 and worked for three firms during his career. Groves spent his last 17 years working alongside Wayne Jagow, becoming his partner at Jagow, Groves & Meinerts in Burnsville. He specialized in criminal and real estate cases.

"Howard was a high-quality guy," Jagow said. "He was well-liked by everyone in the legal community and cared about every one of his clients."

Groves took each case personally and made sure he didn't treat people like numbers. He also used his sense of humor for incessant teasing around the office, Jagow said.

Trepanier knew of a running joke between Groves and Jagow.

"Wayne used to jokingly call himself the Law God," Trepanier said. "One day, Howard said, 'Wayne, I think you're dyslexic. Don't you mean the Law Dog?' He even had business cards printed up with Wayne's name, the Law Dog title and a picture of a German shepherd."

"HO GRO," as his children and children's friends called him, was a regular at Bumpers, a restaurant near his law office. He sat in a particular booth, ordered a particular drink -- a double Johnny Walker Red -- and smoked his pipe. The owners took such a liking to Groves that they retired his drink after his death, Trepanier said.
He also enjoyed golfing and played every Friday with a group of attorneys and judges. And when he wasn't on the green, Groves liked spending time with his children, grandchildren and close friends, said his daughter, Kelli Zetah.

"He was so soft-spoken for being a lawyer," said his son, Jeff, "and he had this smile that gave you the impression he knew something you didn't."

Groves was born Oct. 24, 1945, in Howard, S.D. He graduated from high school in Chandler, Minn., received his bachelor's degree from South Dakota State University, and earned his law degree at the University of Minnesota. He served in the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps of the U.S. Army from 1969-1973.
He is survived by his sons, Jeff and Mark, and his daughter, Kelli Zetah. Services were held at Peace Reformed Church in Eagan.

Molly Kentala, StarTribune July 13, 2005

Monday, July 18, 2005


Double Rainbow -- May 25, 2005

I took this picture a couple weeks before I moved out of my old apartment. Of course, the rainbows were more more visible -- this picture doesn't do them justice.

Wacky Hair


Wacky Hair Day at the Minnesota Zoo -- Memorial Day Weekend

Besides the fact that this summer has gone too fast has been gruelingly hot here in Minnesota -- over 90 days for 9 days in a row -- the summer has been great! We've spent time at the pool, making new friends in the neighborhood, playing with friends we already knew, going to a family get-together or two and some picnics, Minnesota Zoo, pool parties and bonfires. Nathan went to an overnight Boy Scout camp in June, but it was brought to a screaching halt by bad weather. They have both gone on some great field trips with daycare -- Mall of America, water park, soccer game, Twins game, zoo, plays, etc. There's still soooooo much to do! Think we'll check out the Rice County Fair this weekend. They're introducing a new ride -- Tons of Fun made by Sellner Enterprises right in my home town of Faribault -- they're the same folks that invented Tilt-A-Whirl.

P.S. Carrie I hope you weren't serious about deleting me out of your favorites! :-)