If one stood in a sheltered area where the sunshine would hit, it felt wonderful this afternoon.
We had visitors from the far north country today. The entire family of Dennis’ daughter, Susie, her husband and their daughter Taylor came calling. Granddaughter Erin and her husband Paul have three girls. I think the tiny town of Silver Bay on the north shore of Lake Superior was quite empty today. Grandson Ryan and his daughter live here in St. James and joined in. Daughter Sandy drove over from Mankato so she didn’t get left out. With Dennis and me it was a group of 13. Lots of visiting, lots of giggling. Lots of sad faces.
The four great granddaughters have always beat feet for the backyard to enjoy the swing and running off a lot of pent of energy from the long ride. The strict instructions were given in the best of terms that the concrete patio was as far as they could venture. With three inches of rain this last week over the newly tilled backyard, it would have been a situation of kids being muddy right up to the tops of their shoes. We assured the girls that next spring the yard would be ready to play in. Five year old Josie had to be content collecting leaves off of the concrete . . . and there was no shortage there.
Lots of hugs and goodbyes until a plan can be made towards Thanksgiving. Dennis didn’t miss a beat. He was in the mode of getting the horse tank set up in the Lincoln car garage. The hope is for Indian Summer, but he feels the need to get prepared. No one likes to have all of what is necessary to come crashing down at one time.