Not Much Happenin'

I know it's been two weeks since I last logged in but REALLY there's not much news. We have Open House every day from 11-5. Booooring! Today I watched Brad Pitt on Oprah. While he's good looking, I would rather be outside. I did take a very long walk to get the mail today. :-) Last Saturday, Marla and I hiked Black Mountain. My quads (upper thighs for those non-exercisers) were very sore for three days. Guess I'm not doing enough leg work during my workouts. :-(

I'm reading a very interesting book about the Trinity. It's called "The Shack." I recommend it to everyone, even those who don't believe in God.

I'm getting concerned about President-Elect Obama's promise of "change." He keeps picking people with Washington roots. Not what I envisioned. Joe Biden and Tom Daschle aren't exactly new to Washington, nor Raul Emmanuel and Eric Holder. How about some new faces???

USA Make History

This morning in the fitness center locker room I hugged a black friend as we both hoped this would be a new beginning for America. While I didn't vote for him, I now think the election of a black man (I hope this isn't offensive as I think we are all Americans and don't like the hyphenated-American designation for anyone, including myself as a "Danish-American") for President is a good thing. Hopefully, it can move us beyond the anger and cries of racism. Do I think there are racists in America? Yes, I do, but I believe they are small in number and come on both sides. Watching the tears flow down the cheeks of Jesse Jackson as he listened to Obama's excellent speech, I couldn't help thinking how proud he must be to see a black man elected to the most powerful position in the world. Rev. Jackson had marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in the civil rights marches of the early 1960's.

The economy is heading further south and we still have enemies who wish this country destroyed. I wish the Obama family well and pray for their safety as he tries to lead our country through this very difficult time.

Halloween weekend with Erik, Kadin & Gracie

I flew to Albuquerque on Friday, Oct. 31 to spend the week-end with Erik and the girls. Friday evening we went uptown where the girls trick or treated at the local businesses. Saturday evening we went to Pumpkin Glow, the Haunted House and then to a family dance. On Sunday, after church, we hiked to Fireman Park and back. The whole week-end was lovely Autumn weather, in the mid-60's. After walking the girls to school Monday morning, I flew back to Phoenix. It was a wonderful week-end and I thank Arne for letting me leave while we're trying to sell our house.

Back to Iowa

I flew to Iowa on Thursday, October 16. Mark and Marla drove from Omaha, where they picked up Megan and Drew, to Des Moines to bring me back to the farm. Thanks to Craig Peterson for the loan of his van. Don, Jan and the Burns' girls arrived at the farm late afternoon and Matt arrived later in the evening.

Friday, the temperature never got above 47 degrees. Needless to say, we didn't go outside, which made for a long day.

Saturday afternoon I spent some time with Gwen Peterson. Gwen was on death's doorstep a few weeks ago but she looked and sounded great. She has such a wonderful attitude.

After leaving Gwen, I joined other family members at the Methodist Church where I witnessed the marriage of niece Katie Kalkwarf. The reception was at the Starlite in Fort Dodge where I shared a room with Megan. During dinner, I had a long conservation with my aunt Nita.

Picture with my siblings...Marla, Kevin, Jan, Larry and me.

Sunday I went to Jody's home on Lake Panorama. We went for a boat ride on a lovely Autumn day. That evening we went to her daughter Chris and Randy's home in Des Moines for a celebration of Amanda's 23rd birthday. Monday we drove the pontoon across the lake so that it could be taken out of the water for the winter. Definitely the end of summer!

I flew home on Tuesday where Arne had been working hard to market our home. The stock market sure isn't helping.

Where are we headed?

After a good week-end with several people stopping in to view our house and one couple who seemed truly interested, I get up this morning and start reading the financial news. Even with the government "rescue", it appears we'll be continuing on this downward spiral. After years of saving and managing debt, it seems Arne and I will be punished as a result of those who didn't save and who spent above their means. Not a comforting thought.

My baby's 39!

Today is Aaron's 39th birthday. I honestly feel like I'm 39 so how can this be? Aaron called last night and we talked for over 90 minutes, much of it about politics. He was trying to convince me I should vote for Obama. I told him that he and his father could do that. Happy Birthday, Aaron!

Party Leaders Back Revised Plan for Bailout

After several weeks of wondering if our life's savings are safe, the federal government has taken it upon themselves to bail out those who bet on subprime loans. I thought we should let them fail and the markets will adjust. I just can't see the federal government handling this in a successful manner. I pray I am wrong. (L to R: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and Harry Reid, Senate Leader.

We had Open House this week-end with a few visitors. Tomorrow we will go on MLS so we will have more exposure to buyers. We have dropped our price $30K from where we started, which we thought was very conservative. We only have a couple weeks to make a decision about The Villages so will see what happens.