You can do it. . .

A brand-new barn swallow got out of his nest and peered over the edge of the deck, a 15-foot drop to a concrete patio. Nonetheless, the fledge had a successful flight moments later. The barn swallow nest has become a source of controversy. Their dirty nests attach to the house and leave a mess, mom and dad swallow attack passers-by. But they're so cute.

Jennifer's new floor

Jennifer and Terry -- a killer floor team it turns out -- installed this wooden floor during the past week, one nail at a time. The tough part was making the trap door, but they did and it is smooth as silk. The house is looking good.

Birth Day and Abbey Point Night combine for nice evening out

That's a new birthday shirt he wore to Abbey Point night. New neighbors, Kitty and Stacey are to his left. 

A handy carrying case is included.

In a happy coincidence, Stan's birthday was on the same night that the neighbors gather each month -- the first Wednesday of the month. Earlier today during birthday week, Andrew presented an Impact Wrench and bits to the birthday boy. Just the thing for someone who already has a power screwdriver from a previous event. Please note that the driver matches the jacket and safety glasses. It was a nice birthday, more to come.
It's Birthday Week, ya know.

Happy Birthday dinner at Jordan

Longtime business associate Laurie treated us to dinner out tonight at the Jordan Steakhouse, the first 70th birthday celebration this week for her old partner in crime. She's now the publisher of four Scott County newspapers. Topping it all off, of course, was a free birthday dessert.

Mrs. Columbo

We've been watching reruns of "Colombo," the detective who constantly references his wife during the show but we never actually see her. Andrew, left, does the same. He's been helping us on some projects and he often refers to his partner. We've heard so much about her over the months, but never met her so we took to calling her "Mrs. Columbo," and told Andrew that he didn't actually have a significant other, that she probably didn't exist... except in his imagination.
Well, yesterday Andrew put an end to all that when she drove out to the house for a chat and a bite. So, Mrs. Columbo exists! Nice meeting her at last.

Take all the leaves you want, please leave the flowers

Photos by Stan Rolfsrud

A fawn dropped by this afternoon (a male, we checked) to look over the premises and greet the golfers on No. 14.  This done, he came over to the pond and continued his forage. He's too young to fear humans, and there was no sign of mama. He''ll have much to report on the day's adventure.

ahh! That's the spot, just under the eyelid.

Sisters

Sisters Kathleen and Mary Lou on Grand Avenue in St. Paul.

New dishwasher

Awaiting its turn.

Andrew installed our new dishwasher tonight, using finesse, skill and determination.  Virtually no cussing. The old dishwasher served for l7 years and it's time. The new one will even match the fridge. Novel idea.

She's 80!

The French Meadow party room was the perfect venue for a pleasant gathering of family and friends.
There was cake for everyone. And a full breakfast.

The sun added a special glow to the celebrant as our
daughter; Jennifer; and grandson, Maxwell, chatted.
Other extended family members enjoyed the breakfast buffet.

Kathleen's big sister Mary Lou is in town this weekend to celebrate her 80th birthday. She got started yesterday at the French Meadow cafe in Minneapolis with a gathering of 30 family and friends hosted by her daughter and son, Heidi and Tony. Festivities continue today with a trip to Madeline Island. The events bring together people from both sides of her family, including ours, with a full contingent represented. The venue was perfect, special doors on the room let the sun shine in as the weather was just right for the occasion. Many more, Mary Lou!

Group hug. From left Kathleen, Heidi, Jennifer, Mary Lou, Tony