Solid Rock Minnesota

Thanks everyone for the priveledge to put out a weekly podcast over the past 3 years that you listened to!

Until we meet again, many Blessings

Albert E. Brumley

Some glad morning when this life is over

I'll fly away

To a home on God's celestial shore

I'll fly away

'll fly away, oh, Glory

I'll fly away

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by

I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then

I'll fly away

To a land where joy shall never end

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh, Glory

I'll fly away

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by

I'll fly away

The past few weeks it has continued to be Winter around here in all its glory. Snow, Wind, Cold, Blizzard Warnings and everything else Winter related. And it is April, usually a time of warmer weather, Spring showers and a look forward to Summer. 

I couldn't help but get out my guitar and write a song about this Winter. It is definietely not a love song. But it comes from the heart. 

Winter You're Growing Old

words by Susan Engström McAuliffe

(sung to the tune of Sounds of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel)

Hello Winter you were my friend

But I’m tired of seeing you again

You never seem to want to disappear                             

Even though Spring is oh so near

You stay and keep on snowing

And being cold

Winter you’re growing old

Down the driveway I try to go                                                                  

But there’s too much ice, there so much snow

I slip and slide and finally hit the ground

Buried in snow with drifts all around

And I pray someone will find me

Before I freeze

My toes and knees

And in the early morning day                       

I hear the weatherman say                                   

Another storm out West  is coming here

So don’t you put away  your snow gear

Because once again you’ll need it              

To fight the snow

Winter you’re growing old

I’m such a fool thinking Spring                                             

When there’s still snow on everything                                    

It seems we never ever see the sun

Will the warmth of Spring ever come

Or is this what climate change is

A big white abyss

Winter you’re growing old

Someday soon it will be Spring  

 We will sweat and forget everything                                             

It will seem like Winter was never here                       

With mosquitoes buzzing in our ear

And we will long for a cooler days                               

Looking through the haze

Of a never ending Summer

A long awaited visit with the now retired Tootsie Sister, my old friend. Sit with us at Olive Garden. "It's been you and me since way back when. You can't make old friends".

Memories of birthdays past, and this week's festivities.

And once again it it time to Spring forward...kind of like time travel if you really think about it.

THis week I turn 65 and here are a few thoughts on that. And pain, and adult children, and sourdough starter.

A walk down the Ice Road in Minnesota

Best made plans just sometimes don't work out. Oh well.

We've had enough of cold, snow and ice....taking a trip South. But first to pack.

It is coming on tax season. Time to gather all the info up and pray Uncle Sam ignores me.

Minnesotans and their love of weather...always something to talk about...any time, any where.

It is that time of year again where cabin fever starts to set in around our house. 

What do you do when you're missing your grasndkids and making music with them? You create a file in GarageBand and send it back and forth until you have a song together.

Angel Band

Jefferson Hascall

My  latest sun is sinking fast

My race is nearly run

My strongest trials they now have passed

My Triumph now has begun

Oh, come, the angel band

Come and around me, stand

Oh bear me away on your snow white wings

To my immortal home…

Oh bear my longing heart to Him

Who bled and died for me

Whose blood now cleanses all from sin

And gives me Victory

I’ve almost gained my heavenly Home

My spirit softly sings

The Holy Ones behold they come

and I hear the sound of wings…

After the past 4 1/2 years together with Max, he finally has employment and a job that fits him.

What else is there to do at 3AM??

A look back, a look ahead...and a reminder to stay in the moment.

Time sure does fly by. Here are some songs by the grandkids when they first were learning to play instruments. 2 and 4 year olds banging out the percussion instruments and ukuleles and guitars strumming wildly, but always beautiful voices. It was some of my best days ever teaching them how to make music and playing and singing together. Now half of the grandkids are out of state and the ones nearby are getting older and have jobs and other activities. Their voices have changed and deepened. And the richness of their voices is something special to hear. 

Wearing eyeglasses after 50. I am not to be trusted with them...but Max will take charge.

It's been a year since we both have been home together retired. How's it going...give a listen.

Learning a new old way...cast iron cooking.

A time to count all the blessings in this life.

After 43 years of marriage, My Best Half knows just what gifts are the best to give the Fleet Farm-Menards type o girl.f

Turning off Daylight Savings Time...until March.

A Minnesota Reunion was in order as high school friends came into town last week. 

Trying to make plans to work around Minnesota Weather.

Life with a Hard of Hearing person...and now there's 2. 

From 80 degrees to below freezing in a few hours...only in Minnesota. Welcome to the prepping for Winter

What are the secrets to a long marriage? I don't have a clue, but these are a few that have worked for us...

Minnesota...you are my home.

Minnesota Nights

           by

Susan McAuliffe

Been up to the mountains, walked down by the sea

Home is where I put my heart, the place I choose to be

Sometimes my life’s been lonely, but it taught me how to cry

Now I’m lying ‘neath the Northern Lights of a Minnesota night.

The moon shines down on the lake tonight, the loon calls out her plea

The pine trees tall in the forest deep, have set my heart free

Sometimes my life gets crazy, but I’ve always gotten by

Standing ‘neath the Northern Lights of sa Minnesota Night

The lone wolf howls in the darkness, trying to find its way

Walks beneath the Northern Lights into that promised day

I’ll reach my destination, just keep looking to the sky

Walking ‘neath the Northern Lights of a Minnesota night.

Summer is winding down and the mornings are cool and still. My favorite time on the water. 

After decades of having an Old Town Pack canoe, it is time to move forward with my kayak. The ending of an era.

Finally a few days camping, fishing and relaxing up North from us.
Message us with your favorite place in Minnesota to visit.

Another Summer coming to an end, another fishing expedition with my brother and sister-in-law. Past memories and new ones made.

Another swapping of vehicles. It' just what we do...

Minnesota storms, insurance adjusters and home repairs lasting forever.

Ever wonder what life was like growing up as a cop's kid...give a listen.

Visits from Minnesota critters

A BBQ, a bike ride and some stories from the days of all girls Catholic school.

Baby Boomers Unite! Adapting to non-working body parts as the years go by.

Just one person's take on fanagling life's journey.

How is it when you meet up with a friend after 50 years of not seeing each other ? Come with us to breakfast at Keyes.

Tucked back in the bullrushes this week I am reminded of fishing with the best fisherman I ever knew, Grandpa Louie. 

Only in MInnesota can you walk in and have a surgical procedure on the spot...with some tools that look like they are from Fleet Farm.

One is too many and adozen are never enough when hving a backyard chicken coop.

There is nothing better than the early morning as the yard comes to life.

Come with me to a simpler time in life, to the cabin.

There are some dogs that just reach into your heart and leave a paw print there. For us there have been several. And the 2 we have now are a couple of the best that are also our unhired help.

That first Spring day the fishing line gets wet and sent out to catch some crappies and sunnies...can it get any better than this?

Thanks everyone who entered! 

For over 100 years there has been a gathering at Bearhead Union Cemetery...to rake pine needles.