OUCH! Don't touch me, Babe! What I hoped would be a "fashionable tan" turned into a fiery burn overnight.

Face and arms are burning like fire!  Why I didn't think to wear my famous cowboy hat is beyond me.  It would have saved me a lot of pain.  I'll be wearing it the rest of the summer because I don't need any more sunburn!!
 

Bert gave Jenny some last minute advice on paddling yesterday.

 

A couple of shots from yesterday at the boat races.

THEY'VE BEEN MARRIED....LIKE.....FOREVER!

Only a 20% chance for thunderstorms around here today.

I saw a big area of rain around Bob and Lynne and Eric and Bert this morning.

IT'S A BIG DAY FOR BIRTHDAYS

I got a note from Bert.

I helped her with a paper she had to write for school.  She said, "Thank you, so much.  I got 25 extra credit points.  The teacher wrote "SUPER" on the top of the paper and he agreed with your point of view."

If you ever need any extra points, let me know.  I got a million of 'em.

WHAT DID BERT DO LAST NIGHT?

"I am spending my Sunday night with the iPod in my ear and playing Pogo.  Can't stand the game or TV tonight.  It sucks."

I FEEL SO SORRY FOR BERT

"I am so upset right now I could just scream.  Just got home from the March of Dimes event to find out that everything in my purse is missing.  I lost my wallet, hand lotion, I.D.'s, money, hair brushes.  EVERYTHING.  WHY?????"

NICK GOES TOPLESS

UPDATE FROM BERT
"We made it back from Duluth safe and sound.  Ali was slipping downhill while we were there.

It was a good trip and some we had some great Norwegian food at a restaurant that served sandwiches in lefse.  Mine was salmon, hard boiled eggs, radish and provolone wrapped in Lefse and it was good.

We froze in Duluth but they didn't have the snow we did..

The day before we left for Duluth it was 50 degrees so Nick had the moon roof open in his car and forgot to close it.  Aaron called to inform Nick that there was two feet of snow in his car!!!  We had a good laugh!  He's done that before but the last time it was rain.

Good to be home with my quiet life and the dogs."

A NOTE FROM BERT

"I don't know if you remember Alexandra Berntson (now McAbe). She and her sister are the daughters of Steve and Siriana Berntson Eric's Long time friends. Steves dad, Pastor Berntson was the other minister at our wedding.

Ali has cancer and was diagnosed in 2010. She found out she only has one month to live. She is in Duluth, married with one daughter. We love her so much and would love everyone to send her prayers."

COMMENT FROM RITA:
"I remember Steve Berntson well and both girls. Alex was here with Aaron once. Good looking, funny girl. What a shame."

OH! LOOK GRANDMA!

FALLING SNOW

Duane reported snow falling in Rapid City yesterday afternoon.  I haven't heard how much Rapid City has received but I did see a report that Lead had more than 6 inches of snow on the ground late yesterday.  I remember, well, those big winter snowfalls in the Northern Hills when I lived in Deadwood.  There were times when I walked to work with snow up to my knees.

We were getting some light snow in La Crosse this morning and Eric and Bert were getting the same in Watertown.

While it was snowing around here, there was moderate rain falling in Dripping Springs.  That should put a smile on Donnie's face.

I LOVE THIS STORY FROM BERT

"My friend Kath and I are up at Rita and Rogers babysitting the dogs and the house.  Had a funny experience today. I came into the dinning room to find underwear, eaten to shreds, under the table.   The dogs had gotten into Kath's dirty clothes and had some fun!!!

They are being really good.  Eating well, sleeping with me, staying in the yard and of course eating underwear!!!   Rita and Roger come home tomorrow so hopefully no more lost clothes!!"

BERT HAS BEEN THERE! DONE THAT.

I might have known that Bert has been to the bar in Vegas (see below). She said, "It was my favorite place in Las Vegas. That is where I met my best friends Kath, Tom, Pete and Julie. We had a blast!!!"

WONDER IF BERT HAS BEEN TO THIS BAR?

I'M SAVING MY PENNYS FOR THE STAMP INCREASE. 45 CENTS BEGINNING JAN 22

Excitement around Eric and Berts hometown yesterday when a plane ran into a car in Watertown.  Check out this story and picture from the La Crosse Tribune.

Rita and Roger got home safe and sound.

Roger got his birds, Rita and Bert went shopping and everyone had a great time.  All the kids were there so it was a big party.

Rita stopped by with coupons this morning.

After today she has the rest of the week off.  Thursday she has a dentist appointment and Saturday they're going  east.  Roger is going to pick up some birds and they're also going to visit Eric and Bert.

NOTE TO BERT: JIMMY BUFFETT WILL BE AT THE MGM GRAND IN VEGAS OCTOBER 15 & 22