Brainerd, MN

When I wrote Go Away - Snow, I was thinking that this was my ode to winter weather. However, we are experiencing a storm of blizzard proportions. The high winds, combined with the snow, are causing the problems. Trees and limbs (trees again, not human) are coming down and anything not tightly fastened (this could be human) is tumbling.

It was quite a challenge getting winter blankets on the horses in the wind. By the time I had one end secured, the other end was coming up to meet me. I brought most of them into the stalls for the night as it simplified my life and made them very happy. I am a pet pleaser, after all.

Area schools are closed and the trails are being groomed for what might be one last cross country ski jaunt.

Easter was early this year, so I suppose we should have been expecting more snow - plus it is Minnesota - the weather can change in an instant.

We did some design work on one of the homes in this weekend's Builder's Home tour. It doesn't have a lawn or landscaping in - this will be perfect, no one will even notice!

Just when I think that I will be able to soon see green blades of green peeking out of the white fluffy stuff - it snows. Not just a dusting, or a mere frosty blanket, no! I am talking about two feet of the white stuff. Now being a born and bred in Minnesota gal, I know that it will eventually disappear and Spring will come. It just is not going to happen any time in the near future.

We usually try to make the most of our lovely and yet unpredictable

Minnesota weather and so here is a snowman for you. He portrays

the best of our talented Minnesota Niceness.

My mother-in-law goes to the Senior Center for meals. card games, to volunteer and to laugh. There is plenty fo do with weekly activities including card games, bingo, open crafts, coffee and doughnuts, gift card recycling, Senior Morning Club, rosemaling, folk painting, wood carving, a live band with dancing, Bone Builder exercise and Fun-n-Fitness. Their monthly activities are a fund raising evening dinner, Out Going Seniors Club, Book Club, defensive driving refresher classes, computer classes, and bus trips. I have been on a few bus trips with them, my favorites being The Lion King Broadway musical and a tour of the Hill house followed by the Messiah performance.

They get free blood pressure checks and some medical screenings, along with lots of information . If you live in the Brainerd Lakes area and age wise are a senior- check them out. They are on the go Seniors that know how to have a good time and they would love to met you.

He's baaaccckkkk. That is right -Elvis was here in Brainerd - singing and strutting his stuff and was last seen at the Bethany Good Samaritan Care Center entertaining the residents and staff members. Elvis on most days can be found working as an engineer for School District #181 on the South Campus. Once a year, you can catch him in the act at the Miss Brainerd Lakes pageant held in the Tornstrom auditorium in Brainerd.

Bill Musel, a.k.a. Elvis, moved to the Brainerd area about 16 years ago and began his side career with the Up North Family Theater that was located in the Brainerd Armory. Now Bill can be found performing in plays at the Central Lakes College and enjoys doing the Elvis impersonations for fun. He also likes making people laugh and tries very hard to get a smile on the residents' faces.

Keep your eyes open for someone that looks kind of like Elvis - wearing a gold lame cape, sunglasses and lots of sparkles - it could be Bill or it could be Elvis.

~Elvis has left the building~

photo by hawaii-Flickr

A grand welcome to new Pastor Bryan and Trena Boone. Their first Sunday as Children's' Pastors will be January 20th. Pastor Bryan has served the past year and a half at ROC International Church in Northville, Michigan as Children's Pastor and interned in Bloomington, Minnesota at Cedar Valley Church.

Both Bryan and Trena are graduates of North Central University in Minneapolis. Bryan has his degree in Children's Ministry and Trena has a degree in Elementary Education.

Bryan started out in Heritage Assemblies of God as a PK, as he is the son of Pastor Mark and Mary Boone. Those who have watched him grow up have been able to witness his love for children and their attraction to him. Trena also comes from a pastor's home. Her parents are Kevin and Jan Olson and they pastor in Milwaukee.

Welcome to Bryan and Trena. Bring your children to Heritage Assembly of God on Sundays 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Wednesday 7:00 PM or to special events and meet them.