Teri Parris Ford's Blog

Pearl Gala and a Hot Cider Hustle

Monika and I made our way up to Rochester Friday morning to spend the weekend with JIm. He had a big fundraiser gala to attend and bought tickets for us all to go. Monika had to go to work early but was able to leave by mid morning. I'm used to the 3 hour drive and it was absolutely stunning with fall colors. The gala was a very nice event and I think Monika got to learn a bit about one of the organizations Jim is involved in. Saturday morning we woke up early to get to the Hot Cider Hustle. Jim and Monika ran a 10K while I circled the parking lot waiting for them. I got a couple of miles in at a much more leisure pace without paying a fee. After quick showers, we drove up to Minneapolis to visit the REI store there so Monika could check it out. We went to Jim's favorite Mexican restaurant and enjoyed a gorgeous autumn day drive to and from the city. I passed out early while Jim and Monika stayed up late watching a movie.

I'm getting used to the drive up to Jim's for the weekend and am glad gas is a little more reasonable. As much as I love my Yukon, I am thinking if I'm going to be doing this drive for a few more years, I should probably buy something with better gas mileage, but a new car is a lot more expensive than bad gas mileage.

3X Boosted!

Yesterday I got a flu shot and COVID booster at the same time-- one shot in each arm. I wish I could remember which arm got which because my left arm hurts way more than my right. I felt fine all Saturday morning (my appointment was at 9am) but by afternoon I was starting to feel some nausea and congestion. It was a productive day even after I started feeling woozy. I had a meeting at school after my shots, I went to Menards for more paint, got gas and went to Costco for new pots and pans. Monika and I re-organized the kitchen cabinets to make room for our pots and to get rid of the old stuff. There are quite a few items we keep just because it was my moms but those are getting less and less. I have no idea how I'm supposed to combine two households once I retire? But that is a future Teri problem. 

Wonderful Minnesota Weekend

I decided to head up to Rochester for the weekend so I left right after school on Friday. Jim has his plate full with work and army, so the house projects sometimes feel overwhelming but they are fun to do as projects together. His garbage disposal exploded I'm sure from old age or overuse. I had a but of credit and coupons from Menards so after breakfast out and a beautiful walk thru Quarry Hill, we made our way to the store to pick up not only the disposal but a new shower head (my want) and some tools. We tackled all of the jobs as a team and felt quite accomplished at the end of the day sitting our porch with the heat of the sun warming our bones. The Autumn in the midwest has been amazing, brisk (freezing) mornings with comfortable afternoons (60's). I miss the summer heat, but wearing warm sweatshirts and socks is nice. Jim bought me a very warm poncho in New Mexico a few years back that I broke out for our walks and it is perfect for this weather! 

I am increasingly enjoying my weekends in MN. We have a long list of projects to do here (new floors, a new sink, a hot tub and sauna) so the plan is chip away at those so that by the time I retire and move in, there won't be too many of those projects left. We'll see how that goes!

October and Autumn in the House

After a month of being focused totally on school and getting well, I started feeling like I needed to get something accomplished. The busyness of Homecoming did not really affect me but I did need to stay in town to supervise the dance, so I spent my Saturday painting a wall and ceiling in the dining room. Monika wants to re-do the floors as well but that will have to wait. The new color is crisped white and I know changing the dark colors to bright white will be better for when it is time to sell. 

The weather has been perfect since Fall began on my birthday. The perfect walking weather. I went for a Sunday drive today out to see Winker and we went for an afternoon hike with her kids. She order pizza and it made for a perfect Sunday.