Back in MN...again

My last trip home was unexpected and not 100% fun. My Dad called me on Monday to inform me that one of my best friends' mother had passed away and the service was to be held on Tuesday. Panic! I got in my car at 2:00pm and drove until I was almost into Cleveland. I stopped at an interstate oasis and slept for about 2 hours. I had Spinner and Blayze with me. They slept for most of the trip. I arrived in PA at about 10:00am. I unpacked, got the dogs settled and took a shower and got in my pajamas and was ready to crawl into bed for a nap when I realized that I had left my contact lens solution at home. I had to get dressed and go to Wal-Mart before I could get any precious sleep.
That evening was the viewing. I saw so many familiar faces. When I got to my friend in line, he was absolutely stunned. He said, "Oh, I can't believe it's you! Now that you're here, I'm going to cry. " And he did. I felt so bad for him and I really hope that being there for him helped him through a bit. I spent lots of time with him and his brother and his brother's friends. We went to a soccer match where his Dad is a coach. It was so fun to hang out with old friends and I really wish we could get together for different reasons. The above photo is of the entrance to Tioga Point Cemetery. It was a powerful experience to drive through those trees on such an emotional occasion.

While in the area I took one morning to go to Corning and visit my friend Hazel and see the new display at the Corning Museum of Glass. Hazel and I went to the Indian Restaurant for their lunch buffet. They have the best Chai there. Then we walked along Market Street and found the farmer's market. I got 2 heads of gorgeous garlic and I am still kicking myself for passing up an incredible garlic braid. Hazel got some huge green peppers and a few Thai hot peppers. The guy selling the peppers loved talking about them and told us a few stories about some customers reactions. I love the Corning farmer's market. Everything there is grown and sold by people passionate about their wares, not by exploited migrant workers like you see so much of out here.
I left on Saturday at 4:30am(3:30Central) and got home to MN by 9:00pm(8:00Central). This is Blayze's subtle way of asking, "Are we there yet?" Mike's nephews were spending the night on Saturday so their folks could go to their friend's annual Halloween party.
Here you see Patch along with CJ, CM and Mike carving a pumpkin. We also made Hershey brownies and dog biscuits. Mike took the boys to the dog park with Patch and Miranda on Saturday before I got home and they went again with all four dogs on Sunday.

This morning I had a job interview with a temp agency for a job in White Bear Lake. I think it went well and I should know the outcome by Wednesday. I like the idea of a temp job, because Michael and I have been trying to get pregnant, and if we are successful within the next few weeks, I could leave the job without any hassle.