By Linda McNulty

 
Where has the summer gone? Suddenly, fall is in the air! After the storms and heat of the last week, Sunday was just perfect! But, the truth is--fall is not far away. With it comes Volksfest on Saturday, Aug. 28, Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 6, and then school begins.

My eldest grandchild will enter the hallowed halls of Chanhassen High School for his first year in the new school. It is hardly possible, since I was entering high school just a few short years ago, myself.

By Linda McNulty

Let’s pretend that your adult children have just told you that you shouldn’t drive any longer; or worse, a judge has given you the same sentence. Other than failing health, giving up the keys to your car is the most serious threat to independent living. Surrendering the keys without an alternative plan can lead to loneliness and depression, which can lead to poor health. Knowing independence during our entire adult lives, suddenly being housebound can be a personal catastrophe.

By Betty Liedtke

I was talking recently with one of my neighbors, who is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist. She works with students who are visually impaired, helping them to orient themselves to their surroundings and teaching them travel skills and protective techniques so they can move about safely, confidently, and independently, both at home and out in the world.

All Things Nordic: Carolyn Spargo

Summer has officially come! The midsummer poles are standing alone with the memories of dancing and music around it. The midsummer fires lie in ashes along with the songs that were sung around the flames! Now it is time to get away from the regular routine of work and see the countryside.

In the United States, the average paid vacation is two weeks. This is only the average and there is no national minimum of vacation days or national holidays an employer must give to its employees.

Photo by Stan Tekiela

A white-tailed fawn may look like it has been abandoned, but its mother has taken precautions to keep it safe.

By Stan Tekiela

By Betty Liedtke

Sometimes we’re our own worst enemies. Most of the time, in fact. The way we react to things, the actions we take based on the choices we make, and the beliefs we hold about ourselves all have an influence on what we accomplish in our lives. Or don’t.

Case in point: I’m electronically impaired.

 By Betty Liedtke

“Ho ‘oponopono.”

It’s a Hawaiian term (pronounced “hoe oh POE no POE no,” I think), and it’s a philosophy and practice that’s been used for centuries. Somehow I missed it, though, because I never heard of it until last week when someone in my Toastmasters club gave a speech about it.

It’s an amazing concept, and even though it involves ancient beliefs and rituals, it’s got some powerful characteristics that we can put to good use today.

By Linda McNulty

Activity has been limited this past month by a cast on my right hand. Being right-handed, I’ve learned that my left hand can do things I never thought it could—even twist open bottle caps. Arthritis bit the hand that feeds me and I am recovering from basilar thumb joint reconstructive surgery.

I would like to thank all the professionals at Minnesota Valley Surgery Center for the excellent care and friendliness with which they treated me. Totally upbeat and kind! Thumbs up!

By Chere Bork

Every day is a gift full of little stuff. Unfortunately most of the time we are moving at such a frantic pace to get things done, read another email or help people who are asking for it that we feel we are always behind and are too busy to notice the little stuff. “I will get outside tomorrow after I get this stuff done.” What if you enjoyed every single summer day like you did when you were a kid?

By Betty Liedtke

Sheri went for a walk last Thursday. That might not sound like any big deal, but it was for her. The walk consisted of just a few steps, but they were the first unassisted steps Sheri has taken in four years.