Okay, the month is coming to an end. I'm writing this at my Dad's house, on his new iMac (which is AWESOME). The day today has been pretty mixed. We got into town around 10:40, took the kids to the park. While we were there, I was approached by a classmate from the class of '90. Ironically, she was the one who didn't recognize me at the last reunion. We were then joined by another classmate. Got caught up on their lives as well as what they knew about others in our class. I was hoping to catch up with them again later in the day, but it wasn't to be. Had also been told a couple other classmates would be in town later in the day, but I didn't see them.

Dad stopped home briefly before the parade. Kids didn't know what to think (esp. Ella) as Grandpa Nelson was dressed as a clown. Ella kept a parent between her and Grandpa.

The parade started a bit after 1 (about 10 minutes late, which seemed to be the theme of this entire day). The parade was kind of cool in that the kids got a TON of candy. Also got to see the people in convertibles scramble as the rains started. Yep. The rains came. We had been dealing with a significant wind throughout the day, which made the rain that much more enjoyable. I did also see a classmate from the class of '90 at the parade and talked with him for awhile. I don't recall seeing much of him since graduation.

The rains continued off and on throughout the afternoon. I took the older kids to a fireman's water fight (they made it through one and were ready to go home). The rains essentially wiped out the inflatable toys that were supposed to be here today for the kids. Sucked a bit as the bouncy house was what I used to get the kids motivated to get out of bed this AM. They had the bouncy house up for about 15 minutes, but had to shut it down due to the rain.

We went to the dedication for a school memorial. I knew it was to the Lake Wilson school, which ceased to be it's own district the year I was born. I did think there was going to be some things from the consolidated school that I attended. Saw nothing like that. Maybe some day we'll have an all-school reunion for Chandler-Lake Wilson. We ended up leaving the dedication early as it was solely geared to the school that was torn down the year I graduated high school.

After that, we were going to wait for Dad to go to the community meal that was being served downtown. After waiting for around 90 minutes, we went down there, only to find a massive line - probably would take an hour to get through. Great that there were that many people there, but not so great as we had some tired and hungry kids. We ended up going back to the house and eating. Might have seen someone I knew at the meal, but preferred to have content kids.

The next big thing was to be the street dance. It started about 50 minutes late. That was to be followed by the fireworks. We all went out behind Dad's garage at 10:00 (the scheduled start time). By 10:35, Cole and Ella were asleep and Accalia was ready to go in. At 10:50, they decided that the high winds would prevent them from shooting the fireworks tonight, rather they will be fired tomorrow, when we are back home.

I did wander down to the dance a little bit ago. Saw no one I knew. Ah, well. I did get to talk with people I'd hoped to, didn't see a few that I'd hoped to see. Maybe if the weather had been better. Maybe if anything had started on time.

I'd actually welcome a class reunion of some type. Not as much other stuff going on during the day. We'll see if anything happens with the 20th in a few years.

Camp out went okay. I ended up gong with Dad to Tyndall to pick up my nephew, who was participating in a casting contest. I'd thought we were going, picking him up, and returning. We ended up being there for at least 90 minutes. Was nice to have my nephew join us.

Sat. AM, we went to the airport. Kids got plane rides. Cole went up with Grandpa Nelson as a passenger as well. He was pretty scared at first. I think all the kids who went on the planes enjoyed it.

Got a little pissed during the day on Sat. I had to help with an evaluation, then got back to our loop. I wanted to go on the dam tour. We had 15 minutes to get there. Finally got those wanting to go gathered up, got across the dam and were 5 minutes late. Part of the reason for the delay is that Amy's brother was getting people excited about going swimming. He said they'd wait until we got back. Anyway, there was some confusion, so we got out of there later than I wanted.

I love the camp out, but it can be trying. Seems like Amy and I don't get much of a chance to actually relax. It is just go from the moment we start until we strike the camp. Maybe that will improve as the kids age. I don't know if we actually got in a full game of anything. No, wait, I did get in a full game with my nephew.

I'd give the camp out an 8 out of 10 as a whole. The weather was perfect, the loop was even better than I'd imagined it would be, everyone seemed to have a great time as well.

A wee bit tired today. Not sleeping well lately, I think it is the distinct lack of exercise the past couple of months. I do miss working out.

Camp out this weekend. My dad is coming, but not bringing the camper he bought last year - mileage and high gas prices makes bringing it cost prohibitive. He said he'll sleep in his truck, but we have an extra tent he can use. My brother won't be making it. I think the one camp out he made it to with his family will be the only one we see them at. They aren't big with camping and it is hard for him with his scheduled work during the summer. I have the entire weekend off! SO looking forward to it. Going to sleep in on Friday (no prison work!) and gradually get things packed up.

The last weekend of the month is the 125th celebration of the founding of the town I grew up in - Lake Wilson, MN. There had been talk of an all school reunion, but nothing "official" came out of it. It has been 18 years since I graduated, seems like yesterday. I am excited and a bit nervous about who I will see there. My friend Eric won't be. He'll be in northern MN on a family vacation.

I think my nervous energy comes from a couple of sources. One is that it seems like it is the same people at these things, people who don't seem to have moved with their lives and haven't grown beyond who they were in high school. In some ways, these are decent folks to be around at a reunion because they remember all that happened back then.

Another is that I wasn't recognized at my class reunion a few years ago by someone I had considered a friend (and who I recognized right away). That kinda threw me. I know I packed on some pounds (working on it, people!), added some face fuzz, and changed the hair. For anyone who will be in Lake Wilson at the end of June, I will be wearing some sort of Cubs gear. My hair is cut severely short (1/4") and I have a goatee.

Yet another is who I will see. I'm not all uptight about seeing former friends (or enemies), but most are people who I've not seen in 15+ years and frankly don't know what it is going to be like to see them again.

It sounds as though Mark is planning on being there and he's much more socially adept than I (always has been). Maybe I'll have to hang with him somewhat (like the old days). Or maybe I'll just get wasted on beer and not care anymore. Nah!

In any case, I am looking forward to the celebration - the parade, the fireworks... should be a fun time. I'm guessing Dad will be working through part of it.

Okay, boring myself now so I can only imagine what is happening to anyone reading.

PEACE!