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 ha... 04/11/2008

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. 04/07/2008

     While America has some experience with the Clinton's and Hillary specifically during her turn as First Lady and then later as New York Senator , we do not seem to be that familiar with Barack Obama. As many are now considering where to line up their loyalties and hence ultimately their vote - I have been doing some research.  People who are telling me that they are considering voting for Barack for President, say  it is because they view him as a candidate who will make changes.    Are the changes that Barack wants to make in line with your ideas for this county and yes, even the way that you want to live your life? When questioned, Barack's supporters insist that he is a Christian. What does that mean?  In looking into the doctrine of the church that Barack claims as his own, I se... 03/30/2008

    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 ... 03/13/2008

    That is right and I am telling!! You know I am right and it is time to own up to it. In an editors' meeting for the Real Simple magazine office, there was a discussion on beds.  They concluded that:Only 1 in 7 people in the room knew how to make hospital corners (hint - it has nothing to do with pushing patients in the hallways)No one really knew what a neck roll was for nor what you would do with a neck roll (  use has nothing to do with choker necklaces)No one knew if a duvet was the same thing as a comforter (  duvet does not rhyme with Corvette)     Well, real estate stagers know all that and much much more.Blow up beds - we don't put blow up dolls in the blow up beds, howeverHow to make boxes look like mattressesHow to use two box springs  to make one bedThe artful arrangement ... 02/18/2008

    Going out to eat?  Ordering linens for your  staging inventory? Shopping on line for a spendy new leather handbag?  Are you heading out to the bookstore for a coffee and to pick up a new novel?  Stop - Google first.  That's right!  Google the name of the company or website  and the words "promotion code" or "coupon code".  You can save a bundle using this quick feature.  You may get numbers or letters that you type in when you check out on line.  Other times, you print off a coupon to present in the store or restaurant.     We have had free appetizers at Red Lobster, 25 % off at Barnes and Noble, $5 off an on line order at Target.com and many times free shipping, regardless of the size of the order at many sites.  There are coupons for biscotti to go with coffee, car washes with fil... 02/12/2008

    Jonathan Tyrrell was trapped in a burning furniture store, speaking on the phone to the fire department dispatcher who told him help was on the way.  Jonathan was to stay down low and keep tapping on the wall with his hammer.    "Please don't be long" Tyrrell said, "I've got a wife and kids".  He spoke about that which was most important to him.  Shortly after, he was rescued.    However, in the same building a group of 9 firefighters were cut off from their escape route and called "Mayday" to dispatchers.  Soon the firefighters realized that they could not be rescued.  A voice was transmitted over the radio saying, "I love you".  It may have been one speaking on behalf of all the others, but whoever spoke the message was clear - with his last words he wanted his love communicated t... 02/11/2008

    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 smi... 02/04/2008

    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 ... 01/14/2008

Classic Country Christmas Your family tends to make all of your holiday decorations from scratch, and everyone pitches in while stringing the popcorn(day old is best) and cranberries to go around your oversized Christmas tree. This year, take your homemade decorating a step further and transform your home into a festive country cottage. Hang pinecone garland, bought or homemade, along your staircase to bring the outdoors inside. For an added country touch, add plaid red and white ribbons to your garland. Hanging greenery on your mantel is always a classic touch, and this year you can take it a step further by sprinkling fake snow on the greenery to give your home a cozy feeling.Wal-Mart sells a fluffy sprinkling snow that we use in our decorating business.Modern HolidayThe thought of ha... 12/16/2007

    The Brainerd,  Minnesota School Board voted last Monday to mandate the administration to make $5.5 million in budget reductions.  The decisions need to be made by June 30, 2007 and will apply to the 2008-2009 school year.The following are the divisions: Transportation $180,000Closure of schools $500,000Athletics and activities $860,000Use of school facilities $300,000Class size and programs #3,660,000The closure of Whittier and Lincoln elementary schools has already been decided.  Lincoln will then be housing the Minnesota Learning Center, now in the former Brainerd State Hospital.  Whittier's future is uncertain.                                                                                                               photo by Conspirator  Open enrollment for the Brainerd School... 12/12/2007

                                            photo by Lorri37-Flickr    On Saturday, December the 8th, the celebration begins at 10:45 am with Santa arriving on a fire truck. Fred, Barney, Jim, and Jake, the Oehrlein's Percheron draft horses, will be ferrying passengers through the downtown section of Brainerd and again on December 9th in Gregory Park.  They will be pulling a trolley which has a comfortable step to get in, a canvas top, and rails along the sides. The Oehrleins have been giving trolley and sleigh rides for years in the Brainerd area for many area organizations.     Children will receive goody bags from 11am to 2 pm and may have their photos taken with Santa for $1. There are many other activities for all ages going on with a drawing for a 16-pound turkey from Schaefer's F... 12/04/2007

                                            photo by Odalaigh - Flickr A Shepherd's Christmas“Now when the shepherds had seen the baby Jesus, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child” (Luke 2:17).     Why did God choose the shepherds to spread the news of the Savior's birth? Why not soldier's or  Government rulers or the  Religious rulers? Regardless of whom we might have chosen, it was the  shepherds who were the very first ones to hear the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth. God purposely chose the common people, the lower caste, and the least likely to have the means to spread the news far and wide. It was a stroke of genius.If you travel to foreign countries  today, you may still see shepherds herding their goats and sheep down the roads. Traf... 12/03/2007

      I know that some of you will be spending time at your local mall shopping for just the right present for someone in your life.  This shopping takes time, it is extremely hard work and you GET HUNGRY.  Everywhere you look is another restaurant, another kiosk, the enticing smells, the sights - you have to eat now ! Don't let all this holiday spirit go to your head - or should I say your waistline.  There are good healthy choices to make even in the fast food realm. Take note that the calorie count listed is for ONE item. Three Junior sandwiches are three times the calories. No excuses accepted!     Just to really ruin this for you - stride out between stores and don't take the escalator or elevator. Work it!!!!  Arby's Junior roast beef - 273 calories                                ... 11/23/2007

     What are your family plans for the day after Thanksgiving?  If you are in the vicinity of Nisswa, Minnesota - check out the CITY OF LIGHTS events. Welcome in the holiday season with fun, food , and yes, there is shopping involved for those who can not resist. The afternoon is full of events! Hay wagon rides start at 2:30pm, Motor City of Nisswa will have crafts & food Mrs. Claus from 3-8 with shuttle service provided at the Dairy Queen in the Nisswa Square,The historic Pioneer Village opens at 4:45pm by candle light with music, free hot cider & donut holes and crafts demonstration by the  Black Bear 4-H Club,Storytelling at 4:00pm & 6:30PM, Food merchants start at 4:00pm, Rachel's Bakery is having a cake walk at 4:30Bonfires are lit at 4:30pm                                        ... 11/20/2007

     The members of the Encore Art club in Brainerd, Minnesota are having a display of their paintings at the Brainerd Public Library.  The display will run through January 31. 2008.  Be sure to visit this free exhibition of local art work.  Members of the Encore Art club whose work is on display are: Lily Alwel, Irene Donhue, Phyllis Frankum, Lorna Klein, Virginia MacArthur, Jan Roberts, Helen Smith, Sandy Walker, Sherri Wagner and Gail Walsh.        The media will include mixed media, watercolor, acrylic, Asian ink, oil and abstract.  The Brainerd Public Library is located at: 416 S. 5th Street Brainerd, MN 56401 Phone: (218) 829-5574 Fax: (218)829-0055 E-mail Address:   brainerd@krls.org Web Site Address http://www.krls.org/branches/branch_br.html   11/20/2007

         The Oxtrot  Artists will sponsor an Oxpedititon of Art displayed in the Brainerd Lakes area with over 30 statues of oxen  uniquely painted.  The idea is reminescent of the Charlie Brown statues and the  regional horses  from the past years that gained great favor with visitors to the state.  The statues are sponsored by individuals and businesses and painted by area artists chosen by the sponsoring organization. The statues may be displayed in front of the sponsoring business or any where else they chose.     This project is sponsored by the Crossing Arts Alliance in partnership with Avalon Studios and the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce. It has been specifically designed to foster new relationships with area artists and businesses.  And of course, there is the all important... 11/20/2007

                                                                                                 Better Homes & Gardens table setting       Ever wonder how Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the United States of America? From our elementary history studies, we know it all started with the Pilgrims or perhaps it was the Puritans. There is a fascinating History of Thanksgiving video  here.  It has changed much over the years and now for some is merely a time to eat , drink and watch the football game.  At our house, we still pause to give thanks to God -  for he is our Provider, Creator, Lord and Savior. Last Sunday our Pastor urged us to set aside some personal time on Thanksgiving to reflect and thank God. Whether it be before the guests arrive or after everyone else is in bed -... 11/19/2007

                                                                      The Salvation Army of the Brainerd Lakes area is looking for volunteers to ring those bells.  Their goal for the 2007 bell-ringing/kettle campaign season is $100,000 to help families and children in the area. Last year they exceeded their  bell-ringing goal raising $97,780.  The 2007 campaign will start November 16th and run through December 24th. My family takes a least one shift every year and have really enjoyed the experience, although some years have been pretty cold, here in Brainerd, MN.     "We are very pleased with last year's result and will strive toward this $100,000 goal for 2007.  This community is so good about stepping forward and helping those in need."  said Captain Brian Reed, Brainerd Lakes Salvati... 11/17/2007

     A while back Jeff Belonger meme'd Allison and I and then Melissa Wagner hit me with one - so here it is.    I am a home stager from the beautiful lakes area of Brainerd/Baxter Minnesota. My family consists of my hubby, Arthur and two daughters Ashley and Allison. As far as we can tell we are the only LORDBOCK's in the world.  My husband was a BOCK and I was a LORD  When we married, we decided to combine our names - making us the Lordbock family.  It caused quite a stir at the time all those years back as people hyphenated their names, but not combined them and men , of course, kept their own.  We still think it is pretty funny.My oldest daughter, Ashley, is now married to Aaron Bast and along with helping in the staging business has a full time job designing cabinets. She is an awa... 11/16/2007