I am enjoying the “sweet smell of spring” and the sound of lawnmowers cutting grass.  The sun came out this afternoon.  We have had over 2 inches of rain this past weekend.  I am sure my grass has grown 4 inches in 2 days!!  How wonderful to see everything looking so fresh and green. 

Bird-watching is becoming a disease in our house.  We spotted a scarlet tanager this weekend.  Cliff Hilde did also.  Loretta and David Monson have 2 feeding at their farm place.  I have now made 24 pints---yes 24 pints of grape jelly for the orioles---I know that is excessive!!!   It looks like I need to make another batch as they are voraciously eating it.  They really congregate in our backyard about 6 o’clock each evening.  They get downright “scrappy” with each other vying for a place at all the orange halves and jelly containers.  I never thought the birds would fascinate me so much.  Growing up it seemed the only birds I saw were the swallows that loved to swoop down at our heads. 

Sunday was a very rainy day but a wonderful day of remembering the military men and women who have given their lives for our country.  The Edinburg Legion began their day of honoring fallen soldiers at 8 AM.  They went to 7 or 8 different cemeteries with the final ceremony at Odalen Lutheran Church.  I am not sure when the Memorial Day Program at Odalen started.  I thought this may have been the 79^th annual program, but Joe Holm thinks it started in 1919 – that would be the 85^th annual program.  Wow, quite a tradition!!  I remember as a child, chairs would be set outside the church to accommodate the crowds.   What a beautiful service we had.  Pastor Gordon Berntson was our special speaker.  He just had everyone on the edge of the pews waiting for each thought.  His message was entitled, “Why Did Pat Have to Die?”  It chronicled each war and the terrible destruction, pain and sorrow that comes from such worldly conflicts ending with the death of Pat Tillman, the Arizona Cardinal Football player who gave up millions of dollars to serve his country---ultimately giving the greatest sacrifice of all----his life.  He then brought in the religious aspect of Christ giving His life for us.  It was a wonderful Memorial Day message for everyone.  Pastor Berntson served in Edinburg as an interim pastor between Pastor Bruce and Pastor Erik.  He and his wife, Norma, were (and are) very much loved by this community. 

Talked with Pastor Bruce a few days ago.  He was excited as Bryan has been named the Captain of both the football and basketball teams for next year.  Matthew had shot an 82 at Rose Creek Golf Course in Fargo last week trying to qualify for the state golf tournament.  The cut-off was 81, but shooting 82 as a 9^th grader was just a great, great score.  It is hard to believe Bryan and Matt are this old.  How time flies!!!

 Went down to the bank the other day to talk with brother Dave.  Of course, he wasn’t there.  I complained a little bit and then told Mara she could take my place as David’s sister for a couple of days.  She didn’t know if that would be a good idea or not.  Well, I think she ended up thinking it was kind of fun being his sister---but I quickly took him back from her.  I decided I missed him as my brother.  After all, he is the best brother I have ever had!!!

It has been so much fun reading the messages from the Guest Book.  Alicia, you get the “prize” for signing in the farthest point from Edinburg.  (Between you and me I would love to be where you are!!)  It is great to hear from so many of you.  Hopefully in the near future we can start a “Memories” page.  If and when we do I encourage you to post memories of your life in Edinburg.  This website is in its very infancy and your input into what you would like to see is very important to us. 

Everyone, have a wonderful week and we will keep in touch via The Crow’s Nest again very soon.

 O yes, check out the Fairdale Celebration website at www.fairdale.us  It is really a delightful site.