I wake up every morning at 4:15 AM. Seems like just a couple of weeks ago the sun was rising and the birds were busily singing to welcome the dawn. This morning when I awoke there was a cool breeze coming in the bedroom window and there was a distinct smell of wood burning. My, but it sure painted a picture of autumn in the air. I know it is only the first part of August, but it won’t be long before we will be worrying about that first frost. This summer has just flown by.

Congratulations to Jill (Langerud) and Shane Waslaski on the birth of their new daughter, Margaret Grace. Little Maggie made a very, very early entrance into this world. She was born July 23^rd and weighed about 2 lbs. Maggie had surgery for a heart murmur yesterday. Needless to say there has been lots of concern for both Jill and Maggie. Shane emailed pictures and she sure is a cutie. Please remember Shane, Jill and Maggie in your thoughts and prayers. Grandpa Steve and Grandma Mary are so excited and more than willing to show pictures.

It was great to see Ross and Shera Brandvold at their Open House Wedding Reception last Sunday at Vera and Elroy’s home. It is wonderful to know Ross is feeling fine after his medical scare.

O how I love this time of the year. Our garden is in full production so now our evening meals consist of peas, beans, asparagus, carrots, beets, cucumbers and new potatoes. Bert Eisenmann shared a cauliflower head with us. It is hard to decide what to eat each night. Those fresh vegetables taste so wonderful. Now I am just waiting for that first tomato. I get goosebumps just thinking how good that will taste. The most fun I have is "frenching" the green beans ONE AT A TIME for a meal. The time spent makes the beans taste even better. Next on the agenda will be to start canning pickles. My house smells like vinegar for at least a month during the canning season.

Everyone is getting ready for the city wide rummage sale this coming Saturday. It is amazing how early people show up. We decided to start at 8 AM as cars are cruising long before that. We brought in much "stuff" from the farm of mothers, so my yard will be overflowing with items for sale.

The city is planning a fund raiser Sunday, August 22^nd to kick off the planning for Edinburg’s 125^th Celebration July 6^th, 7^th and 8^th of 2007. We will have pie and ice cream at the Community Center at 2 PM. I hope lots of you will come out that day to help support the upcoming celebration.

Also, don’t forget the Open House Bridal Shower for Kimberly Amundrud Saturday, August 14^th from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church. Kim is marrying Travis Beck in Minneapolis September 4^th.

O, by the way, I am still feeding orioles in my backyard. I have had to make more jelly so I hope the sugar beet farmers will appreciate the effort I have put in to keeping the demand for sugar high. I suppose I will soon have to cut back on the jelly bowls as I don’t want to interfere with their migratory patterns.

Have a good week and will talk with you later.