Home Sweet Home

Yes the tulips are up and blooming. Kind of cool and rainy today so they stayed closed. Looks like all of our perennials are coming up. We're especially pleased about the peonies that Wayne planted last year and the clematis that was pretty wimpy last year. They all look pretty good so far this spring.

We're sticking close to home this weekend. Seems like we've been on the road quite a bit in the past two weeks. This cool and rainy weekend is a good time to vegetate in the house! Wayne is still battling a cold that he's had for two weeks and now I feel like I'm getting it. Darn! I hardly ever get sick!

We did enjoy a concert last night by the SD Symphony Orchestra. "Jeans and Classics." The Orchestra backed a group that sang Billy Joel hits and it was great. We saw the same group last year and they did Beatles hits. Then tonight we will go listen to Billy Dean and Dan Mahar - a little more country/rock.

Wayne is preaching at 5:30 Saturday church. I'm on call at the hospital all weekend... but so far its quiet. Hope you have a good weekend!

Debbie

The Latest

Its been quite a week. We celebrated the life of Grandma Irene at her funeral on Friday. We shared some good stories and honored her for the wonderful woman that she was. I'm so proud of Mom and Dad for the way they cared for her in these last years.

Here is a photo of two little cousins.... Aubrey and Wesley. Their Great Grandpa Jensen was enjoying the quick moment they both sat still for the picture! Then they were off and running.

Travis and Lisa brought Aubrey to our house on Saturday evening and she got to spend the night and all day Sunday while they attended a Twins game in Mpls. We've been looking forward to having her spend the night with us since she was born..... or maybe even before she was born!! We had such great fun, and even though she missed her mommy and daddy, I think Aubrey had fun too.

The Good Life.

Had the opportunity to spend a little time in Sioux Falls again. Beautiful weather and good company! We visited the zoo and then went out for a tasty supper.

Happy Easter!

Easter blessings to all! What a beautiful day. Sunshine and calm.

Of course the week was busy. I took a daytrip to Aberdeen on Wednesday and spent time with family as we saw Grandma Irene admitted to Hospice care. Please pray for her comfort and acceptance. She has been a strong, independent woman for many years. This past year has been very difficult with continuing health issues. Through it all she reminds us that she has maintained over 37 years of sobriety and we know that she encouraged many others along the way.

We had worship services on Thursday and Friday. Wayne preached a marvelous sermon and led a moving tenebrae service on Good Friday. And today there were four packed church services (two were overflowing) with fabulous music from choirs, brass, organ and piano. A fitting celebration of the resurrection of our Lord!

With a little gap in church stuff on Saturday evening, we enjoyed a concert by the Blues Healers here in Watertown. Lead guitarist, Dan Mahar, lived in Aberdeen for a time. It was fun to enjoy some good music and time with friends.

Now its time for a bit of rest and then supper with friends. Hope you all are well.

Debbie

A treasured keepsake.

Oh what excitement here at the Gallipo house when Wayne opened a gift from Kathy, Jeff and Tara!! Doesn't get much better than that.

Something new.

Hello Spring!! Welcome to South Dakota, we're glad to have you!!

We've been enjoying the warmer temps and some sunshine. To celebrate spring (and that the snow finally all melted off the back deck), Wayne purchased a new gas grill. He's given up on his charcoal-only attitude and now we have had the pleasure of some quick grillin'. I suppose we'll still see plenty of charcoal when he fires up the smoker for some SLOW grillin'.

Work has been keeping both of us busy. I have had the opportunity to walk with some families though some difficult times and am thankful for the opportunity to provide that care. Wayne continues to be such a steady presence in our congregation and community. He's been busy putting together all kinds of ideas for church members to get more involved with each other and the greater community. He's especially excited that the Lenten offering is going for BedNets for families in Africa and the congregation has already given enough for over 700 BedNets.

We're very, very excited to be planning some vacation time in June for Liz's wedding. Looking forward to seeing the family and having our little Gallipo clan together after a long time apart!!

For now.... we'll enjoy spring!

The Latest

Since I last posted, we made a quick trip to Aberdeen. We managed to see lots of family in a very short time. That was super!! However, it was tough to see how Grandma Irene is failing. And now as I write this she is back in the hospital. My prayer for her is that she have peace and relief from her back pain.

We're especially thankful for the more tolerable weather. Besides a bit of fog we haven't had to deal with travel restrictions lately. Wayne had an all day meeting in Sioux Falls yesterday (Friday). So we drove down Thursday evening and stayed until after lunch today (Saturday). We had great fun playing with Aubrey and babysat for a little while so Travis and Lisa could go out. Today we visited Falls Park and Aubrey was impressed with the rushing water. We're looking forward to more outdoor activities when its just a little bit warmer.

Aubrey did a super job of entertaining us. This photo was first thing in the morning and she's got some wild morning hair! I tried to clip it back with a little bow...ha. Later on she did let me comb it and put in a pony tail. What fun for me!!!