Times are changing

As everyone is aware, the economy has been very tough lately. I have been applying for many many jobs (hundreds) and have not had any success. So, I decided to make a career change. On Sept. 7th I am starting school at MSOE for nursing. It is a field that is always hiring and has a need. MSOE has been really great and helpful with the classes and scholarships. I should be able to eliminate a year of classes and only take three years to complete. I am very excited about the change. The other nice part is that I will still have the flexibility with the kids to let them participate in their activities without worrying about how to get them there on time.

Ryan at Boy Scout camp

At the end of July, Ryan spent a week up north at Camp Philips for Boy Scouts. He was able to work on some advancements and a couple of merit badges. Overall he had a great time. Besides the things he was scheduled for he had free time to go boating, do some archery and rifle shooting. One badge that he earned was his fishing badge. Fortunately he was able to catch a couple while he was there. I believe that this is a pumpkin fish (never heard of that one).


Even though they were already at camp, the First Year Campers camped out together in tents one night. Ryan had fun participating in all the activities.

I was very proud of him for completing the mile swim. There were only five boys at the entire camp that did it. To qualify he had to swim a half mile. The only time he had to do it was that morning. The life guard met him at 6:00 a.m. so that he could do it and then he was back at one for the mile. Each swimmer had a boat that went with them just in case something happened as they were swimming in a lake. It took him just over an hour to complete it and he did an awesome job. He also completed the swimming merit badge at camp.

Bear hunting!

A couple of weekends ago, Ryan and I headed up north to go bear hunting with Lisa, Nick, Tom and the gang. We didn't have any blaze orange to wear, but that was ok. It is not the actual hunting season so we were just training the bears.

We were able to see three different bear while we were there. It was pretty neat to see. Here is one that was treed. The bear are quick! It was fun to wait and watch them scamper down the tree and take off.

Here is Ryan and I (and Missy) at the cabin. It was a learning experience as I had no idea how bear hunting worked. Ryan finished up his hunters safety course this summer and is looking forward to going deer hunting this fall.