October 11th

Now, I started this on October 11th, so that is what I am writing about. I have three things that I could write about today. No, make that 4. First of all, it is the four-year "anniversary" of my grandmother's death. Secondly, my parents and little brother were here this weekend visiting me. Thirdly, today is Columbus Day, my least favorite holiday so there is a mini rant about that. Fourthly, there are some terrain differences in here and home. Since I have a lot to talk about on this day, I have tried to keep it all as brief as possible.

For starters, October 11th has become, for me, a day where I pray for the health and safety of my family more than ever, think of sunflowers and giraffes and usually curl up on my couch and watch The Neverending Story (at least part of it). Now, this may seem a little odd, but to sum up. Geebee (my grandmother. Family tradition stated that she should be Grammie, at least, that's what my older cousin called her, but as a small-fry, I couldn't make that work. So Geebee was what I came up with) loved sunflowers and her favorite animal was the giraffe. There are other reasons that I get somewhat nervous on this day. That is also the day that my mom and little brother were in a car accident. That's been hard, not only because they could have died (but they didn't and I thank God for that) but because I had a hard time forgiving the drunk guy who was driving. Yes, I knew that I needed too and eventually I did, but it was hard. I also had a bit of a hard time before I was able to forgive some folks in regard to my grandmother's death. I did, but I am grateful for God's grace in that.

The Neverending Story was a Christmas present from my grandparents, before it became the staple of the Walmart $5 DVD aisle. Therefore it was moderately tricky to find. And, because Geebee was a computer whiz (no, seriously), said DVD makes me think of her and her ability to maneuver her way around the computer. That's that and kind of the abridged version of what goes through my head on October 11th.

But, happy news here! Although my little sister couldn't come (she's in college) my parents and little brother were here visiting me this past (past, as in before the 11th) weekend. We had a lot of fun, and it was so good to see them. I had never gone this long without seeing my family. We had a lot of fun, went to some museums, took a trolley ride around Deadwood, went to Mt. Rushmore (which makes you feel very patriotic) and went on a cave tour. But mostly, I just remember that I got to hang out with most of my family. And it was great. I really can't say anymore than that. Because it was so dang good to see them and get to hang out and talk and see them in person!!! It was so good to see them!!!

Now. Columbus Day. To rephrase an old saying, "In 1492, Native Americans found Columbus lost at sea." I took a class last fall called "American Indian History." It was a seminar with 4 other girls (and it was a great class). During this class we talked a lot about the conquest of the Americas (mostly South and Central) and my already low opinion of good ol' Christopher plummeted. Yes, lets gain their trust and then enslave them. Really? This was supremely stupid and jerky and I could rant for quite a while. Not only did Columbus not discover America, but he wasn't the first European to land here. No, the Vikings beat him to that. Way to go Scandinavia.Those are my ancestors. :)

Now, to bop to the fourth point here. I don't pretend to be an expert in the field of mountains (although my friends say I have quite the eye) but even though I am in the Black Hills, it is a little different than normal (I want to see mountains again, real mountains. And then find a quiet place where I can finish my book). I always kind of wince when people from the flat lands talk about the mountains here and how tall they are. I just think, go to Colorado, go to North Idaho,(go to Middle Earth) and then tell me the Black Hills are mountains (plus, they are called the Black HILLS. Just saying). OK, I am a mountain snob. Just because they are the highest points between the edge of the Rockies and something else (I want to say the Alps is what I heard) that doesn't mean a lot. We have there the Pacific Ocean, the Appalachians, and then the Midwest. Ooooh. That's intimidating height there.

(A special thanks goes to Mrs. Elton and Bilbo Baggins. Or Jane Austin and JRR Tolkien. One of the two).