Relative to Bob's Liver

We're still living that way. Everything is relative to Bob's liver. And so yesterday when we went to Ashley's graduation reception it was the first time since last summer we had been to southern Minnesota, where my family lives. That is with the exception of the vertigo-panic road trips to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. And yesterday when we saw my relatives -- many whom work at the Mayo Clinic -- it was like new. And since Bob's diva liver liked the Mayo Clinic, then I was very interested in exactly where the relatives worked.

So, what building are you in? (There are about 40) What floor are you on? We go to the 19th. Do you ever make it up there? Do you ever see Dr. Weiland? How is my St. Mary's hospital? Wanna have lunch at Bob's next appointment?

WELCOME TO DEXTER!

I wanted to introduce you to some of my relatives, relative to Bob's liver.

This is Danielle, my tenth grade neice. Isn't she the cutest thing you've ever seen? She's my God-daughter. She was flower girl in our wedding. When I was diagnosed with the thyroid cancer one of the first things I thought was how sad it would be to die and really never know my 9 nieces and 1 nephew. And even though I am a candidate for pastor's wife, I really don't know what it means to be a God-parent so I'm just making it up. I'm deciding to really focus on Danielle. And so I had come prepared with a little gift to congratulate her on her near perfect school attendance, making the honor role, and being finalist for student of the month. Way to go, Danielle! I also asked her to take care to not let her part time job become more important than school. Speaking from experience on that one. A good work ethic is good until it works against you. Lord grant us the wisdom to know the difference.

This is my Uncle Tim, one of the back bones of the Mayo Clinic. If there's one thing you can say about the Morks, they know how to work. Huge work ethic. Uncle Tim works in the main Mayo building. 7th floor. (I think he said 7th floor.) He asked me to be sure to mention in my blog that he is a dwarf so no one is confused by his short size. I don't know, I would say that he is probably by far the most beloved family member. I remember Uncle Tim for as long as I can remember anything. One day I'll introduce you to his twin brother, Uncle Tony, who is 6 foot 4.

These are my brothers. Wouldn't you want them to fix your boiler, wire your surround sound, custom build your anything, or save your life? Paramedic extraordinare, Tom, in the middle. He could be a surgeon. Lisa B, if you're out there, you know what I mean. These guys are also the most amazing family men. You'll meet their families later. Probably what made me crack up the most yesterday, though, was the way they played bochee ball -- lugging along a wastebasket full of ice and beer all along the bochee ball course. Beer and my brothers just go together. Left to right, Trey, Tom, Rusty. How do you spell bochee ball?

I'll close with this picture of my Dad and the new baby, I mean puppy, Molly. Actually, there's a lot more pictures but I'll save them for future blogs. Tomorrow's dispatch: The house that love built. Hint: tour of the house behind my brothers, aka the Dexter Convention Center as Bob calls it. Now tell me, don't you think my Dad looks like Rex Harrison, the guy on My Fair Lady and the original Dr. Doolittle?

So anyway, it was just great to see all my relatives. Talked so much that my new vocal chords where shot at the end of the day. Drove home quiet. (Me, that is, not the kids.) Tucked the kids into bed in mama panda sign language.

Just in case you're wondering, as I blog, Bob watches his new favorite series The Sopranos. He's up to season 3. Just getting some good sermon ideas and he cannot be disturbed. That means I need to excuse myself from here and get the kids to bed.

Thanks for coming over! I hope you all have a good night.

With love, T

P.S. Oopsie, almost forgot . . .thanks, Ashley, for the great party.