Dad's benefit was held this past Sunday and it was amazing! The support that was shown to my dad was unbelievable. Even his first grade teacher, Clara Johnson, came.

"Thank you" doesn't even begin to say how much this meant to the whole family.

Everyone from the bakers, local businesses and the Lions Club all outdid themselves. I'm still hearing about how light, fluffy and delicious the pancakes were.

It was a fun to see everyone and get a bit of visiting in. I also might have enjoyed a few too many of the baked goods!

Thank you just doesn't cut it, but THANK YOU to all who played a role in dad's benefit and for coming to see him!!

This Friday we will be in Grand Forks for the consultation on the radiation and chemo pill. We will find out when it starts and for how long. They Have said it will be three to five weeks.

Then it's moving on to Kyle Monday to meet with hisheart specialtist to see what is going on with him.

Creamy Potato Casserole

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons mustard

1 ¾ cups milk

4 ounces cream cheese, cut up

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onions

1 ½ pounds potatoes, cut in thin wedges

8 ounces sliced cooked ham coarsely chopped

½ cup coarsely crushed bagel chips

Parsley

Directions

For sauce, in medium saucepan cook onion in hot butter over medium heat 5 minutes or until tender; stirring occasionally. Stir in flour and mustard. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir over medium heat until slightly thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup of the mozzarella until cheese is melted. Stir in chives.

In bowl combine potatoes, ham, and sauce; toss gently to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Bake, covered, 1 hour or until potatoes are tender. Uncover; stir carefully. Sprinkle with crushed chips and remaining cheese.

Bake uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Let stand, 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with herbs.

Joke of the Week

A blonde and a redhead have a ranch. They have just lost their bull. The women need to buy another, but only have $500. The redhead tells the blonde, "I will go to the market and see if I can find one for under that amount. If I can, I will send you a telegram." She goes to the market and finds one for $499. Having only one dollar left, she goes to the telegraph office and finds out that it costs one dollar per word. She is stumped on how to tell the blonde to bring the truck and trailer. Finally, she tells the telegraph operator to send the word "comfortable." Skeptical, the operator asks, "How will she know to come with the trailer from just that word?" The redhead replies, "She's a blonde so she reads slow: 'Come for ta bull.'"