A special thank you to all the volunteers that helped to make Eddie Cochran Weekend a successful event again this year. It is always fun to have root beer floats and talk with individuals who come to see our Eddie Cochran and Marion Ross exhibits.

This week we will be hosting a two-day camp for local children as we try different ideas to reach residents that perhaps have not taken part in other events we have held. We look forward to this new venture and hope to expand on it next year.

The museum will host another four-hour AARP refresher defensive driving class on Tuesday, July 13, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $19 per person and you must register for the class. Call or stop by the museum to register.

The Freeborn County Historical Society board of directors and other volunteers will be serving sandwiches, beans, chips, pop or water at the Albert Lea Farmers Market from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 23. Please join us for this museum fundraiser.

We are hosting a historical bus tour on Thursday, July 22. We will be visiting several museums in Faribault and Martin counties. The cost for FCHM members is $50 and nonmembers, $55. This includes the cost of the bus, admissions and your lunch. You must register by July 15. The bus will leave the fairgrounds entrance at 8:30 a.m. and return at approximately 4:30 p.m.

During the past several weeks Arnie and I have been to Rochester with his mother, Ruth Ann. She had back surgery and is back home now and recuperating, just not quite as quickly as she had anticipated, but very well for an 86 year old. Her mind is clear and I am sure before long she will be back to taking daily walks and back to her regular routine that would work circles around many.

When you spend time at hospitals you quickly realize how much you have to be thankful for, there are so many that are less fortunate than us. Arnie’s cousin Tex passed away on Memorial Day, the day his mother came home from the hospital; Tex would have been 64 in August and had a terribly long battle with cancer. He was blessed to have a wife and sons that cared for him at home through his sickness.

Remember to be thankful for the many blessings you have and anytime you are feeling down remember to look around you because there is always someone that is having a tougher time than you. With faith, you can make the best of the situation and maybe even learn from it.

If you have visitors or are just looking for something different to do, consider visiting us at the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library & Village. We are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointments for special tours. Check our website for special events — www.smig.net/fchm.

Hope to see you soon.

Pat Mulso is the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum in Albert Lea.