Life on the Farm and Other War Stories

I'm Late, I'm Late for a Very Important Date

2012-01-22T19:59:00.000-06:00

Christmas cards will go out some time in the next week or two if all goes well. If not I will wish I had valentines on them instead of faith, hope, and love. We celebrated Christmas on the 30th as our four Californian were here at that time. Taking a family picture was a prerequisite for opening our gifts. We had a lovely three days with everyone. After that it was on to doing all the year end stuff that our farm needs to do to be government compliant.

I am a firm believer that if the living room is not a mess after opening up our gifts we are being too tidy.

As we say Good-bye to 2011

2012-01-03T07:39:00.000-06:00

As we say goodbye to 2011 I will share another post card from Grandma Lucy's album. This one was sent over 100 years ago. It may have been from a boyfriend. Walter is not a family cousin and he indicates he has not got a reply to an earlier postcard.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:49:00.000-06:00

As the days wind down to the 25th, I feel the thrill of not having to be ready just yet. The Four Monkeys from California will arrive in Iowa on the 26th and our home late on the 29th. We get three whole days with them. Warren and I are planning to do minimum of work. We plan to pack in a maximum of play those three days. Having all four grand kids here and their parents will be our best gift this season!!!

A post card from my Grandmother Lucy's post card album.

Sent to her in 1910 by a cousins Mae and Genevieve.

Seventeen Days

2011-12-11T22:12:00.000-06:00

Our California Grandkids are hoping for this - every time we talk with them they ask if we have snow. What little we had has come and gone.

Count Down to Our Family Christmas

2011-12-02T07:46:00.000-06:00

Today I changed the writing on the chalk/bulletin board in the laundry room.

(Really it was yesterday - post is going out late - what more is new.)

The CA family, affectionately known as "The Four Monkeys", will be visiting us on the 29 through the second of January. The little monkeys are hoping for snow. Between Stacey and my stash of used clothing saved from Kelsey and Hannah we have outfitted Samantha in winter gear. Sage has the needed Iowa requirements too. Now to check on sleds and wish for snow. I can not imagine I wrote that last phrase. Snow looks lovely in pictures and when I look out of our warm snuggy home on a sunny winter day but in reality I really ~~hate~~ find winter to be my least favorite season.

My wish for snow has lots of parameter as I do not want it interfering with any of their travel plans and I only want enough so the kids can go sledding and make snow angels.

I Painted This

2011-11-14T10:02:00.000-06:00

Last year we got a new stainless steel frig. It matched none of our other appliances but as the ones we saw that we could use our wood front with were way out of our price range we elected to slowly change out the appliances to stainless. About that time I read in a blog about painting with a stainless steel paint. The stove, frig and dishwasher all looked good in the blog so I ordered the paint. Well, that was over a year ago. Last week I finally got brave enough to try this. Warren took off the metal front of the dishwasher for me. It was a bit of a task but not too hard of a job. Then it was up to me to see if this would work. I figured I could always remove the paint and spray paint it black again if we did not like how it turned out. The kit came with a small small brush that fit into the paint cans. The directions said that the bigger the foam brush the easier it would be to apply the paint. I figured it would be just as easy to use the brush it came with and not mess with pouring the paint into something bigger. I used the can of spray paint that came with the kit first. Then using the brush in one direction I added three coats of the stainless steel paint before applying the top coat. The directions said to use very light coats.

We are both pleased with how it turned out. It updated our 5 year old appliance and when our 25 plus year old stove quits the kitchen will coordinate.

We Woke up to This

2011-11-09T09:25:00.000-06:00

We had snow last night. I am certainly not ready for this but at 32 degrees it will not last long.

It may be time to take down the fall decorations.

But what do I put up when I do not want to do Christmas yet??

The wet and heavy snow has caused a power outage. With a whole farm generator we hardly know there is a problem. When we first moved to the farm Warren had to hook up the generator to a tractor when our electrical service went out. That was never a fun task as it was almost always bad weather when our juice went off. He would have to check it constantly to make sure all was well and to refuel, by caring 5 gallon containers from the fuel tank to the tractor. Later we got a new generator that has an automated switching system. Nice.

One summer Sunday morning around 15 years ago lighting hit the generator shed and caused a fire and disrupted our electrical service. We had the fire department quickly on the scene and the fire was soon out. As our livestock buildings are fan ventilated we quickly had to remove the fans (they pop out rather easily - well if you are a guy) to get air to the hogs. By the time the guys got to the last rooms some of the animals were showing signs of stress.

The Last of the Summer Flowers

2011-11-06T10:36:00.000-06:00

My friends, Barb & Bob gave me miniature roses for several years for my birthday. One hardy plant still gives me pleasure.

Just before a frost a couple of weeks ago I picked the last of the roses to enjoy indoors. It was a beautiful reminder of a beautiful friendship. And a testament that the gifts we give others is a lasting tribute.

From Facebook I want to share this tribute.

OK everyone ... let's turn Facebook into a sea of red until Remembrance Day ... please like and post on your wall ... Lest We Forget ...

By: Joe Hache

Birthday Time for my Wonderful Guy

2011-10-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrate Warren's birthday. They got started and then quickly quit combining our soybeans today. The beans looked dry but tested wetter than they should be for delivery. When one farms it is often up in the air as to when an October birthday will be celebrated. I made girlfriend plans as Warren said to go ahead because they were doing our beans today.

He grew up with the red tractor brand of equipment but now it is green as far you can see.

As the saying goes "It is just the size of the toys."

A Dessert Town

2011-10-04T14:09:00.001-05:00

We recently took a mini vacation and spent three days in Las Vegas. In the third week of September the temperatures were in the very high 90's. Even with no humidity it was hot. I can now say I have been to the dessert and Vegas. I never did gamble any of my money. I felt like the cabbies were enough of a money drain.

A lot of the shopping was out of our price range. There was a whole store devoted to watches. Warren has a watch collection so we spent some time looking at watches of all sorts. I wanted to ask if they carried Timex. The well dressed clerks did not bother us as I suspect they doubted we could afford anything in the store.

On our trip home we were able to see the Hoover Dam from the air and miles after miles of canyons, dessert and desolate country. I would love to go back and see the Dam and the Grand Canyon....... someday.

Remember

2011-09-11T23:32:00.000-05:00

Queen For a Day

2011-09-06T07:56:00.002-05:00

I saw this picture and was reminded that when I was young there was a television program titled, I think, Queen for a Day. I recall one woman crying when she was presented with a new washer and dryer. Something I take for granted day in and day out. There are days when I still say a little thank you that even if the washer and dryer reside in what is the back entry to our home it is on the main floor. Just off the kitchen, where it is easy to use, sits my working pair. More times that I like to admit, the dryer is piled high with a load or two to be folded. When we remodeled and brought the laundry to the main floor we also turned an upstairs bedroom into a bath. It took one carpenter a couple of days to put the cloth shot in place from the bath to the laundry room. It takes a right angle to get the clothes to their destination. I still call it my $500 clothes shoot. Well worth it in my opinion. Time to fold laundry and be thankful I am not a pauper.

Cats and Buterflies

2011-08-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

The other day when I went out to capture a picture or two of the monarch butterflies two of the cats were sunning themselves in our back yard. Seldom do cats pose. They are really Kelsey and Hannah's cats. I can not even pet them as they are not the friendliest cats. The gray one is Bud and the other is Oreo. They either share the same mother or are cousins. The other cat is the black one that the girls named Midnight.

Joe Pye Weed and a monarch.

School Days

2011-08-19T09:08:00.000-05:00

Because Kelsey and Hannah live next door we get to often enjoy their company. They have been coming over for breakfast since they started going to school. At first it was to help Malissa get to work on time. I like to think that now it is because the girls want to spend a bit of time with their Grandma and Grandpa. Either that or they like our food better.
Yesterday was their first day back. Kelsey is a senior and Hannah a freshman. Finally they will attend the same school again. Hannah has been a 20 + minute drive away. Kelsey has been here in town for the past three years.

Cucumbers

2011-08-12T09:10:00.001-05:00

This is my first picking of cucumber. The onions are ready to pull and dry also.

One easy summer cucumber salad is to peel and slice them along with some onion and then add a bit of mayo.

After they are refrigerated for a few hours the water in the cucumbers along with the mayo will form a delicious dressing. Salt and pepper to taste.

Blackberries

2011-08-10T08:51:00.000-05:00

I went out this morning to harvest the first of my blackberries.

I have one bush. Some years twice this is about all I have

harvested. This year it looks to be my best crop ever.

Sweet, juicy, berries from our own back yard.

More about Fair

2011-07-31T21:27:00.001-05:00

Fair is over for this year. But there are still pictures to share.

Kelsey took a pen of three chickens and another pen of one. All her chickens got blue ribbons.

Hannah took her black blue ribbon bunny by the name of Herbert Ninninger.

Kelsey is taking her bee project writeup to state fair. Hannah has her Anzac Biscuits going. Both girls had several projects that were considered. They consistently do wonderful projects. A lot of work goes into each exhibit. Most of the items that go on to the Iowa State Fair have excellent write ups included with the project. Unlike at the county fair where the kids talk with a judge, the only communication with the judges is done with the project folder at state fair. Hannah also has a poster that was a state fair alternate. For some reason this is going too. The poster has to be redone as she had used chewing gum on it and because of the heat it melted and ruined part of the poster.

The friends they stayed with in Australia introduced them to this Assie/New Zealand cookie.

Kelsey did the art work for this poster and made it a fun presentation.

I wanted some original art for one of our guest bedrooms. This should be fun to frame and hang.

Fair Week

2011-07-20T16:22:00.002-05:00

Monday was check in day. Main morning activities were the judging of the non livestock entries. Each girl had 10-12 items they had made. They took food projects, posters, a place setting, home improvement items, and art projects.

This was someone's project. I loved that it said Drew's little sister.

A pink paint job is not authentic but it is cute!! :)

Hannah being judged on her orange muffins.

Kelsey with her poster on uses for vinegar.

The waiting area.

Both girls made baskets. Kelsey's was an harder one to do called an egg basket.

Kelsey did this water color for me.

Did I say that this building is rather hot????

Did I say that the temperature was in the 90's??

Wisconsin Dells

2011-07-16T14:42:00.000-05:00

As I sit with my iPad in a dark hotel room, Kelsey and Hannah are in the next beds sleeping. Warren is off to meetings at an ag conference. Teenage girls know how to sleep in. I on the other hand have been awake for some time. They spent most on yesterday at the water park here at the resort we are staying at here in the Wisconsin Dells. It has been fun having them along.
Certainly this place is like several (all) others in the area, everything is over priced. The frig and microwave in our room has been handy and a money saver. Warren is gaining from the sessions. With a free afternoon today we my go out on the river in a thing called a duck. Last night was a water show. The tickets were part of the resort stay. At the show I suddenly was not thirsty when presented with paying out three fifty for a small bottled water.

Bee Happy

2011-06-15T09:21:00.001-05:00

Kelsey was selected to be part of a bee keeping program through Iowa State Extension 4-H. This spring she got her hive and bees. The program comes with a mentor. Kelsey is off to a good start as her bees are multiplying and making honey. We may not harvest honey this year but just knowing that bees are important for the pollination of most plants and we are a part of this is rather fulfilling.
Apprehension could describe my feelings about having bees in our yard. To date there have been no issues with them. Bees do best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Best location was deemed next to the grove on the west side of our yard.

The first thing that had to be done was the building of the hive and painting the outside of the hive. Matt and Kelsey did that this winter and early spring. There are lots of brood frames inside the hive. My guess if that it came as a kit. A couple of weeks ago they added another box.

Bees need water so I moved a butterfly water dish to a spot by the gazebo for the bees. I have seen some there so it must be working. Our yard has a bird bath and another butterfly water dish that I attempt to keep filled. On hot days this means it needs to be filled two or three times. Today it is raining so I am relieved of that duty.

So now we have added bees to the menagerie of chickens, dogs, rabbit, and cats. Life on the farm can be fun and interesting!!!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T10:07:00.000-05:00

In Flander's Field by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Arlington National Cemetery

Between my junior and senior year of high school I was selected to go to Hawkeye Girl’s State. Several of the girls in my class were chosen to interview for the chance to attend. We were asked that day to write a short speech to present to the American Legion committee. Mine must have been decently put together as I got the honor. As part of my duties I sold poppies before Memorial Day on the main street of town. This was definitely out of my comfort zone. There were lots of nice people who bought from me and for that I was grateful. Since then I always buy a poppy when I see them for sale. I attach it to my purse for a few days. Some years I end up with several of them.

My scrap book is full of clippings of Girl's State from the Cedar Falls/Waterloo Courier. Alas my picture never once made the paper as I was not nominated for any of the positions of high government. I recall having a good time but I suspect I spent more time socializing than politicking. There is a group photo of my ward. It is interesting to see that my hair style is much the same today. My hairdresser calls it a classic style- I call it what works

Spring means Tulips and Gardening

2011-05-17T12:33:00.000-05:00

Summer is just around the corner. Actually I thought it had arrived last week. After a, mostly, very cool spring it warmed up. So much so, that we put a few screens on some not too clean windows. In a perfect world windows would not need cleaning. In this imperfect world I clean my windows
the least possible. I have already done the downstairs windows once this spring. The plan is to do them again before the screens go on but after the corn comes up. This way the dirt does not blow as much and they stay a bit cleaner. The corn in front of our home has just popped out of the ground. It was planted a few days later than the corn that is up behind our homestead. This puts windowing washing a couple of weeks away. The Iowa saying that "If you do not like the weather, just wait a day and it will change" adage proved true. By the end of the week it was cold and windy. The last two nights I have covered plants and brought some into the garage. The frost forecast have not materialized but it was better to be safe than sorry. I planted my tomatoes and egg plants this morning. Our garden has five variates of tomatoes. Among the ones I am growing is a yellow tomato. A few years ago we grew one that we found was lacking in flavor. But since it looks to pretty mixed with the red ones I am trying a different yellow plant variety.

Tulips are such lovely sign of spring.

Easter Bonnet

2011-04-22T15:29:00.000-05:00

Growing up I always had a new Easter hat and wore white gloves to church.

Mom had a green satin glove box that contained her good dresss gloves and our assorted white ones too.

My hat is this picture has little flowers on the ribbon.

The picture was taken when I was around seven years of age.

I put together this arrangement over two weeks ago for a meeting and dessert I was having here.

It has held up very well and has been well received. This week when I hosted a special pot luck meeting of my book club the flowers were still looking great.

Hannah is 14

2011-04-18T19:47:00.000-05:00

This morning Hannah got to pick her breakfast. We presented her with bacon and rainbow sherbet.

She also got another gift as her Grandpa has been joking with her that she needs spenders.

I had a rather nice write up about this lovely young lady but by accident I deleted some files today and it is gone along with spending too much time trying to find where it went. I think it is time to call in an expert.

Samantha turns Nine

2011-04-13T10:18:00.004-05:00

Our Samantha has two middle names. Her initials form the word sass. She is seldom a sassy girl unless you want to refer to her style of dressing. In a day when girls outgrow putting on dresses at an early age she still enjoys dressing up. Her closet is filled with party dresses. Kelsey and Hannah have handed down their out grown dresses. And with two grandmothers and one great grandmother who like to buy pretty things Samantha has a closet filled with lovely frocks. She is a gal who when issued an invitation to a restaurant will pick out a dress to wear when the rest of the family wears slacks or jeans.

Before Samantha was born, while everyone was wondering what date the babe would arrive, Hannah announced that she would give up her April 18th birth date to the new born. In exchange Hannah would just take a different date. It still makes me chuckle that she would give up the date but she did not want to share the date. This all made for perfect logic in the mind of a soon to be five year old.

Samantha’s birthday this year will be her last in the single digits. When Stacey and Rhett announced they were going to have a baby we were happy to know that we would have another grandkid to spoil and love. I recall making a vague promise to not do too much spoiling. The truth be told I do not think we have done too badly………... I confess I think that spoiling is in the job description of grand parenting.

April

2011-04-03T14:43:00.004-05:00

Today we had an early celebration of Hannah's and my birthday. We went out to brunch and then opened gifts.

I have to wait until the 11th to celebrate the real date but as next Sunday is busy we thought today would be a nice time to get together.

First I opened my gifts.

Then Hannah got her presents. Her 14th birthday is not until the 18th but we treated her special and she got to open her gift too.

Samantha has her birthday on the 14th. I have our package all ready to send off on Monday to Australia. We will have to wait until she visits to do something special together.

EAGLES

2011-04-02T09:23:00.000-05:00

I like so many others have been watching the eagle cam of the nest in Decorah, Iowa. Last night we saw the small hole in the egg and a bit of movement. It was also the first time we saw both eagles. Today I can not see a baby chick. Is the chick not hatched? How long with it take for the first of three chicks to emerge from its egg??

http://raptorresource.org/falcon_cams/index.html

Join me and right now over 13,000 others at the above site to see this interesting happening.

Roots and Wings

2011-03-26T08:11:00.000-05:00

Roots and Wings was the name given to the concert that Warren and I attended Thursday evening. The concert featured Simon Estes, a choir made up of selected high school students from our county, and a young man returning to college in hopes of becoming a performer. For a finial selection the choir sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic with Estes. That is an experience that they should not soon forget. I know the adults in the audience will not.

Simon Estes sang several Africian-American spirtiuals, I Got Plenty O'Nuttin' from Porgy and Bess, You'll Never Walk Alone, Ol' Man River and maybe my favorite Without a Song.

Our small county needed to raise about twenty-one thousand to cover this event and they got around twenty-five. There were two $5000 donations. I forgot to purchase our tickets early so when they arrived we were not seated together. Warren took the ticket with the seat that was front center three rows up. Our thought was that at intermission we would switch seats. Lucky for us the seats next to him were no shows. So I joined him right before the performance began. At the age of 73 Estes still has a magnificent bass-baritone voice. Our tickets included a reception afterwards. Warren took my picture with Estes. He is a very gracious man.

Friday Simon Estes spoke to all county high school students on “Your Dream is the First Step to Success”. It followed with a question and answer session. Simon Estes is doing this in all 99 Iowa counties. He truly gives back to his home state. Monies raised will be go to his scholarship program for promising your artists and local scholarships programs.
GREAT Evening!!

Irish

2011-03-17T16:25:00.001-05:00

The closest I can come to being Irish is my second Great Grandmother on my mother's side. Grandma Lucy who I have been told had red hair must have inherited it from the Emerson side of the family. So today I celebrate being a wee bit Irish.

Pictured is Mary Ann Emerson daughter of Joseph Emerson and Elizabeth Carr both obelieved born in Ireland. Now if I win the Ancestry trip to Ireland I will see if we can find out more about them. If not I will just buy more of the Irish Nicholas Mosse Pottery that I collect.

Cardinal

2011-03-10T13:03:00.000-06:00

Since last fall we have had four Blue Jays. I assume there are two pairs. For the past week I have not seen any of them. I am wondering where they have gone to.

In the fall we would sometimes see one lone male Cardinal. This winter we have not spied him at all. Then yesterday I saw him and then later a small female cardinal. I hope that they are a pair that have taken up residence. Did he do a reconnaissance in the fall and after finding her convince her to take a look at the perfect place he found?

I hope they find the food to their liking and our trees to their preference.

Picture courtesy of National Geographic

March ~~~~~ the Month of the Lion and the Lamb

2011-03-06T06:49:00.000-06:00

March is not a winpy month.

It teases us with glimps of spring

Then leaves us chilled to the bone by wind

Neverless it it the beginning of our

Goodby to Winter

Soon

In a month or so we will see this!!!

If I Were - Really Just things I Really Really Like

2011-02-26T10:21:00.001-06:00

• I were a day I’d be Sunday – I was both married and born on a Sunday

• If I were a time of day I’d be Moonlight and Sunset

• If I were a font I’d be Baskerville Old Face

• If I were a sea animal I’d be a star fish

• If I were a direction I’d be UP, UP, UP!

• If I were a piece of furniture I’d be an easy chair

• If I were a liquid I’d be a quiet rain

• If I were a gemstone I’d be a diamond what would you expect of someone with an April birthday?

• If I were a tree I’d be a towering oak shade tree so I could give shade to those in need

• If I were a tool I’d be a plain white KitchenAid mixer my most used appliance

• If I were a flower I’d be a red tulip or a red rose

• If I were an element of weather I'd be a day of sunshine

• If I were a musical instrument I’d be a violin

• If I were a color I’d be wedgwood blue

• If I were an emotion I’d be love and the greatest of these is love

• If I were a fruit I’d be a watermellon

• If I were a sound I’d be clapping

• If I were an element I'd be gold

• If I were a car I’d be Red Corvette Warren’s favorite really I do not know about the red part

• If I were a food item I would be really good chocolate that is a no brainer unless it would be a cookie – how about a chocolate chip cookie!! But really good chocolate!!

• If I were a place I’d be our home

• If I were a material I’d be velvet & linen

• If I were a taste I’d be red wine -Shiraz mellow and complicated

• If I were a scent I’d be home-made cinnamon rolls mine

• If I were a body part I’d be a soul

• If I were a song I’d be "What a Wonderful World” as song by both Louis Armstrong and Eva Cassidy

• If I were a bird I’d be an eagle I want to soar

• If I were a gift I’d be wrapped to perfection does this speak to my Christmas tree with matching wrapped gifts?.

• If I were a city I’d be London well the nice places not the slums

• If I were a door I’d be inviting as in come in and have a cup of coffee/tea/glass of wine

• If I were a pair of shoes I’d be RED I always love to have one pair in my closet

Morning

2011-02-23T17:25:00.000-06:00

It was cold this morning when I took this picture.

I stuck my camera out the door as the one I took through

the window did not turn out. Burrrr

It is still winter but most of our snow melted last week.

I am thankful that our days are getting longer.

I do not feed the birds every day as they can empty the feeder in a couple of hours.

When they no longer come and eat off the ground I give them more to eat.

I do not want them to get too lazy.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T09:26:00.000-06:00

HAPPY DAY TO MY VALENTINE!!!

After my sister Cindi's hubby did the math on how may Valentine's Days

they had been together. I did our math. This is year 46. We started going together

in the spring of my sophmore year in high school. Neither of us ever went with anyone

after that. You could call us highschool sweethearts.

2006 on our 40th Anniversary Trip to England

Wedding day November 20, 1966

Stars shinin' bright above you,

Night breezes seem to whisper, "I love you,"

Bird singin' in the sycamore tree,

Dream a little dream of me.

Say "nightie night" and kiss me,

Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me.

While I'm alone and blue as can be,

Dream a little dream of me.

Stars fading, but I linger on, dear.

Still craving your kiss,

I'm longin' to linger 'til dawn, dear.

Just sayin' this...

Sweet dreams 'til sunbeams find you,

Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you,

But in your dreams, whatever they be,

Dream a little dream of me.

"Dream a Little Dream of Me" is credited to Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt

It was recorded by Wayne King and his Orchestra with vocal by Ernie Birchill on February 18, 1931

The Nat King Cole Trio in New York on October 28, 1947,

Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald in New York on August 25, 1950,

Bing Crosby recorded the song in 1957,

The most famous version is:

Cass Elliot of The Mamas & the Papas, in 1968.

.answers.com/

Cool in Flordia

2011-02-11T08:08:00.000-06:00

It may have been cool in Florida but the weather was much better than Iowa.

This was one of the few days I wore capri pants.

Larry, Marianne, Warren, myself, Tonya and Vernon on the beach in front of

our hotel at Clear Water Beach.

Us gals went on a boat ride where a pair of dolphins followed us most of the way.

These pictures were taken by Marianne as I was not feeling my sea legs on the ride

and I mostly left our camera in my purse this trip.

I am not sure why the last picture is blurry as it is not in the pictures Marianne

shared on Shutterfly.

Snowstorm

2011-02-01T21:15:00.000-06:00

After getting home from 10 days in the Sunshine State, I am enduring the fringe side of a major snow storm. Hot Australian Haigh's chocolate with homemade marshmallows is mitigating the effects of being home bound. But in truth I had no plans for this evening that would have taken me away from the comforts of home.

What is it about making a snow angel that is such fun?

I doubt if I will don my hat, gloves, coat, snow pants, and scarf to

plop over in the snow to attempt the perfect angel.

Koala and More

2011-01-17T21:43:00.001-06:00

Stacey and Rhett set us up with visits to some fun places when were were their guests. This was a Christmas gift to remember. The first gift was a day at Gorge Wildlife Park. Warren and I finally got to hold a Koala. With a big bag of peanuts in tow we spent our day seeing wallabies, several varieties of kangaroos, wombats, quoklas, penguins, alligators, pademelons, herons, ibis, egrets, camels, wombats, meerkats, cockatoos, wallaroos, and one lone Tasmanian Devil . We saw the dingos and afterward we were sure they were capable of eating our babies.

We were in hopes Sage would be big enough to hold a koala but as

the ones they had to hold were rather large the handler deemed him too small.

He had no trouble making friends with any of the animals.
Both kids were old hands at feeding the wildlife.

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-11T20:38:00.000-06:00

Because we have family living in Australia, Warren and I have been asked by countless people if our family is near the flooding. We are happy to report that they are far away from the awful floods. Our hearts are filled with sadness for all of those who have lost so much in the past couple of weeks. Because we farm, the plight of those who have experienced several years of extremely dry weather and now horrific rains are especially on our minds. Yet it is the loss of lives that is the biggest tragedy of the floods.

In the Midwest we had some snow overnight.

Our guess is that 4-5 inches of new snow covered the ground this morning.

Nothing that hardy Iowans can not take in stride.

Earlier this winter we had some lovely picture taking days.

Sage had an animal there party for his sixth birthday

2011-01-06T14:29:00.002-06:00

Sage and his snake cake. We used all the red food coloring in the house.

The real snake!!!

Sage with his friends, Charlotte, James B., and Jack.

More animals!!

Jack

This little snake did not have a name. It came away with the name of Sage.
His friends gave the suggestion to the handlers.
Most of these animal were rescue animals.
My Mom said she would not have rescued the python.

This was one GRAND party!

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T09:28:00.006-06:00

The year of 1010 is almost past. As I write this it is the last day of the year. Tomorrow will be 1-1-11. Now is a good time to reflect on the joys of the past year. Not the health issues of my parents or the ever present trials of raising livestock.

Joys comes in the package that contains our four grand kids. Watching them grow up and being part of their lives brings pleasure and contentment to my life. Without the guidance of four wise and loving parents these four would not be such great kids. It is so wonderful to be part of all of their lives.

Nature is so intriguing. Part of our time spent in Australia was such an adventure in exploring the nature of that part of the world. The animals were ones so different from those in our backyard. Even without seeing the elusive platypus we encountered such a variety of creatures. When one sees and has the opportunity to hold a possum, python, potoroo, lizard, goanna, tawny frogmouth, and other Aussie animals at a party you know that this is one special place. We held a koala, petted kangaroos and wallabies, saw Tasmanian devils and other unique critters.

Spending time with friends has to be high on our list. Being with friends of years and catching up on what is happening with them is such a joy. This coming year I pledge to do better. Sometimes we get too caught up in the everyday and just do not enjoy those friendship that mean so much to us. New friends are always a bonus. Meeting Millie and MOTH at a restaurant in Adelaide was such a treat.

Books, walks, gardening, shopping, napping, crafting, and decorating are joys to be shared in any year. Sometimes cooking is even on this list. Giving to my community and the world in small ways will continue to enrich my life. Mostly it is money that flows to a need but my goal in the coming year is to spend some time helping others in a meaningful way.

Happy 2011

We are Downunder

2010-12-13T01:05:00.000-06:00

We are enjoying Adelaide's summer weather. Today was the first really warm day. I got out of my jeans for the first time. We are not complaining as at home it has been cold and icy. Samantha and Sage had their last day of school Friday - now they are on summer vacation. We visited school twice for activities. It was nice to see Sam's classroom and to talk with Sage's teachers.
Friday Sage and I decorated his snake cake. This little guy had definite ideas about what he wanted in the way of a cake.

Saturday Sage had his friends over for a "Wild Animal Adventure Party". The high light was a real python (v. plastic - his parents are much braver than his grandparents. I think we stuck to 3 wheeler parties.) and a small crocodile.

Time for Holiday Decorating

2010-11-28T21:44:00.001-06:00

I can pretend this is our front door.

Or that this is in our conservatory.

Five years ago we spent some time at Biltmore during the Christmas season.

The place was grand and lovely. I suspect the Christmas decorations alone rival the value of our home.

My favorite Santa collection. These are all by a USA company by the name of Vaillancourt.

The are made using old ice cream and chocolate molds and then hand painted.

The fun of getting them out each year is looking at the details.

The white one in the center is the first.

I bought it when I fell in love with the painting on the back of Santa's coat.

Sometimes the back is a lovely as the front.

The snowmen are so cute.

Thanksgiving Blessings

2010-11-25T06:53:00.000-06:00

Today is Thanksgiving and also my Mom's birthday. She was born on a Thanksgiving during the depression. It is told that her twelve year old sister prepared the meal for family and relatives that day.

I am off to cook and then join my parents and family to celebrate a

Birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

November 20th

2010-11-20T09:33:00.001-06:00

Today is our lovely daughter-in-law's birthday, a nephew's birthday, and our anniversary.

We are glad to share this date with Stacey.

She spent her 21st birthday with us when we celebrated our 25th wedding Anniversary.

That evening we took our kids and my parents out to eat.

Stacey at 21

The rule is that I do not get gifts with a cord.

Warren thinks that a battery powered drill counts.

I do not!

Diamonds do count!

We spent a wonderful week in Charleston.

It was a beautiful place to visit.

Lots of historic homes, great dining, and early US history to absorb.

We had a great time while Rhett was back home fighting

cold, snow, ice, and help that did not show up.

Fall Pictures

2010-11-15T13:54:00.000-06:00

Once in a while I get a good photo.

What a wonderful sky!

This one was taken on a morning with a little fog.

Our farmstead looking south into the fog.

Fall is Cider Time

2010-11-07T11:08:00.000-06:00

Spiked Hot Apple Cider

8 oz Hot Apple Cider

1 oz Sourpuss Apple

1 oz Butterscotch Ripple Schnapps

Cinnamon Stick to garnish

Trust me it is great...and it will keep you warm.

I found this recipe on the blog veranda interiors.

She used 6 oz of cider I used 8 oz.

More Fall

2010-11-06T07:41:00.000-05:00

It has been a month filled with physicians appointments for my parents.

And the sudden death of a dear longtime friend.

I have neglected much of my housework and all of my blog.

Right now things are on the upswing. I hope!

It is time to put away the Halloween and replace it with Thanksgiving.

I won this arrangement at a hospital luncheon.

They gave away 40 lovely purses first. No luck, until the very end.

It was lovely until the pumpkin started to rot.

I knew there was a reason I used the plate under the arrangement.

By the time I discovered the pumpkin was weeping liquid the plate was my salvation.

Fall Harvest

2010-10-15T19:56:00.002-05:00

The first day Samantha and Sage spent with us this summer, we went out to our corn field. We measured the corn and the kids. Then before they left we measured everyone and the corn for a final time. All the grand kids grew. The corn grew even more. Every day or so we would check to see if the corn was growing. The corn grew over a foot in less than two weeks.

Kelsey and Hannah standing in the same spot this fall.

Yellow Gold

The combine is harvesting the spot where we measured and watched our corn grow.

Another one bites the dust.

Halloween Decorating

2010-10-02T10:04:00.000-05:00

May I introduce my silly little Halloween person.

He/she came to our home courtesy of Kelsey many years ago. She gave it to me in a rather off handed way, saying something on the order of "Here Grandma, this is for you ". While this grandma was thinking ugly: she was saying "Well, Thank You". Many years have passed and I have become fond of this ugly plastic bendable fellow.

One year while rummaging in my box of decoration I could not find what I have fondly come to call my Halloween Man. It was then that I realized how much I had come to regard him as a Halloween fixture. At first I put him out to please a little girl, now I put him out to please me. From year to year he sits on a different shelf. Wherever he sits he is a reminder of the love of a little girl.

Summertime is Winding Down

2010-09-21T12:17:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a lovely summer day. Sunday was cold, rainy, and an all around bad fall day weather wise. Today we have rain again. What I like about summer time is the fresh food. My garden is not large yet we have carrots, beans, beets, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, and asparagus. We have raspberry bushes and blackberry bushes. The rhubarb plants keep us supplied with all we can want to eat. Almost everything gets eaten fresh from the garden. Canning and freezing are done at a minimum. What I do like to do is to make sweet pickle relish out of the larger cucumbers. Late this summer Hannah made relish to take to 4-H fair next summer. This is not a picture of her small cute jars of relish. We took photos of her and her relish on her Mom's camera and I do not have them. This is my batch of relish and my mismatched jars. Hannah and I both love to hear the ping when the jars seal. Warren will enjoy relish on his burgers this winter and it will make a fine addition to chicken and pork salad.

Pickle Relish

6 cups of ground cucumbers- do not peel but cut down the middle and remove seeds

1 cup ground onion

1 teaspoon salt

Mix together and let stand for on hour. Next drain for one hour.

Combine in a kettle with

2 cups sugar

1 cup vinegar

1 teaspoon celery seed

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon tumeric

Bring to a boil and then hot pack in jars.

On recipe makes about 3 pints

(As I copied the recipe, I thought that we do not use the term kettle any more,

so this must be a very old version.)

Iowa State Fair Memories

2010-09-11T07:38:00.001-05:00

Our state puts on a wonderful fair every year in the middle of August.

Dad tells of going with his parents and grandparents to camp and visit the fair.

We drive a much greater distance and elect to return home to comfort mattresses

rather than spend the night in sleeping bags.

Kelsey and her Dad were the soda jerks.

Hannah worked in the food line.

Warren, Malissa, and I worked in the dining area.

The Grundy County Pork Producers provided us with matching T shirts.

We are not sure orange is our color.

Hannah wants them pink next year.

Our work crew was a great group of guys and gals who started work a bit before

3:00 in the afternoon and worked until 9:30 at night.

We were a tired troop.

The best part of the Iowa State Fair is that is is a "forget the diet day".

Everyone had a double dip ice cream except Warren.

In the morning we were able to see the girls State Fair 4-H entries and

take in a small portion of the wonderful things to see and do.

Biking Pictures

2010-09-06T08:45:00.001-05:00

There are some beautiful spots along the trail in the Lanesboro, MN area.

The bike paths are wide, paved, and rather flat.

Just the way I like to ride.

I got a few good pictures of Warren riding.

The ones he took of me were all blurry.

We got a gal to take our picture.

I think I shall have to find a purple top for our next photo.

Our weather was perfect. It was not hot nor humid.

Lanesboro, MN

2010-08-22T07:03:00.000-05:00

Warren and I are off on a mini vacation to Lanesboro Tuesday morning. We will stay at a B & B we have enjoyed before. The bikes will be packed in the back of Warren's pick up as the trails are plentiful. We will also bring along some books to read. It will be a three day two night get away. We are hoping it recharges us for the fall harvest season ahead. I plan to take lots of pictures and bore you when we return.

My Dad has had some health issues lately. He went into the hospital early on the 12. At first they said he had food poisoning but now are not so sure. He came home on Tuesday. Every day he shows some small improvements in his ability to get around but as of now he is using a walker with assistance. Therapy is helping him regain strength and a bit of mobility. Cindi has been his around the clock nurse and without her they would not have been able to have him home. Mom and I have taken care of the many details and phone calls that have been needed the past week or so. Health care is not an easy road to travel. Hopefully with a bit of time and assistance they will be able to enjoy life again.

First Day of School

2010-08-20T05:36:00.000-05:00

Our two sweet neighbor girls came for breakfast on their first day of

school Wednesday. Most mornings they join me for breakfast. Hannah

has to catch the bus earlier for middle school so the over lap time

is about five minutes tops. Kelsey usually has an omelet and Hannah cinnamon

toast or granola.. Both served with Sunny Delight.

Iowa Irish Fest

2010-08-08T07:57:00.000-05:00

In 2007 a Waterloo Irish Pub had an afternoon party in the parking lot behind their building. Every year this event has grown. Now they commander a local park and the block in front of the pub. We went for the first time last year. This year I came armed with a camera.

There were some real and not so real Irish dancers.

This group of dancers travels the world and wins award.

They had Highland Games.

This one involved lifting a pole and if successful tossing it end over end.

Just to get the pole off the ground is a feat.

A pitch fork is stuck into a gunny sack that has been stuffed with straw. This is tossed behind and above you over a pole that is raised higher after every round. Both gals and guys competed in this game.

They also threw rocks and a weight over a bar. Warren and I could just imagine how the games came into being years ago in rural Ireland. Being an Iowa farm boy Warren recalls that he could toss bales seven high. Being German they were tossed up to the one stacking bales and no Tom Foolery was allowed.

There was no Guinness in his household.

I became fascinated by the question of "What is a guy supposed to wear with his kilt."

Work boots? Sandals? Tennis shoes? Cleats?

Tall socks, no socks?

Kilt hose and flashes.

My next question is what do you wear under the kilt?

Rain in the forecast

2010-07-22T08:12:00.001-05:00

The rain today will make cleaning the outside of my windows a bit of a challenge - oh drats - I may just have to forgo that bit of work. We pick up friends late this afternoon for a short visit. Other friends will join us on Saturday. What began as a camping weekend has become a bed and breakfast get together. Warren and I were the only non campers in this group when we all had young children in the 70's. Slowly, without any fanfare, our friends, sold, wore out, or encountered mysteriously disappearing camping equipment.

The one mainstay of this gathering is the hog roast. Accompanied with the great food everyone contributes to our time shared. We named this get together "Sowside". I suspect "Swine and Wine" might be more fitting. No exercise this weekend unless one considers talking and eating an aerobic endeavor.

They are all grown up now. Our daughter has two children and Chris is an actor in LA. The little guy is married.

One main stay is the sampling of meat before it ever gets to the house.

The other main stay is Paul rounding us up for a group photo. He encounters much grumbling. The memory photo of everyone together is priceless.

Summer Time and Family Fun

2010-07-17T23:30:00.005-05:00

"My favorite summer time is when all of my grandchildren are here; seeing them playing and laughing together makes my day. Going outside to enjoy a nice cup of tea and reading a good book on my hammock. Seeing my grandchildren on my hammock with one of our dogs, Maddie, just relaxing. These are my favorite summer activities." Kelsey will know how this got onto my blog.

The kids love to be dumped out of the hammock - sometimes Grandpa is the one doing the dumping - at others times it would be one of them. The first few days everyone was here the weather was very nice. We did not even have the air on.

On the first Malissa and Stacey went shopping for the day. I took the girls for pedicures. Warren and Sage met up with us at the ice cream store after then ran a few errands and looked over the selection of Legos at Target.

All the kids got in on making the fire truck and boat. It was a rainy day so that day indoor activities prevailed.

My parents, sisters and husbands, and my brother came on the third. Cindi thinks family get togethers should include water balloons in warm weather.

Everyone who was not in the garage was fair game. No one came away dry.

This was taken just before I got a small dose of water.

There were countless gator rides. Sam and Sage soon got the hang of steering and had great fun driving around the farm stead.

On the first day we measured the corn and the kids. Every one of the kids grew a smidgen while the corn grew a foot or so in 10 days.

Maddie and Sophie never had so much attention. They miss the kids almost as much as we do.

One year we went to Grandma and Grandpa Camp with Kelsey and Hannah. There we discovered carpet ball. With in a week of being home we had made our own. It is something anyone can play. We pretty much make up our own versions of the game from time to time but the object is to get the most balls into your opponent's pocket by hitting the wiffle balls with a hard rubber ball. It may have an official name but we call it carpet ball as the inside is covered with outdoor carpet.

This is the first time the kids have been here for the 4 of July. They decorated their borrowed bikes for the kiddie parade and then took in our small town parade. It did not take them long to figure out that when you wave you are more likely to get candy thrown your way. Candy in Australia is rather more expensive than here in the states so it is not a part of their parade tradition. The rain held off until after the parade but by evening it canceled the fireworks. We had so much hoped to share fireworks here on the farm with them. We are almost directly one mile from where they set off the firework display. It is our tradition to set out front to watch while eating popcorn. (We leave the noise and traffic to others.)

We introduced Sam and Sage to S'mores. It was a first for them. We roasted marshmallows over at Malissa and Matt's. Hannah insists our homemade marshmallows are the best so we made some for everyone to enjoy. We had a great evening around the fire pit while the kids jumped on the trampoline. As it got dark the fire flies made an appearance. Every kids enjoys capturing them and putting them in a jar. We talked them into a catch and release program as we have never know them to live long in captivity.

I have had a time trying to get the spacing on this post correct. It will just not do what I want. I make the changes but they do not stay. So here it is - the way it is.

A Wonderful Time with Family

2010-07-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

This is the only picture taken of all of us while

Stacey, Rhett, Samantha, and Sage were

staying with us on their trip to the USA.

The flight from Ozzy Land had arrived!!!!

2010-06-30T05:27:00.000-05:00

Our four fun grand kids are all together again.

Acting goofy and having fun!

Blacksmith Boutique

2010-06-24T08:33:00.001-05:00

I want to introduce you to Deb Ewoldt.

She is the owner/operator of this establishment.

She makes things like this.

And this

piece of garden art.

And this fun piece.

Deb at work in the back of her shop.

Deb's work gear - leather gloves and apron.

In college she was a model.

Her dad was a welder in the small town of Dysart, Iowa.

One day she had a vision of this building being used by more than one enterprise.

She bought the building in 2006.

It now houses her shop, a lunch room and a classy home accessories store.

Several other shops line main street. I think all are owned or run by women.

I asked Mom if she had any ideas for a Father's Day gift

for Dad. After a couple of days she e mailed me with the idea of a sign

to put in the two lots they own next to their condo.

Since buying them last year they had cleaned up the lots

and flower bed. Mom now has a flower garden mixed with a few

vegetables for summer eating.

Dad has started referring to the lots as Hultman Park.

After Mom presented me with the idea I contacted my siblings to ask what they

thought about a group gift. After I got the go ahead, Mom and I made a quick trip to

Dysart to visit Deb. She had the perfect sheet of metal and went right to work.

I think this rates a "WOW".

We have started the countdown

2010-06-19T02:58:00.002-05:00

Sage greeting his grandpa at the Adelaide airport in 2008

Samantha has made a count down sheet for their Sydney and Iowa trip. We on the Iowa side are counting the day too!!! Since today is the 19th and they land at 10 in the evening on the 28, we will just have to count 10 whole days. Ten days to wait. Ten days to clean house, cook a couple of meals to put in the freezer, buy groceries, pick up bikes for the kids to ride from a friend, iron the pile of clothing in the guest room, clean some more, work on 4-H projects with Kelsey and Hannah, garden a bit, and maybe clean the windows that have not got their spring cleaning yet. Plus there is office work that must not be neglected because once they come it surely will be in the "only do what absolutely must be done mode". We also have a couple of small projects to do for some fun activities while the kids are here.

Idea one is to watch the corn grow. Warren and I will plant a stick in the grown beside the corn field. On the first day the kids are here we will measure the kids and the corn. Every day or so we will again measure the corn.
The kids want to plant or harvest from the garden. We may go to the strawberry farm if it is still open. The raspberries are just starting so they can help pick berries. I will have them plant something and then send updates on the growth. Do you suppose they want to learn how to weed?

Samantha Christmas January 2009

Hannah and I will make homemade marshmallows. They are fantastic roasted. We will introduce Samantha and Sage to s'mores. Aussie's do not have graham crackers and their marshmallows are way different. They do have Tim Tams which almost makes up for the lack of graham crackers and marshmallows.

Yea, it worked!!!

2010-06-14T08:37:00.005-05:00

I have always loved the wood panel frig.
Great look with our open kitchen.

After 20 years it was dying. We have put off buying a new one until the day I noticed the gasket was hanging down the bottom of the frig. For years I had read that a new refrigerator pays for its self in a few of years time in electrical use. Yea, but you still have to pay for a new one.

Off we went shopping for a frig.

Three trips later we had settled on our favorite.

First off we discovered that unless we wanted a smaller frig our space was too small.

For some odd reason we had less than 33 inches and we were an inch short.

So I/we began thinking, why not buy what we really wanted if the carpenters had to be hired.

To say that I have had refrigerator envy since my friend Barb got her new frig five years ago

is an apt statement.

I try to stay away from that envy, lust, sloth stuff but sometimes it happens.

Really I wanted her frig and for her to have a nicer one.

So we lined up the carpenters and had the new frig delivered.

After waiting one day for the carpenters to show up

the job was started.

Simple job:

Remove cabinet above the frig,

remove the door to laundry room,

replace the door with a smaller door,

fix the bamboo floor for the new doorway,

fix the paneling in the laundry room,

build a wine cabinet,

replace the overhead cabinet,

and hope it all works, fits and looks good.

I am good with the vision.

Will I be good with the instructions to the carpenters?

Will it fit?

It looks like a touch down.

Yes, measure three times,

cut once.

Actually I think Kirk and I measured the frig three times each.

I know he measured the wine cabinet several times before putting it together.

The frig fit perfect.

Kelsey wanted to pull off the protective plastic.

That job was harder than it looked.

This was heavy duty stuff.

We are very pleased with the way it turned out.

Our refrigerator is so much roomer

and I do not have to bend over to find

and get items out of the frig part.

I still have to put the items above the cabinets back in place.

And the door to the laundry room is not completely varnished

and rehung. Jobs for this week. First the lawn needs mowed.

A walk in the yard

2010-06-04T10:07:00.007-05:00

The orange of the tiger Lilly is so happy looking.

I must have got two plants intertwined as today I discovered both a yellow and an orange flower.

Yesterday I had two buds. I thought the orange would be a dull orange hue.

Oh well - even tho I am not found of bright orange I think it adds drama to the garden.

Pink is my least favorite color unless it has some red or blue to the shade.

When we moved to the farm there were two pink peonies in the middle of the yard in front of the second house. When the farm was first a homestead there was a big two story white house in front of where the newest (Matt and Malissa's) home is situated. From the look of the drawing we have my guess is that the bushes were on each side of the path to the lane. It took years to establish the bushes along the fence. Peonies do not like to be moved. I think that I dug part of each bush a couple of times before they became establish in their new home. Two bushes in the middle of nowhere seemed so out of place and a pain to mow around.

We do not have any pictures of our place in earlier times. This pencil drawing is one someone gave us. It was then the residence of George Swan. When we moved here 30 plus years ago the barn was still standing. We were told that the barn was once twice the size as we knew it, so George must have been a prosperous farmer.

Mother's Day Gift

2010-05-22T07:53:00.001-05:00

From our son and family I got this hanging basket of geraniums.

I will pot it later in one of my hanging baskets as I think it looks lovely in the gazebo.

Gosh I Love Tulips

2010-05-21T08:49:00.000-05:00

The tulips are spent yet the memory lingers.

I suspect that because the tulip is the first showy flower of spring it is a favorite.

A Second Job

2010-05-12T04:46:00.001-05:00

I have been working extra hours as an enumerator for the US Census Bureau. This job is proving to be full of stories that can not be shared. So far the dogs have been friendly, most people pleasant, and I have managed to dodge the rain and thunder storms. The hours have been mostly late in the day, early evening and weekends.
I am thankful my farm tasks are relatively easy to complete around my usual do what I want schedule. This census job is crimping my style. ( I have not been to Barns and Noble for three weeks.) The job will likely only last another week or so.

Our rhododendron was lovely a couple of weeks ago.

I think this plant was put in the ground 30 years ago.

Tulips in Our Yard

2010-04-24T09:18:00.000-05:00

What a joy to look out our windows and see the tulips and not snow!!!

The Hellebores are blooming too!

Such a Happy Color

What a Smashing Color Combination

PIG

Beautiful

P.S.

Do for others with no desire of return favors.

We all should plant some trees we'll never sit under.

From P.S. I Love You

compiled by H Jackson Brown, Jr.

Another April Birth Day

2010-04-23T12:09:00.002-05:00

If a little girl is lucky she will have some magic in her childhood. Some girls spend their summers at a beach house, others get to fly in an air plane, or spend several days at the Magic Kingdom. In my childhood the magic was in the form of a Grandpa who put on rodeo shows. For my sisters and me it was a Grandpa provided magic and fun galore.

Cindi in the pony cart with Grandpa

The other day I drove by a pasture where ponies were grazing. My heart went back to my childhood as I wondered what stories these ponies had to tell. Do they willing let young riders hop upon their backs? Were they like some of the ponies my Grandfather kept?

Most times there were two or three ponies in residence. They had names like Candy, Sugar Babe, and Trudy. First we would help water, feed and curry the ponies. Most Sundays Grandpa would saddle up a couple of ponies. We kids would take turns riding beside him all around the neighborhood. Other times he would hitch a pony to a two seated sulky cart. Perhaps it was not a two seated cart but one big enough for a small kids and a small grandpa. That was the most fun of all; all the pleasure of being with Grandpa and none of the challenges of riding.

Maybe it was me or maybe it was the fact that ponies naturally have a mean disposition, but seldom did I ride without some pony trying to nip me in the leg or balk at where I wanted to ride.

One summer Trudy was pastured at our farm. I rode her bare back occasionally. Once while I was riding her, she took off running. She ran right up to a fence. Stopped quickly and with that I went flying over her head into the hog lot. I do not recall if I ever rode her again without Grandpa along but I do know I never liked that pony from that day forward.

What was the most fun was when Grandpa would put on his one man pony show. I know Grandma did not approve of his show riding. Yet a couple of times each year he would thrill us kids with a show. Perhaps he only did it while Grandma was not at home. This little man would ride standing up on the pony, ride backwards and best of all do the under the belly trick. That trick most likely has a proper name but is unknown to me. Grandpa would go from sitting upright to moving around the belly of the pony to sitting upright all the while the pony was racing around in a circle. He was our own personal circus performer. I had a Grandpa who created wonderful fun memories.

My Grandfather was never a big man, yet I did not realize that until long after I became an adult. That is because we, his grand-kids, saw him as a man who shared so much of himself that he just had to be big. One of my earliest memories is of sitting on his lap while Grandpa sat cross legged on the floor. As a Grandma myself, I now know that only the limber and accommodating can accomplish that task. While on his lap he did the Swedish version of three little pigs while wiggling my toes. Tommy Toot, Slicky Put, Stiry Mon, Little Hon, and Little Vicky Vinnie.

He and Grandma took their crew of Grandchildren camping several summers in of my youth. Some kids enjoyed cabins by the lake and others went to the faraway places. We went to state parks, camping in tents, with our grandparents. Being the oldest Grandchild, I had the privilege of going alone one or two years. There were thirteen of us in all and I think eleven of us went together one year.

One time, we pulled into a cabin area while lost in the state park looking for the camp ground. Grandpa asked for direction. When he returned to the cars, he laughed with Grandma about the way the man giving directions had shook his head in disbelief at our caravan. We traveled in an old green Dodge and a slightly newer station wagon piled with kids and camping equipment. Kids from a family were split up so if either car was involved in an accident some from that house hold would be spared.

Almost weekly our family made a Sunday visit to Grandma and Grandpa. They lived on the outskirts of town on a couple of acres. Today when I drive by the house and yard the place looks small and a bit run down. We helped grandpa pump the outside cistern pump, played on the swing set bought new for the grand-kids and picked berries along the path to the pony shed. In summer we spent countless hours riding the ponies. The distance between the house and pony shed now seems rather close compared to my childhood memories.

Grandpa was born to Swedish immigrant parents in the town of Munterville, Iowa on April 22, 1906. From what my father recalls his Grandfather was a stern man. Most likely he had a hard life. It is almost certain the reason he left Sweden was because he wanted more from life than what could be had in his home country. One of the few pictures of his wife shows a happy person. It is said that her family did not approve of him as they were a family of means. No one knows the story of their courtship but family lore has it that the reason he changed his name was because there were others with the name of Andreasson in the area and he did not like their getting his love letters. The flu epidemic of 1918 took her life. Dad states that his father recalls seeing his Mother walk home across a field a dusk from helping neighbors who had the flu. The next morning she died. I suspect he got his personality from her as he was our fun Grandpa.

Grandma, Grandpa, myself, Mom, Dad

Great Grandma and Grandpa Cox

My High School Graduation

April Birthday Number Three

2010-04-18T17:18:00.002-05:00

It is official Malissa and Matt now have two teenagers.

Hannah is my game player. She and I need our game playing fix regularly. Since she was young we have had our special games. My favorite is Tantrix. It is not Hannah's favorite so she uses it as an incentive to get me to play the ones she likes. Only after playing all of her favorites can we play my game. She loves Headache, Bonkers, Stadium checkers, Monopoly, Aggravation, Rook, Gobble It, and Strawberry Shortcake. And she loves to play Pit. I refuse to play that game unless there are at least four players. It was always our Christmas Eve game when my sister Deb and family joined us Christmas Eve. It is a rowdy game. That is what makes it fun. Hannah and I both love to play Backgammon. Most of my games are ones left over from when Malissa and Rhett were growing up. The Backgammon was getting rather used so Warren gave me a lovely wood set this year for Christmas. Now we play in style. Hannah still wins most of the time but not as often as Malissa used to beat me. I think that after she turned 11 I won a total of twice. I could have the best game going yet she could somehow pull off a win. One game Hannah does not like is Scrabble. She will only play that once or twice a year when we have a family game night.

Hannah is a fun gal. Until this year when she went out for sports I would pick he up from school. Her after school treat of long standing is marshmallows (and string cheese). What we like best is for the marshmallows to turn hard. There is most often a bowl or two of marshmallows left out to dry in a kitchen cabinet. We have done the taste test on marshmallows fresh from the bag and those that are hard. Our expert opinion is that Kraft Jet Puffed is the winner. We take our marshmallows very seriously. Two years ago she and I learn to make homemade marshmallows. The experience earned her an Iowa State Fair blue ribbon. They are wonder in hot chocolate. But they taste incredible roasted over a fire or in s'mores.

I have had the privilege of helping both Hannah and Kelsey with 4-H projects. They both have become excellent basket makers. We have cooked, painted, sewed, and matted photos together. I have guided them in poster making and on their working exhibits. It has been so much fun to see their independence and knowledge grow each year.

This year she has tried and liked the school sports of volleyball and track. Hannah plays in the local soccer league.

We had a great time shopping in Des Moines last Sunday after we enjoyed our noon meal and gift opening at the resturant of her choice. The shopping gene is alive and well with her.

Happy Birthday Hannah Marie

April Birthday Number Two

2010-04-14T09:13:00.001-05:00

Samantha is our second April birthday. She has lived it four different cities in the last eight years. We enjoy her (mostly) quiet and sweet personality.

Their school is out on a two week break. Rhett, Stacey, and kids are off on a trip. They use school breaks for travel in their part of the world. This year it is a trip to Thailand. Sam is the traveler of the two kids. She has been excited about going for some time. Samantha is already talking about their next trip in July when they will come our way for a visit.

Sam likes to read, ride her bike, hike, and spend time with friends. She and Sage have introduced their neighborhood to Halloween trick or treating American style. Her friends have tried some American treats when visiting or over for a party. Rice Krispie treats did not go over well but popcorn with cheese balls did.

The day after Samantha was born we headed to Davenport to see her for the first time. They brought her home to the lovely new place Stacey and Rhett built in Muscatine. It was a beautiful house and would have been a great place to raise a family. John Deere had another idea. By the time she was a couple of months old they were living in Ankeny. After four years they were off to California with Rhett's new job. Mountain House was home for less than two years when his employer, Topcon, asked them to move to the Australian continent. After celebrating her sixth birthday early they were on their way to living in Mawson Lakes, a suburb of Adelaide.

Our Birthday Girl in January 2009

April is a month filed with birthdays

2010-04-11T08:21:00.000-05:00

“A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman’s birthday
but never remembers her age.”

Robert Frost

Today is my birthday. You can remember my age but just do not remind me of the number. I have mixed feelings about saying the number out loud. Samantha wants the world to know that she will be 8 on the 14th. I on the other hand only want cards and gifts. Yes, I still like the special attention a birthday brings; it is just that the number is both scary and validating.

The first picture of me that I know of, is the only one with both of my parents by myself that I think exists.

I am a Sunday girl. I was born on a Sunday, and married on a Sunday. This year my birthday falls on a Sunday. We will celebrate by going out for a noon meal with our daughter and family. Hannah will also celebrate her April birthday. I suspect she likes getting her gifts a week early. The gals in the family plan to shop after we eat.

My Mom once told me that she thought I was the prettiest little thing. My three month old picture shows a very bald baby that I find rather unlovely. I will not be posting that photo. Later on I got blond curly hair and pretty was not an out of bounds description.

I have not forgotten Malissa is our other April celebration. As she was born on her due date of the 30th we will wait until then to celebrate with her. Sam and family will be in Thailand on her special day. We have sent her Dad home with videos and books for her and the singing princess card has arrived. Our year two student is getting tall and growing up all too quickly.

Eagles

2010-04-09T09:31:00.000-05:00

I have always liked to see eagles soaring in the sky. It is a sight I have witnessed only a few times in my life. Picture a lovely home nestled in the woods. Picture too a room full of woman. Add to that picture an eagle only yards away flying through the woods. Silence and total absorbance became the demeanor of the group as the eagle flew nearby.

Today Hannah is taking part of a two day event. Her team is a part of our state's Future Problem Solving competition. Her Eagle teacher is the same one our son had when he was in school. Mrs. Bailey is one of the "really good teachers." Her goal is to enrich the lives of her pupils by giving them the tools to become all that their intelligence affords.

When she took on the Tag program in our school it was new to our district. In the 20 plus years she has done this many students have benefited. My wish is that more students could be in this program.

She keeps in touch with her former students in the form of e mails that I have been told arrive weekly. They in turn value her adult friendship.

May Hannah and her team soar like eagles.

Spring in Our Yard

2010-04-01T06:59:00.000-05:00

Siberian Squill

I saw my first garden blooms yesterday while enjoying a warm afternoon spent cleaning in my gardens. It was a glorious day.

Grandma H

2010-03-30T10:43:00.000-05:00

Grandma Laura had an upright piano that was remodeled and cut down. It proudly sat in the one end of the living room. Sunday evenings or afternoons at my Dad’s parents almost always included some time spent with her playing. I know a large repertoire of songs from the 40’s.

I can sing along with the likes of Sentimental Journey, Bye Bye Black Bird, Tea for Two, I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, and Mr. Sandman. I am rather fond of the tunes I learned sitting beside her on the piano bench.

Grandmother Laura played music at a silent theatre. My Aunt Joyce recently discovered a postcard of the building. The King Theatre and the Albia Business College and Normal School were in the same building. Grandma graduated from the Normal School and taught country school in Lockman, Iowa. That is where she met my Grandfather, Paul. I suspect he was working in the coal mines. It has always been told that he did not like the mines and did not work there long. Grandma’s father spent much of his working years in the mines. Dad said he was one of the persons that set the blast, and was a respected part of the mining community. He was very good with numbers. This made him an excellent cribbage player. Sunday afternoons the men in the family would play cards and cribbage at my great grandparents. My great grandma, Sadie Cox, did not approve but that did not stop them. They lived next door to their daughter, Laura and family . I spent most of my time at their place when we visited. I remember both my grandmother and great grandmother as excellent story tellers. How I wish we had a recording of them talking

Dad tells that when they built the homes in about 1939. My great grandparents had $500. That is what they spent on their home. In later years the home was added on to by Dad and other members of the family so that it had a downstairs bedroom, an updated kitchen, and a bathroom.

I suspect there may be a couple of acres in total for the two homes. Today when I drive by the house is much smaller than I recall as a child. The yard seemed huge when I was small. Our farm stead is much larger. Grandpa Paul built a shed for his ponies, both families had large gardens and I think my great grandparents had a small chicken house. Now is it all yard.

Behind the house was a large willow tree. I loved to pick willow branches and strip the leaves. I know willow trees can be messy but I loved that tree. On many a summer afternoon we would have fresh picked red raspberries picked from the patch and vanilla ice cream when we visited.

Taken for their 50th Anniversary in 1974

I do not believe they had a wedding photo. I went with Grandma when she picked up a plain gold band for Grandpa for a gift that year. It was the first he had a wedding ring. I do not recall what she wore.

The January 24th is Grandma’s birth day. She was born in Lockman, Albia County in 1907, the second child and only daughter of Harry and Sarah “Sadie” Cox. She was the grandmotherly type. I loved staying at their place. Grandma made the best homemade noodles, she loved camping trips, cooking in what I can only describe as a very small kitchen she turned out yummy meals.

Cindi with Grandma in the aftermath of Christmas around 1958-1960.

I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter

Recorded in 1935 by Fats Waller, Lyricist Joe Young, and song writer Fred E Ahlert

I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter
And make believe it came from you
I'm gonna write words oh so sweet
They're gonna knock me off my feet
A lotta kisses on the bottom
I'll be glad I got 'em

I'm gonna smile and say
I hope you're feeling better
I'll close with love the way you do
I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter
And I'm gonna make believe it came from you

Oh yeah

I'm gonna write words oh so sweet
They're gonna knock me off my feet
A lotta kisses on the bottom
I'll be glad I got 'em

Oh yeah

I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter
And I'm make believe it came from you

Oh yeah

I'm gonna make believe it came from you

Oh yeah

Sentimental Journey Sentimental Journey

Doris Day

Words and music by Bud Green, Les Brown and Ben Homer

Les Brown, with Doris as his "girl singer", charted at #1 in 1945

Gonna take a sentimental journey
Gonna set my heart at ease
Gonna make a sentimental journey
To renew old memories

Got my bag, got my reservation
Spent each dime I could afford
Like a child in wild anticipation
Long to hear that "All aboard"

Seven, that's the time we leave, at seven
I'll be waitin' up for heaven
Countin' every mile of railroad track
That takes me back

Never thought my heart could be so yearny
Why did I decide to roam?
Gotta take that sentimental journey
Sentimental journey home

Lion & Lamb

2010-03-19T09:17:00.002-05:00

March is the month when the wind blows like both a lamb and a lion. Yesterday was a lamb day. Today the lion is very evident.

The blog header picture

rather off kilter

snow-less

Saw geese flying north in a V

Tulips making there way

Snow almost gone

Longer days

Spring

Too early to do anything but look and pick up sticks and rocks.

Yes rocks!

Because we use a snow blower to remove the snow from our lane and the drives to buildings, some of the gravel gets caught in the blower and scattered on the lawn. Every spring, after a snowy winter, we rake and use the shop vac to remove the gravel from the lawn so it does not damage the mower blade. Gravel on a lawn is not a look we like.

Tulips and Ugly Leaves

Spring Maybe

2010-03-09T20:38:00.001-06:00

I want to see

tulips

daffodils

green grass

I want to feel

the warm sun

I want to

smell the warm earth

I want to

go for walks

wear sandals

I am so tired of snow

and cold

and Uggs

and blankets

and winter pj's

and coats

and gloves

and boots

I am so very ready for

SPRING

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2010-02-20T08:47:00.003-06:00

Make it stop, make it stop, make it stop!!!!!!!!

From this blog, http://acanthusandacorn.blogspot.com/ I found the above photo. Warren and I both managed to dodge snow storms to make our individual flights to partly cloudy, cool temperature, Florida. Warmth was found is spending time with my sister Cindi, my parents, and our good friends Barb and Bob. With such cool temperatures we kept telling ourselves that at least it was not snowing in central Florida.

This is a picture taken when I opened my front door today. Our pig has only a bit of metal showing.
When the star is covered up, I am out of here!

West Coast and East Coast

2010-02-05T09:32:00.001-06:00

Blogging has come to a halt because this week I have been in catch up mode. We were in California for six days last week. I leave on Sunday for ten days in Florida. Warren will join me on Thursday. Plans are for me to spend some time with my sister, Cindi, join Warren to visit friends in Lake Placid, and spend a bit of time with my folks in Sebring. All the while soaking up some of that famous Florida sunshine, eat fresh frui,t and walk on the beach.

In California a few early spring flowers were blooming. It was great to see green grass and plants. We left our place about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning after Warren used the snow blower to clear our lane and the road to the highway. At times the day before we were in white out conditions where we could not see more than 100 yards. The highways to Des Moines were not as bad as we had anticipated. Our drive took a bit more than half an hour longer than usual; which was a pleasant surprise. After arriving at the airport early we had a delayed flight as the crew needed a mandatory rest time after flying in late the night before. At the connecting airports we walked off one plane and on to another twice to make our two connections. Our group was large enough that they held the planes for us.

Warren and me along Pebble Beach

Most mornings Hannah comes over for a breakfast of cinnamon toast and Sunny D. The bowl had a few hardened marshmallows in it as a treat. Hannah and I have perfected the art of hardening marshmallows. I often find marshmallows in various bowls in various conditions of hardness in my cabinets.

The girls would allow me one picture each this morning. Kelsey looked at the camera for me. Hannah would not. Kelsey has an omelet for breakfast as long as I have eggs. If she forgets to bring me eggs from her chickens and she does not want to return home to get them she will make do with cereal. I make her omelet with one whole egg and one egg white and a bit of Cheddar Cheese. It is never a guess as to what to make for the girls. Usually when I am taking Hannah down the lane Kelsey is arriving.
We miss our mornings together when I am gone. They are never here very long but it is our time to catch up and spend time with each other. Hannah and I usually get in one computer game and Kelsey and I try to answer the questions on "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?"

Kelsey Jill

2010-01-24T17:06:00.002-06:00

Today is the 24th. It is my dad’s mother’s birth date. I have some things written about her that I will share at a later date. Because we will be gone on the 27th we took the Kelsey and her family out to brunch today to celebrate her birthday.

(No she did not get Ziploc bags.)

This lovely gal is our “First”. On Wednesday she turns 16. Yes, “16 candles make a lovely light”.

To say we were excited at the birth of our first grandchild is an understatement. Her Mom and Dad did not want to know until she was born if she would be a girl or boy. Once we knew we had a granddaughter we had fun buying lots of girl stuff, toys, outfits, and a beautiful walnut cradle.

It was love at first sight. We soon got into a routine where she would spend one day a week with us instead of the babysitter. On that day, she and I would play, read, cook, eat and do most anything but work. One by one I would introduce her to her Mom’s and Uncle Rhett’s old toys. I had saved most of the games, and some of the toys. There is a cupboard in the basement that held tinker toys, blocks, the Sesame Street playhouse, barn, and airport. We discovered legos, old books, dolls, cards, Lincoln logs, and more. Now unless the Australians come the toys, books, and childhood games are stored for another generation.

It sixteen she will get her drivers license. Her world has changed much since she was born but the love we share with her grows. We take delight in being part of her life. She is a lover of animals, books, drawing, soccer, and her Grandma’s omelets. She and I have had fun sewing together. I have helped her lean to weave a basket, make a posters, and cook for 4-H. She helps her Grandpa with projects on the farm. He had her painting some small projects this past summer. We now have 4 regular white LP tanks and one yellow submarine. The back on the one building is covered in graffiti.

We are both delighted to call Kelsey Jill our lovely 16 year old granddaughter.

Grandpa's Dream Machine

2010-01-15T12:12:00.003-06:00

On the 15 of January in the year 1888 my mother’s father was born. He was the third of seven children born to Lydia Hannah Easterday and William Van Dorn Glasener.

My guess is that the picture below was taken when my Grandparents had been married about 40 years.

My grandma was his second wife and eight years younger than him. His first wife, Hattie, died shortly after they were married of Typhoid Fever. He once told me she was the love of his life. Family members told my Dad it took him years to get over her death. My grandparents were married a little over six years after her death. The wedding picture of them shows Hattie as a beautiful lady. Grandpa followed his father and other family members to the Lampman, Saskatchewan area of Canada in about 1915. The home and farm they had in Grundy County, Iowa was one of substance. For some reason his father thought they would be better off moving to wheat country. One wonders if it had anything to do with WW I. After a number of years they moved back to Iowa. I suspect they were all of broke. The land they owed is now in oil country. They always knew there was oil in the ground but because it was shallow oil the way to capture it was not available.

Grandpa was a farmer, fish seller, and orchard owner in his life time. In the 80's would visit him and Grandma at their home in town. The rather small backyard had pear trees, raspberry bushes and grape vines. All were delicious. The grapes were like none you can buy in stores.

I have been told that this picture was taken on their honeymoon. He looks rather handsome.

He invented the Glasener Gleaner which was a machine that was simpler than the combine. He attended Cornell College for one year before they moved to Canada. There hw was in the engineering program. Grandpa was always tinkering with something and would much rather make it himself than buy a similar item. In 1980 Malissa went to National History Day with a presentation on this invention. She sat on a bale of hay in a blue and white gingham dress with her hair in pigtails. In part of her presentation she used a tape recording of him telling about his invention. Malissa titled her presentation "Grandpa's Dream Machine". On the back of this picture is the notation, "shocker in N Dakota." Mom said that Grandpa is standing in the fore ground beside his invention.

I was born when he was 60 years old. Grandpa died 10 days after my Grandmother in 1985 at the age of 97. I am certain he willed himself to die. He was in good health at Grandma's funeral. All his living grandchildren were in attendance. I am the oldest granddaughter. As it was a cold winter day I stayed with him at the church while the others went to the cemetery. We held hands and talked. They had lived together in the nursing home their last year of life. When I would visit, Grandpa and I would always hold hands and talk. A couple of days after the funeral when I stopped in for a visit he refused to hold my hand and talk with me. I felt completely rejected. I think it was his way of handling the death of his wife of 67 years. When she was gone he lost all will to live.

Happy Birthday Dad

2010-01-10T17:34:00.010-06:00

My Dad and I have our birthdays on the 11th of different months. Today is Dad's birthday. I called my parents in Florida and wished him a very happy day. This is his eighty first birthday. One of many things I remember about my father is that for a number of years he raced cars.

Old Wine and Gold

Here Dad, with Mom on his left, is surrounded by friends after he won the main event in the summer of 1953. I do not know where the trophy is but I did find a newspaper write up about the event. (Take a look a the flowery draperies and green lamp.)

That is me perched on top of a wrecked car.

There is no date on an article from the news paper but Pit Passes on the same page are for 1952. The writeup reads in part: "The climax came in the fender bender when Gene started to spin, then was hit by the car driven by Bud Slater. Gene made five complete rolls, bouncing high in the air with each turn. He started to flip in the first turn and by the time the car came to rest he was in the backstretch.
Police, ambulance and spectators converged on the scene expecting serious injury but Gene climbed from the car unhurt. The car, however was a complete loss."

Dad raced on a team with his brother in law. The cars were 11 and 711. My Uncle Carroll raced long after Dad quit. Carroll drove 3/4 midgets after he stopped racing stock cars. Growing up Dad had relatives in the automotive and collision business. As a kid he hung around them learning the repair and mechanic trades. I suspect Dad and Carroll did most of the work on the cars. Hook's Radiator was their sponsor.

At the raceway we always sat in the same spot. I recall the stands were white painted boards and rather high. Usually we sat about a fourth of the way up but when I was older I was allowed to sit at the top once or twice. The summer before I started school, I wore a white and red striped dress with a narrow black patent belt that was bought new for Kindergarten round up to the races. I think the thing I liked best was the concession stand and the fireworks on the 4th of July.

First Post of 2010

2010-01-08T13:26:00.002-06:00

2010

Gosh, I am not off to a very fast blogging start!!

Yesterday I took down most of the Christmas decorations. Our entry now looks like this.

For Christmas I put out several collections of Santas. Pictured below are some of the santas. Santas are fun because like people they come in all different, shapes, sizes, ages, and sexes. I have always thought the female, or Ms. Santa gets the short end of credit and exposure. Most of them were given to me as gifts. The very small bell on the left side of the shelf was found when I helped clean out my Grandmother's basement. I love the bell. Most of the santas on the side board are by Isabel Bloom.

Last year my goal was to post weekly. I made the goal! That did not mean I posted every week. It does mean there were over 52 posts. I will try to do the same or better this year. I love the blogs that post every couple of days. I just do not think that I will make that happen.

I enjoy all comments and connections with my blog followers. Thank you for stopping by.

Christmas Remembered

2009-12-27T14:56:00.002-06:00

Growing up Christmas was such a fun time. (It is still fun but now it is lots of work, too.) This picture includes me, sisters Deb and Cin, with our brother, Scott. It looks like we are each holding a gift or two. I think Deb is sitting in a small round chair that we fought over. I wish one of us still had that chair. I am certain they are out there but I have never seen another one like it. It was round, with a partial back and it moved in a complete circle. We would call saved when we needed to get up from sitting on it. If one did not call out "saved" the chair was fair game for a new recipient.

I suspect I was about 7 or 8 years in age in the picture below. As the oldest of 13 grandchildren my memories of good times with my father's parents are many. Here my sisters and I are pictured with three of the Jensen boys. My plaid taffeta skirt was one of my favorites. I love seeing the tree and furniture from that era.

Christmas 2009 with Malissa, Matt, Kelsey and Hannah

Count Down to Christmas

2009-12-19T09:50:00.003-06:00

To all I want to wish you a Happy Holiday Season!!!

The ice and snow have made us aware that even if today is the first official day of winter, we have had a good share of winter weather already.

To all who celebrate Christmas, "Merry Christmas"

To all others "Happy Holidays"

To all "May 2010 be a year filled with joy, happiness, family, friends, good food, love and laughter."

I sprayed my metal bucket a different color this year. Bring green is not a color I use. I wanted something that said happy and it went well with my ribbon and decoration. I like the change.

WIND - WIND - WIND

2009-12-10T12:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday the wind blew ALL day. Forty miles per hour winds with 10-12 inches of snow makes for blizzard conditions. We brave Midwest citizens mostly stayed indoors. With the snowplows operating in emergency situations only home was the best place to be.

These photos were all taken from inside our warm house.

I am obsessed with this snow bank.

I think it looks like a ski slope.

Today the sun is shining. I managed to get a picture of the snow framing the window and the snow drift.

This last picture is by the artist named Kelsey. She sees a canvas in the most unlikely places.

I am ready for winter to be over with and I suspect it has just begun!!

SNOW - SNOW - SNOW

2009-12-08T15:06:00.008-06:00

We are in the mist of our first snow of the season. School was dismissed early. I think the grand girls decorated the shop door. (Could it be a "Random act of snowfall?")

Sam and Sage wanted snow pictures. I shoveled once yesterday and again today before announcing it was time to dig out the snow blower. Their Grandpa is using the snow blower to clean the drive. Do the Aussies miss snow????

Our dogs are staying away from the action.

Kelsey and Hannah helped put up the snow fence along the lane. The posts were already up. With wind in the forecast the fence needs to be in place. The view from the eating area is covered in snow. Now the wait for spring begins.

Winter has arrived.

GIRLS

2009-12-07T16:31:00.008-06:00

We got a new camera a bit ago. I needed pictures of Kelsey and Hannah for our Christmas cards. Kelsey got her braces off and Hannah got contacts since they last had their pictures taken at a studio. We could not use the dated pictures. I was pleased with the results of my photos. The old buildings are all that is left of a farmstead down the road.

Hannah
Hannah is looking serious

Kelsey having fun

Serious Kelsey

2009-11-25T20:50:00.001-06:00

AS ALWAYS THERE IS MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR

FAMILY

FRIENDS

HEALTH

WORK

We got a few flakes of snow today. These pictures were taken in 2006.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Harvest is Winding Down

2009-11-19T17:34:00.006-06:00

While not as nice as his recliner, Warren looks pretty comfortable in the combine cab. Controls for running the machine are in the orange joy stick. Yea, kind of like a video game. The controls for speed, running the head, and unloading auger are all there. The newer combines all have a buddy seat so one can ride along in comfort. I recall the times I rode with my bum just verily sharing the driver's seat.

The corn is suppose to be in nice, neat rows. Wind damage resulted in a lot of twisted corn. It was a big challenge to stay on the rows in some areas. The radio is used to talk with the truckers and the person running the grain cart.

Another look at the combine in action.

The view out of our eating area window yesterday morning.

We will finish the 2009 harvest soon.

CORN HARVEST

2009-11-10T09:13:00.013-06:00

Warren is running Chuck's

big, mean, green machine part of the time.

HALLOWEEN

2009-10-29T09:46:00.002-05:00

The granddaughters next door have a black cat. Well she is almost a black cat. The girls can play with the cats but they are not very fond of Warren and me.

The witch is hung. I have the cards made and sent to the Aussie grandkids. There is just a bit to do to finish the ones for the girls next door. Cards for the grand niece and nephews go out today.

HARVEST has Commenced

2009-10-20T12:29:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we got the beans harvested. At about eleven it was dry enough to get started. The guys worked here until about eight thirty.

One swathe down, lots more to go.

Today the sky is not so blue. It was dark when they go done so the picture taking had to wait until today. What we need is sunshine and heat to dry down and harvest our crops.

It is nice to have harvest under way. Chuck does our harvest work. He does his own harvesting, our harvesting, and two other farmers. None of us have enough acres on our own to warrant new equipment. The combines today are pure luxury compared to what we had 30 years ago.

FALL

2009-10-17T09:05:00.004-05:00

I seldom get a good picture of the dogs. Today was an exception. Maddie is looking right at the camera. She is a pretty dog but...... is seldom still, digs in my gardens, wants the lion's share of attention, and the biggest portion of food.

Our beans today.

Our beans a month ago.
Harvest is slow this year. October has been cool and rainy.

The corn is testing wet for this time of year. We need hot dry weather for a few weeks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2009-10-06T09:02:00.002-05:00

I know this guy checks the blog from time to time just to make sure I do not write any bad things about him. Today is his 21st birthday. Or should I write that his age is divisible by twenty-one?

I am sending him greetings of love, today and everyday.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-02T08:35:00.003-05:00

My Mom once told me that I will be late for my own funeral. Being early is not one of my great attributes. As today is only the second of the month I am not sure if this post is early in the month of Breast Cancer Awareness or a day late because the month is over a day old.

This post is to honor all who have or have had Breast Cancer. Most especially this is a tribute to my sister, Cindi, who 12 years ago was fighting her personal battle with cancer. She celebrates her 12 year of being cancer free this year. I know first hand that not only the person with cancer but the whole family is effected when cancer is diagnosed.

To all those who run the race for the cure, wear pink for the cause, buy a cancer stamp, gave money to a cancer charity, have battled the disease, or helped another in their battle, I salute you.

The Tim Tam Slam

2009-09-19T05:46:00.002-05:00

Since our son brought us three packages of Tim Tams from Australia last month we have been saving some (as in rationing). For a long time they sat on the higher counter in our kitchen as a testament to his visit. One day I put a package in the frig. An Internet research on the proper way to do the Tim Tam Slam acquainted me with the information that it works best to use cold cookies. The next morning both granddaughters accused us of eating the Tim Tams. Hannah does not even like Tim Tams but missed seeing them. She does not like Oreo cookies, so what do you expect?

Kelsey and I were the only ones brave enough to do the Tim Tam Slam. We bit off opposite ends of the cookies and then used it as a straw.

The rest of the family missed out on a real treat. Tim Tam Slam cookies are the best!!

Sunday Bike Ride

2009-09-14T14:54:00.007-05:00

On Sunday we went for a bike ride with the Matt, Malissa, Kelsey and Hannah. We all prefer to ride on the paved trails. Not far from us are miles of city trail. The hassle to load up our bikes to ride the trail is worth the effort on a lovely day like yesterday. Until recently M & M had a van. Without the van we needed to improvise a way to get all six bikes transported. When Warren made the bike rack for our pickup he made it to hold four bikes. With careful work we can squeeze and strap in all six bikes.

Helmet Time

More Helmets

Resting? Or waiting for me?

Arranging all six bikes for the trip home.

It takes many hands to get the job done.

Morning Sun

2009-09-07T11:38:00.003-05:00

Red Sun Rise

Last Friday morning I looked out our second story bedroom window and the sun was a bright red. I attempted to get a photo of the beautiful sun. First I took a couple of pictures out of our bedroom window. Those pictures were fuzzy and the sun was not red. In my PJ's I went outdoors and took several more photos. I like the above one best. The sun shows up white but it was a flaming red ball. There is surely an explanation but I can not guess why.

Tim Tams

2009-09-02T08:29:00.005-05:00

We came away from our Australian visit last year with a love of Tim Tam cookies. Stacey started us off with the generic version with the warning that the real thing was better. Soon we were buying packages to bring home. By the time we landed in America our suitcases were stuffed with about a dozen packages to eat and share.

Monday our son was here on a brief visit while in the States on business. He left us with three packages of the Aussie Tim Tams. They come in a lot of flavors, everyone has one or two they like best. I have my favorites but if the truth be told "I like them all!!!"

There is one package with a delicious dilemma chance. One year's supply of Tim Tams or a holiday is the grand prize. I dare say the year's supply may be the most expensive option for the company. We will definitely visit their site to see if we have won. .... Yea, you must be an Australian or NZ resident to win so when my number is the grand prize winner, my winnings will have to go to our son, daughter in law and their kids. That will prompt another visit from us as they will have to share!

It was wonderful having Rhett visit. He was sent on his way with hugs and kisses for his family and some of Mom's cookies for his road trip travels.

Biking Getaway

2009-08-25T11:33:00.006-05:00

We spent three days in the Lanesboro, MN area biking and relaxing last week. It rained part of the time but we were able to get in as much biking as my bike seat and my body comfort allowed. Friends told us about a B & B in the area that has wonderful gardens. On the way home we made a stop to see the gardens and talk with the Innkeeper. We have always wanted to stay close to the trails but after seeing the gardens we may change our minds...... The house was lovely and the five course breakfasts could be tolerated.

Berwood Hill Inn

Pigs

Warren

More Pigs (and a pretty out house)

Really they had a lot of chickens in the gardens but I liked the pigs better.