Cool in Flordia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.