Just Once Around The Sun

The Garden

2009-06-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

I have a garden! I did`nt plan on having a garden, but weds night Adam came over with his newly purchased tiller and tilled me up a garden, i was just going to spend the summer weeding it and getting it ready for next spring but then..................

My neighbor Mark stopped by and handed me a bag of onion sets that he had left over, sooooooo, i spent the next morning cleaning weeds out of one end of the garden for the onions, figuring, that won`t take long, but then.......................

Marks wife came over yesterday morning asking if i wanted some pumpking plants she had left over, ok sure, so now two spots needed digging and weeding, ok, i can do that. I went to her house to get the pumpkin plants and she dug up two rubarbs for me, ok, i can get that in, but then..........................

Marks wife handed Skip 6 packages of herbs, ok, Danika can do that, no problem but then........

Skip and Danika went to the garden center outside of town and bought two big beautiful tomato plants.........................and six big pepper plants..........................and 5 brocolli plants. ok, this was becoming a huge undertaking for someone who had no intention of planting a garden this year but ok, i can do that.

Eight hours later and sunburns, we had most of the garden, today radishes and maybe a few greenbeans will go in. Skip, who really is`nt a gardener or blueberry picker, decided we needed a scarecrow, so, He and Danika did the scarecrow, which Flynn views as in intruder and does`nt like him very much, we named him Shorty.

Good Bye Snow...........FINALLY!

2009-06-24T06:02:00.001-07:00

I have finally removed my snow effects, i am pretty sure summer has finally arrived, it came very late this year but, we have hit the 80`s so i feel confident enough to remove the snow........But, this IS Minnesota and anything is possible here .

Danika is visiting..........for as long as she wants, she`s been a busy one, fishing, shopping, babysitting, visiting, and this weekend, it`s off to a concert in the park, that should be fun!

Well, have a great day, the morning is a glorious one so i am going to go play!

Coming Soon, The Skirtain!

2009-06-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have been in a sewing mood, I have`nt had one in a long long time, but the mood hit me and for days the creative juices have been flowing.

Last night, it was warm and muggy, i was thinking how nice it would be to have a simple top that was easy and very cool. I am no Calvin Klein but, i have created what i think will be a huge success, Ladies and Gentlemen.........I give you the Skirtain.

My model, who wishes to remain anonymous,(for reasons only known to him) is showing two differant ways to wear the skirtain. Above is the shirt, cool, easy, flattering and full of fun.

You know how us ladies, and i suppose some men get tired of their same ole same ole clothes, well, take a little look below! When that happens to us, just slide it down and TA DA, you have a new skirt! Notice how handsome he looks modeling his new Skirtain?

oh just wait guys, there are many more uses for this Skirtain! I give you, the curtain!

The Lamp Shade!

And Last but not least, the trash can dresser upper! Smile at the cuteness when you toss your trash!

Acknowledgements: A special thank you to my model, who also suggested the name for this beauty, a name that stuck like glue!

The Skirtain should be available soon for all you Women and Men that cannot live without one!!

The Kingdom

2009-06-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

Please, come in and take a tour of the princess`s Kingdom.

Oops, the first two pics are sideways, but you`ll get the picture..... The first pic is what we started with, pale pink walls, and a wood floor.

These are not in any particular order............ So just keep scrolling at the changes in the Kingdom. Sorry about this sideway pic!

Every Kingdom needs a Hop Scotch board!

Grandpas carving in the apple tree.

Lady Bugs crawling all over the floor.

The Princess loves blueberries...............hense, the blueberry bush......kinda sorta. they are messy little things and litter the floor.

The above tree with roots!

The Apple tree below, the princess`s mama added the butterflies and dragonflies.

The Princess and her tire swing.............well, i`ve never claimed to be an artist! But i do an ok stick princess.

The handprint wall of the princess`s subjects. That was Rebecca`s very cute idea!

Grandpa added some bluebirds, as you can see, he is a far better artist than I. I love love love the bluebirds
Aren`t the the cutest!

And of course, the sun! In the corner you can get a little peek of the kingdoms brand new window!

We worked on this for 3 days, it started out with me just wanting to put a couple trees in, and we went from there. It was so much fun and the princess loves it, her upcoming birthday party will be held in the kingdom. Fun Fun Fun!!

The Princess ( Part 2)

2009-06-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

The little princess went on a photo shoot while we toiled away in the Kingdom. Don`t you think she is a good little model?

Stay tuned............and exclusive look inside the Kingdom!

The Princess (Part 1)

2009-06-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

We have been in Wisconsin for the last week, visiting the little princess ( the one in purple), and her subjects, mama and papa.

We drove down there specifically for the little princess`s dance recital, and i have to say, she was gorgeous and danced very well for an almost 4 year old. She is standing next to one of her best friends. We enjoyed watching the dancers, it was very entertaining.

I have one or two other blog entries to finish but i am doing it in two or three parts, my computer has been acting up big time, this is my 4th attempt to blog today.........So i`m trying the short and sweet attempt untill i figure out what is wrong.

So, in this blog, i will tell you about our little project for the princess`s playhouse, which she has named, The Kingdom. A very fitting name by the way!!!

See you shortly!!

Cautiously Optimistic

2009-04-26T04:59:00.000-07:00

Spring might be here, only 5 more days till May and no snow............no snow because it all melted from just a couple days ago. But seriously, what can happen in just 5 short days? Shhhhh don`t tell me.

Adam came over and fertilized and seeded our yard with grass, because he has a new riding lawn mower and can`t wait to start keeping his and our lawns cut, He wanted to make sure there was plenty of grass coming up. I would have had a picture of this from my window but he was flying past the window so fast i could`nt quite catch him. He does things fast like that all the time.

We had a little rain a few days ago (which turned to SNOW) and when we woke up the next morning, the grass had magically turned green........FINALLY!

Northeastern MN is finally , slowly , understanding that spring is here, my fingers are crossed !

A Surprise

2009-04-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

This Picture does not do these flowers justice, when i look at them, they scream love and spring. they are just beautiful.

You see, weds this gorgeous bouquet arrived at my back door, a very brave man fought his way past an adoring flynn to get these flowers safely in my hands. After giving the flower delivery man some tips on fleeing our rambunctious flynn, i grabbed the card off of the flowers, thinking who could have sent them?

The card said, Thinking about you

Miss You

Hope this brightens your day

Someone who Loves you

That`s it, no name.................But of course, they really did`nt need a name, the first name that popped into my head was Jettie, my neice. Later that day as i studied the card, i thought possibly it was jetties mother who sent them. So, that night i did some detective work. HeHe. I called Jetties mom first. Explained the beautiful surprise i received. It was`nt her, but she was angry that she had`nt thought of it herself! So, the mystery was then solved. Jettie had sent us the flowers.

I called Jettie, who was in the middle of rocking her baby to sleep, but, that did`nt stop her from talking to me. Of course, she never once admitted sending us flowers, but i could hear it in her little chuckles.

Jettie knew i needed a little pick me up, even though i had not spoken to her, but she knew.

So, yes, the flowers are so beautiful, but what is even more beautiful is the woman and her thoughts behind them.

Thank You Jettie, you did brighten our day ,amazingly.

Flynnly And Me, Oops, I Mean Marley

2009-04-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Skip and I watched the movie Marly And Me today, it became increasingly clear to us that we were watching our own lives with Flynn flashing before us on the screen. Except for the young couple, the young kids, and most everything else, of course. It was as if someone had been spying on us since the day we brought our worst dog ever home.

After watching the movie, and wiping the tears from our eyes, and i kid you not, we were bawling like two babies. Anyway, we proceeded to look for hidden cameras throughout the house, certain that ALL the ideas in this movie came from our very own Flynn.............we found none so obviously, as dog owners, we are not alone, and that brings us some comfort.

Anyway, if you want to watch a funny, sweet and very touching movie, grab the puffs and rent it!

Dreaded Taxes

2009-03-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is my most unfavorite time of the year, even worse than winter as far as i am concerned.

I suppose it would be more fun if we received a return, but, never never never. So, i put if off till the very last minute. The Last minute is nearing fast.

This year i am going to save myself $90 and do them myself, If i mess them up, i am pretty dang certain THEY will let me know, besides, the tax people and myself are on a first name basis, they have me on speed dial.

Maybe i will surprise them and get them done next week..............perhaps they cut me a break then. hahahahaha

Time Flies!

2009-03-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

I can`t believe i have been away so long, i think i have been having a bit of antsy cabin fever, winter seems to have been so long this year.

Now, dealing with messy spring is sometimes even worse, we had so much snow this year, everything is water and mud, quite dreary, but, we must get through this before the dry land and warm sunshine arrives.

Skip and i have spent the winter doing his trucks, he and flynn spending days in the garage, then Skip and i painting.

Anyway, hope all of you are doing fantastic...........i`ll be back soon!

The Boys Are Gone

2009-01-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

Our boy Flynn survived his delicate surgery. Besides being turned into a redheaded unich, (and i`m not even sure it`s spelled that way, who knew i`d ever need to use that word?) He also had his back dew claws removed. This really put him way down yesterday, he did`nt do anything but sleep.

The poor pooch, i think he thought he was going to a fancy spa the way he took off with the vet assistant, wagging his tail and dragging her down the hallway, eager to slip into an imaginary bubble bath i suppose. Dreams of a pedicure and massage dancing in his head.

What a shock it must have been when he woke up.

He is much perkier today, but, has an almost shocked look on his face everytime he checks himself, he looks at me as if waiting for me to tell him where they are? So, all i could do was promise not to take a picture and humiliate him further.

The Vet and his assistants enjoyed him during his short stay, they called him The Happy Boy, even when he woke up, he was happy. Of course, he had`nt realized parts were missing then. But, that`s flynn, deliriously happy, this won`t keep him down for long. And even though he is`nt the *man* he used to be, we still love him.

21,22,23,24,25

2009-01-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

Pairs of slippers that is.

It truley has been a long long winter, but come on, I think i seriously need a life.

Anyone have an extra one laying around i could borrow?

Wee Morning Ramblings

2009-01-22T01:13:00.001-08:00

What does one do at 3 am when one cannot sleep?

I have washed the kitchen and bathroom floors, straightened up the living room, am currently washing a load of clothes, woken up Flynn a bazillion times, fed and watered the cat, read some in my book, made half a pot of coffee, which i must say, is quite good this morning, what else to do?

Flynn refused to go to bed tonight with his master , so he has been waking up to see what i am doing, he is so nosey. With his humping obcession, i was a little uneasy when he`d come to check on me in the kitchen. I wash my floors on my hands and knees, get my drift? One eye on the floor, one on him, but, i am proud to say, he was a gentleman for a change. I suppose it is my reminding him that NEXT FRIDAY is the big day. He`s trying to be on his best behavior incase i change my mind, which of course, i won`t. This is set in stone.

Remember when i said i was going to get Flynn some toys? Well, i forgot but i did get something for him that he HATES. Some people are against these little miracle workers, and i am not thrilled with putting him through this, but, we live in town, and he needs to learn manners, which he has bucked us on every issue. So, we broke down and bought a shock collor. The dump guy puts on heavy gloves before he gives Flynn a treat, children shudder in fear of him jumping on them, visitors rarely leave without droplets of blood streaming down their hands from scratches, coats ripped when being jumped on, the cab of the truck torn apart when left alone , the neighbors suggesting a shock collor for his barking, i`m surprised they did`nt take up a neighborhood donation. The list is endless. So, all of that is changing, and it has changed in 3 short days. He has received about 3 shocks, but now all we have to do is give him a warning beep, and he settles right down. I imagine very soon, we won`t even have to give him the warning. It`s amazing. I`m thinking people may actually get to pet him without giving blood or almost knocked over. Flynn thinks everyone loves him as much as he loves them. NOT

That blueberry crisp is calling my name..........i`m trying to resist.

Well, it is 3:45, some people start their day this early so, i might as well too.

I think i`ll clean the fridge..........

The Clock is Ticking

2009-01-17T22:13:00.000-08:00

I am very excited, Monday we are calling to make an appointment for this boy pooch Flynn to be De-masculated, Un-masculated, or just plain nuetered. He was born with a whole lotta testosterone if you know what i mean. But that is coming to an end.

He`s a humper. He humps my pillows, blankets, his dog bed (which we had to take away because of holes made during rough humping activity) once the cat, rugs, and last but not least, ME. So soon, the party is over soon big boy. It`s odd, his brother Rex, does`nt hump anything, i don`t know why it was all given to flynn, if it were`nt for his green eyes and red hair, i`d think he had alot of Italian in him.

I am stocking up on toys tomarrow, he`ll need something to entertain him with all that spare time he`ll have on his , ummmm paws. I suppose it will be like quitting smoking ......hard to give up, the urge will still be there at first but, but........it will wane......surely it will.

that`s my hope.

Enjoy them while you have them Flynn.................

BRRRRRRRRRRR

2009-01-15T21:12:00.000-08:00

We are experiencing our coldest week this year, or last years for that matter, and all i can say is BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

The water has been a challenge, a couple of nights ago, i caught it in mid freeze, i turned it on in the kitchen sink, which is where the problem has always been and it just trickeled for a few seconds, and just as i was uttering some very dangersous words. it began gushing, whew, close one.

Today i was not so lucky, both cold and hot froze, so skip had to do a little blow torching, after about 20 minutes, we had water, whew.

I am tired of winter, i want warm sun, green grass, and slipperless feet.

sighs

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T21:12:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year filled with Happiness, Heath, and Love!

Lost in New York City ( Part Two)

2008-12-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

After two days on a cramped bus we arrived in the bowels of Port Authority in NYC at about 5 am! We were tired, needed a shower , and very excited. Port Authority is located on 42nd street right in the heart of NYC, I could not wait to get out of the underground and see the outside. I had listened to a paranoid woman talking to no one on the phone about the phone being bugged, i had heard Sis in Law scream, looked over and saw a big man leaning over her chair with his hands on the arms of her chair, i don`t remember what he wanted, i don`t think he was, you know, all there, it just was`nt a nice place to be.

So here we are, dragging Sis In Laws 200 pound suitcase, and my little LIGHT one, trying to get above ground, it is a huge place but finally, we made it. Along the way, we had stopped at a phone booth to `alert` Sis In Laws daughter that we had arrived. She was the reason we went to NYC, she lives in Yonkers, which is where we`d be (intruding) staying. Her words were, STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE. Well, i just thought it would be easier to spot us above ground outside, so, there we were, sitting on the steps of port authority , in the dark, during the quiet time of the city. Unfortunately i was wrong about being easier to spot.

An old black man was hosing down the steps, but he was kind enough to spray around us, He kept asking us " Are you sure someones going to pick you up?" He was a nice man, and we must have had HICK written on our foreheads. I ran and got us a coffee and a bagle to share, and oh my god, NYC bagles are the BEST! Well, finally, the man hosing off the steps appoligized but we had to move, he had to wash our step. It had been over an hour or so that we had been sitting watching the city wake up. We decided to go down into the bowels and call daughter again, we were becoming a little concerened.

I spotted a copper, I approached him and innocently asked, " Sir, is this the only entrance into the building?" He literally looked at me like i was from mars and said, "Lady, this is one of seven entrances." Deflated, i said, "Oh, well thank you." Minnesotans are always polite.

I`ve heard about the rude people in NYC but honestly, this cop was the only rude person i came across.

Sis In Law was tired, she was`nt excited about going back underground. We reached an elevator and she says, " I think i`m going to pass out." I looked at her, and replied, "if you pass out before you get into this elevator i am leaving you lay here." I`m sweet like that. It worked, she made it all the way down. I called her daughter. First thing i hear is, WHERE ARE YOU?? It seems they had been there and could not find us and had gone back home. Damn. I had to confess and mention how we had gone topside to wait. Again she said, STAY WHERE YOU ARE!!! Poor Julie, she and her cop hubby had packed up her two little ones and came into the city and...well, no nana, no auntie.

But hey , wait, her hubby is a cop!!!! He could`nt spot us sitting on the steps? Sis in Law was wearing a blaze red sweater and well, i was sitting on suit cases. Sheesh, we were the only two hicks around. We stayed where we were and watched alot of strange goings on. Finally, we were found. We sat quietly and listened to the lecture about how dangerous NYC was, we deserved it. We were good all the way back to Yonkers. And i have to say, I LOVE YONKERS, it is a city of over 1 million, but it felt and looked like a small town in the neighborhood we were staying at.

That`s all for now........see you tomarrow!

Two Hicks And Their Big Adventure

2008-12-28T22:11:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, My Sis-In-Law and I decided to go on a great adventure, we took a Greyhound to the Big Apple, you got it, NYC. It was a blast, and a trip that will never be forgotten, and always , ALWAYS makes me laugh still. Only two hicks could have so much fun on a Greyhound.

Looking back, it kinda-sorta reminds me of the Beverly Hillbillys minus the cash flow. Seriously, it does.

This is the list of things i learned on that big adventure.

1. Never bring fried chicken on your bus trip, honestly, people will stare at you, and spell out the word FREAK with their eyes. And, it smells up the entire bus.

2. Never allow Sis-In-Law to pack her own HUGE bag, it will weigh at least 200 pounds.

3. Friendships made on a Greyhound only last as long as your cigarettes hold out. So so shallow.

4. When Sis in Law is spotted falling OUT of the bus, pretend you never saw it, let the bus driver deal with, that`s why we pay him the big bucks. it works like a charm.

5. When Sis in Law falls inside of McDonalds, pretend it did`nt happen, just grab her bagged burger and fries while passing by and say, " See you on the bus." Totally ignore the kind helpful man being swatted away by said Sis In Law. THIS WORKS.

6. When nightfalls and it`s time to sleep on the bus and passenger in front of you is snoring, just gently but VERY firmly, press your knee into her seat and knee her. Sis In Law will stop her snoring, repeat as needed.

7. When confronted on a bus by a drug crazed man acting STRANGE, stay calm, trust Your bus driver to call police and have him removed from the bus. Never a dull moment when you travel Greyhound.

8. Just smile and pretend you don`t know the woman throwing a fit on the bus because there is nowhere to sit, follower her off the bus, shrug your shoulders and roll your eyes, insinuating to the people on the bus that yeah, ain`t she crazy? Wait to reprimand Sis In Law when you get off the bus.

That is pretty much most of the valuable lessons i learned on my two day Greyhound trip, but the fun did`nt end there, pulling into Port Authority Bus Depot in the wee hours of the morning were so so exciting and hysterical. I`ll tell you tomarrow!

Sweet dreams

Almond Tea Bread

2008-12-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

Those little loaves just came out of the oven, and i can`t wait untill they are cooled, i`m eating one. Their looks are deceiving, they look like just another loaf of desert bread, untill you bite into a slice.

The above pic is a little blurry, but this is the one i am saving for ME. These are Almond Tea Bread, and I promise, if you serve this to guests, they will love it and they will love you for them.

Almond Tea Bread

Cream together: 2- 1/4 C. Sugar

3 eggs

1- 1/8 C. oil

Sift together, and add to above mixture alternately with 1-1/2 c. milk

3 C. all purpose flour

1- 1/2 tsp. salt

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

Add: 1-1/2 Tbls. poppy seeds

1-1/1 tsp. pure almond flavoring

1-1/2 tsp. pure butter flavoring

1-1/2 tsp. pure vanilla

Beat 1-2 minutes

Pour into greased and floured bread pans

Bake at 350 for 40 to 45 minutes (do not overbake)

Remove from oven, and while still warm glaze with:

3/4 C sugar

1/4 C orange juice

1/2 tsp. each of almond, butter, and vanilla flavoring

This makes 5 small loaves

This bread goes so fast i usually make a double batch...........you`ll love it!

Popping In

2008-12-25T18:13:00.000-08:00

I hope Everyone had a fantastic Christmas, and that Santa was good to everyone, he sure was good to me, my kids spoiled me.....................again.

I just wanted to pop in and tell you to go over and check out http://huntersfishermenliars-skip.blogspot.com/ He posted the things that have been keeping him so busy for the last month. His project was a complete success, the kids loved them. Making them was alot of fun for him.

Take care all.........till we meet again!

From A Christmas Past

2008-12-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

My Camera does not do this picture justice.

This Santa is all done in cross stitch, it is 11"x14" and is matted and was put into a nice frame. I just hung it today and was thinking about all the work that had gone into this picture, all the hours sitting and cross stitching, and then to just give it away. Amazing.

My Sister Kathy made and gave me this picture years ago, and I cherish it. My sister is the most talented and crafty person i know, she does such beautiful work, i have always been so envious of her talent and patience, and i have always been one of the beneficiaries of that talent. I don`t know which is bigger, her amazing talent or her great generosity, they go hand in hand i think.

Almost everywhere i go in my house, there is a little something that will remind me of her. She passed down her crafty talent to her daughter Jettie, she also makes the most amazing things.

I just wanted to show you all a gorgeous christmas picture..........It makes me smile, i hope it will make you smile too.

Wow, Time Flys!

2008-12-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

Has it really been this long?????

Christmas is here already, and next friday all my kids and grandkids will be here! I am cleaning and cooking like crazy cuz, i ALWAYS wait till the last minute. I guess i work best under stress.

Skip and I have been so busy making fun stuff, i think skip plans on posting soon after this weekend, he wants to show off his creations, and lets face it, after Christmas, things slow way down in northern minnesota, so i have a feeling he`ll be getting back to his blog, and me too!

Anyway, i just wanted to say hi to everyone and let you know i`m not dead or anything!

Be Back Soon!

Fun In Wisconsin

2008-11-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

Well, all i can say about this guy, is that we were very limited on materials, we were rushed because Olivia did`nt like him from the get go.

Do you see how she is looking at him? It was instant delight, i later heard that she was very happy to see him removed and torn apart.

But, Playing in the leaves was a differant matter. At my house we are leaf deprived, so this was fun. Even Grandpa had to take a dip.

See the shoes at the bottom of the slide, guess who?

Yes, Olivia, the dare devil!

Here is the little ballarina, we had to take the picture fast before the teacher closed the door on us, apparently, mothers and grandmothers are a distraction. phfff

then Sadly, our time was over, and we had to leave. We had breakfast, and then goodbyes. It was a great time, and we already miss little miss Sassy Pants.

On The Road

2008-10-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

We are going away for a few days tomarrow, i am so excited! We will be staying with grandgirl, Princess O. I can`t wait to see her.

So, i`ll catch up on you when i return............have a fantastic week!

Sleepy Hollow

2008-10-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, my sister in law and i went to NYC, one of my favorite places was The Sleepy Hollow Cemetary. It is a beautiful place, but creepy at the same time. Perhaps that had to do with the story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. That is Washington Irvings grave, the author of the story. I don`t know what was creepier, the cemetary, or me, scooping a little grave yard dirt from His grave. Hmmmmm, i guess it would be me. But in my defense, it`s a great Halloween decoration.

We went in October, the leaves were changing, which helped with the atmosphere, not to mention it was close to Halloween, perfect time to visit this cemetary. This is The Old Dutch Church and old burial grounds. You`d never get me in this place after dark.

We spent a good deal of time reading the old tomb stones in the old part of the cemetary, so interesting. I just wish i had taken more pictures. Many of the stones were so worn they could not be read . The Mausoleums were extremely interesting, and again, really really spooky, each one a differant design. I know they still bury people in this cemetary but i don`t think i`d ever want to rest here, it would scare the bejeebies out of me, even dead.

The month of October always makes me remember this cemetary, and all the spooky feelings that went along with a walk through this old, cemetary. If you ever get to NYC, visit, you won`t be dissapointed. Just leave some dirt for the next guy.

A Secret Discovered

2008-10-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

I remember a story my Mother used to tell, of a time long ago, well, maybe it has`nt been all that long ago.

When my Mother was a little girl, around the age of seven which would have been in the year 1932 her Father was involved in unsavory activities. Of course, no one was suppose to know about those activities as they were kept very secret, untill my Mother came along that is.

My Grandfather had this old box, it`s contents were a secret, and was never intended for young eyes or any eyes for that matter. But, my Mother was a hmmmm........a brat, to put it mildly. And the word NO, never did sit right with her.

One night, my Mother, her Sisters, and Cousins were playing. My Mom, knowing she was not to get into her Fathers things, got into them anyway. She was alone when she found this big white outfit, that looked like a sheet, with a funny pointed hat.

She decided to put it on and scare her Sisters and Cousins. She came running at them, the white sheet trailing behind her. They ran screaming into the house. Well, My Grandfathers unsavory past was no longer a secret, it was out now.

My Family lived in a small farming community, My Grandfather was a farmer. Back then, you`d be hard pressed to find a black person living anywhere in that area, so who do you suppose they were KKKing about? The Catholics, who else could they bother?

When i was growing up there, i was always aware of the tension between Lutherans and Catholics, always. I don`t remember having any Catholic friends back then, I don`t remember ever being in the Catholic Church there.

Holy Hannah, then my Sister married a......a Catholic! That was just not done in my family. There was alot of arguments with the future Son In Law, but my Sister had made up Her mind, and she was married, in the Catholic Church! I can only imagine my parents uncomfortableness of the situation back then, oiy vey! I just remember Me crying, i`m not sure it was because My sister was leaving us, or because she had married a Catholic. lol My sister is 9 years older than i am, so i was young and impressionalble back then, although, i too married.............yes, you guessed, a Catholic! Me and My Sister, total rebels.

Anyway, back to the KKK. I don`t know if my Grandfather burned any crosses in any Catholics yards , or hung them in a tree, or gunned them down on the streets, that is something My Mother never found out, but i would guess to say, no they did`nt. Well, maybe a cross or two,

The reason i thought of this story tonight , is because, even though i know i should`nt, i was doing some reading on the internet. The McCain/Palin town Hall Lynchings, oops, i mean meetings reminded me of that white KKK outfit my Mother found all those years ago. I imagine at my Grandfathers meetings, speakers fired up their followers much in the same way McCain and Palin are doing today, Screams of " terrorist", "traitor", and "kill him" coming from their followers. Sad and Frightening how low the Republicans have stooped, I am embarrased for them.

1932 does`nt seem so long ago anymore.

Change

2008-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

That`s all I`m sayin

The Beast

2008-10-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

We thought it was so cute when we saw Flynn sitting on top his dog house, keeping watch over the neighborhood. But then the sway on his roof became very apparrent, skip would go out each day and fix it, put it back to normal. Flynn would sit on his doghouse, looking at the back door, just hoping he could catch a glimpse of His master. Some days, when the sun was bright, he`d drape himself across it, basking in the sunshine. Kinda like snoopy.

Then, he started re-arranging the possition of his house, This is`nt a light house, Skip attached 2x4`s on the bottom of the house last winter to keep it off the ground and out of the melting snow, we could`nt let his feet get wet could we? He likes angling it either towards our ally, for security reasons we assume, never know when a burgler, or female might come waltzing down the alley. Above it is positioned so that he can see our street infront of our house, Who knows what may lurk there. You can also see that he has almost ripped the entire front panel off his house, innocently of course. To move his house he must grab hold of the doorway and pull his house. Well, night after night of pulling, has resulted in this. Skip will again have to use his carpentry skills to fix this, vecause there is no way i am buying that pooch another house!

See the guilt on his face? His ears layed back? This is when we went out the other morning to view his destruction. Cute huh?

This Old House

2008-10-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

We have lived in this big old house for 24 years. It is drafty, creaky, spooky, and filled with memories, and i love it. It is`nt filled with memories from just my family, oh no, it is filled with memories that span more than 100 years.

I will never know all the memories this old house has held between it`s walls, but, over all the years i have lived here, i have found hints of memories of those people i have never known, people long dead.

Once cleaning out the basement, i opened an old box, stashed inside were two certificates, one was a baptizmal certificate, and one a confirmation. His Name was John, and He owned this house before us. He was already deceased by this time. They used to make these certificates very big and ornate, perfect for framing. Once, before i found these, his daughter was in town, and she always drove by her old home whenever she had the opportunity. One day, i was outside, and she stopped. We had a nice long chat, and she told me alot of stories about this house. I keep wishing she would stop in again so i could give her those certificates.

Today skip was fixing our old iron heater in the front porch , it weighs a ton, he had to take it out and get to the leak that had sprung. He lifted up one of the floor boards, and replaced a broken pipe, there between the floor board and the subfloor was a folded up paper, obviously used for insulation. It was yellowed, black from dirt on the top, and very brittle and wrinkled. I carefully unfolded it, ironed it, put on my magnifying glasses, and began reading. The date on the paper is sept 20, 1919. Above is a couple pictures of it. What a treasure! You could buy a sheet of music back then for 6 1/2 cents, and a pound of walnuts were 50 cents a pound.

I am still reading the paper, if is filled with stories. It makes me wonder, what other treasures this old house will give us in the years to come.

We had seriously thought of getting rid of this house a couple months ago, it is too big for us, too expensive to heat, so much work needs to be done on it, but, i just could`nt. So we started painting ............again.

This house is still known as the teachers house, when John and His wife had retired, there children moved out, they rented the bedroom upstairs to single female teachers. It was a law back then that female teachers could not be married. So, here is where many of them lived, for years. It is also still known but it`s original owners last name, maybe if we live her long enough, it will be known by our last name.

I raised my kids in this house, through good times and bad. I cried and laughed in this house. My heart was broken , and my heart burst with joy in this house. This is the place my kids and grandkids come home to. I love this old house, and i cannot imagine having my family come home to any place but this place. I keep remembering what Danibelle said to me a few years ago, " Grandma, i just love this house, it is filled with so many treasures." It sure is Danibelle.

Besides, i would`nt want to put my ghost through having to adjust to a new family, at his age.

Still Waiting

2008-09-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

See that knife up there? It`s my favorite knife, it`s been my favorite knife for 30 years.

You might ask, why is she writing a post about a stupid knife? Well, i`ll tell you why.

It has earned a place of honor in my home, besides, what survives 30 years without change? Save for the little melted spot on the handle, this knife is as sharp as it was the day i bought it.

Skip and I were at the mall, doing what young couples do at the mall, shopping till we dropped when we stumbled upon a display in the mall hall. A man was showing the amazing sharpness of these knives. It`s the knife that can cut a cow in half, was their advertizing motto. Well, who would`nt want a knife that can cut a cow in half? You never know when you might have to. I bought two. I gave one to my Mother, incase she, you know, found a cow.

When the kids were growing up, and i had lost my knife, or rather misplaced it, i`d ask, who took my knife that can cut a cow in half? Well, it always turned up, and i`d be all happy again. So this knife has always been known by that long name.

No cow has crossed my path in all these years, not one, nor did one ever cross paths with my Mother. So, i can`t swear that this knife will cut a cow in half, all i can say is, it has never failed me while cutting anything in half, and it is my favorite bread cutting knife, ahhh such clean edges it makes!

So i dedicate this blog to my favorite knife, and, of course, i am still waiting for that damn cow.

This Ones For Sulli

2008-09-26T07:03:00.000-07:00

Sulli asked a question in my comment section, i will try to answer. Is it true that Obama removed the flag from the outside of his campaign plane? Below is Obamas plane before the renovations. See the big flag? Perhaps when flying to dangerous countries this flag would stand out like a sore thumb and become one heck of a target? That was my first thought. This Is Obamas plane after renovations. See that little round red, white and blue thing on the tail? Kind of looks like a flag, kinda, but it is smaller, and not quite as noticible. I kind of like it.

Below is McCains campaign plane. Now, i know my eyes are`nt so good but, can anyone see anything resembling a flag on this plane?

As for Obama refusing to place his hand over his heart, well, it sounds rediculous, and no one can tell me why he refuses to, so, i don`t think i can believe that one.

A First For Me

2008-09-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well, i just did something i have never done in my life.

I went here tonight, http://simplynutmeg.com/ After reading Nutmegs post, i decided to volunteer for the Obama Campaign.

This really creeps me out when i say this, and trust me i don`t say this very often , but here goes. (gulps) I have been alive for over half a century, ( yuck, i just got goosebumps) in that half century, i have never felt so dissapointed, so fearful, and so utterly devastated by what our country has become in these last 8 years. The sorriest part of all of this is, i voted for bush, eight years ago, so i feel my share of responsibility and guilt for the state of our country.

My only excuse for voting for this man is..........i was menopausal at the time. I have been a life long Democrat, so, by doing such an insane thing, well, there is only that one excuse. But, now i`m over that, i`m sane again, well, somewhat, and ready for battle.

So, i followed Nutmegs links to volunteering and now i am just waiting for a call to duty. I strongly feel the need to do something no matter how small, for my childrens, and my grandchildrens futures.

Gosh, now i`m silently singing to myself, Onward Democratic Soldiers, Marching off to War..............I am so ready to serve! Are you?

German Apple Cake

2008-09-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

This is a delicious cake i stumbled upon when i was looking for apple recipes, and it is so good, i have made two of these cakes, they go very fast. It makes a large cake, and depending on your love of apples, you can use more apples than what is called for, or less.

You can see some of the apples in this picture, The only thing i changed in the original recipe, is that i added Cinnamon and Nutmeg, I can`t imagine apple anything without cinnamon and nutmeg, but the choice is yours. This recipe came from an old cookbook from the 60`s , called Homemakers Cookbook.

German Apple Cake

3 Cups Sugar

1/2 pound butter

2 eggs

1 Cup milk

dash of vanilla ( i used a tsp.)

4 Cups of flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

1 tsp. nutmeg (optional)

5 big apples, peeled, cored and sliced

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, beat. Stir in milk. flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well.

Put half the dough in a greased 9x 13x2 5/8 greased cake pan, add apples, cover apples with remaining dough, sprinkle the top with cinnamon and sugar, generously.

Bake at 350 for an hour and thirty minutes. This may vary, start checking cake afer an hour by sticking a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean, it`s done. This is wonderful warm from the oven and smothered with whipped cream, or served cold.

Does it get any easier than that?

Enjoy!

Apple Time

2008-09-21T21:20:00.001-07:00

Those apples above? They are`nt my apples, but mine looked alot like the red ones. I can`t show you my apples because, That man i am married too, deleted them off the camera. The neighbor called and asked if we wanted any apples, ummmmmmm YES was the reply. His tree was doing amazingly and they had taken all they could. So, Skip went over and brought 2 bags home. We began peeling, freezing, and baking immediately.

See that pie above? That is`nt my pie, cuz, well, you know the story, but this is exactly what my pie looked like. I don`t want to brag or anything, but, i make a mighty fine crust. You all know the secret to a great pie crust don`t you? Don`t mix with your hands, use a pastry cutter or fork and spoon. Warming the shortening makes for a tough crust. Anyway, the pie was delicious.

This pie above is *like* the pie top skip made for one of the pies. it turned out beautifully, i am too impatient to make this pie top. We gave this pie to his sister. We also made apple crisp, which is now in the freezer to consume at a later date. I will tell you about my German Apple Cake tomarrow..........scrumptious!

I hope those pies make your mouths water!

My Favorite Season

2008-09-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

Even though we wait, and we wait, and then we wait some more for spring to arrive up her in Northern Mn, And we truely enjoy our summers, there is really no better season than Fall for me. So yesterday, we went looking for it.

Everyday, we see more reds and golds and soon it will be absolutely gorgeous out side. These woods smelled of fall, soon the leaves will be crunching under our feet.

That Is Flynn, and his buddy Skip, Flynn loves these walks through the woods. He is in the process of being whistle trained, and this is where skip takes him for his training. Everytime the whistle blows, he comes running, knowing there is a little treat for when he comes. He has done great, but now he keeps us in his sight, just incase we blow the whistle, he won`t have far to run. Smart pooch that one.

Sprnkles of color. And that redheaded flash at the right bottom of the picture, i think Flynn was looking for a tree. He recently learned how to lift his leg, so, he`s gone a little bonkers with the trees.

This was a little path up a big hill. It is actually a 4-wheeler trail.

We sat here and rested a bit, once there used to be a house around this chimney, long long ago. But, is`nt the chimney pretty? It has turned it`self into a plant holder, it`s holding wild rose bushes.

So, this is where we went yesterday, we finally felt good enough to get out and about.

Ahead Of My Time

2008-09-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

I watched the Pamela Anderson Biography today. That`s what illness does to a person i guess.

Anyway, i was a Pamela Anderson wannabe way before there was a Pamela Anderson, about 46 years ago or so.

I wanted boobs, and i wanted them to be big, i was 8 ish.

Ok, so i did`nt go the the drastic measures Pamela did, we did`nt have silicone implants back then, so i went with the less drastic measure.................toilet paper.

My girlfriend Linda who lived across the street decided we wanted to look good for our bike ride. We confiscated our mothers bra, loaded it down with toilet paper, doned a nice tight fitting shirt, and went for our ride, up and down our street. We were`nt allowed to go any further.

But i remember the pride we felt that day. We rode our bikes with a straight back, our chests pushed out, heads held high. Up the street, down the street, over and over . Sunshine warm on our backs, boobies sticking out, almost like Pamela Andersons.

The one thing we did`nt count on, was my mother glancing out the window, to see her little girl flaunting................her new rack.

The party was over so fast, it made our heads spin. Forced to hand over our toilet paper, give back our bras, and grasp for an answer as to why we would do such a thing? After our scolding, we took to our bikes again but, our rides were never quite as hmmmm.......exhilerating as those few moments in the sun.

I should have known what was going to happen, it is`nt like it had been my first experience at being ..........well, whatever it was i was being. The same thing happened a couple years earlier when she glanced out the window and saw me twirling and twirling in my dress...........with no panties on.

yeah, i was a little minx.

The Culprit

2008-09-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Bailey had a little head cold. The usual stuff, stuffy nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat, aggravating cough.......we all felt so bad for her, we hugged and kissed on her...........

Then.

Her Mom got sick.

Then.

Her Sister got sick.

Then.

The Father got sick.

Then.

her Auntie got sick.

Then.

Her Grandma got sick. (Me)

Now, her Grandfather is sick.

So, i have been recuperating............and crocheting a rug. Gotta do something while i`m doing nothing.

Take care all, tis the season for colds.

Lets Celebrate

2008-09-04T21:07:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness the conventions are over, now onto the good stuff, the debates! It has been so long since i have been this excited over an election. I mean, lets face it, the past has had some pretty aweful choices for candidates.

I watched both Democratic and Republican Conventions, and i have to say, the Dems came out on top. Many of their speakers brought excitement. As for the Republicans, it seemed boring, and repetitive. Sarah Palin was the only excitement of the whole convention. She gave a great speech, but not great enough to sway me from Obama.

If i hear one more time how McCain was a POW, i will pull out my hair, and i don`t have that much hair, so that would be a really bad thing.

Anyway, see you at the debates!

Ho Hum

2008-09-03T18:19:00.001-07:00

So.

Why is the Republican National Convention, so boring?

And.

The bigger question is, why are there no black people at the convention? Ok, i take that back, after watching for 1 hour, i saw one black woman, and possibly a black man. I find this very odd.

Each night i was engrossed in the Democratic Convention, spellbound by the speakers, they blew me away. The speakers are boring me to tears. Skip suggested this was because, we are democrats, i thought about it, but no, that is`nt it. They jare ust simply bore me to tears. perhaps Sarah Palin will liven things up a bit.

More importantly, why are there no black people at this convention? The Democratic Convention there were many. I am just very curious about this, to me it is glaringly telling.

Ok, gotta run, Sarah will be on soon.

Out With The Old, In With The New

2008-08-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

I had a yard sale today, it went very well, and I will do it all over again tomarrow, several others went in on it with me. Let Me just say, I love going to sales much more than I love having one. So, after i closed up my sale, i went garage sailing.

This is what i could not resist. This home made wood, umm thing was $3, you can use it this way, or turn it upside down, i have not decided how i am going to use it, or where, all i know is, i had to have it.

My upstairs bathroom has lighthouses in it, One might think the bathroom might be an odd place for light houses but, it works . So when i saw this picture, well, first i talked her down from $5 to $2, i had to have it. I know which spot this will go.

Below is my " I am So excited!" find. Skip does`nt like it but, i love it, and it has a matching tv tray. I am trying this table out in my front porch, just trying it out mind you, it could end up anywhere. I paid $8 for this wicker table, and $5 for the tv type tray. It`s heavy, and very sturdy, and i just love it!

I also bought a sewing machine for $5, i don`t need another one but, i thought i should have a spare. No picture because, how boring it would be looking at an old sewing machine. Anyway, i just had to show you what i bought! And now being i sold a bunch of stuff, i have room for it!

Bothersome Matter

2008-08-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Buying locally. I have done a pretty good job of this for about 20 years. But in the last 6 months, the savings i have seen by not buying locally is staggering.

I was a firm believer in buying locally, staying within our tiny town as much as possible. Of course there are things we cannot buy locally, such as clothing and perscriptions. but we do have a grocery store, hardware store, gift shops, lumber company, diners, conveinience stores, gas stations, flower shop ocationally, and thank goodness, a funeral home. I`m not a clothes horse so the lack of clothing in tiny town does not bother me. Our basic needs are being met.

BUT the price differances are astronomical. For example, we started painting our house with locally bought paint. Then one day we were in walmart, 45 miles away, we needed primer, so we bought a gallon of Kilz 2. In tiny town, we pay $19.99 a gallon, at walmart, we paid $13.00. That is a $7.00 a gallon savings. Now, if we needed just one gallon of primer, it would be no big deal to pay that price in town. But, if we need 20 gallons, we will save $140.00 on just the primer! For a gallon of exterior white paint, we pay 26.00 a gallon in town, we bought paint out of town for $14.99, 20 gallons is a savings of $220.00.

Another example, for smaller items are , lets say i want a package of name brand cookies, and i usually do. In tiny town, i pay about $3.89, at walmart, i pay $2.50. Pretty much anything i buy out of town, i will save a dollor or more on most every item. All of these savings pay for the gas plus a meal out, if we so choose. I pay $9.99 for a cube of Diet Dew here, i pay $6.50 or less somewhere else. I am finding it very difficult to justify shopping in tiny town, yet, i feel guilty about it.

I understand that the prices will be higher in a smaller town, especially when things need to be shipped farther but, such dramatic differances? Also, i know walmart can get their products cheaper, because they buy more, but, these things still do not in my mind justify such a huge price differance.

So, today i am going shopping, out of town, not to walmart, but to another grocery store that is very closely priced to walmart. And i will go with guilt.

Should one feel guilty for not shopping locally just to save money? I am torn.

My Almost Finished Kitchen

2008-08-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

I have been working on my kitchen for the last couple of months, It seems like it is taking forever, because all i am doing is repainting. But, i am painting the cupboards, with oil base paint, it seems like a dumb decision now but, oil base paint holds up so much better. It does`nt help that every inch of this kitchen had to be repainted. The ceiling, the walls, the wainscotting, the trim, the doors.

So, here are a couple of my favorite areas in my kitchen. Below is my cooking area, do you see that little brown counter between the stove and fridge? That needs to be painted white yet, inside and out. That is the old color, yuck. What was i thinking? Maybe i was in the throws of menopause and i did`nt realize it would look like crap alone with dark marroon wainscotting, that is my excuse.

See that shelf? That funky little shelf. We have lived here for 23 years, i have been talking to Skip all these years about putting a shelf over the stove. Well, it never became a reality untill, about a month ago or so. I was just rambling one day, and happened to mention, now all i need is a shelf above that stove. Skip looked at me, said ok, went to his garage, and about an hour later, came in with that shelf. I was a little stunned to say the least.

The funky part about this shelf is, we once had an old upright piano, after the kids left, it spent it`s time being moved from room to room, i tried, but i could`nt give it away. It was`nt one of those pretty old ones, this was stained very dark, almost black and very plain. So, one day, i had Skip and the boy tear it apart. Skip saved all the wood, for whatever reason. Part of that old piano is the shelves , the sides were made by something else that once was, and are stained a nice green. I was going to paint the whole thing but the more i looked at it, the more i loved it just as it was. So, i finally have a shelf ! You rock Skip!

We love coffee, he loves Folgers, and i LOVE Folgers Vanilla Biscottie. That little brown jar on the top shelf holds mine. The rule is, whoever gets up first and makes coffe, gets to make their favorite. We gave our bunn coffee maker a place of it`s own. Meet my coffee corner. i just finished that little rug yesterday. Is`nt it cute? I love my coffee corner!

Soon i will be completly done with my kitchen and that will be a huge releif! Then i`ll show you the rest of my kitchen.

Untill then, happy sipping!

From Rags To Riches

2008-08-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

This is what i started with for this project, strips of fabric cut and rolled up into a bunch of balls. They don`t look very promising do they? I never know which balls i will use untill the project has been started. Oh, see that trunk those balls are on? I picked that up at a garage sale years ago. The old man who was selling it was in his late 70`s, came from finland with his mother when he was a boy, and this is the trunk they brought with them. He had painted it white and was using it for a tool box in his garage. He wanted $2 for it, can you believe that?

I have obviously chosen beige as my starting point. I love beige, that helps. Hmmmm, my quilt seems to be hanging a bit lopsided, i will remedy that soon.

I also love forest green, and many other shades of green, i`m a green freak. As you can clearly see, my *model* is not so much into fashion, and, he really can`t crochet a lick, but i needed his big strong hands, and he was game. Notice the remote , always by his side. I have used two rows of forest green, and now am chasing it with beige again. Do you know what this is yet?

I thought this gold would be a nice addition, what do you think?

Wow, that went fast! I`m done already! it`s a heart shaped rug, i have been making these for years, I`ve sold quite a few also, infact, i am considering selling them at a local craft fair brfore Christmas, we`ll see. I also make oval and round ones too, those are alot of fun too, and you`d be surprised how fast they work up. If Addy sees this post, she is going to remind me that i did promise to send her the instructions......one day. So there you have it, my rug!

Maybe now my son in law Scott will believe i actually make these rugs and not buy them as he thought last Christmas. Scott, do you? huh do you?

My Favorite Place

2008-08-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

The Chippewa used to called this lake Gitche Gumee, We call it Lake Superior. The North Shore of this lake is my favorite place. There is so much beauty , it takes Your breath away.We used to go there every year, it was Mine and Skips little get away place alone. We`d take one weekend during the summer, or fall, and as late as November, It did`nt matter when, it`s beauty was year round. It has been several years since we have been there, and i really do think it is time to make that little trip again soon.

The North Shore begins in Duluth, MN. My favorite place in Duluth is Canal Park. This light house is at Canal Park, it is a great place to stand and watch the ships and boats come in. Canal Park has wonderful shops, great dining places, a maritime museum, a boardwalk along the shore, and hundreds of seagulls. it is a very fun place to visit.

But the most interesting thing it has, is this lift bridge. This bridge was built during 1929-1930, it`s purpose was to connect Park Point to Canal Park, Park Point being a residential neighborhood, but a regular bridge would not do, because ships and boats had to be able to pass under it to get into the harbor. So C.P. Turner and Thomas F. McGilvry designed a lift bridge. The bridges maximum height is 227 feet, it`s length is 386 feet. This is the bridge when it is in the down position.

Below is the bridge lifting to allow a boat to pass under, the bridge does`nt always rise to it`s full height, it only lifts to the height needed to allow a peticular boat to pass. It is operated manually. Look closely and you can see a small boat passing under. When the bridge lifts, traffic from both directions stop and wait. This is Duluths biggest attraction.

After the stop at Canal Park, which never gets boring, it is off to the North Shore of this huge beautiful lake. Lake Superior is the coldest, deepest and highest in elevation of the Great Lakes, it is 350 miles long, and 160 mile wide, and has 2,980 miles of shoreline. There is alot to explore along this lake!

Speaking of cold, one unusually hot summer, we packed the kids in the car and headed for Lake Superior to go swimming. We are 90 miles from the lake, and the promise of cooler weather was too hard to resist. When we got to the lake, we all joined hands so we would not lose the kids, and tip toed into the lake, oh my gosh! Immediately our legs began to sting from the cold, and we could not stay in there longer than a couple minutes, as we were rushing out of the lake, mind you , we were still holding hands, a passerby looked at us and said, " you all look like a suicide pact!" I swear i heard him mumble " tourists!" It was the quickest dip we`d ever taken. Since then, we stay on the shore or rocks when we visit. Is`nt it beautiful?!
See those stones below? This is how the rocks wash up on shore, all rounded smooth, and flat. miles and miles of these stones. It is a great place for a rock hound.

Below is the Temperance River Gorge, it is stunning. But do not step too closely to the edge, it is dangerous, if you fall in, you will not come out alive. The water in this gorge is so forcefull it will spit you into the lake in a matter of minutes.

This pretty waterfall is the Cascade River Falls, everywhere you go along the North Shore is pictureque, for miles and miles.

Below is an Ore Boat, this is a common site on Lake Superior, these boats haul the ore that comes out of the Taconite Mines on the Iron Range in Northeaster Minnesota. The lake is filled with these boats.

And this spectacular site is The Split Rock Light House. One of several that can be found along the North Shore. These rocky cliff shores are plentiful, we once stayed a night in a cabin that was built right on the edge of a similar cliff. It was an amazing view.

These are just a few of the sites that keep bringing me back again and again. Everytime i go there, something new is discovered. If you ever get the opportunity, go there, see it, you won`t be dissapointed.

My First Blog Giveaway Win

2008-08-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

Not that i am bragging or anything, no no no, BUT, if you mosie on over to Noble Pigs website, you will see that i just won a book! The Food Snobs Dictionary, and i can`t wait to get it. Look to the side bar and just click on Noble Pig, that will take you there!

Are you all jealous or what?

And, something is wrong with my blogger, i can`t download pics, or ANYTHING. It may be my computer, i am going to check that out right now. I really wanted to do a post about my favorite place, Lake Superiors North Shore......so stay tuned!

One Down, Three to Go

2008-08-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

Three sides that is!

Whew, the front of the house i completely done, save for the porch floor, that is being saved untill next spring, it`s a big job.

I was a bundle of nerves as i sat on my bed looking out the window at Skip up on that ladder which was resting on the porch roof, as He painted the very peak. It was then that i decided he should not be the only one risking his life for the restoration of this big ole house. So i crawled out the bedroom window to hold the ladder for him. Well, not hold the ladder, but steady it while he was on it. That did`nt work out to good.

You see, i am a little bit afraid of heights. Heights make me dizzy. Heights make me want to grab on to something really tight and hold on for dear life. So i did. Only one problem, everytime i became dizzy, and grabbed tighter onto the ladder, Skip, the big baby , let out a yelp, like he was falling. sheesh. like i`d let him fall.

After some begging on his part, i finally crawled back through the window, which allowed him to finish painting. Guess he can`t hold onto a ladder for dear life and paint at the same time. I did`nt know that.

I went back to bed sitting and watching the ladder. Ready to spring into action should it begin to slip from the roof. I`m a good wife that way.

See this floor? I love this old floor. I am hoping we can reuse these old boards when we redo the under belly of the porch next spring. I want to keep everything i can as original as possible. See that round wooden table? I picked that up at a garage sale a couple years ago, i am going to paint it, as soon as i decide the colors. I think it will look darling. Skip and i play yahtzee on that table in the evenings when the weather has cooled. I`m currantly on a winning streak.

Today i made seat cushions for the wicker love seat and the one chair, not completely satisfied with the fabric, but, for now it will do. I also gave the wicker a coat of white paint. I have been very busy.

Anyway, that is the progress on the house so far........it won`t be finished this summer, i am hoping it will be by the end of next summer.

Till next time.......adios!

Crazy Times

2008-08-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

I used to laugh when i listened to my Mother and Mother In Law talk about how it was when they were having their babies. To me, it sounded so rediculous, and old fashioned.

When They were in labor, they were given chloreform, ether and gas. Sounds a little like over kill does`nt it? They were totally knocked out and had to wait to regain consciousness before they knew what they had given birth to. Their hospital stays were about 10 days, give or take a day or two. Once they had given birth, it was several days before they were allowed to dangle Their feet, imagine that, dangle Their feet from the bed! Giving birth was time consuming to say the least.

Now, years later, 35 years after i first gave birth, i`m not laughing so much, it`s my kids who think those days were rediculously old fashioned. they cringe when i tell them how drinking while pregnant was not bad for babies then. Or so we thought.

I gave birth to 4 babies. I have never had an ultra sound, nor have i had an epidural, the only thing remotely related to pain killers, was one hypo i had one time with my firstborn. That pretty much just relaxed me enough to take the labor pains away so i could start all over again, which is why i only had one.

It seems so strange when i look back at those times now. Like it was a differant planet.

I remember the morning after i had given birth to my first baby, i was laying in bed, the baby was in a little bassinet across the room, when Dr. Walker walked in to examine me, he was holding a lit cigarrette. You could`nt find a NO SMOKING sign back then if your life depended on it. The oddest thing was, we thought nothing of seeing a Dr doing his rounds with a cigarette in his hand.

But, God forbid if a relative tried to walk into my room. No Allowed. My parents, and Inlaws had to stand outside the window of my room to see the baby. She was born in Febuary, it was a little chilly looking in!

Then, when it was time to leave the hospital, the nurse carried the baby to the car, and handed her to me, into my arms, there were no car seats. Off we drove.

We raised 4 kids and never owned a car seat. We have been so incredibly lucky with our kids.

My, How times have changed.............Thank God.

Dog Gone Bad Day

2008-08-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

That seemingly innocent pooch was a terror on my last day of blueberry picking. And it made me wonder if he would ever be able to be my blueberry side kick.

Our day has started out well enough, we had done some painting on the house and decided to go berry picking, so Skip, Flynn and i piled into the rusty roller, pail and bug dope in hand. The sun was shining, it was a glorious day. The berries were starting to dry up and this would be the last day of picking for me.

Flynn and i started picking, ok, flynn did`nt pick, he followed me and watched me pick, then mosied off into the woods, i knew he was`nt far away. Skip was sitting in the truck box whittling a piece of diamond willow. Little did we know, our perfect day was about to end.

A truck pulls up next to ours, and a local from town gets out with her pail in hand, just then i hear Skip yell, "Is Flynn with you?" I look around, and yell," Flynn?" Mistake number one, Skips mistake was not asking Penny to sit in her truck untill we get our dog.

Flynn, he`s a big one. He is 60 pounds of rambunctious puppy, who has very few social skills at the moment. Poor unsuspecting Penny, with her picking basket in hand, is suddenly standing next to me just as Flynn comes bounding out of the woods at full speed, i instantly start to sweat and panic, knowing no good will come of this. You see, Flynn thinks everyone loves him to death, and surely is as happy to see him, as he is to see.......anyone.

I brace myself, and inch closer to penny, knowing Flynn is going right for her. He slams into her, almost knocking her off her feet, and jumps up on her. I try to grab hold of his collor and at the same time i yell, " SKIP BRING HIS LEASH!!" I can`t get ahold of Flynn because in his excitement, he is jumping up and down on penny, and lovingly putting his mouth around pennys hand and arms. I glance at skip up the hill calmly talking to pennys husband and i scream again, "SKIP BRING THE LEASH!!!"

Finally, i get Flynn down on the ground, basically by throwing myself on him, right smack dab in the middle of a blueberry patch! And i scream, "SKIP BRING HIS LEASH!!!" as i start dragging him up the little hill, all the while he`s fighting me trying to love on penny some more.

FINALLY, Skip notices, and comes with his leash. Skip drags Flynn to the rusty roller and puts him inside, Penny comes walking to the truck with blood dripping down her arms. We pour water over her arms and apologize embarrassingly. I just wanted to choke Flynn.

Skip takes Flynn home, by the time he gets back, Penny and her husband have left to go to bluer pastures, and my blueberry picking was over, i was so upset about what had happened, i had lost heart with the picking.

Later on in the afternoon, we went over to Pennys house to see how she was. Flynn was grounded to his kennel.

Penny was a trooper about the whole incident, and again we apologized and then got a better look at her wounds. On her left arm there was the bigger cut, where flynn had his mouth around her arm, and when she pulled her arm away, his teeth opened her flesh. On her right arm, was a scratch from his nail. Uhhhgggg, i got mad all over again!

Poor big ole baby flynn, he does`nt mean to hurt anyone, he does`nt bite, he just likes having arms , legs, fingers in his mouth, and he does`nt realize how big and strong he is, cuz, he`s still a baby. And we can`t seem to make him understand that he is just to big to be jumping and nibbling on people.

And to Pennys credit, she was extremely understanding and kind towards flynn. Ya gotta love a small town. They have very good people in them.

So now, we try harder to be one step ahead of Flynn and count the days untill he..........matures and learns.

Blueberry Lust

2008-08-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

The Husband, the dog and i were out at the blueberry patch at 7:30 this morning. This bowl full of Blueberries is what i picked in two hours. Not bad!

Skip goes with me, but does not pick berries, instead he cuts down diamond willow sticks, then takes them to the truck, and peels the bark off of them, preparing them to be made into.....things.

Flynn the pooch, comes alone for excersize, and protecting me from rabbits and squirls, and hopefully bears. He loves romping through the woods, stopping occationally to eat a few berries off a bush, the pooch is crazy for blueberries.

I hope to get out one more time, and that should do it for the berries, i will have enough to last the winter. Muffins, crisps, pancakes, and whatever else i think up, such a treat during the long long winter.

The Olden Days

2008-08-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother Louise was Norwegian through and through, she came from a large family of ten, five sisters, and two brothers. I don`t remember much of the brothers, but the sisters, many memories.

There was, Auntie Thea, Auntie Ella, Auntie Laura, Auntie Frida, and Auntie Amelia. Auntie Laura i knew the least. All of them were quite beefy and bosomy except for Auntie Thea, she was the smallest one. The funny thing about them was, they were born right here in the USA, but they all pronounced the word thumb, as tumb. Throughout their lives, the sisters stayed close.

My most delicious memories of them were summer memories, the yearly family reunion. The brothers larence and Thomas , even showed up for that. Every year, it was held in a pie shaped park in my home town in Southern Mn, a small farming community. These Aunts all had five and six kids between them, except for my grandmother, she had only three, and all of those kids had kids, so you can imagine, that little park was near bursting with Norwegians, many of them having funny names, such as, Ludvig, Selmer, Hans, Severin and Olloff.

When the cars pulled up to the curb, piles of kids got out of those cars, not carrying games and toys to keep them busy, all they came with was themselves, and imagination. We played and played with just each other, for hours and hours. We played Red Rover and Simon Says, and we ate and ate.

I remember these matriarchs in their cotton dresses, thier aprons tied under their heavy breasts, sitting clustered around each other catching up on family news, holding plates ladened with food. Their hair up in tight buns at the back of their heads, except my grandmother, i don`t ever remember her with a bun. She must have been the rebel of the bunch.

There was food everywhere, oh the food! Everything was made from scratch back then, everything was pretty much organic and home grown. Fried chicken, potato salads, cakes, bars, baked beans, corn on the cob, breads and buns. I don`t believe i have had fried chicken like that since i was a young child. These women could cook!

This was forty-five, fifty years ago, a differant time and place. The Sisters are gone now, most of their children are gone, and some of their grandchildren. There is no one left to say tumb. The family reunion has dwindled to almost becoming extinct, and life has changed drastically since those days so long ago.

But one thing remains of those sisters, their inner strength, i saw it in my mother and her sisters, i see it in my cousins, and i see it in my daughters, that tough Norwegian stock.

But would`nt you know? Not a one of us can fry chicken like they did. Nuts

My Little Experiment

2008-08-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Everytime I go to the grocery store, I literally gasp at the prices, they are rising so fast that there is always something new that has increased in price since i last bought it.

Even though we are seeing a decrease in gas prices, it is small comfort, i really doubt we will see them drop to what they were before all the craziness started. This craziness is what has inspired me to do something about the rising costs, even though it is a small change, it is a change non the less. Baby steps. I am have been experimenting.

For the last 3 weeks or so, i have been unplugging stuff. It is a rather pesty thing to do, especially with the television, but i am determined, and have already seen a big differance in the electric bill.

About 6 weeks ago, we brought a HD Flat Screen TV into the house, one night i was talking to my sister who also has one. She told me that she unplugs hers every night because these televisions use 3 times the electricity than the old ones.

So, i started unplugging mine, which is a pain because i also unplug the cable box, it loses the tv guide for an hour or so everytime it is unplugged, so we never know what is airing when we sit down to watch it. I unplug the microwave, the toaster, the upstairs tv and cable box, the Cd player, the computer, and anything else i find plugged in that we don`t need at the moment.

Did you know that most everything electrical draws electricity even when it is`nt turned on or being used? Well, it does. Before i started unplugging, i`d lay in bed envisioning the electric meter turning and turning all night long. Do i need a life or what? It started bothering me.

The electric bill arrived. Last month my electric bill was $60.00. The month before it was $119.00. Whoa! Now, i don`t know if that big drop was due to my incessant unplugging, but it had to have helped quite a bit. So, i am continuing this unplugging experiment and anxiously await the next bill.

Think of all the expensive gas I can buy now with my electricity savings!

So I Cheated

2008-08-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

I can admit that, i cheat............ so spank me.

I woke up this morning and dived right into cleaning, washing clothers, dusting, sweeping, the usual stuff, i even worked up a sweat thinking i had to hurry, hurry ,hurry, because company would be here around noonish.

Then I thought, hmmm, I really should have something to go with coffee, so I looked and searched, and found a pre-made graham cracker crust, and a box of cheesecake jello pudding mix. (instant.....of course)

I mixed up the pudding, poured it into the crust, and stuck it in the refridgerator. Then thought it looked very plain. I dived into my blueberry stash in the freezer and made a thick blueberry sauce with sugar and corn starch.

This is what became of the pie, it looks very yummy, and if that company ever gets here, i`ll be able to tell you how scrumptious it is.

Skip and i were hungry, we had been to busy to eat breakfast soooooooooooo....

We brunched on plain bagles spread with cream cheese, a layer of left over blueberry sauce, and a smidgeon of kiwi. Oh My God, it was delitious! Even Skip loved it and he is`nt much on fufu foods. But look, does`nt it look divine

So, i cheated and did`nt need to, as you can see, i had plenty of time to make something completely homemade but, i think that pie is going to be so good, i will sleep tonight without a guilty conscious!

And, i had time to blog!

Tis The Season

2008-08-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Season!

It has been awhile since I have posted, so this is the reason, I am a picken and a cleanin them.
And, we are getting company on Saturday, our oldest friends, the Tolvanens are coming for a short visit. So, it has been a little busy around here lately.

I called Deb the other night and told her to be prepared to pick, they used to live up here near us but now live in central WI. She has`nt been picking for quite a few years, so she is thrilled. Exciting hmmm? Get company and put them to work!

So, see you next week!

Playtime on the Tub

2008-07-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Olivia feeding Flynn gold fish, notice the beautifully polished toes and fingers.

Three little monkeys sitting on the porch.

Tub Time!

It was a very windy day on the lake, We were sprayed by waves, and poor Bailey was trying to stay dry.

Captain Adam above

And first mate Skip, Do those two look alike or am i seeing double?

Mom and Olivia

She was unsure of this ride, once was enough

But not for these two

Brrrrrrrrrrrr it is cold when you get out!

Floaties

All in all, a great day had by all!

The House

2008-07-24T05:22:00.001-07:00

This is our Big ole house, And it is sorely in need of paint, or siding. We have been torn as to what to do with it.

This house is about a hundred years old, and not much has been changed in it over all those years, we have tried to keep it as it was. This is our dilema.It makes more sense to side it with vinyl siding and be done with it but, then our house would look like everyone elses in town, not to mention the same color, as siding only has a limited array of colors.

We decided to do the less wiser approach, we`ll spend a couple years scraping, painting and replacing the boards in horrible shape. We`ll keep our house looking, ummmm old.In a little over a week, we have accomplished priming and painting the front porch. Next summer this wonderful porch will get a new floor. next week, we will be moving up, above the porch.

The funny thing was, yesterday morning while sitting on the porch having my favorite Folgers Vanilla Biscottie coffee, we had decided the wiser choice, siding it, when a big new gold cadilac pulled up infront of the house. A man got out of the car came up to skip and said, " I am so happy to see you restoring this house rather than slapping up vinyl siding, so many old homes in town have fallen to the vinyl trend." He has 3 old houses in town that he is restoring. he also offered his help if we run into a big bull work problem. This is what i love about small towns, we had never seen this man before, but he offered to help.

So, anyway, we are going to do the long and grueling task of painting this monstrosity............because we love this house. (when we are hanging from the roof edges with a scraper in our hands, we may not.)

The Princess Arrives Tomarrow

2008-07-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

I heard she has requested hundreds of cookies............so guess what i am doing tomarrow morning?

Tomarrow i`ll show you what we have been doing all week, well, besides baking cookies!

I hate these things

2008-07-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

These blood sucking pesty biting creatures are called sand flies, or no see ums. I hate them, of course, i think anyone who has to put up with them most likely does, or......they are kinky.

It was around 8ish last night when they found me outside doing some yard work, then they attacked. Viciously. After about 10 minutes, i went into the house and already had a lumpy forehead. I was bitten 3 times. These bites swell and become lumps. By morning, the lumps were pretty much gone, and all that was left was little red bite marks.

I hate bats too but i understand they have a purpose. They eat those ugly things ubove. But a sand flie? What are they good for? I can find no reason why they were put on this earth. Obviously, the bats are sloughing off around here, because we are having a bumper crop of sand flies.

I catagorize them with wood ticks. We don`t need them, get rid of them, i want to spray the world with insecticides to make the world a safer place to live.

Princess Olivias World

2008-07-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, in a tiny Kingdom far far away, lived a little princess. Princess Olivia was her name. She was a happy beautiful princess, her days spent in princess training, and making sure her little Kingdom was perfect.

Often times, her public duties took her out of the kingdom. It was required that she attend Parades. As she walked by her public, they gasped and were heard saying, "oh what a lovely Princess." Olivia would raise her hand, and as any royalty would, She`d wave with her little hand raised, and turning from side to side, all could see she had been born to be a Princess. The king, in the white tank top, stood close by making sure his princess was safe from the masses. He likes doubling as a body gaurd.

Of course, even princess`s have friends, who have each other over for play dates at their Kingdoms. Here Olivia spend the day with Princess Brielle. The maid and butler standing by at all times should they request something.

the Birthday of a Princess is a big deal in the Kingdom, so they threw her a ball, and everyone who was anyone attended. The King and Queen were so proud of their Princess.

But then one day, when the Queen had summoned the Princess for some quality time, the princess made a terrible mistake. She told the Queen, that she was not as beautiful as Princess Ivys Mother, because, and this is an exact quote, " You don`t wear beautiful dresses like Ivys Mom." Well, the Queen gasped.

And then the wicked Queen put the little princess to work. The little Princess was being punished. Made to paint the kingdoms toyal deck.

And if that was`nt bad enough, she was forced to wash the dishes after Royal Dinners. It did not take long before the little princess learned to never ever tell the queen that she was not as pretty as another queen. Poor poor little princess.

Then Tomarrow came, and it was a new day in the Kingdom. Here is the stable boy teaching the princess how to ride horse. That is something one should know if one is going to be a princess.

After riding lessons, The two little princess got into thier commoners clothing and drove off into the sunset, trying desperately to avoid the paparazzi.

It`s Been Alot of Years

2008-07-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

36, (I thought it was 37, but who`s counting) years ago this morning Skip and I were married, as My Mother In Law always says, where has the time gone.

Bluberry Picking Time!

2008-07-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

Time To check my blueberry patch!

I am crossing my fingers that we have another bumper year like last year!

Where, Oh Where Have You Gone Dear John?

2008-07-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

That is`nt John.

John, that probably is`nt even his name, but it is the name i gave him about 23 years ago. John is our ghost, and he`s gone missing.

We moved into this big old house 23 years ago with our 4, then young kids. It was`nt long after that we discovered we were a family of 7, rather than 6.

It all started innocently enough. Occationally the strong smell of cherry pipe tobacco in the front porch, Shades snapping up, then being pulled back down. Noise in the middle upstairs bedroom, when i was home alone. Lights turning off. You know, your every day usual hauntings.

My Girls were scardy cats, so i had to eventually take the shades down from their bedroom windows. They were the old fashioned kind on rollers, you`d tug on them and they`d snap up. Well, they worked great, but, the girls did`nt think it was funny when it was`nt them doing the snapping, so down they came.

The upstairs middle bedroom seemed to be the room with the most activity. Some days when the kids were in school and i was alone in the house, it sounded as if kids were jumping on the bed then onto the floor. I`d go up there and check to see what was going on, and i`d find nothing. Eventually, i`d just roll my eyes and yell up the stairs to quiet down. He never did though.

Sarah was the one most freaked out by John. She spent the night once when Danika was about 2 years old. Our bedroom was downstairs at the time, right next to the stairway. Skip was working midnights, and i was in my bed reading when i heard her flying down the stairs, she burst into my bedroom holding a sleepy Danika, and asked, "can`t you hear that?" "Hear what?" i asked. She was all nutso when she said, "someone is walking up and down the stairs!!" She then tossed Danika in my bed and she slept on the couch. It did`nt bother me, John was harmless.

But then one night.

Danika and I were having one of our sleep overs, or girls night like we used to call it, she was about 3 at the time. We`d buy goodies, our favorite being those gummy strawberries, and we`d lay in bed munching away, gabbing about, anything that came to mind. Her and i were alone that night, Grandpa was working the night shift again.

She got up out of bed and went to the doorway, i did`nt pay much attention to it, untill i noticed her staring out into the dining room, staring at a mirrored coat rack. I asked her what she was staring at, and she replied, i`m looking at that man in the mirror grandma. Well.

I jumped out of bed, glanced at the mirror and saw nothing, grabbed her, slammed the door shut, like that is going to stop a ghost, and we jumped into bed with the covers tight around us. The hair on the back of my neck standing up and my heart racing while i tried to act normal. I did`nt want to scare her, one of us had to keep our minds straight.

That is the one and only time i have been scared in my house. It was a very long night.

Well, the kids have moved out, and it has been a couple years since i have heard or smelled john, and i have to say, i miss him. I keep listening for signs of him, but none come. I think he got depressed when the kids moved out, like , what`s the point in staying now? No one to scare. Unless...............

Unless he left and moved in with one of the kids...........

NEWS FLASH

2008-07-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

I have just learned that our Nephew and Your Cousin Chris Pratts new movie is : WANTED with Angeline Jolie............the one they are running previews on tv now! It will be coming out on june 27th!

I also heard through the grapevine that he is showing some ...........ass in the movie, the naughty boy! Eh, Hollywood!

Check this out!

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/chris-pratt-wanted--wanted-movie-red-carpet/3148307456

Nightmare on 2nd Street

2008-07-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

Who could resist that face? Those green eyes, that red hair! Well, obviously we could`nt, cuz we brought him home, with thoughts of , trusted protector, mans best friend, unconditional love, won`t this be fun? dancing through our heads.Our children had flown the coop, we had no responsibilities to speak of, lots of play time with the grandkids, lots of time to devote to a puppy, and just think of the cuddling hours with a puppy during the cold winters to come. So this happened. We took Flynn ( who everyone says is a dumb name for a dog by the way, but i love it.) And Adam took his brother Rex. Flynn is the one in the forefront. Are`nt they the sweetest?

Flynn has so far grown into this, he is 6 months old, did i mention he was born on Christmas Day? Myself, being such a huge Christmas person thought, how perfect is that? I had to have him. A Christmas Dog! He`ll look so cute under all my Christmas Trees! As you can see, he looks a little annoyed in this picture, i woke him from his morning nap to take his picture.

Well, now that reality has sunk in, i often find myself thinking, WHAT DID WE DO????? This is my most recent flynn injury, about 4 days old. Flynn is playful, and big, and he needs a pedicure really really bad. I saw him coming at me at top speed, i knew this would not be good, his ears were flapping in the wind, grinning like a fool, then bang, he jumped on me and i cried.

Then there is the litter box, for nappy the black cat. Flynn seems to think of it as the forbidden fruit. Every chance he gets, he runs to it, grabs a turd, and snarfs that sucker down quicker that you can say, GET OUT OF THAT CAT BOX!!! It`s a constant battle keeping turds out of his mouth, as you can see in this picture, i got him to drop it before he could devour it. ( chalk one up for the Mistress of the house!)

Walking in the yard NEVER used to be trecherous, it is now. Here is just one of many holes flynn has dug in the yard, just because.........he can, That one looks like a little upside down heart, he is very artistic.

We also have the continuing battle between brother and sister. Flynn loves standing over nappy to stress upon her that HE is Da Boss. That she can handle, she does`nt mind at all, you know cats, rarely does anything bother them. And i think she secretly likes playing the submissive role.

Untill this happens, and her body becomes his chew toy. Usually she can be seen with her head in his mouth. It is that muffled cry that makes me come running, this happens throughout the day, untill finally i lock his live toy up in a room. She owes me big time.

See that little dead brown thing laying on the floor with it`s guts spilled everywhere? It used to be a cute little stuffed bear. We have quite a stuffed toy cemetary now. Bears, Monkeys, Puppies, and it just keeps on growing.

Below is our back step and house, well, flynns been eating it. The husband just fixed a few spots that were missing, i`m sure..........there will be many more spots to come. So, flynn is literally eating us out of house and home. What were we thinking when we brought this devil dog home?????

But then..............there are the moments like this, where he looks like an angel puppy, curled up with his one ear missing, nose gone favorite stuffed pup. I see him like this, and hope is restored.........for about an hour. yeah, he`ll turn out to be all we imagined him to be that one crazy day when i said, lets take him.

About the Previous Post...........

2008-07-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

Nevermind............Just forget i said anyone was coming, put it out of your mind, it was just a dream. They did`nt make it, their truck was acting up so they turned around and went back home. Spose i`ll have to eventually get to the other half of my floor. (sighs)

I am sad they could`nt make it, cuz you know, they were bringing steaks!

If your seeing this addy, that was a joke, really........i swear, it was. I did`nt care about the steaks, truly i did`nt.

New Week, New Visitors

2008-07-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

The Holiday has passed, the house is quiet, and we are getting ready for more visitors.

The man of the house is fixing a bad board on the back step, i have washed half of the kitchen floor, ( yes, you heard right, half) a cake is being thought up in my head, ( yes, just thought up) and a grocery list is being mentally written out.

So, as you can tell, i am in no way ready for these visitors.

My Sister in Law, and her significant other are as we speak, driving the long highway from Montana to Minnesota, infact, they are probably in Minnesota as i write. They are arriving a little earlier than SHE SAID. Which of course has totally thrown me off because, i am a wait till the last minute kinda gal. My strategy today is, they will stop off at her sisters house first, which will give me extra time. My strategies are almost always wrong. oh well

It has been a couple of years, maybe 3 since we`ve seen Addy, so we are excited that she is coming. Her and i have had alot of fun times over the years, infact, she is the sis in law with the dead cat Alice. I hope i don`t start laughing when i see her now that the memory is so fresh in my mind. Her and i have done some crazy things , laugh till you pee crazy. Remind me to tell you one day about our trip to New York City, ok?

Anyway, i have to run, the other half of the kitchen floor is calling my name.....well, more like screaming.........WASH ME!

Toodles everyone!

A Happy 4th Of July!

2008-07-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

The Parade started at 11 this morning, and here is the best part of the parade if your a kid, candy diving. Tylen and Alyssa anxiously awaiting the next round of candy diving.

Yes! he got some!

My favorite parts of the parade are the marching bands, absolutely love them, and those kids!

Tylen did`nt much care for the clown, but Alyssa loved him. The clowns name is Chimpy, he`s been a clown for as long as we`ve lived here. 20+ years. He`s Also a great unicyclist.

This is my Beautiful Daughter in law Jo relaxing on the front porch after the parade.

Alyssa coming home with her candy stash, and Tylen below with his candy and beads, they had a blast at the parade. The free hotdogs after the parade were the icing on the cake for Tylen. Yum Yum!

Tonight was the Best fireworks that i can remember, and Tylen was in awe of them, it was his first fireworks display. We started off on Main street, might have been a little wild for the kids but, i guess most 4ths are. First, a drunken man tried to get Allison to dance and she turned him down, he grabbed hold of Danika for a dance, scared her bad, and her uncle stepped in and told him Firmly, lay off. Shortly after that, he was taken away by the coppers. Then as we were standing waiting for the fireworks to begin, a young man came racing towards us running and slammed into allison who was manning Baileys stroller, i yelled HEYYYYYYYYYYY, as he flew past us. Had i seen the copper chasing behind him giving chase, i would have stuck my foot out and tripped the man. They did chase him down but it took a Tazer gun to drop him. So, the kids will go home tomarrow with lots of stories, and Tylen did assure me that he would stop if a copper told him to. During the last 15 minutes of the fireworks, we thought it would be cool to walk home under them, being we are only a block off main street. It was great, the kids loved it, we finished them off sitting in the grass in our yard. A good time was had by all.

Sadly, Danika and Tylen have to leave tomarrow. I will miss them, but they will be leaving with some good memories, ( except for danikas lost cell phone, dang it) And they will leave us with wonderful memories.

Hope you all had a fantastic 4th!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2008-07-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

Great Grandma turned 81 this morning, i have a feeling skip and the grandkids will be going to visit her today. She`ll love that! This is her with her two boys, Skippy and Danny.

Par-Tayyyyyy On The Tub

2008-06-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

The Grandkids have arrived! And as You can tell, the fishing was pretty good, Tylens first catch of the day, and one of a few of Adams Catches.

Alyssa Was doing her own thing, catching fish scales in a bottle. No, it is`nt a bottle of urine. It`s our lovely lake water color.

Danika was chilling and enjoying the scenery, unaware of what was about to happen.

Her Brother Tylen took over the driving.

Even Though he had *issues* with his Grandfather driving the car with one hand on the way home, You know, saftey issues, he was caught red handed driving......with one hand!

He looks pretty cocky here does`nt he? Again, one hand on the wheel.

We stopped in at Potato Island, why it is called Potato Island is beyond me, it should be named Gull Island, or Gull Poop Rock, but it is`nt. You can see the island below, nothing but a big rock loaded with seagulls and their babies, not one lousy Potato on it either. But we had a blast feeding the gulls bread and popcorn.

Below is Bailey, the youngest crew member, she had to wear this scarf because she breaks out from the sun and i could not find her bonnet. She looks like a russian baby does`nt she? She was thinking about getting fussy here.

Then she decided, eh, what the heck, i`m gonna laugh!

Is`nt Danika pretty?This is me and the Munchkins.

We had a blast today on Adams Tub......

Fantastic July

2008-06-28T22:44:00.001-07:00

I am anxiously awaiting for July to begin, which it is going to starting Monday.

Monday, we are taking Grandaughter Alyssa with us to pick up Grandaughter Danika, and Grandson Tylen who are coming to stay for a few days. Alyssa is so excited to see her cousins she is ready to burst, not to mention her Auntie Sarah, who is delivering the kids half way.

We have a few plans already, and by Monday night, i am sure there will be many more, but for now, fishing is definately in the cards, tylen is shinning up his fishing rod and can`t wait to start reeling in those walleyes. I am sure when Grandpa and Tylen hit the lake for a guy day, Danika and i are going to sneak away for lunch at the casino, our lunch choices are very limited around this neck of the woods, but, we love eating there so we don`t mind.

Uncle Adam has a big big boat that we all plan to hop onto so we can cruise the lake together, for sure we will be cruising by Potato Island to see the hundreds of seagulls and all threr babies. I`ll make lots of popcorn to feed them.

On July 24th, my Grandaughter Olivia is coming to visit, she is bringing her mom Rebecca with for a couple days. New plans for that weekend are in the making. She`d like her grandma to buy a green dress so she can be beautiful too, maybe i just will, one i can twirl in. Olivia is my sassy lassy, and a barrel of laughs. Hmmm, sassy, cute nickname.

Anyway, I am all excited for July! Let the fun begin! Par-tayyyyyyyy at grandmas!

Happy Birthday!

2008-06-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

Officially June 13th, was this Mother and Daughters Birthdays, Mom turned 30, and little Daughter turned 3. They celebrated today with a big party, sad to say, i had to miss it.

So, Happy Birthday Rebecca and Olivia!!!

Alice Does`nt Live Here Anymore

2008-06-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my sister in law Jane last night on the phone, our conversation led to our black cats, we both have one, we both did not want one, and we both have daughters who sort of kinda just dropped them off at our houses stating various reasons why they could no longer keep them. My Cat Miss Kitty, has ended up being our dog Flynns chew toy, and Janes cat Baby, poops in her potted plants. This conversation led to the time several years ago when Skip and i visited his sister Addy and her cat Alice.

Before i retell this story, let me just clarify a couple things, i don`t like dead things, and i am not particularily fond of cats. I don`t touch dead things, i get other people to touch them for me, and if Miss Kitty packed her bags and said, "i`m getting the hell out of this joint, " i`d give her $20 bucks and mumble, keep in touch .

Having said that, picture this. Skip and I, with a bag of Subway subs in our hands, settle onto the couch, Addy is sitting across from us on a chair, and Alice is laying under a coffee table on the floor next to Addy. We are about 8 feet across from Addy and Alice. I pass out the subs and we start to chomp and chat away.

It was`nt long before i noticed that Alice was`nt her usual self, normally she`d be sniffing skips shoes, or climbing in back of us nawing on my head, today she was so quiet and still. I mentioned it to Addy, who proceeds to tell us that Alice has`nt been feeling well the last few days, and she`s been very sluggish. Oh, ok i think, that explains it. Onto the sub! Gosh i love them things.

After about an hour and a half, the food long gone and thoughts of getting on our way home enter my mind, but i glance again at Alice and , i say, " This is really weird Addy, Alice has`nt moved a muscle or even blinked." Addy, being the caring cat owner and lover she is, reaches down to pet poor sick little Alice. Then lets out a scream, " Alice is dead!!!" Then she starts to shudder with the heebie jeebies, it`s the dead animal thing getting to her.

Being the caring sensitive favorite sister in law that i am, I want to fall to the floor and roll with laughter. But, i stiffle it, i want to be caring and sensitive , do you all know how hard it is to do that? This laugh growing in the pit of your gut and you have to squelch it. Very difficult indeed. But i did it.....for a bit. So i shake my head sadly and say, poor poor Alice. I said that a few times.

One has to wonder how long Alice had been *gone*. I don`t know the time table for riger mortis but, she was pretty dang stiff. I watch Forensic Science shows, they are one of my favorite tv watches, so i would have to guesstimate, 4-6 hours.

Skip, our hero, gets a big garbage bag and puts poor dead Alice in the bag and takes her outside. And poor distraught Addy, is left to wonder why, how, could she not notice a dead cat laying on the living room floor, for hours , and i`m wondering the very same thing. The urge to laugh in the meantime is getting stronger, and it is becoming painful keeping the sad look on my face.

Skip comes into the living room, and i could not hold it in any longer, i mean, i feel bad that poor Alice has died but oh my gosh, i split a gut, tears rolling down my face, laughing so hard i think i might pee myself, and then Skip is laughing, and then Addy is laughing. Years later, i am still laughing.

Now please, don`t think that i am insensitive to pet death, i`m not. But, the situation was hysterical . Were we so hungry we blocked the non movement out? Or were we just dumb?

I`ll leave that for you dear readers to figure out.

Oh The Smell!!

2008-06-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

As i was chasing down the delinquent pooch this evening, I had to walk through 3 yards to retrieve him. Each yard had a lilac bush, and the fragrance was spectacular.

Lilacs are my absolute favorite flower, it is just a shame they are here for such a short time. But for that short time, my house is filled with their smells. I gather several large bouquets and strategically place them around the house so that i can smell them everywhere i go. Not to mention their beauty alone is worth having them everywhere.

I must confess, i am a lilac stealer, i sneak lilacs off the neighbors trees.......when no one is looking. I will be doing that in about 2 days.

I feel better for confessing now. Enjoy your lilacs people!

For The Love Of Books

2008-06-05T22:17:00.001-07:00

The Boxcar Kids were my first book love. Imagine my surprise when scouring the internet for a picture, i find these books are still being written! Of course, the ones i read were the original, and much simpler, but then, i was reading about them over 40 years ago. The boxcar kids were poor little orphan children living in an abandoned boxcar. They are the ones who inspired my life long love for books, and my imagination. How i wanted to be a box car kid back then, living in that little red train car, living the adventures they had, answering to no one, ahhh, what a life. But, now that i`m all growed up, i realize no one wants to be an orphan forced to live in a old abandoned boxcar. Duh.

The Boxcar Kids led me to The Little House on The Prairie. I read every book, and with each book, the more i wanted to be Laura, with a Ma and Pa like hers. I wanted to live in that little house in the big woods so badly. I wanted to wear those long dresses and bonnets! Many many hours i spent with my nose in these books, putting myself in Lauras place. Later, after i had a my first daughter, i came across a dress, just like the ones laura wore, with a bonnet, and i bought it and dressed my poor daughter in it.....in a sad attempt to have my own little laura ingalls. Sheesh. I just might have to read those books again one day.

Then came my Pilgrim and anything old New England stage. I wanted to be a pilgrim girl, tapping papa`s maple trees, sitting at the fire on a cold winter night watching mother knit me a new wook scarf by candle light. Playing in the forest and spotting an injun, running home breathlessly to tell papa. Ahhh what a life. I still have a facination with the Old New England, i think i always will. When i get to New England, first stop..........The Mayflower!

And those books led me to my witch stage. This has been my longest stage, i am a witch wannabe. Ever see the movie, Practical Magic? I LOVE that movie, i want to be one of the old aunts, and live in that house. Real bad. I have Tarro Cards, i have a spell book, i have graveyard dirt, I have the witches almanac, I even have the black cat, but sadly, i have no wand, nor the vintage clothes all witches wear. I remain, just a wannabe, destined to live my one day a year as a witch on Halloween, and waiting for another good witch book to come out. *sighs*

I have no new witch book at the moment, i am currantly reading something totally differant than i have ever read before, it is called, The Pillars of the Earth, which is a great read by the way.

Which book are you reading right now?

Sweet Adeline

2008-06-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

That little lady has been My Mother-In-Law for almost 36 years. We are going to visit her this afternoon.

She used to have a tiny little house in Parkville. This little house was`nt much as far as houses go, and it needed a world of improvements , but she loved that house so much, it was her half acre of heaven. She and her husband Don, raised four kids in that tiny two bedroom house.

Her name is Adeline, She and I did`nt have the best start on a relationship when i first married her son, but after the first few years of my marriage, we began to grow closer. We put aside our differances, and began to really like each other, then it grew into love but most importantly, it grew into a mutual respect for each other.

Adeline married an older man, she was just 18, and Don was about 36, quite an age differance. She became a widow in her 40`s. She never remarried, would not even consider such a thing. Don was her husband, then and forever. After he died, she picked up the peices and took care of herself, and that little house without help from anyone.

Adelines best days were when her kids and grandkids came to visit, and we did that often. Some days we spent our time there playing Kanasta, she was a Kanasta freak, and she`d cheat, she was nortorious for her cheating. Did`nt matter if she was playing against adults or her grandchildren, if the opportunity arose, she`d cheat. Some nights we`d play table up, we`d sit around the table, palms down, and ask the spirits to raise the table, they did quite often too. Then there were days we`d just sit out on her swing sipping coffee. But always, no matter what we were there for, she`d be in her glory fixing us a little something to eat. That woman could make a big meal out of nothing, that always amazed me about her.

My Mother in Law no longer lives in that little house in Parkville, in fact, the little house is now gone, torn down years ago. It`s very sad driving by and seeing it gone. We don`t drive by very often. Life has changed drastically for her and for the family who loves her.

That little lady above lives in a home for people with ahlzeimers and dimentia. Adeline has dimentia. When we go there, we talk about the old days because she cannot remember the recent past. When we visit her, she has forgotten we were there 5 minutes after we have left. We have come home only to answer the phone and have her tell us she has not seen us in forever and when are we coming to visit? Somedays, she wakes up confused and does`nt know how she got there, she`s been there 4 years.

Our rolls have been reversed, she is now childlike, and we are the adults. Conversations are exactly the same now for ever visit. I often wonder what it must be like waking up and having not one memory from yesterday. it seems to me it would be like waking up in a black hole. Nothing there.

But, somethings have not changed. her happiest days are still when her family comes to visit, she still has her funny personality, and on her good days, you can almost forget about all the things that have been taken from her by this disease. She lives now literally in the moment, so today we are going to go and give her a few happy moments...........and bring her some smokes, she has`nt forgotten that!!

I feel kind of freaky, cuz, it`s unnatural to like your mother in law, but i always have.

My Indiana Jones

2008-05-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

I Love Love Love this man.

Mr Speedy and I went to the new Indiana Jones Movie tonight, it was a fun movie, and i only had to tell Mr Speedy once to slow down on the way home from the movie. A good night had by all.

Harrison Ford..........he could have stood staring at the camera and not said a word for the entire movie and i would have been just as pleased cuz, lets face it, not only is he the sexiest man around, but he`s also a nice guy. Well, i`ve never met him personaly, but i just know he is.

I probably would have been married to him had Calista Flockhart not FORCED herself into his life. So, now i have to wait until that relationship goes south. But, i`ll wait, and wait and wait.

Untill then, i am currantly looking for an indiana jones hat for Mr Speedy, and a leather jacket. He wants this as much as i do. if i find these things, i am going to change his name to Indy.

Anyway, This was a good movie, i`d go see it again, and most likley will when it comes out on video. I`ll buy it. I`ll keep it forever and ever, along with the other Indy Movies.

I`m even going to name my next boy child Indiana Jones.

Rain

2008-05-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

I don`t know why i did`nt take advantage of this perfect rainy gloomy day.

Today was a great day to curl up on the couch with cups of hot steaming coffee, a couple of great movies, and a munchie or two. But, we did`nt do that.

So what did we do you ask? Well, we burned a half a tank of gas going to walmart to get my perscription, and a bolt of some sort for Mr Speedys Boss.

The Pharmacy was closed, of course. And Walmart did`nt have this bolt of some sort. So we ended up drowning our sorrows at subway. Very yummy i might add.

I Regret this Walmart decision.

If you had rain, i hope you made the RIGHT decision today.

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend is here, officially, the start of summer vacations, but most importantly, to remember those who have passed before us, and for all those soldiers who have fought and died for our country. Those for whom this Holiday is dedicated to.

These are the ones i am thinking about this Memorial Weekend.

My Mom, Ethel--- A strong, opinionated, independant woman. She could definately take care of herself. Her sympathies always went to the underdog. Jeffery dahlmer, *that poor boy* were her exact words, i said, *mom, he eats people.* She said he was misunderstood. Oj Simson, * he is so handsome he could`nt have butchered his wife.* We went round and round about that one.
This woman loved to argue, most was in fun, but it did`nt matter if it were a man, a woman, or a child, if she could lure you into an argument, she was in her glory. Her love for her family was strong, and there was`nt anything she would`nt do for them, even though many times, we did`nt deserve her loyalty. I miss her.

My Father, Leroy----He was Much quieter than my Mother. His passions were fishing and hunting. He was a carpenter by trade, he built alot of houses in his day. If we wanted something, we went to dad, he was the easy target, and we did`nt have to argue our point with him like we did with mom. When he first met skip, the next morning i asked him what he thought of him. Dad said, * i think you fell into the deep end of the frying pan with this one.* Funny, because in the end, skip and my dad were as close as any son and father, they loved and respected each other. A couple years ago, i asked skip if he could bring anyone back for just one day, who would it be? His answer was , my dad. My dad was a good man. I miss him.

My Grandma and Grandpa. She was the strong silent type. Grandpa wore the pants in the family, and both of them gave us grandchildren wonderful memories of them when they were on the farm. Some days i get a wiff of something sweet, and it is the smell of grandma making nectar for us, that`s what it was called back then, nector. Todays sad version is Koolaid. Grandpas rule was that every sunday, all three of his girls and their kids better be on the farm for a family dinner, and we all were, every sunday. Me and my cousins grew up as close as sisters and brothers, and that was because of my grandparents. Looking back, that farm and those two people gave me some of my happiest memories. I am so grateful i had them.

My Brother Mark. I think of him often. I look at his son Ben, and see so much of my brother in him. It`s amazing how much the two of them are alike, in looks and manner. He was tall, had long legs, and his nickname in high school was Spider, mine was Legs. Guess we were built pretty much alike. I was closest to mark growing up. His death, never leaves me. Mark Was a Vietnam Veteran.

My Father in Law Don. I only knew Don a short while, He passed away about 3 years into my marriage. He died shortly after our son Adam was born. He was very tall and big, and had a booming voice. You did`nt want to get into an argument when he and His brother Fred were together, that`s for sure. I did that once and only once! He absolutely adored my daughter Sarah, he was so loving and gently with her, and called her Princess. She was only 3 when he died, so it is sad that they don`t have memories of their grandpa. Don had a special place in my heart, he was the only one in skips family who was happy we were getting married. ( it`s a long story!) He was in the hospital in Minneapolis and we stopped in to see him the day we were married. Don was also a WWII Veteran.

My Uncle Dale. He was one of the funniest man i knew, although i did`nt realize this untill i was an adult. When i was a kid, i spent alot of time at his house with my cousins, and mostly i remember him holloring MARGEEEEEEEEEEE do something with these kids. He never scolded us, he got my aunt to do that. He was my dads best friend. He was tall and skinny and had this pot belly, he`d lift up his t-shirt and puff out that belly and make us laugh when we were kids........and adults. He could make me laugh till i cried.

My Great Uncle Herbie. To me he looked like Mr Magoo. In his later years he went blind, and his eyes were always squinted like mr magoos. We`d have to give him a hug when we went to visit, and he`d know who we were basically by feeling us up. Weird but true. He was kind of the harmless dirty old man in our family. Even their priest had to reprimand him for feeling up the ladies at church. But, we knew herbie well, and other than having to put up with his hands and bumps and grinds , he was pretty cool. He was the family santa claus, had been since i was a tiny little girl. He was also a WWI Veteran. He lived into his 90`s .

Well, those are who i have thought about this memorial weekend, along with all the soldiers from wars past and present, and their families. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend, take care, and drive safely.

Spooked

2008-05-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

Well, blogger is`nt allowing me to put my bat picture up, but who can blame them, who wants to see nasty bats anyway. I`ll try tomarrow.

Mr. Speedy and I came home late from the casino tonight, not late as in time, but late as in bat flying time. I usually try to get into the house by dusk, i did`nt tonight, and i did see a bat, so up went the hood, and i raced into the house before one could tangle itself in my hair. They do that you know.

When i was a young girl, every saturday was spent with my cousins in their darkened living room watching those old black and white scary movies. Vampires, Werewolves, Frankenstein, you name it, we watched it. I suspect that is the reason for my extreme phobia with bats. I can think of no other reason.

When we were`nt watching scary movies, we were holed up in my cousins walk in closet, in pitch black darkness doing sceances, but those are another future blog.

So now spring is finally here in Minnesota, and i begin timing my activities around dusk and dawn, kind of like.............a vampire!

So, who would have thought that i would end up in a little town that houses approxiately 3-4 thousand bats? What a cruel trick of fate. But i did. You see, we have an underground mine in the area. It is`nt a working mine anymore, but it is filled with scientists doing tests on the minerals down there.

People come from all around the world to take the tour that brings you deep into the bowels of the mine, most people enjoy it very much, it`s interesting, it`s differant. I have never been down there. NEVER will. It is home to these little brown bats that are protected, because this area is the only area anywhere that has these little brown evil creatures.

Spring and summer, they can be found on the sides of buildings , swooping through your yard, and often swooping through your houses. Rarely in my house though, i have my house bat proofed and take every precaution to keep them out.

Anyway, it is bat season, and i am a very nervous camper. I need Dr Phil big time.

Enjoy your summer everyone.............during the daylight hours.

They Do A Heart Good

2008-05-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

I started having these kiddos when i was a mere 18 years old. The one above is Sarah, my firstborn. I was a child, raising a baby, with the help of Mr Speedy of course, he was an older man of 24 at the time. Sarah used to be shy, real shy, at 2, i took her to the dr, for a cold. He had to listen to her chest, so i started taking off her shirt, as he had asked. She grabbed hold of that shirt, looked up at me and said, " I don`t want Docrr waaaker (walker) to see my boobies." Dr Walker smiled and explained that he had seen many many boobies, i had to confirm that. She did take off her shirt. She is`nt shy anymore, and by that i don`t mean she runs around showing anyone who will look her boobies.

Even though i was so young, i instinctively knew She would be the greatest accomplishment of my life. Sarah is 35 now, I scratch my head sometimes in amazement when i think of what that tiny beautiful baby girl grew into. I suppose me and her father had a little to do with how she turned out, but Sarah had the most to do with it. She grew up to be extremely independant, a strong woman, talented, down to earth, a huntress,( she won`t like that word, too girly girly i think) a fisherwoman, a great mom, and a wonderful caring daughter, and sister. I take so much pleasure knowing she is living at this moment, the happiest time in her life. Our country girl. I am very proud of her.

And then there is our son. Our second born. Adam, he`s never liked his name, but oh well, too late now. Adam is 32. This one was a challenge when he was little. The problem was, he was alot smarter than his parents, but, in the end, we survived.

Adam is a Macho kind of guy on the outside, but on the inside, He is a softy, and always there to lend a hand when one of His sisters need him, or His mom and dad. When he was 8ish, i was real real worried he`d lean towards a life of crime, we had moved from the country to town, and the lure of candy was great, so he`d pilfer my wallet, and buy candy, but he was always generous and would share with friends. My sister once told me, " It is impossible for a mother to turn her kids into the coppers." Not this mother. He was 8 when i turned him in for pilfering that wallet of mine. The copper came over, took adam out to the garage and explained to him what a life of crime would be like, as his grandmother and myself sat looking through the window crying. Adam always respected a uniform, and he listened to that copper, and turned his life around. hehe

Adam has grown to be a responsible, hard working , crime free son, i am very very proud of him. He is alot like is dad in many ways, and probably his dad had much to do with Adam turning out so good. Well, except for the crime free part, that was all me!

This one is Rebecca, her Father named her. She is our third kiddo. the handsome devil next to her is her hubby Scott. Rebecca is going to turn 30 in june. As you can see, she grew up to be an elf.

Rebecca is my blonde so to speak. She says the funniest damn things, even when she is`nt trying to be funny. She is also our closest thing to a neat freak that we have, and she did`nt get that from me. Since she was little, she was the one to keep her room clean, she took care of her clothes, when you asked her to do something for you, like dishes for instance, she was the one who stepped up first. This was probably not real nice to do, but when she was about 10 or so, I`d say, awee bec, you are our cinderella, always cleaning up after everyone, and her father would pipe in, poor poor cinderella. Suddenly tears would roll down her cheeks , i guess she was feelin a little sorry for herself. We`d chuckle. It was so cute. As of yet, she has`nt sought out a shrink for that fun little thing we used to do.

Rebecca grew up to be very independant also, a very strong woman , with a big heart, and even though she lives in the country, unlike her older sister, she is at heart ,a city girl, with a great sense of humor. Proud as punch of this one too

This one is my baby. She is a member of the A-team, the name her sisters give her and her brother. Her name is Allison. Adam-Allison, get it? A-Team. Allison is the strong silent type, she takes afer her great grandmother Louise on my side of the family.

Since Allison was little, we did`nt always know what was going on with her , she was never one to come home and say, "guess what happened in school today?" No, she never did that. I either had to pry things out of her, or hear it from her siblings or teachers. She is still that way today, and she is ummmm 28. Like the other night? Her and her sister in law Jo went to see the Thunder Down Under. I asked allison, did you have a good time? Answer, "yeah, it was fun." Jo told me all about it.

Allison grew up to be a very straight forward woman, if you ask her something, she will give you a straight answer, even if it is something you don`t want to hear. Very honest. If i asked her, " how do i look in this micro mini skirt ally?" She will tell me....."like crap mom." And you know that is exactly how you look!
I wish i were more like that. She also marches to her own drum,She always has, and if someone does`nt like that drum, too bad. I wish i were more like that. I`m very proud of this baby.

In the end, we have four great kids, yes, they still bicker amongst themselves occationally, they still do things we don`t always approve of, and most likely always will. Thank Goodness. But, when the going gets tough, those 4 come running to help us and each other. they are uniquely differant, and so much alike. I love you kiddos!!

Thunder Down Under

2008-05-10T18:59:00.001-07:00

This is what i`m missing tonight. Or not.

They are this years entertainment for women this opening fishing season. For all the women who`s husbands have left them for the Great Walleye. Such a treat for those women!

My Daughter Allison and Daughter in Law Jo are at this minute anxiously awaiting for these handsome men to come out on stage. I hope they have a blast.

I suppose i am now really over the hill, A few years ago, i would have been right there in the front row a yipping and a yaying with the best of them. But, not so much anymore. And really, think of these handsome sexy men, do they really need to see a 50 something woman screaming at them to drop their shorts? I don`t think so, talk about bursting ones bubble.

So, here i sit, putting a pizza in for me and the Mr. Leaving the yipping and the yaying to the young.............and hoping they know how to do it right!

I did remind the girls to bring lots of dollor bills!

Tranquil Beauty And Fun Fun Fun

2008-05-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

Here In Minnesota it is opening fishing weekend, and the tranquility of this beautiful lake will be lost in the midst of boat motors and excited fishermen. This years opener will be a little more interesting, there is still quite a bit of ice on the majority of the lake. I don`t recall a time when we had ice this late in May.

This is Lake Vermilion, it`s a big lake, but not big enough on this first fishing weekend. Usually, you can practically cross the lake by jumping from boat to boat, and i am not exaggerating. Fishermen come from all over to spend the weekend on this lake, and who can blame them?

Friends of ours used to have a cabin along the lake, we spent alot of time there. One summer day we went there to go jet skiing. They lived in a little bay. There were several other people out there waiting their turn on the jet ski, the Mr was driving and i was riding on the back. He decided to be funny and made a sharp turn, and of course, i went tumbling off. Have you ever tried to climb back up onto a jet ski? It is`nt easy. So, hubby suggested i hold onto the back and he`d tow me in, like a beached whale. And that`s what we did, except we did`nt count on the water pressure coming out the back and those huge bubbles that tore my one peice swimming suit off of me. yeah, i was naked. Ever try to get into a swimming suit, in the middle of a lake? I don`t recommend it. But, the onlookers where having a blast watching me. It`s really hard keeping your boobies under water.

These loons of course can blame them. they are very shy, and become upset when they are disturbed. They are a protected bird, so most people show them respect when they come across them. I live a mile from the lake but some nights, you can hear the loons calling on the lake. It is a very haunting sound, beautiful, and once you hear it, you`ll never forget it. Soon, they will be giving birth, what a site to see those little babies riding on their mothers back.

Years ago, my father was walking along the shore, he saw a loon floating some feet from him, he saw that the loon was in distress. He started talking to the loon in a soft gentle voice, telling it to come closer, that he would help him. My father was astonished when the loon began drifting closer to him. Dad kept talking and talking to him. The loon came so close that my dad was able to bend down and hold it still while he took the fishing line that was wrapped around it`s mouth off. Dad let go, and the loon quietly swam away, grateful i am sure. That was such odd behavior for a loon, that my dad had a big write up in the local newspaper. My dad never forgot that experience.

After the busy summer winds down on this gorgeous lake, we are graced with a spectacular send off before the snow starts to fly. Fall. I don`t have to explain, as this picture says it all

This is a great place to be!
.

Angel Baby Riley Ann

2008-05-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

This was the last time we saw our 6th Grandaughter Riley Ann Alive. She was born still on Febuary 10th, 2008.

Riley Is my youngest daughter Allisons first baby, my babys baby.

On Febuary 6th, allison went in for a routine Dr. appointment, there she was told there was`nt a heatbeat. An ultrasound confirmed that the baby had died. Our lives came crashing down around us. Allison was sent home. When she got home, her father and i went to her home, while i hugged and cried with her, i felt that baby pressing against me, and it broke my heart.

Allisons two sisters came home to be with her and share her grief, and her brother did all he could to help her. Mike, little Rileys Daddy, never left allisons side. On Febuary 10th, allison delivered little Riley, and her family was there by her side, we slept at the hospital, we cried, and we cried.

It has been several months since Rileys death, but there is`nt a day that goes by that i don`t think of Riley, of Allison and Mike. Of the little angel we won`t see grow up. Of the dreams lost, and of all the broken hearts that love her.

Riley died from a defective placenta.

We miss you angel baby, forever.

Average Breasted Lutheran

2008-05-05T20:58:00.001-07:00

The above Church is called St. Pauls German Lutheran Church and Prochial School, and is located in the town i was born in, St. James Mn, a small farming community, in the very southern part of the state. I attended that school untill i was about 11 years old.

Back then the School was not attached to the Church as it is now to the right of the Church. Then it sat to the left of the Church and was a big Square two story building, with two rooms, one downstairs, and one upstairs. The school housed K-8th grades. The younger grades downstairs, the higher grades upstairs. That was the school i was in when we were told John F Kennedy had been assasinated. I remember that day clearly.

Every Morning we said the Pledge of allegiance, Prayers, and we memerized The Ten Comandments, The Apostles Creed, Bible Stories, and all the rest that goes with Church. I absolutely hated memerizing, but, it was a do or die thing back then. I did.

My father was a carpenter, so when i was 11, we moved to New Ulm Mn, about 45 miles away, my dad had to go where the work was.

I was then put Into this Church and Prochial School. Would`nt you know, it had the same name. St. Pauls Lutheran Church and Prochial School.

Back then, the school sat kitty corner and across the street from the church. It was much bigger than my previous school, so i was thrilled, The one thing i never got over was, us Lutherans did`nt have school uniforms.

I was so jealous of the Catholic kids dressed in their plaid uniforms. I had to walk to school everyday, and everyday i passed the Catholic Church and Prochial School. All those cute plaid skirts, white button down shirts, knee highs, just irked me.

Maybe it was the uniforms that had me a tad facinated about that huge Catholic Church i passed everyday, and across the street from that, was the huge , slightly dreary Nuns living quarters and School. The rumor in the Lutheran school was, up in the towers of that building, the nuns brought their unwanted babies there to die. We were such wicked gossips.

One day, me and a friend were walking home from school, passing the huge mysterious Catholic Church. I guess the devil, or perhaps the jealousy got to me that day when i told my friend, we were going in. The look on her face, all i can describe it as, was terror.

We walked up all those steps, she was following closely behind me. We slowly opened those huge doors and slipped inside. It was dark and scary, our eyes were big as saucers. We peered into the holy water near the door, and as if in spite, i dipped my hand into the water and splashed it onto the floor. That was when fear took over and we high tailed it out of there before we had been caught by some mean nun. Our hearts were beating so hard as we ran down all those cement steps.

I have always wondered why they had uniforms and us Lutherans did`nt. But perhaps we got our revenge during gym. I am quite certain, they never got to do breast excersizes, the we must, we must, we must increase our bust. I can see us girls out there now in the old parking lot, going through the motions. But, i am constantly reminded, those exercises were a waste of time, they did`nt work.

Why did Lutherans want their little girls to have big boobs??????? I guess that is a bigger mystery than the uniforms.

Happy May Day

2008-05-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

The First Day of May is May Day!

Long ago, when i was a child, May Day was a pretty big thing, today, one rarely if ever hears anyone say, Happy May Day, let alone deliver May Baskets to special people.

My Mother helped us make the may baskets out of cup cake paper holders, for the basket, and pipe cleaners for the handles. They were pretty flimsy, but all they had to do was get to the people we wanted to give them to.

We`d attach the differant colored pipe cleaners to the cup cake papers, shape the handle, and fill them with peanuts and mints. I remember us kids being very excited while we filled them, we could`nt wait to deliver them.

Mom would line the tiny baskets up on a cookie sheet, there were usually a couple dozen of them. Then one by one, us kids would take a couple and go about distributing them to people in the neighborhood. We`d come back, grab a couple more and off we`d go again. We would beam at the smiles and thank yous we`d get.

Such a sweet simple May Day Tradition and i am guilty of letting it fade into the past. Maybe next year.

Happy May Day Everyone!

My Simple Pleasure

2008-04-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

One of my greatest pleasure is line dried sheets. If you have never line dried clothing, you must try this with your bed sheets. It`s amazing.

But of course, there are other things you must do before you climb beneith these fresh smelling sheets tonight. . You must also line dry your pajamas, this is a must. No, i won`t take no for an answer. You must do this.

Then, there is the long luxurious bath tonight. I use lavender bubbles, Lavender is very soothing, and it smells wonderful. a candle, any candle will do. Music, tonight i will probably listen to Kenny G, he is soft and relaxing. Do not forget to turn out the lights and put your DO NOT DISTURB sign out on the bathroom door, then slip benieth what will feel like heaven to you, the scented hot water. Lay back and watch the steam rise and listen to your favorite music.

The reason i am bringing this all up is because for the first time since last fall, i am preparing for my special bath tonight. My sheets and pj`s are drying on the line, and i am making plans for my bath tonight. Yes, you heard right, PLANS.

This is a special occation for me, the first official sign of spring, fresh sheets that smell like heaven when you climb under them. It will be intoxicating tonight. I will lay there and simply just beathe. So of course, the rest of me must be clean and fresh too

I never pampered myself in this way when the kids were young, i never appreciated some of these pleasures in life. I was too busy. Now, that i am older and wiser, i do, and i relish them. I feel like a rejuvenated woman when i emerge from my sanctuary.

If i can just enlighten one young deserving woman.............hehe

Just Call Me Blonde

2008-04-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

I don`t really know why i am starting a blog, other than the fact that many members of my family have blogs and they have gotten me addicted to reading blogs. So what the hell, if you can`t beat em, join em. So, here i am!

When i was young, i always heard the phrase, *The Good Ole Days* it used to make me roll my eyes, after all, what could be better than the days i was living now? Many many years later, that life i was living then, is now the good old days, and i am POSITIVE, my kids roll their eyes when they hear it.

Anyway, after that deep thought, something lighter is needed, i am a blonde, over the years my blondness has darkened, due to pregnancy and age i suspect. I have always been blonde, i will die a blonde. ok, that was a lie, i went red one day, for one day. When i looked in the mirror, Bozo the clown stared back, and i had to get most of my hair cut off, then wait till the strawberry blonde wore off. That was a real bad hair day. The sad truth about old blondes is, they don`t gray well, none i have seen anyway. If my hair turned that gorgous silver you sometimes see, i would never ever invest my money ( or Mr Speedy) in clairol. It is my misfortune that Miss Clairol will be with me to the end.

So, this is why you can call me blondie, or bottle blondie, whichever.

I don`t want to bore you , especially not on the first entry, so i will end now, and pick up tomarrow.