The end of a 20+ year era...
I have worked in a pediatric setting since Nov 1987.

Yesterday was my last day in the pediatric clinic where I worked. This is a real faith journey God is taking me on...in the words of a Newsboys song: "Lord, I don't know where all this is going, or how it all turns out. Lead me in peace that will pass understanding, a peace beyond all doubt."
Above is a picture of my co-worker and friend for the past 7 years. Kristi is Britt's age...but we don't notice the age difference...well, maybe she does. (Notice Kevin's artwork that he designed and painted of cartoon characters on the background wall. The patients love it.)

These 2 ladies share something equally precious to each of them.


We happen to share grandchildren! And we live very far from them...but they are very near to our hearts. But Sherry and I have so much fun when we get together. Thursday we chatted away, then went to lunch, then Sherry tried on glass frames (she looks really cute in mine) and we found some that really made her "pop". She looks beautiful!

It's Sunday morning and I asked Kevin if I could try to get a photo of us...as we don't have a decent one of us recently.
This one still isn't great but...


...it's the best I could get for now. Kevin maxes out after 2 attempts. I'd better not push it for now.

Kevin Bacon????

Surely someone knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows
Kevin Bacon who knows someone who knows someone who has been searching all over for the vintage 1964 Amana refrigerator and Amana Radarange/stove set in harvest gold, all in working condition. The photos of the cinnamon rolls posted in a previous post were baked in this ancient oven.
(Can we use our personal blog for a personal classified? Hmmm...I think so.)

Yesterday was a beautiful midwest fall day. Kevin heard a whoosh sound and looked out the door...this is what he found.

Hey, Ethan, Kaylin, Krystin, and Renae!


Grandpa is hard at work assembling something fun for you to enjoy next time you come to visit us!




Ta Da!!! A vintage Wonder Horse! It rocks and bounces and is big enough for each of you!
(Sorry Moms and Dads...I'll work any angle I can to get you all home. Trey and Kari...you can come and watch your neices and nephew until you bring your own kids.)

Happy Birthday, Bethann.
Every year Beth, Belinda, and I get together to celebrate each others' birthdays. It's always an evening of sharing, laughing, (sometimes crying), praying for and with each other.


We all love Chinese food, so we bought take-out from Hy Vee.
This year, Beth wanted a fire pit. So I was the fire builder and keeper (Julie, that means I had the stick and was in charge).





The three Amigos...for many years...past and future.

Kevin's parents came for a week long (I really mean "short") visit. Was great to see them again. Below are a few snaps from their visit.


Ray, Kevin's dad is always camera shy ;o)
On Sunday, Kevin's parents and sister Suzy and brother-in-law Gene came over for dinner (which is noon meal for those of us who grew up in the farming culture). Then the dinner conversation turned to how Kevin and I can add a new kitchen onto our house. A 1964 galley kitchen with the original harvest gold Amana appliances leaves much to be desired. (anyone out there looking for retro appliances?)





Creative minds are hard at work here....



SATURDAY:

After our visit to Suzy's and Gene's, we went to a couple of home improvement stores. Between those visits, we went to Sertino's for some frozen yogurt and ice cream. I love their frozen strawberry yogurt in a waffle cone. See the waffle cone sign in the background that Kevin designed and made? The store owner says ice cream sales have increased 20% since that sign went up! We're delighted for the owner, who is a friend of ours.



Leaving with the goods in hand. Yummy!





Of course, there's the game of Dominoes to be had. Kevin is down to 2 here.




Ray and Marlene setting up. No cheaters in this game (Jesse and Julie!)
We were sad to see Ray's and Marlene's visit come to an end. But we enjoyed spending time with family again.

One of the bearded iris prints hanging in my studio


(explanation...I had to crop this photo and could only do it on Picasa...so it's posted out of order. See other prints posted further down. I still have much to learn with blogging.)

Kevin's parents are coming this weekend for a visit, so I was inspired to make homemade cinnamon rolls. My Grandma and Mom taught me how to make rolls when I was 12 (or was I 9? I cannot remember. I just remember it was in our house in the south end of Wellman)


Here they are raising prior to baking. They have to double in size before baking. I use a lot of cinnamon. Did you know that cinnamon is great for cholesterol?




Can you smell them? I consumed more than I should have, but they're the best when they are just out of the oven.



Kari, you wanted to see now my printed and framed photos looked hanging on our walls, so here you go....

Two of the architectural shots from Lyon.




2 more from Lyon...




In my studio

It was a gorgeous fall day (well, technically speaking it's still summer)...and too beautiful to not do something outdoors. It was cloudy and in the 60s. So...after work, Kevin and I went on the nature trail for a bike ride. Below are pictured some things we saw along the trail.




We stopped on this bridge to look at the stream and the surrounding fields.





Goldenrod is in full bloom. Not a good thing for those suffering with allergies.




A delicate little blue wild flower. Don't know the name.




A close up of a thistle. I didn't realize there was a little blue color in these.




Kevin watching the creek below.




Have never seen this bug before....but we can be sure there will be more of them in the future.




Another farm that borders the trail.




Tractor crossing....watch out!




Kevin loading the bikes to return home.

Steve and Marti host a family party...in their new house :o)



This is the spectator section. Mom and Maynard watching the pool party






Andrew (trying to get the water out of his ears), Makenna, Kevin, Steve, Zeke, Marti





Steve and Zeke






One of Makenna's unique dives





Kevin preparing to dive




Andrew had the most creative diving techniques




Spectators Maynard and Mom/Grandma






Marti challenged Kevin to a race





Makenna getting ready to exit the pool

Andrew's fluid dive...he's self taught, I'm sure.





Kevin's synchronized swim routine. He learned simply by watching the Olympics...no lessons.