The view from here...

Enjoying the Fall-like Weather . . .

2010-08-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Taking pic's of the squirm worm.

Shucking super yummy Iowa Sweet Corn.

This Iowa girl turned Madrileña has found her true roots.

Poppin' bubbles.

Makin' bubbles

Makin' a fool of herself while poppin' bubbles . . .

Julie explaining to Jesse how the it was just an accident . . .
(Don't worry . . . Jesse wasn't really mad. :) )

Link Up

The family that bounces together, stays together.

Sometimes Jesse is dumbfounded by his 2 girls.

Hangin' on for dear life. It was just that kind of a weekend.

Enjoying a Saturday . . .

2010-08-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

Who better to draw with than Grandpa the art teacher?

Renae loves to draw.

And ride her bike! (With arm floaties of course)

Daddy's turn to steer . . .

What a cheeser.

Mommy's turn to steer.

Sammy's turn for a diaper change.

Sammy sat looking the window for about 20 minutes. He loved watching Grandpa mow. Such a boy.

Enjoying the Splash Pad

2010-08-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

Do you see it?

Kitchen Remodel Video!

2010-08-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

The daughter-in-law phantom blogger strikes again! This time it's the state side Masson DIL. You can thank me later, but keep checking this blog over the next few days . . . I've got loads of pictures scheduled to post for your viewing pleasure!-Julie

Family time

2010-02-27T04:34:00.000-08:00

In the Book of Ruth, there is an exchange bewteen a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law that you may be familiar with. This is pretty much how it went:

But Ruth said, "Don't force me to leave you; don't make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god. Your blog is my blog..."

Okay, so maybe I added that last part. But it's very appropriate for today as I am blogging on Penni's behalf so you can see pictures of the time she and Kevin were able to spend with Jesse and Julie's family recently.

- Kari

Renae braves it alone

Daddy helping his little girl...after crashing with her face into the hard, icy snow

Renae enjoying her first MUG of hot chocolate (after sledding). It was a Christmas ornament someone gave me years ago, and I thought Renae would enjoy drinking from a mug. She loved it!

2009-09-25T08:14:00.001-07:00

Entering a Frank Lloyd Wright home....

Kevin and I unexpectedly learned about a FLW home that was built just north of us about 40 min away. So we decided to head up there since we were only 5 miles away when we learned about it. This is looking into the foyer, heading into the living room on the left and dining area on the right. Notice the planter in the floor. It actually has no floor beneath; it is just earth.

Frank L Wright (hereafter referred to as W in this post) designed not only the house, but all the furniture, and placed all decor, with instructions to the owners that nothing ever be changed. The colored slag is backlit. Really adds nice accents of color.

Looking from the foyer into the living room. W shortened the legs of the piano and bench to accommodate the view outside.

Not exactly cozy and inviting furniture, but what a view.

The dining table where the owners ate all their meals. Notice the blue glass vase on the top shelf. Bear in mind that W placed items where he meant them to stay. He would come to visit occasionally as a guest. One time he came and that vase was on the bottom shelf; he noticed this and tapped his cane on the top shelf and gave instruction that the vase needs to be put back in its place after use, as he proceeded to put it back on the top shelf.

This is a guest bedroom. The glossy paneling is rich looking.

the hallway, with all kinds of practical compartments lining one side

The master bedroom. The owners wanted one bed for the 2 of them to share, but W insisted they have separate beds because after the wife spent all day working (cooking, cleaning, laundry), she'd need a good night's sleep. W was so arrogant...and anal. And how could anyone let an outsider run their personal lives like he was allowed to do? I found myself becoming a little angry with the whole situation.

The back of the house as it looked out over a hill and down on the Wapsipinican River

The boat house

The firepit behind the house

Looking out under the carport. The owners wanted a 2 stall garage, but W insisted on a carport.

The entrance to the house

We had a special treat. In our tour group of 7 people, this gentleman had an interesting story. His father did the electrical and plumbing on this F.L.W. house. As a child at 7 yrs of age, he came to the property with his father while he worked. W was known to not be fond of children, but this man said that W took him on a tour of the property while his father was working.

2009-09-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Behind the scenes....

This was our living room last Friday....it looked like this most of the day. I was frantically framing new photos I decided to include in my booth at the Fall Fest in which I was asked to participate. It was a long and stressful day. I'm always amazed at how much time it takes to frame any photo.

Most of the photos are gathered and waiting for labels, then packing into tubs to be taken to the show. Our main floor pretty much becomes one large studio for a few days before a show.

Totes carefully packed with photos, ready to be loaded into the car.

And then there's always the misc. items that must accompany the photos.

In the morning, there were events for children. There was a chalk walk, then they could register to go into the money booth where there was a compressor blowing around a lot of dollar bills. A child could have as many dollar bills as they could grab within a designated time. One child caught 42 singles. After the children's events were over in the early afternoon, foot traffic pretty much came to a halt. Of course, there was an Iowa football game that day. That just about kills anything else that is promoted in nearby communities.

My booth was set up just outside the gallery's front door. The photos on top of this table are the ones the gallery selected from mine to display. Just outside the window were the 2 musicians that played really nice music throughout the day.

Kevin had to run home and get something we forgot, so I was left alone to hang all the photos. Above is Rob F (his 2 sons graduated with Britt and Trey from high school), who is a gifted stained glass artisan. He does beautiful work and gets all kinds of commissioned work. Anyway, he saw me struggling with the first photo and graciously offered to help me hang all my photos, as he already had his booth set up. I was desperate and took him up on his offer. There was no way I could have been ready for the 11:00 opening time without his help. But he, Kevin, and I had a fun time getting acquainted and visiting throughout the day.

And here are the musicians.

This was the powerful picture above us in the afternoon.
We were grateful for any cloud cover as the day grew hot.

It was a hot...and slow day. But we met some very nice people. And I so appreciated the lovely comments people made on my works.

My ever present and patient helper...from beginning to end.

We were so tired at the end of this long day....this was the medicine we really needed the next morning.

breakfast in bed.
(Reality...this was not to be had the following morning, but it sure would have been nice.)

2009-09-25T07:35:00.001-07:00

Cosmos at dusk...
Doesn't God create such beauty all around us, a gift to us all? I just wanted to share these with you. I planted the cosmos seeds that my sister, Deb gave me. So these beauties are growing in our own yard.

This gold flower came up in the new flower bed where I just scattered a variety of seeds. Anyone recognize this flower? Is it from the marigold family?

2009-09-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

Debby K's surprise 50th birthday party

This is for you, Trey and Jesse.
Sonya planned a successful and fun surprise party for her mom. Stasia flew in from D.C. to surprise her mom at the party. Debby had no clue about any of it.
Our good friends, Stasia, David, Sonya, Debby

2009-09-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

The rains came down and the floods went up...

Our neighbors had some new landscaping wash out in the big rains we had a few weeks ago. Their problem affected our yard, as we are down the hill from them. So Kevin and our neighbor, Ed, dug a long trench, lined it with gravel and perforated tubing and ran it down through the yard. Kevin dug a dry well where it ended in our back yard. Poor Ed had to run it through his whole back yard, as it is one big hill.

Throwing in the loose gravel

a deep trench

Thankfully, the rain held off until the job was totally finished in both yards.

2009-09-11T08:12:00.001-07:00

My mirror smells so fresh and clean!
Yes, that's what I mean.
I got busy cleaning...bathroom is always first because I want to be done with that job the most. Well, I was in too much of a hurry, reached into the not-so-well lit cupboard and grabbed the glass cleaner....generously sprayed it on the mirror and....

...discovered I had grabbed the wrong bottle. I had sprayed Listerine mouth wash on my mirror. Why, you ask, do I keep Listerine in a spray bottle? Because it's supposed to act as a mosquito repellent when sprayed in the yard.

Just for fun....

Driving through Amish country...Saturday must be laundry day

Thought my family would enjoy this experimental photo. Don't know why I put them together, but I really like this. The peaches are inside a very old bowl I found at a garage sale this summer. The handsome couple in the background? My mom and dad in 1948.

Just a side note: growing up, our family was anything but wealthy. Happy, but without much money. I remember that one year Mom had made some beautiful satin doll clothes for my sisters and me. There was no money to buy new fabric. My mom had cut up her beautiful wedding dress for her daughters' doll clothes. She sacrificed much for all her children throughout the years.

2009-09-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of flooding in our area again a couple weeks ago (though nothing like a year ago), so we went for a walk along one of the local trails to see what we could see....

....worm tracks. Wonder how long it takes for a worm to travel 2 feet across the mud.

The creek waters overflowed the banks and the flood waters sent debris against this fence....limbs washed to and lodged on these fence posts, making them all look like crosses.

2009-09-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

Oh, skip it!

Just before the release.....
Whenever Kevin and I go to the lake or river, I'm always on the lookout for flat stones. Kevin is the champion rock skipper...at least I've never seen anyone who could beat him. He can make them skip so fast and so far, that they just flutter across the water. I never tire of this entertainment, so he just humors me when I bring him all the skipping stones I've collected for him to send across the water.

On its way across the water....

2009-09-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Why so serious, Kevin?

Because he's paddling ever so stealthily in order to get close to the pelicans.

We paddled into the very shallow end of the lake...I'm talking just a few inches deep...to get close to these birds. Surprisingly, none of the pelicans flew off.

We never knew though, they had black feathers on their wings.

He was keeping company with the big boys.

Kevin finds it so relaxing to observe everything around him when we're out on the water.

2009-08-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday, after Kevin's and Dale's bike ride all over Van Buren County, we all (Dale, Lori, Andrew, Makenna, Kevin, and myself) went around to the little shops and did some sight seeing. That corner of Iowa is very scenic. Lots of trees and hills, historic sites. But not touristy.

We went to this shop called "Iron and Lace". The wife is a potter and sells her wares. She's at the potter's wheel a good share of the day. Almost all (if not all) her wares have a Queen Anne's lace (wild flower that grows in the Midwest) that is placed over the glaze on the pieces and then fired on.

Kevin in the loft of the store. It was hot up there...no a/c

Looking down from the loft

Out back is the "iron" part of the Iron and Lace. The husband is a blacksmith and has many iron creations. Also has many antique tools of the trade.

Here he is explaining a huge old belt-driven drill press. We are his captive audience.

Ah, Sunday morning. The guys headed out in a drizzle...was cloudy and cold and windy.
They thought they'd give it a go. But as Lori and I were later enjoying a relaxing breakfast, the guys called. They had ridden 9 miles. The rain was a downpour and there was lightning. Time to quit and be safe.

Later, we went to Greef's General Store. They house antiques for sale, and many artifacts in glass cases.

This gentleman is quite the artisan. The display cases are made from many varieties of wood from trees that grow locally. He has so many artifacts, especially arrowheads that he has found and has generously put on display for public viewing. He is an interesting individual.

2009-08-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here we come, Van Buren County.
(See posting further down). Dale and Kevin were already on their bike ride in the county. Lori, Andrew, Makenna, and I followed a few hours later. Check-in for our hotel wasn't until 4:00, so we had time to kill.

It was lunch time and there weren't many eating spots to choose from. This one had a menu taped to the window. After looking it over, we decided to give it a try. But they weren't serving lunch. The next spot, we went in and sat down, but the tables looked a little grungy, so we left. The 3rd place proved to be pretty good. We were all glad we settled on that cafe.

Andrew dropped us women off when he left to go be the guys' support for the ride.
We girls did some sight seeing. Makenna and Lori under a long line of lilacs.

Me, too.

The guys arrived right about check in time. They rode 64 miles.

This is Kevin's happy post-bike-ride smile.

Checking in to the Bonaparte Hotel.

The lobby. This hotel used to be a glove/mitten and pant factory.
The 3rd (top) floor is a reception hall now.

Bringing in the bikes to be stored safely overnight in the basement of the hotel.
(Kevin)

(Dale)

Since the top floor was not being rented out this weekend, the staff gave us permission to go upstairs and see it.

Do you see the imprints from where the employees stood year after year after year?

This was a sewing station. The half print is from the heel, while the foot pressed on the treadle of the machine all day long.

The dining/sitting room of the inn. The long table on the left remained when the building was bought.

H'our dourves served at 4:00 to guests

Relaxing at the table after eating the delicious h'our douvres.

We then drove around town. This is the Hancock House built 1847. I like that the original glass panes were still in the windows. They do have a certain look to them.

After supper at the Fire Station (dinner for the bikers for a donation), we got some ice cream. Can you believe this huge ice cream waffle cone was only $1.40??? And, it was delicious.

2009-08-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Even though we were out of town last weekend, we did go to church on Sunday.
(We went to Van Buren county with Lori and Dale, Makenna and Andrew. Kevin and Dale did the VB County bike ride.)

This is the Bentonsport Presbyterian Church. Services are no longer held here, but it is open to the public May through October. So we went it.

Makenna tried in vain to ring this bell....

But Andrew succeeded. We wondered why all the townspeople came rushing to find out what the emergency was. (Not really...no one questioned why the church bell was being rung.)

Looking down on the sanctuary from the little balcony. I believe the window panes are original.

Dale decided to step up to the pulpit.

But his daughter and wife were obviously not paying attention to what was being said.
Talking in church...I don't believe Mom and Dad ever allowed that.

2009-08-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

Feeding frenzy on the lake...

Kevin and I took our kayaks to the lake yesterday. I wanted to get to the water lilies for a photo op feeding frenzy. At least that's what it felt like. The opportunity was there, and it will be gone soon.

Gorgeous with the sun reflecting off the water and through the yellow petals of the flowers.

The lily's center, which actually becomes prettier as it opens more in a day or 2.

The lily pads are water repellent, so the water just beads up. When the sun reflects on the water beads, they look like diamonds. Notice the center of the pad...looks like a little bug.

Underneath the pads that actually rise higher than the water surface

Slogging my way through was a challenge.

And what's this? It's my patient husband waiting for me as I finish my feeding frenzy. (Of course, he did go for a not-distant paddle while I was taking photos.) It was windy and the water was a little choppy. Made for difficult shooting. The boat is cradled by waves and continues to push me out of the way when I find a great photo op. Still...got some good shots, so I was satisfied.

After moving out onto clear water, we paddled across the choppy waters to the other side where it would be shielded from the wind. We always see these blue herons (or are they cranes? Can't think at this moment).

How cool to have a barn that backs up to the lake

I handed the camera to Kevin to take a picture of me for this blog because I never post pics of myself...and what happens during that 1 minute he has the camera, and I do not? I miss a photo op. A beautiful delicate, bright blue dragonfly lit on the strap of my yellow boat directly in front of me...not more than a foot away.

But another dragonfly exactly like the one that lit on my boat, lands on a strap on Kevin's boat in front of him while he has the camera. He took this photo...it's a great shot.

Enjoying the scenery and sounds. Hardly anyone else was on the lake because it wasn't the weekend. It was great having it all to ourselves.

After being out on the water for almost 2 hours, I found a more comfortable position for my back and legs, to paddle back to the ramp. Was actually very relaxing.

2009-08-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

A day with friends at the lake

Kevin and Rémi carrying the kayak to the water. There's a little person in the cockpit.

On the beach; Inès and Sophie waiting for the rest of us to catch up to them.

The girls sat in the kayaks on the beach

Sophie coming in

and Rémi

Kevin put the girls in the boats just off the beach and we glided them across the water back and forth between us.

Apolline

Time to go back to our place for dinner. But Apolline and Inès wanted to stay in the boats.

While we adults were packing up everything to take back to the cars, Apolline and Inès had other plans. They tried with all their might to push those kayaks back to the water. But, they would not budge.

Inès et Papa

Back at the house....Sophie made this French bing cherry (with almond flour) tarte. It was delicious.

After dinner we all went out back to play. It was so very hot and humid. The French are not used to using air conditioning, so they were fine. Kevin and I acclimated. Wasn't too bad in the shade. Inès loves to ride le chavel (the horse) when they come to our house.

Apolline likes to ride, too.

Mama watching her girls enjoy the outdoors.

The girls were great about taking turns riding the Wonder Horse.

Her face is beet red from the heat, but she was not one for slowing down. She made the most of this day.

Their family photographer.

Sophie brought out their badmitten game.

It was a good day. We look forward to another day of fun with this family.

2009-08-13T14:34:00.001-07:00

Marti and Steve invited us for a fabulous summer meal and then to swim in their pool.
I was so absorbed in the delicious dinner that I didn't even think to take a picture of the spread. (Julie, we had grilled burgers, corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes, chips, deviled eggs, cottage cheese, then brownies and ice cream for afternoon treat.)

Steve

Marti is the only one who actually swam...

Hey, isn't anyone else coming in?"
The water was too cold for me and Kevin decided he liked their zero gravity chairs. See below.

I realize I didn't get any other pictures of Zeke, but this is him looking at all the pictures I took on their camera...yep, all the pics of Zeke are on that camera.

Marti and Kevin (in the zero gravity lounger)

...still there...(the hours are passing and he's enjoying one of his last days to relax before heading back to teaching about 500 little K-4 students.)

Steve decided to join Kevin.

2009-08-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Kevin and I went down to visit Mom and Maynard.

We decided to walk down to the Square....the fountain in the center of the square brings back many fun memories from high school. Britt, Trey, and Jesse...do you remember this fountain? In the evenings, lights come on inside the fountain to splash colors on the water as it rises and falls.

Here Maynard is detailing to Kevin about this fountain.

Mom and Kevin. Time to head back.

Bye Mom and Maynard. Thanks for the fun time.

2009-08-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

Wonder where they got these seeds!

On our way to see my brother, Phil and his wife, Mary, and son, Aron, in Nebraska, we saw many of these wind generators. In one place there were so many that it looked like someone had planted generator seeds and a whole crop came up. They were massive in size.

Here they are...Phil, Mary, and Aron

Aron with his report on robots; and wearing the 2 medals he was awarded for science. He is very gifted in science and loves robots. And this was all done in 7th and 8th grade! I like his clever title: "Walk'n Roll Robots" . It's about robots that run on gears and wheels.

On Saturday afternoon, we went to the local zoo.

Here are a couple of Sun bears. I'd never heard of them.

Below is a description of them.

Inside the netted bird area....

Lots to see below

Pink flamingos!

Color!

Taking a break. It was hot and there were way too many people for my liking. Of course, we did go on a Saturday.

Kevin also taking a break. But always observing.

Phil checked the sun dial against the time on his watch.
The sun dial's accuracy? "5 minutes off" he notes.

Next we went into the butterfly house. They were beautiful in color. Before we could go in we were instructed to not touch the butterflies; also to check for "hitchhikers" on the way out.

Housed here are many chrysalises.

We also visited the aquarium where you can go inside a glass tunnel and
see all the sea creatures there. The blue starfish were cobalt in color.

stingrays

sharks

I like this picture not because of the shark, but because of the expressions on these little girls faces.

Jelly fish, kept in a tall glass cylinder.

A stone fish. Look closely and you can see its right eye.

2009-08-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

Hey, girls...remember making these when we were little girls?

Beautiful dancing dolls made from hollyhocks.

2009-07-31T04:21:00.001-07:00

Des bulles (in English: Bubbles!!!)

Sophie and the girls stopped over the other evening before Papa came home from work. As we sat in the back, we decided it would be good to go find something for the girls to play with. Kevin went to the basement, and with Inés' help, came back out with bubble wands! What a great idea!

Inès and Apolline were so excited with all the bubbles floating in the air as it was all new to them. They ran around the yard and chased them with the bubble wands.

The girls knew the wands needed to be inserted into the tube of liquid soap, but couldn't quite get the hang of making the bubbles come from them.

I love this photo...

Sophie and Kevin made lots of bubbles for the girls to chase. Sophie explained that the girls have never seen bubbles...have never done this before. She said that she and Rémi had those tiny bottles of bubbles at their wedding, but that was the only experience she'd ever had with bubbles. So this was new for all of them. We had so much fun.

Here the girls are trying again to make their own bubbles. They would flip the wand out of the tube and lost all the soap needed to make bubbles. So they just went back to chasing the ones Kevin and Sophie made.

Inès

Apolline

The thrill of being a care-free child

2009-07-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Lots of chopping and slopping.....
My dear friend, Nancy and I went to Genghis Grill for our evening of fun.

It was my first time there, but Nancy was an old pro. We are each given a bowl to fill with our choices of meats, veggies, spices, and sauces. Then we hand them over to these 2 young gentlemen who proceed to toss the contents onto this huge grill. Individuals' dishes are separated by the long sticks you see. The sticks are also used for stirring, then scraping the cooked food into the red bowls, along with your choice of rices or pasta. Sometimes they would even strike the gong you see on the wall, just for fun.

Nancy with her dish....

...and me with mine.

2009-07-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

Preparing for a good old fashioned Iowa farm meal...

Grandpa, Ethan, Kaylin, and Krystin husked the sweetcorn we were to eat for dinner. Great Grandma and Grandpa were coming up to join us for dinner. Later, other extended family would be coming for dessert.

Krystin is focused on getting those "hairs" cleaned off the ears.

Ethan concentrating on the task at hand.

Peeling off the husks takes strength

Kaylin has a thing about strings....doesn't like them hanging on her clothing, so these silks are probably just more strings to her. Actully, all of the kids did a great job cleaning their ears of corn. Kevin and I did not have to do any additional cleaning after they'd finished the pile of corn.

Then there was time for another game of Brain Qwest, which I believe was Ethan's favorite entertainment the whole time he was here visiting. He's pretty smart.

Then Great Gma and Great Gpa arrived for dinner (noon meal here). The kids love being read to. The "George and Martha" books were the favorites. So, Great Gma read to the girls while....

...Great Gpa stepped out back to see Ethan, who was reviewing their trip across the country in his very own atlas. Let me tell you, that boy knows the way home...which highways to take, which exits to take, which towns to go through, which pages each state was on that they would go through. Here, he is explaining the trip to Great Gpa.

I asked Dan to grill the steaks. We also had a pork loin roast that I'd grilled. Oh, there's nothing like Iowa meat!

Britt enjoying a good old Iowa meal...with grilled meats, corn-on-the-cob, cottage cheese, homemade applesauce, homemade bread, (no ripe garden tomatoes yet).

Then our other company came....

Makenna (due in Oct), my sisters Lori and Deb, and nephew Zeke.

Kevin, Dale, Deb, Lori

Cousins Britt and Makenna don't have many opportunities to see each other.

Dale is a child magnet. Can you tell?

Time for dessert....

My sister, Marti was gracious to cut this ice cream dessert for me. (It's Ida G's dessert she used to make when my family would go there to visit). This is a favorite dessert; graham cracker crust, dark chocolate syrup, then cut up vanilla ice cream, then more chocolate syrup, topped with more graham cracker crust. (I finally figured out the right ratio of graham cracker crumbs to butter to make the perfect crust...after all these years.)

We ate our dessert outside. Ethan enjoyed making bubbles.

Then there were games of Snake Toss. Pretty soon, Andrew was paying Kaylin a quarter for picking up his "snakes".

She was carrying around this little purse from another game we have, to keep her quarters in. She's seeing how they're accumulating.

"Mom, are these real?"

Dale, not to be outdone by Andrew, asked Kaylin for a quarter. She hesitated and thought about it briefly, then generously gave him a quarter. He proceeded to pull out a $1 bill and gave her that in return. This is her thank you.

She has no idea what's going on, but the adults were having fun with it.

Then Great Gpa quietly gave her a larger sum. Here, she is thanking him.

The innocence of a child. She really didn't know what was going on, but she was grateful (and happy) to have some money. In the end, she had 3 pieces of paper currency. And she told her mom that she wanted to give one to her brother and one to her sister. After all, isn't that what God asks of us when He blesses us? "And a child shall lead them."

2009-07-14T04:54:00.000-07:00

Off to the Raptor center....for crippled birds.

Grandpa (the water carrier) and Kaylin

First we saw the owls

Barn owl (?)

Looking at another owl. A great field trip for everyone.

I believe this is a screech owl. This guy looked to be only about 8" tall.

This injured bald eagle has been at the raptor center since 1989.

Leaving, but still looking about and taking it all in.

Ethan read the sign on the way out. It says to be quiet. At one point, Britt and I looked down at Krystin (3 yr) and she was even treading verrrry carefully on the gravel to minimize the noise.

Grandpa has precious cargo.

There she is.

On the way back to the car....
Kaylin looked back at her mom and me as if to say, "Are you guys coming?"

It wasn't too long, and she came back with us. We did more exploring along the trail on the way back to the car. The guys were just heading to the car, not to be sidetracked.

Ok...Ethan found something of interest. Maybe a rock?

Back on track. Ethan is so much like his dad in many ways. Dan is the best dad Ethan could have.

The girls however, did get sidetracked. There was too much just to pass it all by.
Here, Britt is pointing out to Kaylin how the sunlight is shining down through the trees and the beauty of it all.

We found more gooseberries. As sour as those berries are, Kaylin really liked eating them. She wanted to share her cache with her brother and sister who were probably almost back at the van already, but Britt suggested Kaylin just go ahead and eat them. The other 2 weren't really all that interested in the berries.
A fun day...

2009-07-14T04:39:00.000-07:00

How to eat chicken noodle soup....

The children, especially Kaylin, wanted Grandma's homemade chicken noodle soup. When Krystin decided she didn't want any (and that's all there was for supper), we made it into a game. She was a bird and was eating worms, or whatever suited the moment. Then Kaylin decided she wanted to do the same. Anyway, we accomplished the task: getting Krystin to eat her bowl of soup.

For dessert, there were fortune cookies. Grandpa read each of theirs to them.

He also read the flip side of the papers, which had a Chinese word on it. Their family is learning Mandarin. They look like they're taking it in, don't they?

I don't know what she's thinking, but it looks like, "Huh, I bet....I bet not." (right, Britt???)

Krystin, the bread lover, is eating a fresh slice of cinnamon raisin bread that Ethan and I made the evening before. Wish I'd gotten a photo of Ethan helping me, but my hands were busy. Yes, Ethan pushed all the buttons, but he also dumped all the ingredients into the bread machine.

And of course.....

Britt had her Chick-Fil-A fix before returning home.

2009-07-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Row, row, row your boat....

Kevin and Dan are hauling the kayaks to the lake.

After a brief lesson from Kevin, Britt and Dan take off.

Rest stop. While they were out on the lake, Kevin and I took Ethan, Kaylin, and Krystin on a walk along the trail, heading for the swing...a very long walk for little legs.

And...Grandpa gave the kids piggyback rides when needed. Kaylin's arms look tired.

Good thing we brought a water bottle with us.

Still out, enjoying their time on the water

Krystin's turn

Kaylin and Ethan wanted to get into the kayaks...only allowed on dry land.

Then Dan rented 2 canoes so we could all be out on the water at the same time. Picking out an oar for everyone.

Two happy girls. (No, I did not turn around to take this photo. Too dangerous. Just pointed it over my shoulder.)

The other boat (Dan, Ethan, Kaylin, Grandpa)

We stopped and got out at the levee. Gpa watched the canoes while the rest of us climbed up to the spillway. Looking out over the rez.

Keeping a tight hold on little hands.

We even went wading. The water was just right.

2009-07-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Kevin's birthday...

I failed to take many photos of Kevin on his birthday, but he said he did have a great day. He began the day with a bike ride. Then we(my sister, Deb was here visiting. We were delighted to have her here to help celebrate.) went to Kava House Cafe for his birthday lunch. Here, he is enjoying a blueberry bar for dessert. After lunch, Kevin suggested we go to a friend's farm to take some photos as there are such great ops there. Deb and I each had our cameras packed in our purses, so that worked out great.
After that we went home for a bit, then Kevin went for his one hour massage. For supper we had homemade pizza and Kevin had a rootbeer float (one of his favorite "foods").

Kevin walking around the farm yard, enjoying being outside, and patiently waiting for Deb and me to get our photo fix! We had so much fun. (Think I'll start keeping my monopod in the car so I always have some stabilizer with me.)

That gray cat at Deb's feet followed me around everywhere. We all know my love for animals...anyway, everytime I'd stoop down to take a photo of a flower, he was right there. Deb and Kevin thought it funny....not me.

Really like this photo of Deb. She's having a great time. Deb, thanks so much for the visit. You're never here long enough.

2009-07-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

Just for fun....

Kevin and Penni

2009-07-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

You know it's going to be a long, hot one when....

...there are TWO bottles along for the ride instead of only one.
And...he also packed some pretzels because he'll need the salt today.

Donning the bike socks and shoes

Checking the tires for any foreign objects...a must before any ride.

Setting out for a 4 hour ride on a hot and humid morning.

2009-07-03T05:23:00.000-07:00

A rare moment: An evening with 4 adults (after the kids were in bed)

Well, we briefly talked about playing "Dictionary", but quickly discounted that idea, realizing Dan would know just about every word we could come up with. So we played a game of "Moods", then switched to Rummikub. (Notice Kevin turned his tiles upside down while I took this photo. He actually thought I might cheat and look to see what he had on his rack. Sorry, but a blogger does not think these things. Silly boy.)

Ethan...always thinking

Kaylin has quite the imagination. She made a "seesaw" with the stands from the Snake Toss game and the exercise ball.

Krystin, happy-go-lucky.....riding the Wonder Horse while holding the whirlygig up to the wind.

2009-07-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday we set out for one of our favorite parks...Palisades.
We had a "snack" picnic, then had peppermint sticks for dessert.

Check out the methods of consuming a peppermint stick:
Krystin bites and crunches; Kaylin licks it; Ethan twirls it in his mouth. Each one savors this tasty treat.

Drinking at the fountain

On her first attempt she sprayed her whole face, but that did not deter her.

On the beach. Such a sweet picture of Mom and Krystin, the cuddlebug

Kaylin and Grandpa looking for rocks suitable for skipping.

But they're difficult to find since last year's flood washed so much silt onto the beach.

Grandpa found one rock...so everyone is gathering to witness his expertise at skipping rocks.
He did not disappoint us.

Treasure hunting?

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Our time at the park went way too fast.

Coming up from the beach to head out on the trail

You can smell the woody fragrance as soon as you enter the trail.

Up, up, up to the top

Kaylin blazed the trail for all of us

To the right are favored cliffs for climbers

Marching, marching.....

Inside a "cave" near the spillway

Family photo in front of the spillway. It was a perfect day...not hot nor humid.

Remember where we were....

At the spillway. Kevin (Grandpa) explaining how the flood covered everything last year.

Grandpa brought each one safely to the other side. (Well, except for Britt and Dan. They managed to arrive without Kevin's help.)

Britt on the steps descending to the spillway

Had to get a photo of the grandkids with Gma and Gpa (but Krystin wanted to hug Grandpa. She's such a hugger, and it's great!)

Ok, there's Krystin's face

Miss personality

Britt has many fond memories on this trail....spent lots of time here as a family when the kids were growing up. Her own kids really enjoyed the adventure in the park.

2009-07-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Grandpa is favored entertainer....

This picture speaks for itself.

Ethan and Kaylin and Grandpa played "Brain Qwest" which included some True/False and multiple choice questions. This is a perfect game for Ethan. He reads at a 3rd grade level and is only 7 years old. Very smart boy. Kaylin actually knew a lot of the answers too. I asked her how she got so smart. Her reply? "Because I read my devotions." (read, as in present tense)

Kaylin could not read the questions, so she made up her own. Here is an example:

"What is the first planet on earth? True or false."
Uh....true?

Krystin chose to ride and feed the Wonder Horse.

Except Dan and Ethan, we all walked down so Britt, Kaylin, and Krystin could meet Sophie, Inès, and Apolline.

Sophie is a teacher in France, therefore she has many educational and fun toys in her home.

"Au revoir!"

2009-07-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Trey!!!

2009-07-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

For my siblings......

First Baptist Church....
Where we all met Jerry B...and watched his gospel artistry chalk drawings. Where Marti and I "went forward"...and I believe Carol C did too, at the same service. Where Marti had her first (?) crush. Where Deb had a crush on the sibling...Sunday night BYF. Mom made tea towel choir robes; regularly going to family friends' houses (or having them to ours) after Sunday night church services for popcorn and pepsi (or homemade grape juice)...anyone else have distinct memories from there to add? (Maybe this should be continued in a private "sibling" email?)

This is the house at the south end, as we used to refer to it. It has recently been resided. This is the house where Dad tore out a wall and we then had a rec room...complete with pool table. We also had our first Hi-Fi....Ah, the Sutton Sisters..."I know, I know....these old bones are gonna rise again...." And this house had not one, but TWO bathrooms!!! This is where Mom kept the milk on the back porch and it would get partially frozen...then we would pour it over Capt'n Crunch (from the 33# bags Dad would buy and bring home from Quaker Oats when he trucked up there)....I still love that icy cold milk over Capt'n Crunch. Kevin became great friends with the next door neighbor who owned the IH store, where Kevin would go and sit on Mr W's tractors to his heart's content. The elderly brothers who lived across the street together...for work, they drove their wagon around town, pulled behind a tractor, and picked up junk. They even went to the Bringman's grocery store and would pick up the thrown out, expired packaged foods (chips, etc) and save them. Sometimes our family would get free potato chips that way.
We lived at this house when Marti and I went on a picnic as little girls, in the shade of some pine trees by the golf course. I saw a man driving by in a car who spotted us and stopped his car. He stopped his car and backed up and tried to chase us in his car; but we escaped on our bikes (running them up the hill between the school and our old stucco house) as we made for "Magaldine's" house. As we were pushing those bikes up that steep gravel hill, I remember thinking, "if we can't outrun him with these bikes, we'll just drop them and run as hard as we can." But I didn't want to leave those bikes unless it was absolutely vital to our escape because they were a precious commodity in our home. We only had 2 old used bikes to share among 7 children. We did make it to Magaldine's and used her phone to call Mom to tell her about the man in the car. There was no extra money for frivolous gas usage and I knew it, but Mom instructed us to wait there and she immediately came up in the car and followed us home.

Doc Enos' stucco house. Is very run down now...so sad to see such a lovely house not maintained...and the landscaping is left to its own ramblings. Ah...the escapee that ate apples off our back porch and slept in the basement (no one used to lock their doors at night back them). We knew nothing about it until the sheriff came the following morning because the stolen car was left in our yard....and the one night when we were all in bed asleep upstairs in our bedrooms (except for Dee who heard it all as she lay paralyzed in her bed) when another man came into our house, rifled through our silverware drawer in the kitchen downstairs (probably looking for a sharp knife to use as a weapon), then came up the creaky back stairs, walked down the dark hallway, pausing at each of the 4 bedroom doors. We know that God stationed His angels round about us because no one was hurt and no one else woke up.
"Magaldine" lived across the street from this house. (Her name was really Magdaline, but Marti couldn't pronounce her name correctly. Marti had trouble with a few other words, right Marti?)
Virgil S. came to live with us as a boarder while he worked to help build the new local high school. That became a lasting family friendship, until the day he died drowning, saving a stranger's life.
Deb broke her arm while jumping off the porch ledge.
Kick the Can! The neighborhood kids would come play outdoor games with us, the sun would set, and darkness silently overtook, but we kept playing anyway.

The side view of the stucco house.
I think I'm feeling sentimental because our great Aunt Gladys just died. She was the last of our grandfather's surviving siblings (on Dad's side). Family. How blessed we have been to be among so many loving people all our lives and to have a Godly heritage.

2009-06-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

The kids come home......

Friday night, I heard a car door, and when I opened the front door, there were already 2 little ones (Ethan and Kaylin) running toward me. Krystin had not yet escaped her car seat. What a wonderful greeting!!! Lots of hugs and kisses.
Dan's parents (who are friends of Kevin's and mine) host a family July 4th party every year to coincide with the town's fireworks. They always invite Kevin and me. (Kevin was still in KY working on a roof, but will return Sunday evening.) Dan and Britt are enjoying a relaxing moment (read: no children wanting their attention at the moment as there are plenty of aunts, uncles, grandparents to do that) on Lyle's and Sherry's front porch swing.

Britt is playing a game of Snake Toss and just had a less-than-perfect throw. Well, actually, it was a pathetic toss.

Kaylin, 5 yr (who said she would be brave at the fireworks this year...the past 2 years, she has ended up in the van with a parent or grandparent, where it is "safe")

Krystin, 3...just hanging out on the porch, looking over the rail

Ethan, 7....just being happy to be among so many of his extended family who love on him. That's one contented boy. Isn't he so sweet?

Before the fireworks started, Uncle Dave gave Ethan a sparkler he brought for entertainment. And it was great fun....until they got busted! We didn't know you couldn't bring sparklers to the park before the fireworks.

Krystin on Dad's lap...counting all the fireworks

Well...this is bravery at its best. Kaylin insisted that Mom cover Kaylin's ears (this, after Mom had dutifully taped cotton balls on the girl's ears). She did end up opening her eyes for most of the fireworks. Oh yes, she was brave.

2009-06-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

John and Nancy invited us to go out to dinner with them a few weeks ago. It was fun to go out on a date together. Afterward, we went to their house and had dessert (cheesecake) and played Dictionary. It was a wonderful evening with friends. Thank you, John and Nancy.

After dinner we drove around the town of Anamosa. Below, what looks like a castle is actually the Iowa State Pen.

And its walls.

2009-06-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

Kevin's family was here last week to help us with reshingling our roof. But before we started the project, we went to an art festival. It was a beautiful day to be outdoors.

(L-R)Ray (Kevin's dad); Suzy (K's sister) and her husband, Gene; their daughter, Amy who was home for a visit; Marlene (Kevin's mom); Kevin

Monday morning the shingles arrived. The delivery guy was a wonderful young man who offered to lift the shingles up on the roof
with his forklift...then he went the 2nd mile and even helped unload them. We were so very grateful because that is really hard labor. Those puppies are h e a v y !!!

We used anything, everything we could get our hands on to remove the shingles because, you see....they were actually fused on. Above the garage they game off easily, but all the rest had to be pried, chipped, peeled off; many pieces coming off in 2 to 12 inch irregular pieces. What should have been a 3 hr job turned into a couple of days of intense labor. But we are so grateful everyone was kept safe and that the job is done.

I didn't get a good picture of the old shingles up there because I too, was part of the task force.

Gene, Kevin, Suzy (she was able to help us for a whole day and was a really big help!), me.

At the end of the first day, we could barely move...even to get up just to shower. Amy, Kevin's niece prepared and brought us a ravioli dinner and a fresh garden salad!!! Thank you SO MUCH, Amy. It was delicious, and it was so nice not to be concerned about what to prepare for supper.
I had made food ahead of time, but did not have the time or energy to prepare the meals, so Marlene graciously prepared all our meals, AND she did all of the dishes!! It was so wonderful!!! Thank you, Marlene!

And here's a blessing after the job was all done: We had shingles left over to return, so there's money back!!! That was so nice. Kevin loaded them into his car, and then when he got to Lowe's, a young man who worked there unloaded them for Kevin! Kevin was so thankful to not have to move them again.
We've even had a thunderstorm since our roof is completed...and we're dry!
Thank you, Ray, Marlene, Gene, Suzy, Amy so much for all your help you gave Kevin and me! We couldn't have done it without you!

2009-06-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon I went to visit my friend, Anna in her home. Her son, Brandt and his wife, Ruth and their baby, Jude came to visit from out-of-state. It was so great to see them all again.

2009-05-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hello! Is anyone going to come outside ("shie") and play with me?

Sophie and Inès and Apolline walked up to our house to meet Jesse and Julie and Renae. Sophie also speaks Spanish, so she and Jesse and Julie chattered away. Kevin and I, of course, understood none of what they were saying. But it was fun to listen to. (Inès loves the Wonder Horse..."le cheval")

Saturday night, we were expecting surprise guests. Jesse and Julie thought just Dale's were coming, but didn't know about the TN clan.

Julie, Dee, Dale (and Andrew's legs)

Both Makenna and Julie are due in October!

Larry still makes his concentration obvious.

Jon and Kevin untangling the snakes

Dale and Keely (my niece)

After supper, we all gathered around the fire pit. And it was a chilly evening. We were so happy to see Austin and Alissa show up. She graduated with her Master's degree that same day in Speech Pathology.

I just love this picture of Kevin

Can't you just hear Keely laughing here?

Julie and Bailey sharing a secret. Looks like they're plotting something.

Wow! Who does Jesse look like here? Anyone else see it?
(Rex)

I think this is a pretty picture of Julie

A very feverish Little Peanut.

Not a fun day for her. But she was so sweet all day long.

2009-05-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2009

Well, our Little Peanut (aka Renae) was sick with a fever all day...poor thing. She only wanted to be held by Mommy and Daddy. Here is Great Grandma talking to her.

Daddy's turn. But he doesn't mind. She is most cuddly when she's sick, and Daddy loves to cuddle with Renae.

And the day goes on...now, in Mommy's lap

Mom and Maynard came up for dinner and the afternoon. Isn't this a great shot of them?

Marti, Steve, and Zeke came up for dinner, too. Now, doesn't this look like Zeke in the profile? But this is Avery, my great niece from TN who was up here Saturday night with family.
I had to stick this shot in, and you'll see why in the next photo below....

This is Zeke. I think their profiles look so much alike. Of course, the resemblance was stronger when Zeke was younger.

LP put on Mommy's headband. Doesn't she look like her daddy's side here?

A game of Bocce ball. (Kevin, Zeke, Steve, Jesse)

Back in the gazebo. I didn't ask her to do "cheese face", but when she saw I was pointing the camera at her, she did her feverish best to do a cheese face. Bless her heart. But this is just too cute!

Marti, Julie, and LP

"Daddy, I'm out here with you because I want you to hold me." Doesn't she look pathetic?

Ah, life is better now.

(Julie, thought you might like a photo of the Mother's Day tulip bouquet your husband gave you, that you had to leave behind. I sure enjoyed them for the next week.)

Packed and ready to leave, but time for some bubbles.

Watching the bubbles

(Yes, Julie has a tummy...but for a good reason. We're very excited!)

The last of the bubbles goes floating off...

2009-05-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

Penni's first art show...

Kevin is assembling the apparatus he designed and built to show my photos. He used PVC piping, and then we found these metal grids at a garage sale. We used lots of zip ties. He worked so hard, and so patiently on this show with me. It took us a good 3 hours to set up everything. We had (welcome) help from friends, Steve and Becky, and Brad and Judy, taking everything down. What a blessing!

Ta-da!

Annette and Bethann came for my show. Several other friends, and some family members, drove a long way to be supportive. I didn't get pictures of most of them...guess I was busy.

If you know me at all, then you know Nancy. Here she is with her lovely daughter, Jennifer. Then Jennifer's (and my daughter, Britt's) high school band instructor and his wife came. Craig and Joan just happened to be at the Fresh Air Fair; they were at my booth...then we were all so delighted to run into each other. Was so fun...lots of hugs and smiles.

Jennifer and Mr. A.

2009-05-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday we went to the "Chalk the Walk" in Mt Vernon (see below) with our friends, Remi, Sophie, Ines, and Apolline.

Ines was very quiet, but observant all day.

We found a couple scrap pieces of chalk. So the girls drew on the sidewalk.
Apolline is studying what she wants to draw. Mom, Sophie is an artist, too.

Remi off to the sides with the girls, watching the chalk drawings being completed in the street...actually, on the street.

Apolline

Here is the professional artist. Each year, one is brought in to participate in the event.

Here's another artist...evidence is obvious. Of course, she cannot be identified by this photo.

And here is another artist's chalky hand.

We ate our lunch in the town park and the girls played on the equipment. Apolline is swinging high.

This is the reason I've not been posting lately.

I have been preparing for my first art show in which I'm participating. Kevin has designed and created the display for my framed photography. It's not totally finished...we need to do a "dress rehearsal" before the show on May 17. He's been a huge support and help to me in getting ready for this.
I'll probably not post till after the show. But I just wanted to let you all know that I've not deserted my blogging.

2009-04-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

Our local TEA Party (Taxed Enough Already)

My friends, Beth and Belinda at our local tea party downtown.

With citizens holding signs, going alongside the street, there was a great response from those driving by...lots of honking.

A veteran speaking out

We estimated there were a good 200 strong in attendance. Pretty good turnout considering it was in the middle of a workday (11:30-12:30). The crowd was very calm. We figure that the lone man who spoke out of the crowd and said something about a "black president, blah, blah, blah" was planted. Several people cut him off and stated emphatically that this is NOT about racism. We'll see what the news puts out there for "reporting" the facts.

2009-04-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

On our way to visit Mom and Maynard, we made our usual stop at the Stringtown store.

This is the usual traffic on the road.

We stopped in to see Uncle Dar and Aunt Dorothy before going on to Mom's and Maynard's for lunch.

They took us to see the Nature Center at Marr Park outside of town. Notice the beautiful beveled leaded glass above the doors, done by a local artisan.

On the way to the car, Maynard and Mom noticed the craftmanship of someone they both know. Kevin is looking at the names and pictures of local wild flowers.

2009-03-31T06:14:00.000-07:00

As I predicted, March would have one final snow "blow-out", in spite of warm temperatures we were experiencing. We were blessed (?) with about 5" of heavy, wet snow. But it was beautiful because the sun came out on Sunday.

After coming home from early church service, we headed out to one of the local nature trails. We needed taller boots than we anticipated. It was great walking on the trail in new, sparkly snow where no one had yet been. I did ask Kevin to take shorter steps so I could walk in his.

We came upon many deer traffic intersections, this being one of them.

The snow was so sticky that it would actually lift up the tracks Kevin left with his boot.

You can see how much snow fell by the depth of it on this bench.

Kevin

I found this cozy covering...and imagined that if we needed shelter, we could hunker down in here...but, we didn't need shelter, so we left.

The sky was a beautiful blue and cast long, dark shadows across the white snow.

2009-03-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Our day trip to the mountains in Spain...
Why, you ask, do I begin this post with a picture of cows grazing along the roadside?

Because Renae was fascinated by them, and as we got closer to them, she freaked, but then she was in awe of them. She referred to them by saying, "Mmmmm" (her sound the cows make...moo). So she kept an eagle eye out for the mmmms as we walked up into the mountains.

Ah yes, this is a much better vantage point. She's saying "mmmm" here, looking to the side of the road for more cows.

Crossing a stream on an ancient Roman bridge. Very cool.

Up the mountain...

Jesse whittled away at the walking sticks to smooth them for more comfortable handling.

Mommy and LP (Little Peanut) at the picnic site.

Kevin grew up in NY among the mountains, so he's taking it all in.
He's my outdoors boy.

Still taking it all in.

Little violet crocuses were popped up all over.

Kevin found a large cat paw print close to our picnic site.

(Have to have one of the photographer now and then.)

Little Peanut shaking a can of honey roasted peanuts. (They were delicious, by the way. Actually, they're addicting, if truth be told.)

LP just wanted a kiss from her daddy. And he's always happy to accommodate.

Hmmm...this looks like a fun place to run through.

Enjoying the outdoors

LP and Grandma

Hey, look at me sitting on this big rock all by myself!

Julie, Jesse, and Renae

Penni and Kevin

Kevin and Julie hiking down the mountain

What a beautiful day!

While we were visiting the kids, Renae started doing this thing where she would plug her ears. Julie decided LP discovered that things sound different when she plugs her ears. So it was a new thing to her.

I do believe LP is singing. She's a happy little girl.

Hey, if my daddy needs a walking stick, then so do I. I'm a big girl now.

Here we go.

This is way fun! I'm not scared to run down the mountain because I know they'll keep me from falling....No fear.

I'm all worn out.

2009-03-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Kevin gets new pre-school students....

Apolline and Ines came to visit Kevin's classroom with their mama, Sophie this morning.

Apolline studying a booklet from a museum

Penni with Apolline as she turns to watch the classroom full of 3rd graders...big people!

Sophie is an elementary teacher in France. Today she came to see what school was like in an elementary setting in the United States. She was surprised to find there was a music classroom because they do not have music for elementary children. So we visited that room briefly. Ines and Apolline loved the musical instruments.

When he had a chance, Kevin came and visited with Sophie and the girls while his students were working on their architectural projects.

Painting

As we were preparing to leave, Ines found this mirror in Kevin's classroom

Oh...and Saturday night we received about 5" of snow. On our way home from church service, we saw Remi shoveling out his driveway. Notice Apolline was shoveling with a dust pan. Just her size!

2009-03-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I just flew in from our trip to Spain on Saturday evening. Then we ran home and showered, then made a quick trip out of town to make it to a wedding reception for one of my close friend's daughter. So we got to bed late...lagging from the time change and lack of sleep.

Kevin woke up before me on Sunday morning. I heard sounds coming from the kitchen. I thought I actually heard Kevin making coffee. Please understand, Kevin has never made coffee in his entire life...he has never drunk coffee...he doesn't know how to make coffee. But this wonderful husband was making me coffee to serve me with my breakfast in bed! What a great surprise.

The coffee tasted great. Breakfast was great.
When I finally got up and went out into the kitchen, this is how I found the coffee pot:

Yep...he made it with the lid off the pot. He said he didn't want the water to run all over and to be sure that the coffee went into the carafe. He said his first attempt, he poured the water into the filter, then realized that wasn't going to work, when the water spilled out all over. So he tried again...this time with success. Gotta love him for his servant's heart.

2009-03-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

An afternoon in the park.....

Uncle Trey, are you going to catch that frisbe?

Hmmm...what's this pretty thing?

Jesse

"Excuse me, but Aunt Kari and I are bonding."

Siesta

"So, are you about ready to come back and play with me again, Uncle Trey?"

Trey and Kari

Our group shot

"Okay...I think I've hit a wall. If you have any doubt, just look at my hair."

Walking back toward the bus

From the bus, to the apartment

Wii play together

Renae was fascinated with my flash drive...she liked to take it apart and put it back together...over and over again. It provided lots of entertainment for her.

Ah...homemade pizza from 2 great cooks.

2009-03-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

This was our welcoming committee upon arriving in Spain!

A few hours later, we picked up Trey and Kari at the airport. They flew up for the weekend...we were delighted they could come. It was a great reunion.

We headed for a park the next day

Jesse, Julie, and Little Peanut

Kevin and Trey relaxing on the bench

2009-03-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

All by herself!

2009-03-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

Jesse, Kevin, Renae, and I went for a walk one evening. We were in for a surprising treat. As we walked by the bull fighting arena, we saw that it was open....so we wandered in to see what we could see....

Jesse, Kevin, and Renae outside the arena

Penni and Renae walking outside the arena

The arena from the outside

and the actual bull fighting arena.

2009-03-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Look at those lashes....

It was crowded in the back seat, but I don't think Grandpa minded one bit.

2009-03-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Julie made the Spanish dish, Paella one evening for supper.

It has a particular kind of rice (sorry, don't remember), red and green chopped peppers, diced chicken, broth, and spices.

It was fabulous!!! Julie, you can make that for us anytime!

At the playground....

Renae must have heard a dog outside the fencing.

"No, Levi. My daddy says I can't kiss until I'm married."

2009-03-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

I know you're anxious to see some pictures from our trip to Spain...I have so very many to sort through...but thought I'd give you an appetizer.....

One day we went to Segovia....a beautiful town...with a "Cinderalla" type castle and Roman aquaducts.

"Hey, are you guys coming?"

The castle

Walking in the streets of Segovia

Renae did a LOT of walking, evidenced in the toes of her little boots.

2009-03-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

A new refrigerator???

Not for a while. Sometimes, budgeted monies get moved to a more pressing need...(lest you feel sorry for us, don't. We weren't really ready for a new fridge. It is just in the talking/planning stage.)

On our way home Sunday night, a deer came bounding across the interstate. We helped him cross a little faster than he intended. Why are deer so dumb!!!

If you look closely, you can see twine holding parts together so we could drive the remainder of the way home.

2009-03-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

Britt has officially arrived "home".

This is always one of her first stops on the way to our place after being picked up from the airport. See? It makes her happy.

We stopped in to see Gma and Maynard briefly en route to a visitation.

Britt told Maynard that he looked "dapper". And she's right.

What a cute couple.

2009-02-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

Keep the home fires burning....

We finally have heat in our basement. We love it!
Now we have a warm place for our kids (or any other company) to stay.

2009-02-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

A little cheesey???

It was our 4th anniversary. Gene and Suzy went with us to Paglaia's (pronounced paw-lee-ize, NOT pag-lee-ize)Pizza in Iowa City to celebrate. (It was delicious, by the way) This picture was Suzy's fun idea. Romantic, huh?

After we'd finished our pizza, I mentioned that ice cream sounded good. So Gene said we should go to Whitey's Ice Cream. Said we could walk because it was "only 4 blocks". Did I mention it was a frigid and windy night? Well, we walked 4 blocks and we still weren't there. Typical father fashion, he kept telling me, "it's only a little farther". Again...did I mention it was freezing cold? But....the ice cream was worth the cold walk. It was delicious. I had strawberry yogurt.

Suzy looking very cool, don't you think?

mmmmmm....yes, I ate the whole cupful

I set the camera on a shelf and got a group shot! Not bad.
We had great fun celebrating with Gene and Suzy.

2009-02-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Feet!
Anyone who really knows me, knows that I really don't like to shop. But when I do go, it's always when the really big sales are on and I know I can find quality products for drastically reduced prices. So...I told Kevin I was going to Younkers while he works out on his trainer.
Well, about 3 hours later......

I came back with 7 pairs of shoes. They were 75% off original price...and they are all leather.
(Deb, see your photographs hanging on our wall? They look great! Thank you.)

And here are my new shoes. I finally found a red pair of shoes. All of the shoes are "squishy" inside and are so very comfortable. I'm convinced one should shop for shoes when one's feet are tired. While in the shoe department, I was wishing all of my daughters could have been with me. We would have had such fun!
(I did catch Kevin looking inside my closet and had a look on his face that said, "Where on earth is she going to put all these shoes? ")

2009-02-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

We decided to go for a walk along Lake MacBride yesterday afternoon. Sun was shining and the temperature was decent (mid-thirties), and we had gotten 4 more inches of snow the night before.

Kevin leading the way. You can see the lake off to the left.

Junk in the trunk??? Seen along our way

We're heading down toward the lakeshore to look at fossils.

We found this poor guy in the rocks. He looks friendly enough, but he has such a stone face. I think his name is Peter, at least in Greek.

Here are some of the many fossils we saw....

2009-02-15T07:44:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day breakfast at the little French patisserie...(Trey and Kari gave us a gift certificate to Croissant Du Jour last Christmas....Thanks, Trey and Kari)

2009-02-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

Our little table by a sunny window. This fruit pastry had a buttery crust with almond flavoring.

2009-02-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

It was as delicious as it looks. (Britt, when your family comes this summer, we'd like to take you and Dan out for breakfast here. I know how much you love your French pastries.)

2009-02-15T07:41:00.000-08:00

Oui, c'est moi. I am drinking coffee. This is the first cup of coffee I have ever ordered in my life. It was wonderful.

2009-02-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

And here we are at our little table. Each table was set with a fresh red rose in a bud vase for Valentine's Day. We'll be back!

2009-02-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

It was too nice outside on Sunday afternoon to stay inside, so we went for a walk on one of the trails along the river.

Kevin spotted 3 male bald eagles. We saw one dive for a fish and take it back up into the treetop to feast.

This is the price we paid for the luxury of watching the eagles.

There were a few ice jams. Pretty cool to look at.

I know many of you are probably tired of hearing about the flood, but every time we go for a walk, we see signs of the flood that are new to us. Look at the waterline on the pole. Kevin is 6 feet tall and that line is probably 12 feet off the ground. Notice the trail map on the wooden panel is mud-smeared.

2009-02-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

Who's peeking in our kitchen window?

Early one morning, this doe was seen behind our back yard.

Yes...we're still holding to our Saturday morning tradition.

Our version of almond croissants is a favorite of ours. We take refrigerated crescent rolls, spread almond paste on them, roll them up and bake them. Then while still hot after removing them from the oven, drizzle icing on the "croissants", then sprinkle sliced almonds on top. Clementine in the side bowl, and Kevin's beloved French vanilla cappuccino.
We love our Saturday mornings together...we have our breakfast in bed, take as much time as we want to share conversation, have our reading and prayer time, then get up whenever we want to, to accomplish what needs to be done that day.

We just purchased a vent-free gas fireplace...we're very excited about it because we will finally have heat in our basement because it gets so cold. Kevin spent a long time trying to get the blower installed, then realized that the store sent us one that is not compatible with the insert we bought. Frustration seems to be the pattern when making purchases at home improvement stores. Just a delay we're dealing with now. But we hope to have it installed within the next week or two.

2009-02-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

We could not go to France, so...
France was brought to us.
Our friends from France invited us to their home for French cuisine...real French cuisine. It was a wonderful dining experience, and a wonderful time with friends.

First, we were taken to the fireplace room for an aperitif (there should be an accent over the e in aperitif, but alas, I have no way to do that on my English keyboard). Stuffed endive leaves, grape tomatoes, pistachio nuts, pretzels, and champagne. While savoring this aperitif (French for appetizer), Sophie and Remi showed us a slideshow of their photos taken while they visited NY over Christmas.

Ines and Apolline also enjoyed the aperitif.

This sign greeted us as we walked into the dining room.

The table was set so elegantly. Sophie made each of us a single loaf of bread.

The cream of spinach soup. (I had dropped a few grains of rolled oats into my soup bowl, I see)

The next coarse was pork roast, stuffed with prunes and apples; and rice.

Doesn't that pork look delicious?

"Hmmm...what am I missing out on?"

Remi and Sophie explained the festival of the 3 kings. This is the almond pastry that Sophie made from scratch (it was fabulous!!!). She hid the little figurine of a king inside one of the slices of pastry after she cut it. She then brings the cut pastry back to the table and offers everyone a piece of their choice. (See the video below.)

Sophie found the king in her piece of almond pastry, so she was queen for the remainder of the evening.

Here she is offering the slices of pastry...no one knowing which piece holds the king figurine.
It was a fabulous evening...the food and the fellowship. Thank you (Merci), Sophie and Remi.

2009-01-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

Catastrophe strikes!!!
When my "Memory stick duo adaptor" wears out, I can no longer download my photos to my desktop; which means I cannot post any photos on my blog! This is so disheartening. I mean, I've gone through two adaptors in the last year and a half. What's a blogger to do???
Anyone have any recommendations? These were Sony and I don't want to have to buy a new one every 9 months.
Oh well...sorry, no pics with this posting. But when I'm able to, I will blog about our lovely dinner at Remi's and Sophie's last night; an evening of French dining and friendship.

2009-01-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

Over the river and through the woods to.....

MacBride for cross country skiing
and walking around looking for photo ops. It was so quiet with all the new snow...several inches of it. We could hear woodpeckers, see deer, and hear the occasional skier coming along the trail....Kevin, being one of them. The conditions for skiing could not have been more perfect...fresh powdery snow, no wind, perfect temperatures, and it was Saturday!!!!

And I enjoyed just tromping through the snow, taking care not to trample the ski tracks. (No, I did not lose a glove; but rather had removed it to take a photo.) Was so peaceful being out in the woods where the noise was silenced through the snow. I didn't see a lot of photo ops that grabbed me, but I thoroughly enjoyed being out in this and getting a good workout on my own two feet. You can see my boots are buried up to my rolled up snow pants.

Here's a video clip of Kevin on one of his favorite downhills at MacBride.

2008-12-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

Our family Christmas...hosted by Marti and Steve this year!

The pre-dinner feeding frenzy begins as soon as appetizers and sweets are set on the table. Makenna is modeling this activity for us. (She just happens to be the one caught on camera. But you can bet the rest of us were willing participants at the tables, too.)

Enjoying each other's company while waiting for dinner.
(Kevin, Deb, Mom, Maynard, Bill)

Makenna and Andrew

Marti, hard at work in her kitchen

Steve, carving the spiral ham. It was soooo tasty!

Is it almost time to eat?

In the kitchen, the popular place to hang out.

And before we eat, we remember the truth of Christmas,

So Steve offers a prayer of thanks.

And for this, we are truly thankful!!! :o)

Mom and Maynard reluctantly (but obediently) go first.

Makenna kickin' back

Bill and Deb relaxing on the steps

Bill and Marti

Waiting for everyone to gather for opening gifts.
(Bill, Maynard, Kevin)

Deb gave Mom and Maynard a gift of her own photography. Her photographs are evidence of a blooming talent! She has "the eye".

Zeke, also waiting for gifts to be exchanged.

After hanging out in the living room and in front of the fireplace, people started moving around again. The men went for their "traditional" walk, then gathered around to talk "men talk"...well, the women were told we couldn't sit at the man table. Sacred ground.

So,while the men were out on their walk, we women gathered on the steps to talk, then decided to take advantage of this photo op.
Mom, Penni, Deb, Marti, Makenna, Lori

2008-12-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

The artist at work

Our daughter-in-law, Julie wrote a story for her niece back "home". Julie asked Kevin to illustrate the book for her. It was a great opportunity and welcome challenge for him as he had not had the energy nor inspiration to create in a long time. He accepted her offer and got right to work. You can see he's really involved in his work. Anyway, Julie published her book, "The Great Shoe Exchange" on lulu.com. We're anxiously awaiting the arrival of our copy in the mail.

"O Christmas Tree..."

This is what it looked like Christmas morning....Kevin's and my gifts to each other...but most of them are the gifts the kids mailed to us. We opened them while we were skyping with them. It was a way to be with each of them on Christmas morning.

It's our tradition (Ethan can identify with that) to open stockings on Christmas Eve...and to eat fun foods and enjoy Meier's (that's the best brand) non-alcoholic sparkling drinks.

And of course, Kevin's stocking would not be complete without the Dots candy!

2008-12-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season....
Before leaving for church this morning, Kevin is faithful....

...always faithful to make sure the driveway is cleared

We love having family over...

We invited Gene and Suzy (Kevin's sister) over to celebrate Gene's birthday. The bonus is that Amy and Adam were both home, too. So we had a fun evening playing games.

Last week I received a call from a high school classmate with whom I was able to reconnect last year at our class reunion. She and her husband were flying home for Christmas and their flight was coming here. After being delaying in Denver for 2 nights en route, they spent the evening and night in our home. We enjoyed each other's company...was a great time.

Larry and Cindy

2008-12-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

Deer in the headlights????

This was the look on my face when I was passed on the interstate by the pickup below...

It totally took me by surprise...

But then...this is Iowa...and it is deer hunting season.
(Look closely. Those are deer legs/cloven hooves sticking up)

2008-12-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

BIG ART

Kevin, the art teacher in his elementary building, volunteers his time to design and make the backdrop for the annual Christmas program for the K-5 students.

And he has recently been inspired to do his artwork again. Here he is doing a water color painting. So glad to see him working again for pleasure...it's good for him. He's just not had time, nor inspiration for quite some time; until now.

2008-11-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

We celebrated our Thanksgiving on Saturday with some family and friends.

Maynard and Apolline (on the horse) and Ines. The girls love the Wonder Horse. Ines spent a good share of the day on this horse.

Our good friend, Beth was able to come celebrate with us. Little Apolline is being entertained.

Beth at table with my brother-in-law, Steve. They both grew up in the same area.

I just love this photo of Apolline

Maynard brought up the W.H. from the basement for the girls to ride.

Mom (aka Grandma) always enjoys the little ones. Beth was great with Ines and Apolline.

Remi and Ines at the dinner table

Let the fun begin!!! Cleaning the meat off the Thanksgiving turkey :oP Bethann, it just occurred to me....I believe you got stuck with this job one other time at my house. That's ok....we'll make Marti do it next year!

More cleanup duties....Sophie drying dishes; Marti washing.
Hey! I was busy documenting so that I may share the day with you!

Sweet rewards:

We had chocolate mousse cake, pecan pie, pumpkin pie....coffees. (Does anyone besides me have a headache today? Too much sugar!)

Saying goodbye...

Steve and Marti....always the serious ones in the family.

We'll be at their place for our family Christmas....can't wait.

2008-11-30T11:46:00.000-08:00

A quiet Sunday morning...no traffic...a soft snow falling.

So, after church...

...we put up our tree....

...and our nativity. This is what Christmas is really about.

Yesterday, Kevin and I went out on a nature trail...it was sunny and the air was clear.

A stop on the foot bridge to listen to the water running along in the creek and just observe everything below

Finally....

This is my blogging "station". Yep, folks...this is from whence I send out all the photos that I want to share, along with a little narration. This is a creative outlet for me; plus it keeps me connected to my children and other family and friends that live far away. Well, I'd better get to it; there's more blogging to do....let's see....where was I?

2008-11-23T11:24:00.000-08:00

This shadow caught my attention...I was drawn by the crispness of the lines, both on the wall and on the lampshade.

Now, down to business. It is our Saturday morning tradition to take turns serving each other breakfast in bed. This is breakfast 1 wk ago.

Here, Kevin is sporting a tray that hosts everything on the menu of the day...his French vanilla capuccino, orange juice, apple slices, Friendship bread muffin, Jimmy Dean hot-sausage patties, and fried potato slices in EVOO and seasoning.
This is a favored tradition of ours and we guard it diligently. It's our time to relax and to savor the fact that neither of us has to get up and rush off to work.

I got up to prepare our breakfast-in-bed and looked out the window to find this. Our first real dusting of snow.

2008-11-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

Celebrating life!
Kevin took it upon himself to plan a birthday dinner for me at the Italian restaurant, Cafe Dodici....he invited Mom and Maynard to celebrate with us. What a sweetie he is!

So here we are in our private corner of the cafe, waiting for our dinner. Mom ordered spaghetti, Maynard and Kevin had the tortillini stuffed with meat (they loved it) and I enjoyed lemon chicken. The atmosphere was quiet and calming and the music was romantic. We had a lovely time enjoying our evening out on the town.

Then we headed back to their house for a couple games of Upwords.

Kevin takes his turn while Mom prepares for hers.....

As you can see, Mom is a pro at utilitzing the Scrabble dictionary. Check out the oil stains from its continuous use....that's years and years of use there, folks.

Stumped.

Back to grazing...or spell checking

Another spell checker

more grazing

Maynard waiting patiently for his turn. He must already have a word in mind to play as he looks pretty calm here.
We had a wonderful evening with Mom and Maynard. Thanks, Kevin for planning the whole thing for me. A wonderful gift!

2008-11-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

Our new friends come for an aperitif (there should be accent marks, but my computer does not have them)....

As soon as the family entered our house, little 2 1/2 yr-old, Ines walked right over to the Wonder Horse as soon as she spotted it. She's rather a shy little girl, but Wonder Horse drew her out.

See what I mean? She was wild and loving this ride....that is, until she flipped forward off it. She cried a while and sat on the couch with her papa. Then she slid off the couch, went up to the horse and lightly slapped it on the face. (She was letting him know she was none too happy with him for bucking her off). Then she felt one of the springs, then the saddle, then she got back on and rode off.

Still riding, but little Apolline was more interested in the plate of food her papa had.

Ok...I have to share with you what Kevin said early this morning. He's been complaining for some time now that he needs to find another pillow. He brought it up again this morning and said, "This pillow is giving my ears a headache." Deb, is this possible? Guess we'd better find Kevin another pillow...and soon! Sometimes he just cracks me up!

2008-11-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

EIGHT DAYS OF HOPE....
comes to town to help rebuild homes with flood damage.

Above is the founder of 8 DOH. Volunteers from all around the country, Canada, and our city came to help with 8DOH. Homeowners whose houses sustained major damage had to sign up ahead of time for this volunteer help. Many, many people are still not in their houses and many are feeling hopeless. 8DOH brought hope...all in Jesus' name.

Kevin worked in this house, helping to hang drywall along with Tom (left) from our church and Brian (right), this homeowner's brother.

Coming back in after taking out some drywall scrap to the pile along the street

L-R, Brian and Teresa (homeowner), Tammy and Ed (from our church)

lots of measuring to be done

Kevin did a lot of this

New-found friends at church, Tammy and Tom

When a job was completed, its paper was hung on the wall. Several jobs composed a cross, and there were several crosses on the walls in the room

Returning to church in the evening after putting in a full day. Where does the paperwork go?

Quite the organization!!!

Let's see...it's gotta be here somewhere

Finally. Now to get in the line for supper

At the end of the gathering after supper was done

Walking to the car after the end of the day. A homeowner (on the left) who received welcome help from 8DOH and her brother and sister. They were much encouraged. It has been a very long 5 months...and continues for many others yet.