Obiwanders

2010-09-01T19:23:00.001-07:00

I used to love posting on this blog, and then facebook came along. I am tiring of that place with all it's game nonsense. So even though no one is looking at the blogs anymore, here is our newest family addition. Beautiful Laurel Rose Obert, with her big sister Madeleine! I miss them both.

2009-08-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

Golf with other Torreon escapees. The course was beautiful, Deere Run near the Quad Cities. After 9 holes, I was done. Hot and humid does me in. But dinner and the company was well worth the trip. We are not all John Deere people, half of us are Caterpiller people.

2009-07-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

Here is another of my Arizona winter projects. I made a new quilt for each of the grandkids. As Luci is demonstrating in the first picture, the blocks are tents and the flaps open to reveal a scene inside. Circus scenes for Maddie, Lucia and Aaron, and camping bugs for Patrick. You have no idea how difficult it was to get these pictures with the kids,thank goodness for digital cameras. It seems that these quilts promote wiggling and giggling. And to get the pictures all on the same computer proved also to be a challenge.

2009-06-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Understood Patrick had five flags and one touchdown the other day in flag football.

Way to go Patrick. Gdpa

2009-06-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Here is the second video for June:

2009-06-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

Attached are a couple of slide shows from our most recent road trip. Hope you enjoy them..

2009-06-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

While in East Glacier, we found this wand maker. I've always wanted my own magic wand. So she had me pick up each of the wands until I found the one that choose me. After I found it, she told me its story. The main feature of this wand is the crooked or wavey shaft. She says it symbolizes lightening. (which is probably why this wand choose me with the nick-name "Stormy") It is made of oak for energy, inspiration, & courage.

It has a tip of brass for healing, protection; used to send negativity back to its sender, also used to attract money. It has one spiral in the hilt. One spiral is personal or individual. It promotes invention, independence, leadership and extraordinary will. It was made when the moon's phase was new in Libra. But I cant for the life of me remember what that means, except that it has something to to with new beginings. Anyway is was quite fun and once again it reinforces my personal belief that there is magic and magical people among us.

PS I loved her t-shirt, it says "Don't make me get my wand out!" She was the best side show in town.

2009-06-03T11:54:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple pictures of locals in Forks, Washington:

2009-05-13T20:30:00.001-07:00

A condor off the coast of Big Sur And a local Lizzard

Patricks Park in california

Then an local elk, bannana Slug, and Blue Jay

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Some sea lions playing off hte shore, we also saw a grey whale.

Josie checking out the Pelcan

Enjoy, Grandma and Pop-O

2009-04-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

It was a bit cool for swimming, but the boys could not resist the new wading pool.

2009-04-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

I'M READY FOR MY CLOSE-UP, MR. DeMILLE.

2009-04-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Aaron was not to sure about the snail at first. He kept saying it was going to 'get him'. But after convincing him that was moving to slow to 'get' anyone he gave it a little pet. Yeah, brave little Aaron.

2009-04-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Aaron's 2nd Birthday

2009-04-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

Attached are a few pictures we took this last week

A couple of baby owls nesting in a cactus at our local post office

Two wild asses we found off the road on way back from the lake.

The two picture below are from the lake. Stormy reading her book on the boat, and a view of horse island while we were sailing.

2009-04-13T19:53:00.001-07:00

http://www.cruisingcompass.com/index.php?issue=171#a2165

Follow the link above to a photo Katy took and is now posted in a national on-line magazine
o o
^
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2009-04-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

Mike has a new toy.

2009-04-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Katybug!

We still love hanging out with you.

Hugs, Dad and Mom

2009-03-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

A DAY AT THE PHOENIX ZOO

Snow cones area esp. good on a hot day.

Aaron is hoping the croc does not see him.

2009-03-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Katy and Lucia's visit!!
I hope they had as much fun as it was for us to have them. Here are a few pictures of what we all did.

Katy and Dad sail.

Rock Star Lucy.

Kisses from Badger.

Lucy and Aaron get to know each other.

2009-03-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

Patrick took this lovely picture of Grandpa. There is a video that goes with it, but I can't get it to up load on here or facebook.

2009-03-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

A day at the Renaissance Faire!

I always liked our trips to Bristol, WI. to the faire there. This one here in AZ was not a dissapointment. Fun shows, interesting crafts, and lots of people watching. It was pirate weekend with an adult pirate costume contest. Some of the costumes we saw were amazing. Couldn't tell the visitors from the cast.

2009-02-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

Some of our friends are in town to escape the Iowa winter. We got together to check out the Fountain Hills Arts Festival. Great fun!

I so enjoyed the day. That is Mike and I with the artist and the artwork we purchased.

2009-02-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken from our neighborhood only a few weeks ago.

Snow in Arizona!

2009-02-26T19:50:00.000-08:00

Happy 6th Birthday, Patrick!

I finally got the pictures off my camera and on the computer. So is a picture celebrating Patricks birthday at our house. And of Aaron enjoying the cake and ice cream. Looks like he grew another hand!

2009-02-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

Patrick spent part of his holiday weekend with us. Always entertaining!! Here is my latest 'Patrick story'....Patrick was having trouble cleaning the ink off his little 'dog-tag'. I helped him out with a little more elbow grease. He watched and said, "sometime it's easier for you and grandpa to do things because you are bigger." "yes, I guess that can be true", I replied. "

"Grandpa is the best at about everything," he said. Wow, I'm thinking, Mike's head will swell when I tell him this! Then Patrick added, "'Cause he's REALLY old".

2009-02-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st Birthday, Lucy!

Jan.29th was Lucy's 1st birthday and we were lucky enough to be home in Iowa for the party.

We love you, Lucia, you get sweeter and sweeter everyday!

2009-02-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

40th wedding Anniversary, Jan.25, 2009

Recently, Mike and I celebrated 4o years of wedded bliss.

We had a lovely diner with Katy, Kent and Lucy at the Iowa River Power Co. Lucy was so well behaved! Here she is with Grandpa's hat, later she dropped it on the floor and used it for a target for unwanted vegetables.

2009-01-09T20:03:00.000-08:00

A few photos of us just hanging around the house. We sure enjoyed our week with Chris and his family and Mike and his family. We missed you Katy and your family. Maybe sometime soon??

2009-01-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

We took a hike to get a better view of Castle Rock in Sedona. As you can see we all kept each other walking.

2009-01-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Here we are celebrating the New Year!!!

Aren't we just the most exciting group you have seen in a while?? Oh well, at least the kids were cute.

2009-01-07T19:55:00.000-08:00

I guess you can't tell from this picture, but they are all riding a camel.

Here Patrick feeds a giraffe.

Here Patrick gets to feed a tiger!

Another day trip was to "Out of Africa". A whole day of great fun. One little panther thought Maddie was a tasty little tidbit and followed her back and forth in front of the pen for over 15 minutes. Everyone was so amazed at this spectacle that we all forgot to take a video of it. I guess I should not have taught the kids to say, I'm yummy, yummy, yummy!

2009-01-07T18:32:00.000-08:00

ZOO AND ZOO LIGHTS, 2008

2009-01-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

Miss Maddie loved the cheerleader outfit gift from her Aunt Katy, and it seems she also loved the little Wis. football player, Aaron.

2009-01-06T19:54:00.000-08:00

The 'Old Pirate' left each child their own treasure chest for Christmas. It was a Maddie's first treasure hunt.

2009-01-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

A couple of Christmas morning pictures.

2008-12-24T21:13:00.000-08:00

I took this picture of Mike today, and got this surprise!!!

2008-12-23T18:04:00.000-08:00

This did not turn out the way I imagined.

2008-12-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

Mike is doing his part for the 12 days of Christmas, "Five gold Rings...."

Aaron waits with George for the arrival of Santa. Aaron is not to sure he wants to be here.

Finally. Santa arrived and gave each of the children a silver bell.

2008-12-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

Just a few pre-Christmas pictures. How many times to you get to see Santa sitting on a little boys lap? I understand Santa asked for an Island vacation.

This is one of four advent calendars wall quilts I made for the Grand kids.

And a shot of Mike putting up Christmas lights in shorts. He really liked that.

Little Josie is enjoying the warmer winter weather. I just like this shot, so Christmassy.

2008-12-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

Aaron found the treasure map and took Grandpa and Patrick along for moral support.

The guys had a quick game of flag football. Nice try, Patrick!

The day after Thanksgiving we did a better job of taking pictures. Great form Angie, if you had gotten more help from your team mate you would have won!! Of course, I still say that bringing in that replacement player was a bit unfair.

2008-12-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

It has been a whole week since Thanksgiving and so I figured it was time to post our Thanksgiving day pictures. Well, here it is, I guess I was either having so much fun, or so busy waiting for that bird to cook (It took an hour longer than it should have) that I completely forgot about pictures. This is the only one Mike took.

2008-12-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

This year we were able to attend Patrick's first and last football game. His team members were as cute as bugs ears, or excuse me, a mean lean fighting machine. Anyway it was great fun to watch. Rah, Predators!!!

2008-11-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

Here she is in her new home.

"Obiwanders, mas" was launched into Lake Pleasant, her new home, today.

The Marina here is very nice, so we are hoping for a better sailing season than we have had for the past few years. The sailboat staff seems very knowledgeable, and were a great help with the launch. As you can see, I was my usual useful self.-- I stood on the pier and took pictures of it all. But Mike is a happy sailor!

2008-11-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

Before I talk about the new pictures, I want to thank everyone who viewed the birthday blogg Mike posted. It was so much fun hearing from everyone and it really made turning the BIG 60 a lot more pleasant. Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone!!!

Now on to what has been going on since then. We made the trip to Arizona, where we will be spending the winter months. The weather is very nice, but I am having a difficult time realizing that Thanksgiving is only one week away!! Zowie?
We had a lovely visit from Mike's sister Marsha and our brother-in law Mike. We visited the art gallery district in Scottsdale. Then we had loads of fun checkding out the shops in Cave Creek, where I bought a new (you guessed it) SANTA!! The one is made of pottery clay and will sit outside with a light inside this season. Aaron really liked it. Friday night we went to an outdoor restaruant called Greasewood Flat for burgers and beer, and Mike, Angie and the boys met us there. The group shot of everyone was taken by the one missing from the shot, Patrick. Great job, dont you think? On Saturday, Mike, Angie, Patrick and Aaron came over to spend time with all of us. I think everyone enjoyed the fire pit. Patrick and Aaron made some'ores for all.
We hope Mike and Marsha come again soon, and all the rest of our family and friends come for a visit also.

2008-11-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

Happy 60th birthday Stormy!!

Just a quick look back over last 40+ years.

2008-10-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

Halloween, 2008
Another Trick or Treat night has come and gone. This year we had near perfect weather and so we had record numbers of kids. Lots of princesses, pirates and Hanna Montana lookalikes. My favorite this year was the kid in the shower. This brave soul walked all over the neighborhood wearing a shower stall with a full body suit of a fat guy wearing a towel. Then she?he(?) showed me the backside, the poor shower guy had a bad case of hemorrides!! Too funny.
All the kids were sweet, funny and polite. A delightful evening. Here are some shots of our yard. The kids told us we had the "Best Halloween Yard" in the whole neighborhood.

2008-10-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we were in Iowa City with Katy, Kent and Lucia. We visited the Sass family farm all decked out for Fall and Halloween. (I think it was called Sass family farm?!) As you can see we all had a good time, starting with seeing how tall Lucy is this fall, to the hay rack ride at the end. Opps, looks like I forgot to blog that picture!

2008-10-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

Maddie enjoyed Door County, and we enjoyed Maddie!!

2008-10-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

We spent a few days in Door County, Wisconsin with Chris, Trisha, and Madeleine. The colors were not 'peak', but they were sure pretty. And we had a great time together.

2008-10-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our day at the Amana Colonies in Iowa. That is Katy, Lucy and I coming out of my favorite shop, though this time I did not buy anything. We usually end the day with a cool one at the Millstream Brewery, and that is Mike's favorite shop.

2008-09-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist posting a few of the pictures Mike took in the Rocky Mountain NP. It is mating season there for the elk, and every evening between 5 and 8 they were in the meadows. I wish we could have recorded some of the calls they were making. Also the Autumn colors were breath-taking especially in the sunlight. Wow! But most of the 'red' trees you can see in these shots are from dead trees. A combination of dry, age and an insect infestation has causes loads of trees to die. The park says it is a natural occurrence and they let nature take it course. Still it was sad to see so many dead trees.

2008-09-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

The first morning on the trip back to Iowa we stopped in Winslow, AZ for breakfast. This is the 'LaPosada Hotel' and it is the last and most elegant of the Fred Harvey Hotels built by the Santa Fe Railroad. This treasure was nearly lost because rail travel slowed, and the tourist traffic on old Route 66 moved in another direction. In the 1960 it was turned into the offices for the rail road. But in the late 1990 the current owners bought it and are dedicated to restoring it to the original glory. They are doing a wonderful job. The Turquoise Room where we had breakfast was beautiful, the food was really good and it did not take much imagination to 'see' Hollywood of the 1930 and 40 sitting in the next booth. Everyone from Chas. Lindbergh to John Wayne, Albert Einstein to Howard Hughes stayed at this hotel at some time as it was considered the most elegant hotel on the Santa Fe Rail. Some of you might recognize the name Fred Harvey from the MGM movie "The Harvey Girls", starring Judy Garland. Another interesting fact about this hotel is that it was the crowing star of the American architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter. She was hired by the Fred Harvey Co as chief designer and architect. This is amazing when you think that she was hired in 1910 and women did not even get the vote until 1920!! We loved the hotel so much that we are keeping it in mind for a weekend get away while we winter in Arizona. For on line information, check www.laposada.org.

2008-09-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

On our last day in Arizona we went to Patricks first football game. That's our boy running with the football. The funny look on his face is due to his mouth guard. Aaron looks like he has been in a rough and tumble football game, but his owies are from up close and personal meeting with the sidewalk. OUCH!! Then there is Aaron as Peter Pan stabbing ye ole Cap'in Hook, a favorite game of both Aaron and Patrick. Then there is Patrick chillin' in the sprinkler. Note, we now have real grass in the back yard.

2008-09-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Last night Mike and I went to downtown Phoenix to see what was advertised as a 'pre Broadway' production. It was called "Blackbeard, the musical". And it was quite good. My favorite character was Bonnett, the former gentleman pirate. What a hoot! Of course that old pirate husband of mine enjoyed it. We were surprised that the seats we bought just last week were center stage and only 3 rows from the orchestra. And those three rows were empty. Best seats we have had for only $35.00 each! And it was quite a professional performance.
I also have seen where "The Lion King" is coming to Tempe this January. I have wanted to see that for such a long time. So I checked on TicketMaster for tickets. I was complaining to Mike what a rip it was because Ticketmaster charges $11.00 per ticket 'convenience charge' and then another $3.50 per ticket for building fee???? So I started checking out other ways to get tickets and found that Ticketmaster is a gem compared to other prices. One place offered balcony tickets for $425.00 each!!!! Ticketmaster prices for balcony seating is $77.00. (before convenience and building fees) For me to pay $425.00 the seat would have to be riding on the back of "The Lion King". So now I apologize to TicketMaster and will be paying both the convenience and building charges without further complaint.

2008-09-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

We have been at the house in Arizona now for almost a month this time. Here are a few things I want to share with you about life here. First of all, and most obvious is that it is HOT! I hope I never have to spend the whole summer here. It feels hotter than the summers I spent in Torreon. But Mike and I get up early and take a morning walk before the heat of the sun is too bad. We see Hot air balloons nearly every morning. That is something we don't see everyday in Iowa. Another sight and sound we don't have in Iowa are the wild donkeys. Today we came upon a little family of wild donkeys off the side of the road. I did not have my camera and the pic I took with the cell phone is awful, so I cannot share that sight yet. We have been hearing them brae in the evenings and they sounded like there were right in the neighborhood. I have also spotted a coyote in the 'hood. A few things we have spotted here that we do not have in Iowa that are not so swell are the scorpions and the tarantulas . We found a scorpion inside the house and the tarantula on the back patio. So we have a bug spray service now and I hope to have seen the last of both of those.

We will be heading back to our beloved midwest for the rest of fall and a much anticipated visit with Chris and Tricia and Maddie. I have also missed my little Lucia. I understand she can whistle now!?

2008-09-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

September in Arizona can still be very warm. Here are a few ways we have been keeping cool. Aaron is trying to catch the water spouting at a local mall. It tells you just how hot it can be, when the malls have tiny water playgrounds for the kids to play in. Next you can see the water park that is part our homeowners association memberships. We have really liked going there on a hot weekend afternoon with the kids after working on the house all morning. Patrick calls the water feature in our backyard the baby river. I asked him why he had the rock on his chest? I wondered if he thought it would keep him from floating 'downstream', but he just said it was because it was his favorite rock. Last is a picture of Aaron and Patrick with a water toy on the space that will soon have the hot tub.

2008-09-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

A favorite game for our gransons is the treasure hunt. It started last June after Patrick made a craft foam pirate chest that he would hide and want us to find. Now it has evolved to what you can see in the pictures here. Every weekend the 'Pirate' leaves a treasure map in the 'booty closet' for them to follow. Patrick has become so good at solving the maps that he can now use a compass to follow the clues to the treasure chest. In these pictues you can see the original treasure. Since then the chest has held t-shirts, play-doh, and other small toys. This past weekend Patrick confided in me that he thinks the 'pirate' is Grandpa. I asked him if he thought that Grandpa looked like a pirate. He said he was not sure, he needed to see if Grandpa had a tatoo!

2008-09-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

We fianlly have internet at the Arizona house. It took two weeks, and two trips from Qwest. But now I can post pictures of the house for all my friends back in Iowa who asked me what the outside of the house looks like. Everything is still a work in progress, but the landscape looks really nice and I like it a lot. We still need our grassy spot in the back, and the hot tub needs to be set up. But it is looking good.

2008-09-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

My darling husband turned 60 on August 17th. Here he is celebrating with some of this favorite people.....His grandchildren. First he had birthday apple pie with Lucy in Cedar Falls, and then we left to check on the Arizona house. So Patrick helped me make a birthday cake for grandpa Mike and we celebrated again. Just so you know, Patrick decorated the cake candle wise all by himself. By the way, Aaron thinks the Chocolate cake is just fine.

2008-08-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

OK, Just 1/2 dozen or more favorite pictures.

These are precious times for me as a grandma.

I dont get to many chances to hold these sleeping babes and I cherish every minute of it.

2008-08-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from the Patrick and Aaron camper-door show. I believe this selection was rockenroll "Itsy,bitsy spider"

2008-08-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Tell me Lucy, How do you really feel about that hat?

2008-08-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

Aaron fell asleep in his chair at the campfire.

We had the best time camping in Wisconsin this past weekend. Katy, Kent, Lucia, Mike and I camped with our respective dogs. We met up with Mike, Angie, Patrick and Aaron because Mike was in for his High School Reunion. These are a few of my favorite pictures of the weekend.

2008-08-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hey, I need some advise. Our little Josie is quite the magician. She has escaped from the crate, injuring herself in the process. So we got a gate for the laundry room and while we were out to dinner, she escaped that. I guess she jumped it. I would not mind so much except that she has taken to leaving little doggie surprises in my bedroom when we leave her alone in the house. My next attempt will be to use two gates on top of each other. Or would anyone suggest one of those wire cages?? Any advise how to break her of doggie surprises when we are not home.. I love this little dog already, and there must be a way to modify these behaviors. Help!!

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

Time for a little update on things. Mike is doing well. Getting stronger and feeling better everyday. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Our new little dog, Josie is fitting right in with the family. You can see how affectionate she is in the picture giving Mike such a hug. We are still dealing with the diapers issues, and we have found that keeping her in a pet crate is not the best. She ate through the soft sided one we had for Gracie, so we bought a plastic crate with a metal wire front gate. I put her in and went out for a couple of hours, when I got home she was running free in the house. Mike said I probably did not have the latch in proper. So the next day I had Mike put her in the crate to be sure the latch was in proper. When we got home a few hours later, she greeted us happily at the front door. She had escaped the crate again. I'm thinking we should rename her Houdini. Later that day we noticed she was favoring her one front paw. For the next 3 days she would not walk on it at all. So it was back to the vet. $90.00 later he basically said, 'Give her 2 aspirins, and call me in the morning. The good news is that nothing is broken, puntured, or infected. So we have given up on the crating thing and just let her run the house when we are not home. So far that is working OK as long as me make sure she is 'pottied' before we leave. We are still giving her 'something to manage the pain', and she is starting to put weight on it again. But she is such a drama queen, when we are walking and she gets tired, she will sit down and hold it up and look at us with the most pitiful eyes.

2008-07-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

I have been wearing Mickey Mouse watches for at least the past 20 years. When my eyesite started going bad, I discovered that they are the easiest to read. They have nice big numbers and Mickey's fat little hands also make it easier to tell the time. On the right side of my wrist you will see my last watch, a 'ladies' size watch. It is pretty small, smaller than the previous MM watch I had. So this time I thought I would order a 'Mens' size MM watch. Wow! I think I will be able to see the time. I'm just worried my arm will go sore lugging this around all day. Another joke on me. Ha, ha.

2008-07-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

OK, This falls into the category of OMG!

This is something I thought I would never do, as I have always had pets that were either neutered or spayed at the first opportunity. But who else but us would adopt a pet from the Humane Society less than a week from her 'season'. What is really funny about all this is that I had the dog at the vet for her initial check-up to make arrangements for the spay operation and the vet said that she was already spay. He even showed me the scar. It was the very next morning and OMG!! I called the vet back and said I thought we had better rethink the scar issue. His response----"Opps!" So anyway, here we are trying to cope with this new pet experience. And these doggie diapers seem to be the best solution (at $10.00 a box!!!!) for keeping the carpet and furniture clean. Josie does not seem to mind having them on, at least she does not try to bite or chew them off. We did have a time trying to figure out how to just keep them on, as she would just walk out of them as they slipped down her little hips. But Mike came up with an idea to put a doggie suspender on it. It is hard to explain, so just imagine a long strip of packing tape attached at one end to the diaper and the other end to her collar. NO!! We did not tape it to the dog itself, but doubled the tape over on itself. Looks kinda funny, but works. (not shown in the accompanying photo) I guess you can take the man out of the engineering job, but not the engineer out of the man. Other than this, Josie is settling in quite nicely. She is sweet, loving and wants to please. She is the best walking pet partner I have had and that has encouraged me to get back out there for morning walks. But, I mean, really!! who would have thought she would come in heat so soon after adoption. Yuck.

2008-07-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a big day in our house. Mike came home from the hospital well on the mend. And we adopted a new member into the household.

Everyone!! Please meet Josie. She is between 2 and 3 years old and was abandoned during the floods. She is small and very sweet. She already loves being with us. So much so that she chewed a hole in the soft sided pet carrier we used for Gracie so she could be with us last night. So much for kennel training. She ended up sleeping on the foot of our bed.

2008-07-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July weekend!!

We spent the holiday at Katy and Kent's house. She had a picnic for family, friends and neighbors. The neighborhood closed off the street for a short time so the kids could have a holiday parade. They decorated the bikes, etc. and it was very cute. Very short and very cute. If you are wondering why Lucy is going one direction and the bikes are all going the opposite direction, it is because no one told the kids the difference between a parade and a race. So while Katy and Kent paraded down the road, the kids all raced as fast as they could up and down, and up and down.

By the way, isn't Lucy just the epitome of holiday spirit in her cute patriotic dress??

2008-07-03T19:14:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS, MIKE!!!

Well, it is semi-official!! Mike, after 40 years of service has retired from Deere. Yesterday was his last day at the office, and now he has over of month of medical leave, and then 10 months of vacation time. Then he will be offically retired. There were two good-by parties for him, a morning coffee for the factory and then a dinner party in the evening. It was very nice, and we will both miss being part of the working Deere family. But we have things to do, places to go, and people to see and it is time to move on. Life, the greatest adventure.

And to my darling husband. I am very proud of you, and happy to have shared these past 40 years galavanting all over the globe with you as part of the life with Deere. And I look forward to this next adventure. Still crazy after all these years.

2008-06-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

OK.OK. OK! I know that I am old enough now that my doctors are now mostly younger than I am. But this last one the JDMG had me see is just too much. I am not kidding when I say that she still had her braces!!! She is about 5 ft nothing, 90 pounds soaking wet with black rimmed glasses, and I kid you not, braces on her teeth. She was very sweet and laughed at all my jokes, but so does Patrick! Oh well, she is just a fill in until my regular doctor comes back from maternity leave. See, they just keep getting younger and younger.

2008-06-20T04:26:00.000-07:00

Two new additions to Winter Resort Obert, AZ.
Here are our two new bell boys. They will be happy to take your bags to your room while you are enjoying this lovely sunrise.

2008-06-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the deluxe accommodations of the Obert Winter Resort, Arizona location.
Please enjoy this virtual tour of our facilities.
The elegant entry way is tastefully decorated. To your right you will find the gourmet kitchen, complete with rare seating arrangements. From there you will enter the entertainment room. Please note the lovely 3 piece sectional sofa and lounge and rocking chairs. We hope you will enjoy the wide screen TV and DVD player. Actual cable hookup to be added soon.
Next you can view a typical guest room. Please note how comfy the bed is and the real excitement will be that the first guests will be able to assemble the furniture. (please note the two boxes of un-assembled furniture near the bed.)
Also please feel free to use our media room. We spent extra to have a plastic chair and card table for your comfort. Actual Internet access will be available in the near future.
Finally we hope you will enjoy our outdoor grounds. As you can see, no expense was spared to bring you the latest in splash-park/pool fun. It is a little hard to see, but the outline of the landscaping, patio and water feature will thrill your heart.
And so, we are looking forward to all our guests this winter. Please come and see if we can improve on these excellent arrangements. (hee, hee, hee.)

2008-05-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Liz and Kyle's wedding.
I did not take as many pictures as I would have liked to. But here are my favorites! You know who you are!

2008-05-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

My girls were perfect angels during the ceremony. Well, almost. Anyway they looked like angels. Maddie is very popular, as you can see, she needed a cell phone.

2008-05-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from our Memorial Day weekend. The wedding photos will be available in a day or so in a separate posting. But these are some special memories also.
Tricia, Christopher and Maddie, and Kent, Katy and Lucia, and Mike and I all stayed at Bernies place. So here is Bernie fixing one of his famous breakfasts. Yummy! Thanks, little Brother.

Here is a Four Generation photo.

Great Grandma Martha, Grandma me, Mommy Kate and 4th generation Lucia.

We all went to the Zoo! And it was a zoo at the zoo, but I still loved every minute with all the kids.

From left to right, Tricia, Terri, Andrew, Zach, Sami, Chris& Maddie, Kent, Katy and Me. In the front of Lucia in her stroller is Grandpa Mike.

And here is Maddie with her first skinned knee.

Ouch.

2008-05-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

The trial is over. Actually, it came to an end late Thursday afternoon. It was a criminal trial. We found the defendant "not guilty". But it was not an easy decision for any of us. The gist of the case was that this college kid, a football scholarship guy from New Orleans, bought a Ford Explorer from a used car dealer in Waterloo. It was one of those, 'cash only' dealers who do their own financing. Seems they say the kid got behind in his payments so they repoed the truck. The kid says he was not in default, in fact he was paid ahead. So the dumb kid when to the dealership and took the truck back. When the dealer discovered it was missing, he reported it stolen. The police found it in a garage of a friend of the kid, ergo, theft in the 2nd degree.
So what it came down to was, do we believe the kid, or the dealer. There were 3 points of law that we had to say he was guilty of without reasonable doubt. Two of the points were easy to say he was guilty. Yes, he took the truck from the lot of the dealer. Yes, I believe that he 'hid' the truck to prevent the dealer from getting it back. But, just who was the 'rightful owner'?
The dealer had a lien on the title, but the title was in the kids name. If he was not in default, as he said, he was not stealing, but retrieving his own property.
All of the jury thought they everyone was lying!! The dealership's record keeping was a joke.
Cash payments only. No checks, no credit card, not even money orders. The dealer said yes they accepted money orders, but people who did buy a car from them testified that they were told Cash only! In other words, no paper trails. The receipts were as joke. They were the kind you can buy at the Dollar Store for your yard sale. There was a stamp of the dealer name, and then an amout like 50. No dollar signs, no decimal point. No initials of who took the cash. Just two dates, I assumed one for the actual date and one for the date the payment was due. No remaining balance. Really shabby for a buisness. The kid had two receipts that the police lab says were altered. But of course they could not say who altered them.
The kids story was that he came in several weeks after first getting the car and the salesman, who at that time was also the owner of the dealership ( who did not testify, more on him later) said, Give me $3500. now we'll call it even and it's yours. This is what the he said he did. His copy of the receipt is $3550. the receipt number in the dealers book say $50. One of the altered receipts. So the kid says the truck was his. He said when the new tags were due on his birthday he found out about the lien still on it. So he went to the dealer and they then said he still owed money. And that each time they talked to him, it was a different amount for a different reason. So when they repoed it, he was fed up with them and just took it back. Stupid yes, but if it was his???
The record of payments from the dealer was a large index card. and on the payment dates it would say either an amount, or OK or 50. and none of it matched any of the receipts in any receipt books we saw.
So based on the direction we were given of innocent until proven beyond the reasonable doubt, and the question of who owes a car when a lien is on it. We felt we had to say, not guilty.
Now after we reached a decision, the judge and lawyers came in and we were able to talk and ask questions. It was then we found out that the owner/salesman the kid did business with origionally, did not testify because he is in prison in Illinois. For what I have been told the murder of a little girl who was missing from Waterloo. And all this was going on near the time the football kid was giving the dealership his money. We also found out that the football kid has a more serious assault charge against him in another county. So you can see, nice people all.
What did I think of the whole experience? At first I dreaded it. But it did not take long for me to get really involved it the process and I found I really felt I wanted to do the best job I could for the court system. As the judge said, it is not perfect system, but it is what we got. The District attorney did an excellent job, but the paperwork was just not there for her. We asked her why no one showed us the kids bank statments that would have shown where he took out the amounts he said he gave the dealer. The football kid said he went to his bank and got the cash out of his checking and savings accounts. The defense showed us where the University had given him over $10,000. in his grants, scholarship and loans. But even the defence did not show us his bank account withdrawls for the weeks he said he gave the money to the dealer. That would have strengthen either side if the withdrawls were or were not there. The DA said it would have taken some court orders and I guess she did not want to deal with that. The defense said they did not think it mattered if they showed that he did have the money. I got the feeling that the defense attorney was really counting on the innocent until proven guilty direction. I was not real impressed with him.
The DA said why did we not beleive the kid altered the receipts. My thoughts on that were I could have believed either the dealer or the kid could have done it. She said "what would it gain the dealer to alter the recipts. I could not beleive this question. Tax Fraud, of course. Or the salesman can give the people an altered receipt and pocket the cash. She said, why would he do that. I guess this young asst. DA never heard of under the table tax free cash.
Anyway, I am glad that I was called, and glad that I got on a jury, and I am even more glad that my name will not go back into the system for 2 years.
If this recount of the trial does not make sense, it is because the whole trial did not make sense to me. The dealer got the truck back, in fact the truck was resold. For less than they said the kid owed because the dealer said the transmission was so bad. He testified that the truck had no reverse, and first and second gear were screwed up also. But his mechanic also testifed that when the cops found the truck in the garage, and he came to retrive it, that he backed the truck out and drove it back to the dealership. So why did they not drop the thief charge and just go after him in claims court for the money?

2008-05-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my life, I have been called in for jury duty. And just my luck, I was chosen for the trial. I was so hoping that I would not have to serve. No big reason, I just don't like driving into that part of town, and trying to find a parking space. But now that I am on the trial jury, I have to say, it's not so bad. It is really interesting listening to both sides. And it was downright funny listening to the jury selection. Some people will say just about anything to get out of serving. This one guy first wanted off because he was self employed contractor. Then he said he could not be impartial if he thought the law was unfair (i.e. he thought Marijuana should be legalized), then he stated that he knew for a fact that three of the local policemen were thieves, so he would not be inclined to believe the testimony of a cop. But it worked in the end, he was not chosen. And two of the women who did not want to serve cried, and were not chosen either. The lawyer asked me if it would influence me in favor of the state because they got to present their case first. I told him that it did not matter, in fact I liked to have the last word. That made the whole court laugh. But I still got picked. The trial should last through Thursday.

2008-05-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a bit of sewing for Lucia. Maybe by the end of summer the sunsuits may fit. But I am afraid that the little matching hat will not fit until she is 2 yrs old.!! One size does not fit all.

These other pictures are just because I like them. I hope you can see how sweet this child is. She always has a ready smile.

Rock Star Lucy!!

2008-05-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

MOTHERS DAY!!!!

My Mothers Day was really lovely. Katy had thought that she could not come, but Sunday morning decided to visit with sweet Lucia. We did not do much, a bit of shopping for clothes to wear to Lizzy's wedding, but I loved every minute and it all went too quickly. Here we are with Lucy wearing the new sailor outfit grandpa bought for her. I think he is trying to get Lucy into sailing as soon as possible. But I know that sailing is more than just looking cute in the clothes!!!

Anyway, I hope all the mothers in my world had a lovely day also. I want to tell my daughter and my daughter-in-laws just how proud I am of the mothers they are. You are all doing a great job at raising my grand children. I love you all.

2008-05-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today we said good-bye to an old friend. "Wendell" has been with us since our Beaver Dam days. For the past 25 years he has greeted guests and kept vigilance over our gardens. He always made me smile. The happy sound of his shower splashing was as welcoming as a summer shower. But the last move did him in, so today we took his broken and battered tub to the sand and gravel recycling. It was kind of sad to have to leave him there. It is like the end of an era. Adieu, old friend, you will be missed.

2008-04-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

The daffodils are really starting to bloom in my yard just now. Unfortunately, the weather channel is predicting SNOW showers for tonight and tomorrow. What a bummer!

While Mike and I were in Seattle, Chris and Tricia took us to the 'Tulip Festival'. It was the first weekend of the festival, and the tulips fields were really not blooming quite yet. But there was a delightful display in the RoozenGaarde. And as you can see, the daffodil fields were at their best!!

2008-04-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

I call this video, "Jello Legs". The friends and relatives my age will remember this from our own children. And those of the younger generation, you have my sympathy. Anyways, this video makes me smile.

2008-04-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

I have finally been able to get the pictures from our visit in Seattle on the computer. I call these "A few of her favorite things".

2008-04-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Katy and Lucia all ready to leave for Seattle. Seems like a lady with a baby in a sling is a threat to National security, because Katy and Lucia got the once, and twice over at the airport. Then again, that would be a way to smuggle on something, I guess. At lease they were all friendly and polite and did not make her take the sleeping baby out to search Lucia also. Katy and I were so happy to be on our way to visit Chris, Tricia and Maddie that we did not mind. See, Katy is still smiling.

2008-04-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our Seattle visit. Walking Titus (the black and white dog) at the Dog Park. A snapshot of Katy and the Artist at the Pikes Market, and a Picture of Chris helping Madeleine down the slide.

2008-04-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here are my girls, just hanging out together. Maddie was very sweet to Lucia. She would give her gentle touches, and was very good at Binkey Patrol.

2008-03-19T08:54:00.001-07:00

Katy, Luci, and I are headed for Seattle. I am looking forward to have some photos of the girls together. I will share them as I can.

I wish you all a warm, blessed Easter. I hope you will be surrounded with your loved ones.

2008-03-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

Horay!! February is over. March has begun and this is the first time I have seen grass in my yard since November. It has been above 32 degrees for the past 3 days and snow in the sunshine that had been blown thin has melted to the ground. It will not be long, there is a clipper due in tonight and a few inches of snow predicted. But it is a start. Come on Spring!!!!

2008-02-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks, Tom and Jo Ann, this Amaryllis has been a bright spot for me ever since you sent the pre-planted bulb for Christmas. It was fun watching it grow and here it is in it's final glory! A beautiful reminder of spring and summer in an otherwise long cold winter.

2008-02-29T06:17:00.000-08:00

After shoveling out the driveway from this storm, Mike said, "Well, maybe this will be the last snowstorm of the year." Ha! It wasn't even the last storm of the week!! That pile is now about half again as tall. And guess what, they are predicting more snow for the weekend!! Have I mentioned that I hate, hate, hate February?!

2008-02-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

This is how I pictured I would be spending this early part of the week, in Iowa City with Katy, Kent and Lucia. But once again this winter had different plans. Yesterday the winds blew the snow around so much that it was impossible to keep the roads clear. Mike drove in near white-out conditions until he reached interstate 35 and then it was still rough going until he got to Kansas City on his way to Coffeeville, KS. He called and advised me not to try to drive to Iowa City. Now this morning I woke up with a virus so I cannot go and get my fill of holding this precious bundle. I am asking again---will this winter ever end?!? The prediction for the rest of the week is still more snowing and blowing snow. Have I mentioned that I hate, hate, hate February?

2008-02-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

This is what we woke up to this morning. It's a nice coating of ice. And just when you think it can not get any worse, it has started to snow. The weather channel is still saying that the blizzard warning will not end until 8:00 tonight. They are saying anywhere from 5 to 8 inches. What fun! Have I mentioned that I hate, hate, hate, the month of February.

2008-02-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

I can't stand it!! I just spent 45 minutes mixing up a Layered Chocolate Mocha Cheesecake for Valentine's day for Mike. As soon as I put it in the oven, I realized I had forgotton to add the chocolate. Does anyone know where I have left my brain? I dont seem to have it with me lately. Oh well, I guess it's time to pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.

2008-02-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

It snowed again, another 4 or so inches.
And that is all I have to say about that.

2008-02-10T13:24:00.001-08:00

I was able to spend a few days in Iowa City with Katy, Kent and Lucia Anne. The weather was not the best, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

While comparing notes on Katy's baby and my baby Katy I discovered that I have been lying about her birth weight for several years. I dont know when I got confused about the numbers, maybe back in '79 when I had that car accident and bumped my head. I lost several numbers then and I could have 'remembered' this one wrong. Anyway, I found out that Katy weighed 9lbs 2ozs and not the 10 lbs, 2 ozs I have been saying for years. So then I wondered about Chris' birth weight, and sure enough, he was a pound lighter than I have been saying also. He was 8lbs 14 ozs. Sorry kids, but you have known for years that I am nuts. Anyhooey, here is a new picture of Lucy, and an old picture of Chris and Katy.

2008-02-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

Here she is!!! This is our beautiful little Lucia Anne. I spent Friday with the new little family.

They are amazing. They are natural parents, and Luci is a content, sweet baby. What a joy!

2008-01-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

To Quote a line from 'GONE WITH THE WIND', .."The happiest days are the days babies are born".... And that is today. This morning at 8:12AM, our newest grand daughter was born to Katy and Kent. She weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. and is 21 inches long. And her name is Lucia Anne. Welcome little one, you are loved very much.

2008-01-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

It has been snowing since before we got out of bed today. And it is not supposed to stop until sometime tonight. It is not a hard snow, just gently falling, but it just will not stop. I don't know how much is out there, when it is over two inches we have a service come and clear it off the drive and walkways. It's well over 2 inches already. I am so tired of winter already. And last night watching the Packers LOSE is just to much to bear. Baby O, please come soon and cheer me up!!

2008-01-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Little brother.
Today is my brother's birthday. I am posting this for two reason. 1st, I love and miss my brother and wish him all the best. Second, I want to tell him, "Please post something new on your blog!" We are all waiting and waiting for news and new photos.