Yummy Treats

 

Good evening everyone... The other day when we went looking for the Canadian geese, we drove around that huge building, they have all these statues filling their grounds. I thought this one was awesome!

 

Saturday afternoon we had to go to the store, and when we were coming home, Tom said do you want to stop for an ice cream cone?? Of course I said 'yes'. We pulled in the DQ and as we were looking at the menu and I saw they had waffle bowls... So, instead of a cone...we got the waffle bowl, with peanut butter cups and whipped cream.. Yummm. However, it was way too much for me,  so we brought it home and 'we' finished it off the next night.

 

Our granddaughter likes DQ, so I was telling her about it this morning (thinking maybe she didn't know about them) and might like to run out and get one. She's like...oh you're making me so hungry..and we don't have one where we live now. (Sorry Ash!) But when she goes home, she's going to get one!! smile....



Now look at our neighborly acrobat! He found a way to get on the bird feeder. We're not sure how he got there. But he's really a jumper. We'll see him..jumping from tree to tree.. (ever heard of a flying squirrel??) smile....

 

Hope you're having a good week.

Where do I start??

 Guess I might as well start with last Friday and our Red Hat Luncheon! What a fun day we had! A friend had given me this 'headware'...smile... She had made it from a flower and netting...turned out really neat and I received lots of compliments on it!! Now the reason I was sooooo glad I had it was, I had my hair fixed and didn't want to end up with a "Bad Hat Hair Day" on Saturday!! smile....

Grandchildren!!

 Saturday brought about our yearly MS Walk! What a beautiful...fun and exciting day!!! Being with friends and family (especially grandchildren) was the best!!!! My son, along with the band he plays with...entertained everyone at the end of the walk!!! The t shirts were designed by our granddaughter Ashley from Huntsville, AL. The shirts were made here in town thanks to my daughter and her family in Georgia.

 Monday the old carpet was pulled up and the new one was put down! I know you can't really tell much difference...but let me tell you if you were in our front room you could see it! It's beautiful and the colors in the drapes just 'pop'... I love it!!! smile....

 My son Randy stopped by and brought me these for Mother's Day... aren't they just gorgeous?? I love roses!!! 'Big Smile'....

And another view, once I got up and got closer to the window...

 On Tuesday, I was sick and ended up in so much pain, that we had to call 911 for an ambulance. They thought I possibly was having a heart attack. The pain masked all the same systems of an attack. But once at the hospital and after lots of tests it was ruled out. They never really confirmed what caused my problem (possibly a virus). The morphine did ease the pain so that was good! But after a night at the hospital, being woke up every few hours, being poked and prodded for tests, which came out okay...so they sent me home! Wednesday, was a good day, going home, but I had a terrible headache (maybe from the morphine), I did sleep like a baby that night however!!! Thursday was kind of a recuperating day...but I did have some stomach issues last night and was afraid we wouldn't be able to go on our trip to the museum today......

However, we made it and I was so glad I was feeling well enough to go!! There were about 20 of us, split into two groups and they took us on a tour of our "new museum". There were sooooo many really cool artifacts...I think a person could spend days in there and still never see everything!! They just showed us where things were and we didn't have the opportunity to stop and really look at any one thing! We can't wait to go back one day really soon!!!!!

And to end this blog posting....the day of the Walk we won tickets to the Tim McGraw show....we really didn't feel comfortable with going, so I gave the tickets to my son and his wife. He didn't care to go, so 'daughter in love and granddaughter' went!!! They said it was awesome and enjoyed it immensely!!!! smile.......

Now that the Blogger is working and I'm feeling better I hope to do a blog posting each day.... more as it happens.........

3 Boxes..

I wish you could smell these hyacinths, they smell as lovely as they look! smile.... My daughter in love and son got these for us for Easter!!! Our home smells just so wonderful!!!! I think of and thank God for them each time I look at them!!!

We were so busy today, I was going through boxes and boxes of old paperwork!!! So...here I sat...with 3 boxes around my chair! One is to throw away...one is for the shredder and of course last but not least the third if MY SAVE box...smile.... You wouldn't believe all the things I found.. cards from friends and loved ones... Obituaries... so lots of fond memoires.  Some old...old pictures...smile... I was laughing and Tom wanted to know what was so funny! I showed him a picture of  us back in 1994!  We really looked different..but the biggest change was Jesse... Randy was holding him...he was just a baby!!!  Tomorrow I will start all over...smile...

Tom continued his cleaning down here... It is looking better and better...   Soon and very soon I will have pictures of this basement!!! I can't wait till it's done...

Tomorrow I will witness to some of God's workings in our lives... HE is so loving and good!!!

Spring?? Home and Garden Show...

This morning bright and early we headed to the annual "Home and Garden Show"...it was so much fun!! (as you can see...smile...) I was taking pictures of the Iowa mascot and someone asked if we wanted a picture with the mascot...of course I said "yes"...I knew it was going to be on my blog!!! smile..... 

Here are some pictures of all those lush green plants... don't you just love the doggy planter?? We want to get one at their store later on...when we get our spring plants from them..smile... 

Isn't this fish pond so cool??? How about all those 'gold' fish? Amazing...smile...... 

When I saw these baby chicks...I asked Tom to get closer and take a picture of them.. of course I love chickens...and since I've been reading the Prairie Flower Farm and watching her babies as they were hatching...check it out!!! It is such a God thing!!

Tom was enjoying checking out all the new and "amazing" new things...like this continuous flame light...it was so cool...but very expensive...

Afterwards...we headed over to the Senior Center to have lunch. They had seafood Alfredo that was really good and served with all the trimmings along with dessert...(if you know me...I have to have my dessert...smile...)  We then headed off to Sam's Club and WalMart... Boy by the time we got home we were both so tired...we just crashed...smile..

We're watching "The Social Network" it's a pretty good show..only thing the star talks way too fast for me...smile... Have you seen it?? If so..what were your thoughts on it??

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

August 27, 1936:

Mama went to aid. Rode the bicycle to get apples. Harold and Daryle came along with teams and wagons. They got some apples and teased. Dad and I had a pint of ice-cream. Went with Dad to get some fodder. Came up a wind and rain.

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more as it happens....

Sunday Jam and Senior Dance....

Doesn't this look like fun?? After a busy morning of church, lunch and shopping we went to the Jam session at the Senior Center to listen and watch our friends!! This lady singing this song has an amazing voice and can play many instruments!!! Always love to hear her!

 Our weather has been so beautiful....temperatures in the upper 40's...just makes everyone happy and smile and smile...

Of course we still have snow on the ground but it is melting more and more as each warm day goes by!! Well, I'm tired after such a busy...busy day so will cut this short.  Hope you all have a beautiful week!!

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

August 5, 1936:
Sadie came this afternoon. Rode up to Luton with her. Angela H. was married today. Started selling milk. Elaine and Betty were here tonight. Saw Frank's yellow car. Bobbie L. pointed his finger at me when I was in the post office. Sadie and I talked to Cecil and Brown.
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"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory." George Patton

more as it happens....

Foggy afternoon for a fish fry!!

Yep it's the first Saturday of the month and time for the fish fry! The day gave us snow showers on and off and misty and fog. 

I said to Tom do you really think we should  go tonight?? Snow..rain..freezing temps? But he said, "yes, it would be fine!!" But I was still concerned as we crossed the foggy river...

We picked up our friends and headed south to the small town where we always enjoy that wonderful fish, fries, baked beans, cole slaw and drinks...  

When we pulled into town, this is what the temperature was! We made our evening somewhat shorter than usual. After we got our fill of fish...and conversation (smile) Tom stepped outside to see what the weather was doing and came back in and said he thought we probably should head home. Our friends agreed. The joys of winter!! smile... By the time we finally got home, our driveway and sidewalks were getting icy! Perfect timing!!!

How was your day?? Did you do something fun and exciting?? smile... Oh and by the way...Tom did have to play with his 'new' snowblower, just had to see how to start it...etc... smile... I knew it!!!

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FYI today February 5th would have been Grace's (Mom's) 93rd birthday!! Smile........

"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

July 30, 1936:

Aunt Ruth came home. Baked two pies this morning. Bernadine and Muzzett came this afternoon. We rode bicycles and played in the corn. Went up to church supper. Muzzett, Bernadine and I ate our supper together. Talked to "Tiny" went after Sadie. Saw Frank get into Alldrecks car. Bob, Tony, "Tiny" and Daryle were in Crabb's car. They did plenty of tearing around.

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"My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God." Psalm 84.2

more as it happens............

Family weekend...

 Yesterday we headed to the nursing home to visit Aunt Pearl and have lunch with her. She wanted Pizza Hut's chicken alfredo, which of course we love too. For dessert we also got their little apple pies! It was so nice to see her, she looked so good. I loved this snowman out front, apparently some kids came to visit and made it!  And of course the kitties always sit out there, along with the 'cat lady'..smile....

Pearl looked good...and was having a good time!!

Then today we had a family dinner at Applebee's...it was so nice to see all of them! Lives get so busy..between work, school and of course just living..smile..it's difficult to all be together. So I thought what a better birthday gift to myself then to get them all together for Sunday dinner! With the help of my 'daughter in love' here we were!!! Oh yes it was the greatest gift of all!!!

Look at all the love....husband, son, 'daughter in love', and grandchildren, including one to soon be!! smile.......  I think togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life. Barbara Bush

What was your weekend like??

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

July 24, 1936:

Dad went to help thresh. Has been so hot and windy. Looked as if it would rain or storm. Bob came tonight. I went with Morey's to Hornick to show. Saw "Circle Canyon" George M. asked me to go tomorrow night. (brother) Paul said Darlye was down tonight.

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"Whoever believes in me...rivers of living water will flow from within them" John 7:38

more as it happens..............

Birthday Memories...

Since this is my birthday I thought it would be fun to remember memorable birthdays! The first one that I remember was when I was 5 or 6 years old. My aunt baked a special cake for me...and I shall always remember it! She is and was a great baker, the cake was several layers, each being a different color! Remember the food coloring that came in 4 different colors, red, green, yellow and blue well, I think that is how she made the different colored layers... smile....

Fifty years ago today when I turned 17..I had one of my only birthday parties with my friends.. It was a slumber party with my girlfriends! (They all still remember it today!!) Several of the boys/boyfriends stopped by and of course that made it much more exciting!!! We made homemade pizza...(which was a real treat in those days..) and pop! (Just another treat!!!) So much of this is common place today, but then it was a real treat and very special!!! Us girls all slept in the front room on the floor and my older brother slept in the next room on the couch. There was lots of giggling going on...they all thought he was sooo cute..and since he was 2 years older than me and 'was' cute....he made the girls just swoon...  It was really cold that day but we heated it up with all our laughing, chatting and swooning over the boys...smile....

Today also started very cold...it was 1 degree and  the wind chills dropped down to 17 below zero with snow flakes falling.... However, that being said...I saw on the Weather Channel last night it was 65 degrees for a high in 1944. So I'm sure Mom appreciated that...not having to be driven to the hospital in cold, snowy and icy weather... smile...

When my kids were teenagers, on one of my birthdays, I woke up and got them off to school, with no mention of my special day!  However, when I got home from work...there was a homemade cake and a gift! My daughter said it hit her after she got to school what day it was, so after school she went to the store, bought a cake mix, got a gift, went home and baked the cake!! Yeah... Can you imagine what a lovely surprise that was??? ~smile~

And then there was one year at work, when I unlocked my office door I was surprised by balloons, flowers and cards!! And of course there was a lovely cake. My son and his wife along with my co-workers did all of that!! What a great birthday that was!!! ~smile~

 And then when I turned 60...that one was unbelievable!!! There were friends, family, co-workers and loved ones at that party. My kids were all there, including grandchildren...it was just an amazing time!!!

These were just a few of the many.....many birthday celebrations I remember!!! How about you...are there birthdays that stand out in your memories???

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

July 18, 1936:

Haven't done much today. Slept this afternoon. Lyle W. waved tonight. Paul said he said "I've seen Grace with Bill J. that's one of her guys." Glen P. came just after we had had supper. He wanted me to go to the Joe E. Brown show. "Earthworm Tractors" As usual I didn't go with Glen. He wants to come back Saturday night. I'm to let him know. The answer will be easy though "no as usual"

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"You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!" Psalm 139:16

more as it happens..............

Fish Fry Last Night.......

Yesterday morning I woke up with a very sore throat...remember I thought I was coming down with a cold??  So after having some 'hot drinks' and taking some Coldeze I was feeling a little better. Then last night since I was feeling okay we headed to our monthly fish fry!! We invited our friends to come along and they were anxious to try it out! I saw this shot when we were crossing the Missouri River.

 As I was waiting for our friends to come out...I saw this cat walking across the yard on the fence...smile...

These were some of the sights I saw when we were on the road to Homer......... 

And then when we got there it was so much fun!!! First the food was absolutely wonderful...their fish was just amazing!! I did have a few (homemade) frys and some baked beans! But...the rest of the plate was full of fish!! ~smile~ There were several of our friends there...so we had lots of fun, food and friendship!!!

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

July 9, 1936:
They started to combine the wheat this morning. I helped grandma cook dinner for them. Got 25 cents. Sadie and Nema came after mama to go to Ladies Aid. They went after Mrs. Anderson too.

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We give thanks to God the Father for having made you worthy to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:12-13

more as it happens....

Busy...busy day....

After watching the news tonight they were remarking on how COLD it was a year ago today...something like 20 below zero (actual temperatures) so thought I would post a picture I took last year on this day!

Today was sooo busy..I really did get a lot done and I was so proud of myself! Tom went to the store and got the fixings for stew... while he was gone, I cleaned the bathroom...which pooped me out...so I went to my computer and started downloading more of my pictures from 2009, I didn't realize how many I had...but soon my stick was full....so I started another one and filled it also...and now tomorrow I will start on the third one and will finish the last two months.  I also got our check book balanced after a time...some months I don't have any problem and the next month I can't seem to get it balanced.... I know...I know...this is what I did for a living for 30 years...smile... But...I never give up...and always get it balanced!!!  Now that is the accountant in me.... ha

Then the best part of our day...our grandson Jesse and his Mom (Vicky) came up and we had a really nice visit!! Jesse was going to guitar lessons, so had his guitar with him...he played a little for us and I did get it taped and will upload it tomorrow and post it then!!!

So on that note I will sign off for tonight... How was your first work day of this New Year???

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

July 4, 1936:

Has been the hottest day in the history of Sioux City 111 degrees there. We went down in the basement in the afternoon. Saw Betty T.  Elaine, Cecil, Melvin and I went to Riverview tonight. Saw auto races. Rode on the Thriller. I was scared almost lifeless. But I wasn't alone Cecil got plenty scared. I rode the 'Tilt a Wheel' was fun. Had "cream" pop and "Root Beer". Saw Bud, Doyle, Harley, Lyle, Ed, Velma, Flossie. Got in the ditch. Got home at 2:30.

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"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." Louisa May Alcott

more as it happens.......

It was a "'Wonderful Day" yesterday...

Yesterday our weather was 'very' cold, but Pearl was ready to come over to visit...bright and early in the morning! ~smile~ Tom went out to move Karen's car out of the driveway to get our van out of the garage, but the doors were froze shut. So, he was able to crawl through the back (hatch back) and get up front and got it running...then crawled back out!! (Do you get the vibe that he was not a happy camper?) About a half hour later (or more) they finally thawed enough for the doors to open and he could move her car out of the driveway!! Off he went and got Pearl all loaded up and back to the house! It was just so nice for all of us. She loved getting out of the nursing home and we loved having her here!!

When we woke up bright and early in the morning this is what we saw....the sun rising in the east!

Here is our turkey that we only had to heat up for a couple hours! It was very tasty..something different! And we're having leftovers today (Friday) and it's just as yummy as it was yesterday!!!

Here were the place cards I made for our table! Earlier this fall we gathered some very pretty leaves and I pressed them between some very heavy books, then yesterday morning I wrote our names on them! This idea came from Susan Branch , she has so many great ideas!!

Later in the afternoon our grandson Jesse and his Mom stopped over! ~SMILE~ Whenever I get to see my grandchildren that makes me ~SMILE~. Rusty had a big day...first smoozing up to Aunt Pearl then with Jesse. ha

Later in the evening we were all so tired...the dogs were sprawled out on the floor...Tom in his recliner and me in my glider, everyone had a very hard time keeping their eyes open, so off to bed we all went!! I think I over ate as I had a hard time sleeping! Ever do that? Can't hardly stay awake, then the minute your head hits the pillow you can't go to sleep!! ha

"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

June 3, 1936:

Been home. Didn't get up until 11:00 o'clock. Cleaned out shelves and scrubbed kitchen. Daryle and Cecil were down with their dad tonight. Hear Daryle is coming down to see me in a night or two. To see me about the shirt.

June 4, 1936:

Dad had some time with his horses today. Bill came this morning to see Granddad about work. I made 4 pies. Mama went to aid. Bill came again this afternoon. Granddad promised him work.

"Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success."

Louisa May Alcott

more as it happens.........

Susan Branch's "Willard"

I just have to share this with all of you. As I opened my e-mail this morning, there was Susan Branch's "Willard". As always I was so excited, I love reading this newsletter however this month was different!! I think I was 'squealing' with delight!!! Susan talked about Sioux City, IA!! my home town:) Her grandfather "Willard Smith" was from Sioux City, IA and as she told it he wrote a Christmas letter and sent it to all his friends and family. This was a first back in those days.  Later..they received a letter from someone else and her Mom brought it to the dinner table to share it with the family. Susan's brother, who was about 12 at the time, said Oh a Willard!! Everyone started to laugh.... So, many years later when it was time to name her newsletter what better name then "Willard"... If you do not get this, be sure and go to her website and sign up today at Susan Branch's webpage.  I promise you, you will never be sorry!!! It is full of fun and exciting news each month and she hand writes/paints these herself! She is an amazing woman!!

When we went for a walk this afternoon along with my trusty camera, I realized there wouldn't be much new to take a picture of.  Then along flew this beautiful butterfly. I could hear Tom and "Rusty" coming up behind me...so I hollared at Tom to "stop" and keep Rusty away from me till I took some pictures. I know this is called a "Comma or a Question Mark" butterfly. I was hoping to get a picture of the back of it to verify which it was, 'comma or question mark'..but it flew away........never to know!!! ~smile~

 Close up...pretty aren't they??

I know this is the same as the other day, just the leaves are getting redder everyday!! So pretty..huh?

 "The Many Thoughts of Grace"

April 4,1936:

Folks went to Bronson. Glen Pittman came after me to go to show. Said he'd be back Easter Sunday.

 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. HAB 3:18

more as it happens..............

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSTY....

Today was our baby Rusty's 6th birthday... Love all these pictures when we first got him in December 2004! Wasn't he just darling? Today he got to go to the groomers and had a haircut and bath! He loves her and can't wait to run in there and get a bath!! He received a birthday card in the mail from our daughter in Georgia (Brenda) along with a little gift. The card was signed by her little girl dog Camey! When those two get together they have a fun time, chasing and playing with each other!! Too bad we live so far away...what a party we could have had!!

This was our first boy..Bandit! We lost him way too early in his life, as he was only 7 years old. He had heart problems.. But the most interesting thing is his 'birthday' was the same as Rusty's! October 18th!

 "The Many Thoughts of Grace"

March 11, 1936:

Went with me. Uhl, Melvin, Cecil and Elaine to Sergeant Bluff to the Preliminary contest. Couldn't hear Vera very well. Elaine did good. Carl Finley's piece was very funny. The kids didn't get any place.

more as it happens...............