NO SCHOOL ---- No Snow

That is right - we do not have school today and we also don't have any snow. We've been enjoying unseasonably warm temps this week - 30's, 40's and even up in the 50's. Which has pretty well taken care of all the snow - just a few spots of snow here and there. I must say it isn't very pretty as everything is muddy. Suppose to be windy today so maybe that will dry things out a little bit. I would be ready for this spring weather to stay but must remind myself it is only the middle of February!!

Now for the no school. Well, perhaps you have heard that the state of Wisconsin is in an uproar due to a bill the new governor is trying to get passed. I am totally not a political person so not even "involved" in what is going on or even know too many of the details. I suppose that is not a good thing but... Anyway the bill has a big impact on unions. So many of the public workers have been protesting this week - including the teachers. Madison schools have been closed now for 3 days in a row. Yesterday most of the smaller surrounding schools were closed here but we did still go. Yesterday afternoon, our teachers decided it was their turn to put in for a "sick" day for today. So, that happened and therefore no school for us. It is said though that staff is required to report - so guess that means that I need to go in. Not sure if it means we will be there all day or not. Will have to see. The kids are enjoying a "sleep in" this morning.

Week Ends........

Wow - they come and go so fast. Although maybe not fast enough with the cold weather! Anyway, another week end has started. It was a very cold - BRRRR - week. Three straight days of below zero weather. You know what that does for the school kids?? Inside recess for three days in a row. We were all ready to get outside today and glad for the announcement at 10:00 - It will be outside recess today!!! Now we are looking forward to warmer temps all next week. We are actually looking at a 50 degree difference in temps!!

Well, last week end turned out to be a bummer. I woke up Saturday and decided I better get into the Dr. since my eye was all red and appeared to be infected. Yes, indeed, it was "pink eye". Along with a staph/strep infection in one lymph gland which was swollen to the size of a golf ball. Oh, and also no voice and instructions to "not even whisper". Yeah right!! Anyway, I wasn't very happy as I had lots of plans that I had to cancel. I came home and hibernated on the couch - maybe even pouted a little. And even had to miss the Super Bowl!!! Dan joined me as he was miserable with a cold. We each had our couch and blanket. Anyway, all is well now.

We did manage to celebrate birthdays a little bit. Travis turned 15 - my baby - and Michael turned 23. Danelle was home for the week end so we were all together. Travis had his favorite spaghetti supper - and DQ ice cream cake. For Michael we had Papa Murphy's pizza.

Tomorrow I am headed on the team bus with Angela for a gymnastics meet. They are having a super good year with lots of improvements. Three more weeks and then they are done. We are usually ready for that as it gets to be a long season. Sunday afternoon Dan and I will go to the play that we had to cancel out of last week end. Run For Your Wife - sounds good???

Dan and Michael went snowmobiling tonight. Probably won't have trails open much longer so they have to enjoy it while they can.

Try Again

Ok, I will try again to maybe keep up this blog a little better. I really do enjoy reading other blogs - they always seem so interesting. This morning we are enjoying 2 extra hours at home due to weather. Suppose to get heavy snow again tonight along with strong winds - making for blizzard conditions. Perhaps tomorrow will be an "all day" at home. We haven't had a snow day yet so we could use one!

Travis has enjoyed snowboarding this winter. We've been able to do a little snowmobiling. Trails should open up again after this storm. Angela is busy with gymnastics - they have meets almost every Saturday.

This last week end Danelle andI enjoyed a "ladies" outing with some dear friends and their daughters. We went to the broadway musical "Mama Mia". If you ever get a chance to go, it was wonderful. Of course, it also involved eating out and having some laughs.

Michael and Gary returned home from Montana. They had a good week of snowmobiling.

Now, we will anxiously wait for Spring!!

Summer!!

Finally school is over and we are officially beginning summer vacation. We are getting ready to leave today for our annual fishing trip to Canada. Looking forward to some RRR - rest, relaxation and reading. Oh yes, and better not forget the fishing!!!

April "Winds"

I thought March was the windy month?? Well, we have sure been having lots of wind the last several days. But before that we enjoyed 80 degree temps!! Lots of sunshine though - which is wonderful. Dan's surgery went well but they did find lots of damage to the shoulder and had to reconnect several tendons. He was definately laid up for about a month. He is now back in the tractor mixing feed and planting crops. I am sure it is more than the Dr. would allow!! He has therapy 3 times a week. He is not using his right arm much - no strength as far as lifting it up. Therapy will have to build the strength back up. He is getting good at doing things with one arm and a little assistance from the other. His other arm really hurts sometimes at night because it is getting such a workout!!

We enjoyed our Spring vacation in Tennessee. We had rented a cabin in the mountains and let me tell you, it was really in the mountains!! Winding, switch back roads to get to it but it was beautiful. Had a hot tub on the deck which we really enjoyed every evening and morning. We went to several dinner shows, did some hiking in the Smoky Mountains, spent one day at Dollywood - an amusement park, and of course, the usual tourist shopping.

The school count down is on - 7 weeks. Next will be our annual fishing trip to Canada as soon as school gets out. And looking forward to family reunion in Montana this summer.

Time to get started with Saturday work. We have to do some cleaning up in the yard and mowing grass. Angela and Travis working at the campground so probably won't get much help from them!!

Surprise, Surprise!!

Well, lets see if everyone has given up on me or if "someone" still checks my blog once in awhile!! If so, you are in for a surprise because I am actually writing!! Let me know as I may keep up with this.

The school year has been busy. Angela played volleyball, just finished gymnastics, and has now started track. She is also driving now so that saves me a lot of running. Travis enjoyed football and I think he is now going to do track. School is going well for both of them.

Dan has surgery on his shoulder tomorrow and will be in a sling for 2 months. The tendon is tore in 3 different places. He will have to be very careful and will be limited as to what he can do. Will be interesting. He thinks maybe he will like it so well he will retire. I kind of think it may be the other way - he will be anxious to get back to work!!

I promise to write again!!

Memorial Day

As I was having my morning coffee, I was so thankful for an email from Dale and Bonnie with pictures of Ken's, Mom, and Dad's graves. I took some time to reflect and have some memories of each one - and miss them so much once again. Thinking of each one who would be remembering loved ones.

As the day is coming to an end, I feel like it was a wonderful "Monday". So glad to have an extra day at home before going back to school. We started our day with our morning walk. Danelle went with me - she was ready to walk after her half marathon yesterday. Michael cooked brats and hamburgers on the grill for our lunch. Caught up with all the laundry. Finished switching my closet from winter to summer. I don't have one of those "year round" closets!! Did some work outside in the yard. I actually feel like going back to school tomorrow! Only 2 1/2 weeks left!!

Graduation

We all went to Minnesota for Danelle's graduation Saturday. We had a wonderful week end. Can hardly believe her 4 years is over and now she starts another phase of life. We got all her stuff moved out of her apartment. Had a nice time at Irene's and special to be there for meeting on Sunday with the people Danelle has been meeting with. Jane came up from Iowa and Jerry and his kids were there. Now, Danelle is living at home until her apartment in Madison in available - June 1. She started her job today and her shift if 1:00-10:00. So, we probably won't be seeing much of her. She is working at Orange Shoe Gym as a personal trainer.

As for the rest of us, Dan is busy planting corn, Michael is still working night shift as a diesel mechanic, Angela, Travis and I are counting the days until school gets out!!! We are all anxious for Summer.

The Golf Cart Ride

Ok Brenda (and everyone else), here is the golf cart story. We spent a day at Catalina Island while in CA. Dale was so excited about renting a golf cart and being our chauffeur. Sounded like fun!! We were given a map and had to follow a route - or I should say, we couldn't just go anyplace we wanted to. Maybe that was a good thing as I am afraid of where we might have ended up. This golf cart held all 6 of us. Dale at the wheel with Travis as co-pilot (first mistake to put those 2 together), Bonnie and Angela in the middle, Dan and I the brave souls who sat in back - also facing backwards. Well, our driver and co-pilot couldn't wait to see how fast it would go. Ha Ha - not very fast!! Which was definately good for our safety. Sometimes we weren't sure if we were going to make it up the hills or if Dan and I would have to get off and push. The sad part, we were even getting passed by golf carts!!! That did not go over well with Dale and Travis as the rest of us thought it was pretty funny!! Travis keeps telling Dale to "Go faster". Well, he was going as fast as he could. But sometimes it was too fast - going downhill or around some corners. We thought for sure we were going to tip over a few times. It probably felt worse in the back. Thank goodness for the seat belts. He did almost lose Dan one time. Anyway, it was fun and a beautiful, leisurely ride!!! Wow, 2 posts in one day!!!

Turkey Hunt

The night before, Travis sets up the turkey blind and chairs. You know, you have to be comfortable while hunting!! All the supplies are ready for an early morning. Oh yes, and a little practicing with the turkey calls - gobbles!! Up at 4:00, gather everything up and walk up to the woods. Just a little bit of rain - which is okay because they have a little tent. We know there is a nice tom up there because we've been watching him every morning come out and strut across the field. Dan and Travis are so excited as they start their turkey "gobbles" and watch him come down from his roost and out of the woods. They gobble and he gobbles back at them. So, they are now having turkey conversation and just watching him and hoping to call him in close enough to shoot. Well, to their surprise, all of a sudden, there is a gun shot and their treasured turkey falls over. I can only imagine the look of surprise on their faces as they watched this and look at one another - wondering what happened. Well, someone decided to sit in our woods and help themselves to the turkey. Needless to say, this person will not be on our property again!! So, now they have to find another place where the turkeys are. They were quite disappointed. This is Travis's first year to hunt and he was so excited. This week is Dan's tag and next week is Travis's. So, they will get to hunt for 2 weeks. Will let you know if they have any luck!!

Dreary Days!!!

Well, it has been raining, cold and damp. The thing that is the most upsetting is I haven't been out to walk. I have to admit, I am a fair weather walker. We had some really nice days and I was enjoying my walks after work. Now, nothing!!! I have a treadmill and eliptical sitting here - but they are not as much fun after walking outside. Anyone else have that problem?? I just felt like complaining a little. Maybe I should post some CA pictures - that might brighten my attitude. I don't even have them on my computer yet. Maybe next time.

California - Spring Break

We are headed for Los Angeles today. So glad that Spring break is finally here!!! Sounds like we are getting out of here just in time. Rain, ice and snow forcasted for tonight and tomorrow. Maybe we will miss out on our last little bit of winter. We will meet Dale and Bonnie at the airport tonight. We have a condo in Long Beach - overlooking the beach. So, we are expecting some warmer weather, relaxation and fun in the sun!!!

Spring Fever

Ok, let's see what I can think of to write. First of all, today was the nicest day since I don't know when!!! 66 degrees and suppose to be 70 tomorrow. I enjoyed my long walk after school today and looking forward to another one tomorrow. It sure beats getting on the eliptical!! We have had several snow/cold days from school. 3 days were built in so don't have to make those up. We have 1 day to make up at the end of the year. I think that puts us going to school until June 11. Angela is done with gymnastics now. That should save on some running. Her best event was vault and she improved considerably this year. We have thought so much of Gerry and Kay since Gerry's accident. Glad that surgery is behind him. Now will take some time to heal.
Oh, tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day. So happy day to all you "Lucky Guys". I sure hope Rye wears that nice "Lucky Guy T" he inherited!!
Well, this isn't much of a post but it is about all that is happening. Hopefully someone reads this and hasn't given up on us. I still do check up on some of my family members once in awhile to see if they've added a post (Dale)????

January 2009

We made it through the first week of the new year. Nothing much is exciting but Brenda said it was time to post again. At least if I put up a new post I know I will get a new comment from her!!! Thanks Brenda!! We had a wonderful Christmas break - relaxing, reading books, playing games, doing some cleaning projects, catching up on bookwork, went to hotel/waterpark, and lot of good eating!! Danelle went back to MN to start working and she starts classes on Monday. We really miss her. The rest of us back to school. Guess I had too long of a vacation as I was really tired this week. I have 2 first grade girls that are super sweet and I love them dearly, but some days they take all I have. They just can't get their "act" together and it seems like I am constantly having to remind them what to do next and go over the same thing time and time again. Some days I really feel drained!! What else, it is WINTER -- snow and cold. Guess we are suppose to get way below 0 this next week. Dan is thinking that "going south" sounds pretty good right now. Oh, Michael bought a brand new pick-up. A Chevy - he switched over from Ford. Any comments???? He and Gary are headed to Kalispell in a week for their snowmobile trip. Hope they don't get in an avalanche!! I really enjoyed so many letters and pictures. Thanks everyone!!

Winter inWI - Snow Day

Travis showing the Mexicans and "Santa" his snowboard.

Here is the snowmen they built. They are so excited about the snow. We were kind of excited also as it meant a day off for us - snow day!!! We have 3 built into our school year so we have started using them. It has stopped snowing now - didn't get as much as predicted.

I had all kinds of plans for the day - like cleaning cupboards, sorting out book shelves, sorting and organizing toys - maybe getting rid of some, pay bills and bookwork, cleaning drawers, or maybe just wrapping up in blanket with hot cocoa and a good book!!! What would you choose to do?? Well, we did get the book shelf cleaned and organized. We actually sat on the floor and I even had to read the kids some books - Shoes for Angela, The Orange Scarf, Duck Rides Bike. I didn't even know we had a book called Shoes for Angela - it was so Angela!!!

Yesterday was Angela's 15th birthday. She chose lasangne for her birthday supper and she made an ice cream cake. She actually thinks she shouldn't have to work today since it is so close to her birthday!!

We had a wonderful trip to Montana for Thanksgiving. We were all together at Keith and Cyndees. Ed, Duane, Janette, Dale, Bonnie, Gerry and Kay all came over from Kalispell. Also had some WI family there - Dale, Joy, Steve and Dana were at Brian and Becky's. We had lots of good food and laughs. We really enjoyed the Green Goddess salad dressing - thanks to Dale and Bonnie!!! We celebrated Keith's 50th birthday with a candy bar poster, a "fill in the blank" story about Keith, bag of 50 gifts and "old people" bingo. Some dressed up as old people while some of us chose to look "young" instead of old!! Not sure if it really worked or not!!

On the way home we took a little detour through Wolf Point so we could see Aunt Ruth. Was special to have a little visit with her. Bonnie and I had also gone into Lewistown to see Mildred Myers, who since then has passed away. Was glad to see her again.

This should be long enough for this time. We are looking forward to Christmas vacation from school - we get 2 full weeks off this year. No plans to go anyplace so maybe I can get some of my projects done then. So, I won't do them all today. Ha Ha

Look Who is at our House!!!

We are sure enjoying this little girl!! We can now relate when Grandma and Grandpa
"brag" about Paige. She has been so good natured and we are so glad to get acquainted. She also loves "Culvers"!! Thanks so much, Mom and Dad, for sharing her with us!!

We had a fun filled week end in Chicago for the marathon. Brenda did an awesome job - even in the heat!! Was nice to see Luke, Tammy, Kenna and Jarris. There were just a "few" other people in the city!!

July 2008

My posts are few and far between so will try to give a quick update this morning. Summer is going way too fast and will soon be over. July started out with activites for the 4th, our county fair, and some little trips. Dan went to Canada with the guys fishing. They backpacked about 2 miles into a cabin, which they shared with the bears!! I went with 5 other ladies to Lake Superior where we went to several state parks, hiked, and shopped. Oh, I also ran my first 5K with Danelle, Angela and Travis. I actually thought it was fun!!

During all this time, I wasn't feeling well and was trying to ignore my symptoms but when my left side started feeling numb and going down my arm, Dan finally got me to go to the ER. I was in the hospital a week, went through many tests before they found out that the outer wall of the left carotid artery was torn, which caused much pain, and the artery itself was shrinking. There wasn't much blood flow going through to the left side. Luckily, the right side was pumping blood over to the left side of my brain. To make a long story short, I had 3 stents put into the left carotid artery and am finally starting to get my strength back.

I cancelled my MT trip as I just wasn't feeling ready to travel so far. It was hard to think about missing the family reunion but felt it was best. The kids all flew out so they could be at the reunion.

June 2008

Canada Fishing Crew

Lunch on the island. Can you tell it was cold??

Let me back up and try to summarize June!! We were happy to finish up another school year. Getting ready to go to Canada on our fishing trip was a challenge as we had hay to finish making. We ended up with 3 major storms the day we were planning to finish chopping hay that was already down - and had already gotten rained on. Weather forecast for the whole week was rain, so decided to leave anyway and deal with hay problems when we come back. Some of the hay just had to get chopped back on the ground. Perhaps you've heard about the flooding we had in this area. The biggest challenge was trying to make hay in the field that had been under water. It was a muddy, wet mess - which made it easy to plug the chopper!! I tried to quit several times but my husband wouldn't let me. I was reminded again of how patient my husband really is!! Hopefully the next round of haying goes better.

It was cold and rainy in Canada and the fish were not biting as good as usual. But we had plenty of fish to eat everyday and brought back what we could. It was relaxing, read several books, played games, enjoyed good company and food!!

We went to the firework display in Madison this week end and hard to believe how cold it was. We actually had to wear coats and be wrapped up in blankets!! It really hasn't seemed like summer as it hasn't been that hot.

Travis has been picking strawberries and will finish this week. He is liking it and brings me home a pail everyday. He is playing baseball so has a couple games a week. Angela is working at the campground down the road from us.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Summer!!

New Boat

We are headed to Canada Saturday for a week of fishing. We got our new boat just in time - a 2003 Prince Craft fish and ski with a 115 HP Mercury motor. Now, we are hoping for good weather. We are in our last week of school. Dan is busy trying to get the hay chopped. Had a good day of chopping today. Michael cut more hay and now it is raining tonight. Not what we need right now!!!

Happy Graduation, Michael!

Michael graduated Saturday and received his associates degree in diesel equipment technology. He is currently in Mexico "relaxing" for a week before starting full time employment for the trucking company he has worked for while attending school. Two other boys went to Mexico with him.