I just went to my WordPress blog, and realized I had given all of you a wrong name. I am Mimiwi2013 there. I guess I am getting old and forgetful!! I am missing all your entries already!!
THIS IS WRONG AGAIN! WHEN I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GET BACK INTO MY WORDPRESS BLOG, THE NAME IS Mimiwi41. A FRIEND TOLD ME SHE COULDN’T FIND mimiwi2013, AND THAT IS WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT Mimiwi41 IS CORRECT. SORRY ABOUT THAT!! BLAME IT ON SENILITY!
Goodbye to everyone here on Xanga! I will miss reading your blogs through my e-mail subscription. I did open a blog on WordPress—Mimiwi41—but will not blog there much either. Facebook is my “home” now. I have many of you as friends there, too. If there are any of you on Facebook who would like to friend me thTere, my name is Nancy Stuebs. Life here is quiet for us. We are getting older. The last two winters we planned trips to Arizona to visit son Jeff and extended family,but cancelled both with short notice. The first year Ken developed a stiff neck and had to have therapy for it. Since I don’t drive the motor home, he couldn’t drive if he couldn’t turn his head!! This past year neither one of us could get up the enthusiasm at the last minute. I had stuff piled all over the place to go in the motor home, and then we cancelled. Wehope to go this winter, but who knows?? It sounds great planning it in the summer, but when it gets down to it………….!
Local son, Greg, lost his job at the golf course when it was sold almost 2 yrs. ago. He ended up working back at the golf course he started at, but as an assistant. It was nice in that it was a set 40-hour week instead of the 70+ he had been putting in for years. He was not happy at this new job—think he was just burned out with golf course work. He had found another job, and had handed in his resignation on a Monday, giving 2 weeks notice. The next day he had an accident while repairing a mower in the shop. Orthopedic Dr. said he cracked his tibia, and damaged the LCL, ACL and miniscus in his knee. He was on crutches and physical therapy, but after 6 weeks his primary dr. sent him to another orthopedic specialist for a second opinion, since it wasn’t healing as quickly as it should have. He ended up having to have knee surgery. Of course the new company could not wait another 3 to 4 months for him, so he lost the new job. The accident happened in March, and he and has just started back at the resort again, doing “make work”. He cannot do any golf course work yet, so he spends four hours a day helping out at the resort doing anything they can find for him to do sitting down. He spends time folding towels in the laundry, stuffing gift bags for conventions or meetings, and polishing silverware for banquets. Thank God for Workmen’s Compensation, which has paid for everything, and also provided Greg with about 2/3 of his wages during this whole time.
The rest of his family is fine. Grandson, Silas, enlisted in the Navy in fall after 3 yrs. of college. He is currently in advanced C school in San Antonio. He will be a medic, specializing in Behavioral Therapy—-formerly known as a Psych Aide. He is really enjoying it, and is trying to recruit his sister, Louise, who just graduated from high school this year. She hasn’t decided what she wants to do yet. Grandson, Avery, married his high school sweetheart a year ago, and they just celebrated their first anniversary last weekend. They live down in Sheboygan. Married Lydia and hubby are working up in Green Bay. Sylvia will be a senior in fall, and Linden turns 11 next week.
Jeff’s family is still in Arizona. Jeff still loves the summers (he’s nuts–lol). Said he even worked the day it hit 118, installing a sign. He wore long pants and gloves to protect himself from the HOT metal of the sign. They took in four neighbor children for 3 months that were removed by social services from the parents. Ages 1 to 8. It worked out well, and the parents were diligent in taking classes and got the children back earlier than expected. It took the children a little while to adjust to a “structured” household. Oldest grandson and his business partner have finally opened their own chiropractic clinic in Santa Barbara, CA. His partner is a blind gal who graduated from chiro school the year after Jacob did. Because of her blindness, her other senses are stronger, especially touch. They work very well together. Jeff’s second oldest just became engaged and will be married next June. That will make 4 grands married—-and still no great-grands!! lol Married Mindy just graduated from college with her degree in nutrition/dietetics. No job in her field yet. Hannah is now living in Tacoma, WA. She is head chef in a tech school cafeteria. Gretta graduated from high school last year, and just finished her freshman year of college up in Flagstaff. She wants to be a homeopathic Dr. Young Kenny is still in high school, and has become very active in the Phoenix area’s First Tee program. Loves golf!! He is one of two that has been chosen by Phx. First Tee to attend a meeting/seminar in San Diego later this month. Little Catalina—the one who was born on their bus—will be 5 this August.
Ken and I just stay the same. Ken is getting a little more arthritis, but still rides his bike several times a day. A new bridge is being built in town, and he has to check on it every day—to be sure it is being done properly!!! The bridge isn’t far from the beach, so he has to check Lake Michigan, too, to be sure it is still there! I spent the winter in my recliner playing on the computer. No desire to go anywhere. Visits twice a year to primary dr. and cardiologist find me on an even keel. Just tire more easily, which is my own fault since I hate exercise. I haven’t resorted to a daily nap like Ken has. But he is always doing something. The old farm boy can’t be still for long.
Well, that is it. Will miss you all. Glad a lot of you are on Facebook so I can keep in contact. To the rest, I give you my love, and will miss you very much. Hugs from Mimiwi/Nancy. Even if Xanga continues, I won’t pay for something I use so seldom.
I cannot believe that almost a year has passed since I wrote on here. I have been reading my subs through my e-mail, but seldom reply. But think of you all so very often. Some of you have had trials this past year, and prayers have always been sent up for God to strengthen and help you.
We have had a good year—relatively speaking. Ken had his second hip replaced in May. He was frustrated because it didn’t heal as quickly as the first one did 5 yrs. earlier. He did not appreciate being reminded that he is also 5 yrs. older!!
We celebrated our 50th anniversary out in Arizona by son, Jeff’s. Took them out to dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant, and had a wonderful time. It was nice traveling in the motor home, but again we were racing ahead of a storm–both ways–so it wasn’t as relaxed as it should have been. We spent a month out there, and didn’t do much of anything. It was just so nice to relax and visit the kids. Little Catalina was so much fun. Such a smart little girl for her age. She turned 3 in August.
Young Kenny, who was 13 at the time, loves golf. He is part of the First Tee program, sponsored by the PGA to encourage young golfers. He was one of 6 chosen from the whole state of Arizona to take part in a special day at the PGA tournament in Phoenix. Had a luncheon, special lesson, got to tour the “backstage” areas that the public doesn’t see and lots more. Got a lot of nice gifts, too. He was thrilled!! Got a couple autographs, too. Even though he and sister, Gretta, are home-schooled, they are able to take part in public school activities. Kenny is playing Freshman football, and Gretta is taking an advanced placement course.
Grandson, Jacob, graduated from Chiropractic College last Sept., and now works for a chiropractor in Ventura CA. He is doing so well that his boss wants to open another office next year and have Jacob run it. In order to prepare him, his boss has Jacob pretty much running the office now. Jacob will be going over to Phoenix for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It sounds like all of Jeff’s kids will be out there for Christmas. They wanted us to come then, too, but Christmas is the only time I really enjoy being home here. Love the decorating and the tree. It just takes me longer each year to get it all done. We plan on another trip to Arizona this winter, though. Not sure just when yet.
Jeff’s oldest daughter was married in May. Mindy and Andy were married down at Clearwater Beach, Florida. They were married on the beach. It is a good thing we had already decided not to make that trip, because Ken ended up having his hip surgery just a few days before the wedding. They did have a reception here in Wisconsin–over in LaCrosse, 4 hrs. away, in July. We took Y motor home over for that. Was great seeing everyone. The reception was held at a park a block from their home. They did a great job with it. Jeff and family came from Arizona, too. So got to see all the kids—-except Jacob, who missed his flight from California.
In late summer, granddaughter Hannah moved to Arizona and is living with Jeff and family. She loves it there. So now the singing duet is broken up. She had lived not far from Mindy so they could do gigs in the LaCrosse area.
Jeff’s second oldest son, Jordan, is now living in Wisconsin Rapids, and working as a billing specialist for a cell phone company. Never hear from him. Just hear things through Jeff or Judy. But did get to see him and his girlfriend at Mindy and Andy’s reception this summer, which was great. He is happy where he is.
Our local family has had problems lately. Greg was left go from his job after 18 1/2 yrs as superintendent of the local private golf course. The membership had dropped so much over the last couple years, mostly because of the poor economy here. 14 members got together and bought the club in January. There were a couple of them that wanted to micro-manage the course, telling Greg what they wanted done even though Greg knew it was detrimental for the course. Because of our late spring the course didn’t bring in as much revenue as they had hoped. The main owner came one Friday noon and told Greg they were letting him go immediately—-that they were going in a “different direction”. No thank you—nothing. Greg was actually relieved. He was getting very stressed out this year and putting in way too many hours because they had cut back on his help. Oh, and they hired a new super who is half Greg’s age. Am sure his salary is a LOT less than Greg was making, too.
Greg did have a job offer already, but it was 4 hours away. He would have accepted if the money had been worth it, but they have a lot of repairs to do to their house before they could even try to sell it. Decided it wasn’t worth it. So, he is still looking. But more companies have shut down around here, and there is nothing in the golf superintendent field available in the midwest. So we pray that he can find something soon. Lori has 2 part-time jobs that will help, and they are very good at pinching pennies!!
Their kids are all doing well. Lydia is in her 3rd year as athletic trainer at her old high school. Her husband will be starting his internship as a physical therapist in January in Green Bay. They will be moving up to GB, and Lydia will commute down here for her work.
Local grandson, Silas, spent spring and summer doing signage for PGA and LPGA tournaments around the country. During the summer he was in Colorado Springs for a tournament. This is where we lived for 4 yrs. during the ’60′s. We loved it there, and so did Silas. Said he wouldn’t mind living there. He was also in Vegas and enjoyed it there, too. But liked the Springs better. He plans on going back to school–possibly doing something in the nursing field.
Local grandson, Avery, had been working at Greg’s golf course, but was let go “due to conflict of interest” when Greg was let go. He is working part=time at the area candy store/ice cream store (they make their own candy) he worked at before. He has gotten very good at oil painting. Will have to put up pictures of some of his paintings here sometime. He favors the Bob Ross style of painting. He painted two for us, and we love them.
Greg’s three youngest are still home-schooled and growing up. I am glad that Greg didn’t take the out-of-town job. It is nice to still have some family nearby!
I am slowly putting up Christmas. Am not doing quite as much decorating, and just have the big tree to go, along with the little one in my bedroom. Ken’s sis, who owns this house, is supposed to be coming soon. She will stay at sis-in-law’s behind us. Want to get decorating done before she comes, if possible.
I think that brings you all up to date with us. The Xanga gals did come again this summer for lunch. Always look forward to their visit every year. It was hot this year when they were here, and I was sweating like crazy! Found out from Dr. that one of my meds cause this. Sure had been wondering why I would sweat so easily lately!! Glad that mystery was solved.
I’ve probably forgotten something—but have bored you long enough. It is time for supper. Ken made a BIG pot of vegetable soup a few days ago, and we are still eating it!! Sometimes I won’t eat what he makes, but this is GOOD!!
I hope you all have a Blessed Thanksgiving. We will be by Greg’s house. Love you all!!
Yes, I am still alive!! lol I just had to come here to Xanga to wish all my wonderful friends here a VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A FANTASTIC, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
I have been on Facebook a lot. Addicted, for sure. But have also been having a lot of
internet problems. It would slow down so much that I couldn’t get into anything, and sometimes not even getting e-mail for a day or so. Then it would clear up. This had been going on for a couple years—off and on. We had a blizzard almost 2 weeks ago, and it my internet had been terrible since then. Finally called Charter tech support and spoke to a sweet girl in the Phillipines. We tried for an hour to get it to work, and she finally decided to send a service man here. She also mentioned that with the package we have, we could get a digital receiver installed, and receive some extra channels on our TV for the same price we have been paying.
So, yesterday afternoon we had two service men here. One for the internet and the other to hook up two of our TV’s with a digital receiver. For a while it was a comedy of errors. My internet problem was the modem—which had been provided by Charter. So he replaced that. The other guy was setting up the digital receiver at the same time, and had just gotten our big tv here in the living room working properly, and then went upstairs to do the other tv. In the meantime, the internet guy used his PDA (I think) to do some setting of the new modem, and somehow messed up the other guys setting of the tv. When the tv guy came downstairs and used HIS PDA to fix this tv again, he loused up the modem setting for the internet guy. They were both good-natured about it.
Had to stop for an hour—got a call from Jeff in AZ. I think that since I last wrote here on Xanga that he has gotten a different job. It is with another small sign company, and he loves it. He is doing more installation work, than just working in the office. It is only him and the two owners, who are very easy to get along with. They still love it there. We plan on going out there maybe in February—in our new motor home.
Yes, we finally found one—-after almost 3 yrs.! It is small, but perfect for us. Once we get out to AZ, Jeff will help make some modifications to it for us. Mainly a back-up camera, since there is no back window.
We picked it up from Appleton on Wednesday, so we are still learning all it’s features. The service guy at the camper company took us through everything, but it was too much to absorb all at one time. So we are studying the manual!!
Other than that, life goes on. Son, Greg, was a little worried for a while. The private country club he has been Superintendent at for so many years was just sold to 14 of it’s members, and will be going public–or maybe semi-public, can’t remember. Thankfully, the new owners appreciate Greg’s dedication to his job, and will be keeping him on. In these tough economic times, it is a blessing, for sure!
I gave away my BIG Christmas tree this year, to a gal who uses the branches to make craft projects to give away to needy people. It was the type where each individual branch had to be put into the base, and lights put on as it went up. All the bending over had gotten to be too much for my back. Ended up buying a 6′ white tree. It is beautiful! Didn’t even use half of my ornaments on it. But it was so quick and easy to put up. 3 sections, prelit. Saved me hours!!
The call from Jeff really put me behind schedule today. Must get going to get things ready for tomorrow. Will try to get back on here after the first of the year. Our big family get-together will again be on the 30th—for Ken’s 74th birthday. Annual tradition.
Michel, thanks for reminding me to come back and write. Couldn’t do it before this, because of my internet problems! I was able to get onto my main Facebook page and comment from there, but almost anything else refused to load for me.
I pray that you all have a Blessed Christmas season, and a Happy and Healthy New Year!!! Love you all!
It has been a quiet summer here on the homestead.
We are still looking for either a motor home or a pickup and camper—with no luck. They are either too big, too new, too expensive—or the opposite—too small, too old, too many miles.
Have any of you had problems with ants this summer?
We have lived here for almost 11 yrs., and have never had ants in the house until this summer. And, they are the tiny ones. Does a lot of rain drive them to try to get inside? I don’t know, but am tired of finding them inside. I spray, and they find another way to get in. Ken has sprayed the outside of the house, but think the rain keeps washing it away.
Our ex-traveling family is very happy in the Phoenix area. They were all together—minus one—about a week ago. Future chiropractor, Jacob, came from Santa Barbara, CA, and singers Mindy and Hannah flew in from WI.
Mindy took lots of pictures and put them up on Facebook, and of course her Mimi swiped a bunch of them for herself, and to put up here for all those interested.
Son, Jeff, is now head of production of the sign company he got a job with. He also has a company truck. The company has two locations, but all the signs are made at just one shop. So near the end of the day Jeff has to deliver finished signs to the other location—about 25 miles from the production shop. The owner also has approached Jeff about doing outside sales work a couple afternoons a week. Jeff is a very social person, and would be good at it. He did the same thing many years ago for a sign company here in WI.
They are slowly getting their new home and yard put together. Here is a picture of the front of the house:
I don’t know whose yellow truck that is—Jeff’s company truck is charcoal gray. They have gotten some trees, but still have to put an irrigation system and gravel in. See their bus parked next to the house on the right? They are the newest home in an older, established neighborhood.
There is a cross in the entryway above the front door that is about 5′ tall.
The cross is made of steel that Jeff recovered from a sign he tore down. The rays are rebar. I told him that some Sunday morning he is going to have someone walk into the house, thinking they are coming to a new church in the neighborhood!
Mindy and Hannah sang in Jeff’s church on the Sunday they were there. Jeff said that some people had tears in their eyes when the girls finished. They are still singing locally over in LaCrosse, where they both live.
Jacob has finished with his classes at chiropractic college and is now interning in a chiropractic clinic in Santa Barbara. He has moved down there permanently from San Jose. He will go back up there for his graduation–in Oct. I think. He has loved the SB area ever since his car broke down there one weekend, and he had to wait until Monday to get back to San Jose.
Here are some miscellaneous pictures of all of them. One day, Jeff stayed home with Catalina, and Judy and the rest of the kids headed up to the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon:
They said it started pouring rain just after the picture was taken. Love the shadows.
On their way back to Phoenix, they went by way of Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.
All 5 kids cooling off in the Creek:
Gretta, Mindy, Kenny, Hannah, Jacob
My beautiful Sedona:
Catalina: She will be 2 on Aug. 19
Judy, with her youngest and oldest children—Catalina, almost 2, and Jacob, almost 27:
Jeff and Kenny at home:
The camera must have had a spot on it, because Kenny doesn’t have anything white on his face!
The whole interior of the house was painted this blue when they moved in. They also had to install light fixtures—they just had bare light bulbs. Also, there were no towel rods in the bathroom, and it looked like there had never been any.
Four sisters: Gretta, Catalina, Mindy, Hannah
One brother, Jacob
And another brother, Kenny
And another picture of Catalina, wearing a headband of Mindy’s. She is a very girly girl. Loves wearing her necklaces!
And, one final picture, looking down their street at a marvelous AZ sunset.
There are a few other pictures of the grands and Sedona under my photos.
The missing grandson, Jordan, just got a part in LaCrosse’s community theater production of “West Side Story”, playing the part of Action; and his girlfriend, Emily, also got a role in it as Maria’s friend, Anita. They are both very talented singers, dancers and actors. Emily is also a cheerleader for LaCrosse’s arena football team. Both she and Jordan are part of LaCrosse’s show choir ”Grand River Singers”, and Jordan played Jesus in “Godspell” last year.
Mindy has gone back to college for nutrition, and will be getting married next May; and Hannah is starting culinary school through the technical college in LaCrosse.
Gretta and Kenny are still being home-schooled–both are now in high school.
Our local grands are busy, too.
Lydia and Nate, who married last May, will finally get to take a honeymoon. They leave in about a week for a trip to the all-inclusive Breezes Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. Lydia finished up her first year as athletic trainer for her former high school, while hubby, Nate, finished up his first year of grad school to become a physical therapist.
Next in line is Silas. He is in college. Last summer he went with Jeff and family when they left here in July, and joined Jeff’s crew installing signage for PGA golf tournaments. Even though Jeff settled down in Phoenix in Spring, Silas kept his summer job with the sign crew. He went to Birmingham, Des Moines, and Pittsburgh. He had a good time, and made good money to help pay school costs. Now he is helping son, Greg, on his golf course until he goes back to college. Two of Greg’s summer help have either gotten sick or injured, and Greg was short of help. Greg’s course has a nepotism rule, but since this was an emergency, Silas is able to work there till school starts.
Avery worked on another golf course at an area resort, but is now looking for a more permanent job. Tough to do in our poor local economy. He also puts in a few hours a week making candy at a local candy shop. At 19, he isn’t sure what he wants to do with his life.
Louise has her temporary driving permit, and will turn 16 in Nov.. She works at the Vet clinic along with her mom. Sylvia was confirmed in May. They both do quite a bit of babysitting. They are both still being homeschooled, as is their little brother Linden. Haven’t gotten any pictures of them this summer. Haven’t seen that much of them.
Most of you are probably not that interested in all of this, but it is like a diary for me to look at in the future.
God has truly blessed us!
Have I made up for not writing a decent entry since June, when I had our annual Xanga luncheon????
Well, it was that time of year again.
Time for our annual Xanga luncheon!!
The gals arrived about an hour late, but that was OK.
We had a great, but waaaay too short, visit.
I had been concerned about the weather—whether it was going to be warm enough to sit outside.
Well, we ate on the patio–in the shade.
But, shortly after we all started moving our chairs into the sun, and grabbed jackets or sweaters. The high was only about 68. Chilly in the shade, but quite warm in the sun.
Relaxing after the meal: Sue, Dawn, Val and myself.
Opposite us sat the Master of the Harem:
Later on, the “harem” gathered around Ken: Dawn, Val, Sue
There is also a short video of this under my videos. Can’t figure how to get it on this page! Grrr. Hate all these changes!!
Val showed me all the “stuff” in the van.
Val even found some more plants:
They do a lot of scrapbooking on their vacation together.
They came here after their week together at Sue’s cabin up north. They usually came on their way up there.
After they left here, they stopped at a scrapbooking shop nearby.
Leftovers:
Amish goodies they brought as a gift for us:
Thanks so much girls!
Another wonderful, although too short, visit.
Same time, same place, next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Things are getting back to normal around here.
First of all, I want to thank you all so much for your messages of sympathy. They have meant so much to me.
I have always said my online friends are the best—-and so very caring! Love you!!
My sis’s granddaughter and her husband will be on 60 Minutes this Sunday. Morley Safer will be interviewing them about their decision to do a “strategic foreclosure”.
The interview was done back in February, and is finally being shown on May 9th.
I am so excited to see it. Hope you all are able to see it, too.
Here are 3 photos my great-niece had up on her Facebook page. I am putting them here with her permission.
Setting up for the interview.
Grand (great?)-niece, hubby and Morley Safer
Interviewing outside
If I can, I will put a link up to the preview that is up on CBS’s website.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6466447n&tag=api
I want to thank all of you here on Xanga and over on Facebook for all your thoughts and prayers. Knowing so many wonderful friends and acquaintences were there for me and my family means so very, very much.
Love you all!!!!
