July 14, 2009

• TOO QUIET!!
  
  The travelers left a week ago, and I still expect to have someone besides Ken sitting in the living room when I get up in the morning.  The three weeks they were here went way too quickly.
  I thought I could get Catalina to say “Mimi” before she left.  She tried, but it always came out sounding like “Papa”, which everyone thought was hilarious!
  Also thought she would be walking before she left here, but she just wasn’t ready.  When we tried to get her to stand without holding on, she just sat down.  When they come next year, she will be walking all over the place, and hopefully will be saying “Mimi”!  lol
  Jeff got a lot of repairs done on the bus while here.  Would often go out in back, and he would have his welder’s mask on, welding something together.
  Judy’s big project was to reupholster both the sofa and bench seat on the bus.  Here she is working on putting the already sewn  new cover back on.  Big job, and it came out beautifully. 
   
  Ken and Judy went strawberry picking one morning.  Judy also bought some peas.  Never did cook the peas—we just snacked on raw peas. Yum!!
   
  Ken went strawberry picking again after they left.  The later berries always seem to be sweeter.  Have to remember that next year.
  We went out for pizza one night.  A local place has been known for it’s snowcoaster pizzas since Jeff and Greg were small.  It was a nice evening.
  

  Greg’s family managed to get over to visit several times, and Gretta and Kenny spent a couple nights over at their house, too.
  Little Linden absolutely loves Kenny.  The last night they were here, Linden just didn’t want to let go of Kenny!  Now, you have to know that Kenny is NOT a hugger.
  

  I do have to mention how good Gretta and Kenny are about helping with the baby.  They are wonderful at watching over her—especially around here, where there was so much she could get into!!

  The two brothers had good “bro” time together.
  

  One thing that would keep Catalina quiet for a short while was an old video I bought when 25 yr. old Jacob was small—a Disney video.  Sing-Along Songs–Disneyland Fun.  For some reason, all the grands love this video, and Catalina would be no exception.  Every once in a while Catalina would crawl up on my lap and just look at the TV.  That was my signal she wanted to see the video.  A couple times she even fell asleep while watching it.  She usually fought naps with all her strength!!
  

  Several pictures of Catalina:
  

  

  

  She liked having so much room to move around. 

  Not sure if I mentioned before that Jeff’s work crew needed an extra person for the next two tournaments.
  To make a long story short, Greg’s Silas (age 20) took the job.  He would finish up just a few days before college starts again.  He would make more than twice the money he makes at his current summer job.  His current boss told him he would be foolish not to take it.
  So, when the kids left, Silas went on the bus with them.  When the second tournament is done, the company will fly him home.  He was sooo excited!!  His girlfriend was not too happy about it, but knows Silas needs the money for school.  He shares a hotel room with one of the other workers—paid for by the company.  Also gets a daily stipend for food.  And a bonus at the end.
  Talked to Jeff a couple nights ago, and he said that both he and the big boss are very impressed with Silas.  He is a hard and enthusiastic worker.  Good going, Silas!!!  He will have a lot of fun once the golf tournament starts.  Then he gets to ride around the course and watch the golfers.
   This tournament is outside of Indianapolis.  It is the PGA Seniors tournament. The next tournament is just south of Aurora, IL.  It is an LPGA tournament.
  These are last day pictures.
  Jeff, loading up the bicycles:
   
  Last check before leaving.  I got on the bus and took this picture of Catalina in the drivers seat.
  

  One last picture.  Think this will be a tradition.  Took the same picture when they first left 1 1/2 yrs. ago.  This time there is an additional person—Silas, on the left.
  

  Then they climbed onto the bus, shut the door, and away they went.
  

  See you next year!!

  Now, we are waiting for our next visitors.
  Next Wed., the 22nd, Val (Valreads), Sue (Coolmom-56), and Sue’s friend, Dawn, will be here.  This has turned into an annual event.  It is the 4th year they will be here.  Cannot wait.  Good Xanga friends, great conversation!!l  Look forward to this every year—so does Ken!
  See you next week, girls!!!

  • 1:01 pm
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