August 27, 2009

  • THANK YOU VAL, SUE AND DAWN

    When the girls were here for lunch a little more than a month ago, they surprised us with a beautiful handmade card and a gift card to a local restaurant.
    Ken decided that we could combine the card and my birthday dinner—-a day early.  Cheap date for him!!  lol
    We thoroughly enjoyed the meal, and kept thanking the girls during it.
    The young waiter we had was kind enough to take our picture.  The camera wasn’t set right, and the flash didn’t go off on the first pic he took.  He then tried to set it himself, and pushed a lot of wrong stuff!  Since I didn’t have the camera manual with me, I sat there for about 10 minutes trying to figure out how to get it back to the proper settings!  He did it right the second time! 
    We went early, and they were not busy yet.

    Raising our drinks (Pepsi) in thanks to the girls!

     

    I think I am turning into “Nanny”—the other Nancy, who takes pics of her restaurant meals with her trusty Nanny cam!

    I didn’t think to take the pictures of the food until we were about 1/2 done.
    Ken had Planked Thai Chili Glazed Salmon

    I had the Shrimp Trio
    which included 4 skewered garlic lime grilled shrimp, 2 stuffed shrimp, and a dish of Shrimp de blanc Pasta (which was small salad shrimp sauteed in garlic butter and then tossed into fettuccine Alfredo with mushrooms, red onions and grape tomatoes.)

    I had eaten the skewered shrimp by the time I remembered to take a picture.  I ended up giving Ken about 1/2 of the pasta, too.  It was a LOT to eat!

    This was our view from the window next to us.  Lake Michigan was fairly calm, and it was overcast and a bit hazy in the distance, but still beautiful—especially with all the flowers planted between the window and walkway outside.

    We came home stuffed.  Too full for dessert.  Good thing we don’t eat like that all the time.  I would be twice my size—-and that would truly be a scary sight.  I’m waaay too big as it is!!  lol

    Thanks again girls.  Wonderful meal with memories of good times together with you all!!

    (And this meal was a LOT better than the concoction Ken made in the previous blog!!  Remind me to sometime tell you about his chocolate chip cookie meat loaf!)

August 24, 2009

  • HAUTE CUISINE??????

    Ken made scrambled eggs for supper tonight.
    I took my share and made two sandwiches for myself.
    Ken made “this” for himself.

    This is two slices of pumpernickel bread with the scrambled eggs on top.
    OK so far.
    Even the ketchup isn’t too bad—-I used to put ketchup on my scrambled eggs when I was a teen.
    BUT!!!
    I did NOT put relish on top of that.
    Nor have I ever put Cool Whip on top of all of that!!

    Haute cuisine??  I think not!
    Just weird Ken cuisine.

    This is one reason that, when Ken cooks, I will often find something different for myself.  He does have a tendency to put odd things together!  lol


July 25, 2009

  • The Summer of Romance!

    First, we got the surprise news of granddaughter, Lydia, getting married to Nate.

    Now—-

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    Granddaughter, Mindy, just called us from LaCrosse to say that she and Andy are engaged!

    At first, she said that we have a new grandson, and I thought they had eloped, like Lydia and Nate did!

    They plan on probably getting married next year.  Today is the 5th anniversary of their going together–so special occasion all around.

    We are excited for them!!  Andy is a nice guy.  He works in the head office of Ashley Furniture Co. here in WI.

    They plan  on a small wedding.  Just family—-which will still be around 50 people!

    Congratulations to both of them.  And welcome to the family, Andy (almost)! 

     

     

July 22, 2009

  • 4th annual Xanga gals’(and one guy) luncheon

    Sue called around 11:30 and said Val was a bit under the weather, and they were running late.
    They finally arrived at around 2:30.

    We had rain earlier in the day, but by the time they arrived it had stopped.  I left it up to them as to whether they wanted to sit outside or inside.  The temperature was hovering at 70 by then.
    Because she still wasn’t feeling the greatest, Val decided on inside.
    She commandeered Ken’s recliner, and after chatting for a short while, she fell asleep!  I am glad she felt comfortable enough here to do so!!

    The rest of us– Sue, Dawn, Ken and I—went into the kitchen and had our meal.  We sat around the table eating and chatting.  The main food was on the counter, while the snacking stuff was on the table in close reach!
    Sue and Dawn laughing about something:

    After a while, Val woke up and joined us.  She did not feel up to eating, though.  We were just happy to see her back with us!!  I hope she feels better by tomorrow.  No fun not feeling good on vacation!

     They were here about 3 hours.  The time just flew by!!  And those stinkers (sweet stinkers) gave Ken and I a gift card (inside one of Val’s beautiful handmade cards) to a local restaurant as thanks.  That was so totally unnecessary.  We enjoy this annual get-together so very much!!  Thank you girls!  We love you!!
    They left near 5:30, and still had about 3 hrs. before they would get to Sue’s cabin up north.  It isn’t quite that far, but they had to do grocery shopping along the way.
    It was a great afternoon—talking about everything under the sun, ranging from pedicures, to boating down the Amazon, to their experience herding cows this morning, and a lot of things in between!!  Non-stop yakking–even though Val slept for a while!

    Ken and I look forward to the 5th annual Xanga luncheon next year!!


July 21, 2009

  • BUSY!!!!

    Preparing for the 4th annual Xanga lunch on Wednesday.
    See you soon, Val (Valreads), Sue (CoolMom_56), and Dawn.

    Pictures will follow—-if I remember!  lol



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!!!

June 28, 2009

  • I was going to blog a couple days ago, but Xanga wouldn’t let me upload pictures.  Thought I would get it done while the kids were gone for a couple days.  They are due back any time now.
    They left Thurs. noon to visit one of Judy’s sisters, who had tickets to the big Country Fest over in Oshkosh.  Then on Saturday they had a graduation party by another sister’s.  After that, they were going to Sheboygan to have dinner with Mindy’s boyfriend’s folks.  They said they would stay down in that area and come home here today.
    It is good that they are able to spend more time with all the families!
    This coming week the strawberries should be ready for picking at a local farm.  Ken and Judy are already making plans for that—also plan on picking peas.  Yumm.  I see strawberry shortcake in our future!
    ————————————–
    We had a nice get-together last Sunday.
    The day started off with Judy and girls going to church.  Jeff, Kenny, Ken and I had gone on Thursday.  We took the bus, and people were wondering if a church band or singing group was performing!!  lol
    Judy made “sister” dresses for Gretta and baby Catalina:
     
    People came and went during the day.  The weather was perfect, and there was lots of good food!

    Ken needed more shade!

    While the grown-ups sat and chatted, the kids played. (Although most of them aren’t “kids” anymore)

    Greg’s family was finally all together, so we managed to get a family picture with the newest addition–Lydia’s hubby, Nate included.

    Lydia had to leave for a while in order to work a softball game.  Nate stayed here, and Lyd came back again later.  Did not get pictures of everyone.  I was enjoying myself so much I forgot about taking pictures until later on in the day.  They did have a fire in the fireplace in the evening, but I didn’t go outside for that.  Smoke isn’t good for asthma!  Guess some were out there until 2 a.m.!  They were very quiet and didn’t bother any neighbors.

    The day before the party, our sis-in-law, Judy, (who lives behind us) was babysitting her grands.  She brought them over to see the bus.  Little 3 yr. old Brady was so fascinated by it, he said he wanted to drive it.  He made his gramma get on board and said he was gonna “drive her to his house”!  He was so cute.

    A day or two after the party it was VERY hot out.  Kenny was outside doing something—maybe taking a bike ride—and came inside and rubbed down (or up) his hair.  He looked like he stuck a finger in a light socket!  Of course Mimi had to haul out the camera.  Actually, I think it looks kinda cute!  Otherwise, he wears it flat.

    That about brings you up to date. 
    A couple relatives—who shall remain nameless—suggested we have a Family Reunion here,including all the cousins and their families, and I should organize it.  Sorry guys!!!!!!  This one wore me out, and it was small–only 24 of us.  With all the siblings and cousins and families, we are talking probably close to 200!!  NO WAY!——but it sure would be FUN!

June 16, 2009

  • SETTLING IN!
    I didn’t mention yesterday that the kids will be here for 3 weeks.  The weather has improved, so we can enjoy the outdoors, although rain showers are expected for the next couple days.  At least we are out of the 40′s and 50′s for daytime highs!!
    This Sunday will be our family get-together.  More pictures after that.
    In the meantime, this was our first day together.

    Settling in.

     
    The two Kennys playing badminton:

    Gretta reading on the patio:

    Jeff working on a bike while Catalina watches:

    Judy taking advantage of having internet access to conduct some business online:

    Yesterday : getting ready for a bike ride.

    Catalina has taken over our living room:


June 15, 2009

  • THEY ARE HERE!
    The travelers arrived around 9 last night.
    The first picture I took:
    Catalina and Gretta
     
    Backing the  40′ bus into our driveway:

    7 a.m. this morning.

    8 a.m.
    Father and son enjoying coffee together on a chilly morning.

     Thank you God for bringing them safely here!

June 7, 2009

  • Well, our sis-in-law, Judy (who lives behind us), reminded me that it is time for a new blog!

    So, here it is!!

    Our traveling daughter-in-law, Judy (yes, two Judy S’s in the family), took a trip to LaCrosse over Memorial weekend with the three kids.  Jeff was making signs for the golf tournament in Des Moines, so he stayed there with the bus.  Grandson, Jacob (lives in San Jose) was going to be in LaCrosse for a friend’s graduation, and Mindy and Hannah had also come up from Nashville for weddings.  This was the opportunity for all 7 kids to be together.

    Here are a couple pics they took:

    Judy with the kids.

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    And just the kids with their boyfriends and girlfriend.

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    It was nice they could all be together again.

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    On Memorial Day, Mindy and boyfriend, Andy stopped by for a visit.

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    Was great to see them, and we had a really nice visit.  And we were able to sit outside for a little while—before it got cold and windy again!!

    Mindy and Hannah had news.  They decided to move back to Wisconsin from Nashville.  They were getting discouraged, and really missed their friends here.

    Since Memorial Day, they have both moved back.  Mindy had dropped out of college before her senior year, but now plans to go back.  Not for the music degree she was going for before—she realized that she couldn’t do much with a music degree.  Now she wants to study nutrition, and perhaps become a dietician.  She will work her way through—just like she did before. 

    Hannah is working at Walgreens, and also part-time at the natural food co-op she worked at before moving to Nashville.  They are happy to be back home.

    They will continue to do their singing locally.

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    Last weekend was grandson Avery’s high school graduation.  Grand niece, Nikhita, also graduated with Avery.  She was Valedictorian.  She is the granddaughter of sis-in-law behind us.  We attended her party after graduation.  Avery didn’t have any party—he just went to them!!  lol  In fact, Avery and his girlfriend, Katie, stopped in here before going to Nikhita’s party later in the evening.  Had a nice visit!!

    These first bunch of pictures are our pictures.

    Avery and Katie

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    Avery and us

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    Avery and family

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    This next bunch of pictures were taken by our newspaper–the Herald Times Reporter.  Their website had 144 Lutheran High graduation pictures.  They really do a good job!!  I downloaded about 20 of them, but will only show a few here.

    These first two were taken  before graduation started.

    They took a picture of  Lydia talking on her cell phone—-why?  who knows!!  Maybe just because she’s cute!!

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    I heard she downloaded it and uses it as her desktop picture on her computer!  lol

    This next picture is of one of Ken’s sisters.  This is such a perfect picture of Linda—fits her personality to a “T”!!!  So “bubbly”.That is my arm on the left in the floral blouse.  Don’t know what she was laughing about–didn’t even realize the picture was being taken!!  I printed it up and sent it to her.  They live about 1 1/2 hrs. away.

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    Avery marching down the aisle.

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    Great-niece, Nikhita, marching down the aisle.

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    Congratulations to both of them!!

    And thanks htrnews.com!!

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    Now, we are getting ready for the travelers to arrive this coming Sunday nite or Monday.  They are now in LaCrosse visiting friends. Cannot wait to see them.  It has been 8 months since we last saw them.

    On the 21st, Fathers Day, we will have a family get-together here.  More fun!!  But the LaCrosse grands probably won’t be able to attend–most have to work.  They will be missed!!

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    During the winter, Ken bought some asiatic lily bulbs from the grocery store.  He planted them, and we put the pots in a south window.  They grew fine—just a big leggy.  When the weather was warm enough, he put them into bigger pots outside on the south side of the house.  They all have buds on them, but one has finally bloomed. 

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    After they are all done blooming, we will cut them back and put them into the ground.

    I think one of the other plants are the same as this one, but the other buds look a different color.  Will be interesting to see what they look like.

    That is about it from here.

    Weather is staying cold.  Only 51 right now at almost 1 p.m..  Two days ago it hit 70 and felt like a heat wave!  lol

    Hope it warms up a bit here before the travelers arrive.  They are gonna freeze their butts otherwise!