Wisconsin Cheese Farmer

On the way to Texas....2012

2012-01-12T20:15:00.000-06:00

We got on the way...Tuesday 1/10/2012...and this is how we were dressed....in WI

...it was 50 something...also Farmer Marv's birthday....he says he's never seen it so nice on his birthday in Wisconsin....so we were on the way to LaCrosse..
...we did a little of this....

...celebrating Papa's birthday....a yummy ice cream cake! (yes, there is a 6 & 5 on it!)

We were to be on our way south 1/11...after Farmer Marv went to the farm show in LaCrosse...and while he was doing that this is what I did with 2 of my 5

...had a picnic in the park by their house...now remember ...this is in Wisconsin on January 11....so....why do we need to go to Texas?....well I guess it is a different story up there today!...seems there is lots of that 'white stuff'!

We should be to our place in Texas in a couple days!

The beginning of a new year 2012

2012-01-08T19:44:00.000-06:00

Was fun being with Shaun and Helen for New Year's weekend....

'ginger bread' houses we made!

Papa and Elliot

...the start of family birthday's....

look what I got....and Grandpa B helping me 'ride'!

....me with my Pooh cake!

little brother and me in my wagon!

me with my family...

and with my Poohs and 'mema & papa'...

and with Mommy and Daddy!

and Farmer Marv is getting closer to another one, too!

And so we are also getting ready to head south...hope by the end of the week to be in Texas!

....nearly over ....2011

2011-12-27T19:07:00.000-06:00

This likely will be the last post for this year...unless something really exciting or traumatic happens....hopefully if it does it will be exciting....

An update from my last post....my friend from 'back home' received the home call December 15...have appreciated reading some about her last days and funeral....know the family will miss her but glad she would be out of the natural suffering and on to glory...
The little girl we go to Bible Study with is home after 2 1/2 weeks in the hospital...mostly of that being in ICU...she is doing well...we haven't seen her yet as flu 'bugs' were/are flying about so didn't have Bible Study last week so maybe this week.....so glad she is doing well. Her, Grandma battling cancer, is also gaining some strength and has been out of the hospital but back in again just now for her next treatment....we sure do hope it is successful and she'll be back to her 'old self'.

I like this one....

Zoie and Papa using Zoie's 'Kindle'...

....Grandma takes a picture of one, have to do the other one, too!

....recent family time ...

...and we couldn't forget Shaun's birthday....

...a little pianist!

...two new toys....'Fancy Nancy and Strawberry Short Cake'...

...and so our life marches on...often way too quickly...and before long we'll probably find ourselves on our way for some time in southern Texas. We had a quick trip down there already and did some work at our new place...and even got our old place sold! Look forward to being in our new place this winter.

2012....an unknown future but glad we know a Heavenly Father who has all things in his hands....oh for increased faith.....to any one reading this...may your year bring experiences to learn from and special memories to look back on....

Joys and sorrows interwoven...

2011-12-04T15:02:00.000-06:00

I know there are lots of people out there who are much better bloggers than I am but this last week held so many different kinds of experience that I decided I would share a few things here...

From 'back home'...a dear lady from a family that has known my family for 3 generations has come to the place in 20 years of battling cancer to make a decision to have no further treatments as they were not being effective...her Doctor said she likely won't live to Christmas....she has lived an exemplary live and leaves a wonderful testimony....she isn't young but not terrible old either...she will be missed but comforting to know she has much better things to go on to as well as knowing she is at peace about it now.

And our thoughts go to another family near us who are dealing with two rather difficult situations. The Dad's, of the family, Mother is dealing with cancer....seemed treatments were going well and she would be gaining her strength again but she didn't and then began going down hill to the point of hospitalization again and the diagnoses being made last week that the cancer had metathesized to her brain and she would need more chemo...we do hope the treatments will help...she is very weak and has a lot of other issues related to the cancer so there is a long road ahead for them. Last Tuesday the family had a real heart rending experience...they have a dairy farm and were in the barn finishing up the evening milking when their 7 year old girl got a horrific head injury by somehow being trapped in a gate...she was airlifted to a hospital and had 4 hours of surgery...she is yet in ICU...we certainly feel for all of them....and surely want to know how to stand by them....they are a dear family...have 5 children....one surely never knows what may cross our path but glad we can leave it in God's hands.

On a little more up beat note we enjoyed having 4 family members visit our farm. They are from Ohio and working on putting a plan in place to dairy farm. They didn't stay quite as long as they had planned as a big storm was coming so want to get home ahead of that...hopefully they made it. We enjoyed having them...it was like we had always known them!

Then Saturday was our 35th. wedding anniversary...kind of doesn't seem it could be ... glad to look back and realize how much we have been blessed....maybe we haven't gotten all we wanted but I feel I have gotten more than I ever expected. (Unfortunately Farmer Marv has been sick the last 3 days so haven't done anything so extra special for it)

Today our world was black and white....it was rather pretty out there...maybe I can share a few pictures!

how it looks out my kitchen window now!

everything black and white except for the flag....

even the cows!

And now a little about our Thanksgiving...not all our family made it as Shaun & Helen and household were battling the stomach flu....ugh for them...we missed them but did enjoy this little group...

didn't get just a lot of pictures but here is one more

...Mommy got a better one of him....bib says ...'My 1st. Thanksgiving'...

Will and Becky were also with us for the day...but didn't get a picture...will have to next time...

Now this week holds some busy days for us, too...first a 2 day dairy conference and then flying to Texas for a few days to do some work on our new 'estate' there...painting & cleaning and checking on the agricultural aspects of it.... the orange and grapefruit trees....then we'll be 'home', as in Wisconsin, for while and drive down for a more extended stay after the first of the year...(would love volunteers to do 1099's and W-2's...not my favorite job!)

Another part of God's great creation

2011-10-31T19:21:00.000-05:00

We see Bald Eagles on a rather frequent basis in our area...we know of one nest and with the number of eagles we do see we wonder if there isn't more than one near by...just recently I saw 8 eagles in one field...and the last few days there has been a rather 'unique' one make stops in the pasture and trees...the pictures don't do justice to it but we think it may be a young Golden Eagle...we do know there have been documented sightings of them not far from us....so here we go...

...in the tree by our house....

...in the pasture....

...and 'dancing with the cows'....

I know that it looks pretty white so you would think it was a bald eagle but it does have the band of black on the end of it tails (you can maybe see that if you click on the first picture)...also note the crow that flies and lands in the tree...he's not been happy all day with that eagle in the neighborhood!

God's natural creation is fascinating...and to think we also have this... Isaiah 64:4 and I Corinthians 2:9 ...to look forward to...

this and that

2011-10-11T21:52:00.000-05:00

Have spent the last couple days outside trying to get ready for a family picture on Saturday...hopefully the weather will be nice so we can take it outside at our place and not have to go to the studio...
here are a few pictures from recent days....

...what I've been seeing out my kitchen window...unfortunately a lot of the leaves have already fallen...

....a few fall 'pretties'....

...a rain bow today...

..after the storm....

...and a little later still....the moon!

And here is my refurbished wagon!

Fall

2011-10-03T22:15:00.002-05:00

There is no doubt fall is here....trees are turning, pine needles are falling, asian lady beetles are coming out (in hoards) as well as box elder bugs...and our conventions are over...and we are having some lovely, sunny, warm days...a little frost but only enough to nip things a little. We are having a family picture the 15th. so hopefully we'll still have a few flowers for then!

Recently a very dear lady from near us passed away...she was a lady of integrity and her passing leaves a very big gap...I didn't know her real well but my memories of visits with her are special....the kind of visits where a person comes away feeling there was something learned, something worth applying to life....she wasn't really old...past 65 but not 70...and her death came as a shock because she was such an 'alive person'....I was glad I was able to go to the funeral...it was special to hear words expressed because of what she had let God do in her life...her life was what it was because of that. Some time in the past she had expressed her desire and made arrangements that each family who attended her funeral would receive a rose...her favorite flower...so as each family passed her open casket at the end of the service they were given a long stemmed red rose....

...I'm glad to feel again...I've learned something and know there is much I can be exercised in, in my life even as was seen in hers.

Just a couple things

2011-09-13T18:20:00.000-05:00

this youngster (can you see him?) has been making frequent visits lately...sometimes even with a sibling and parent....mother nature is so interesting....

speaking of interesting....the newest in trucks!

Special times....

2011-08-30T08:25:00.000-05:00

Our family has had another new addition...another grandson...Theo and Sarah have a little boy Owen Michael born August 17...it was very special to get to meet him this last weekend...here are a couple pictures....

the first time to have all 5 of our grandchildren together....Owen, Nolan, Zoie, Hannah & Elliot

the new little family of 4

Papa and Owen taking a nap...

old barn....

2011-08-22T21:13:00.000-05:00

Time passes, things lose their usefulness....so it goes for the oldest section of the old barn....would that the old walls could tell their story....but then again maybe it is just as well they can't....

...and down it came....

there is a different look there now....

as the old barn is falling apart....looks like the tractors are, too!

these are winter projects for the guys....if we don't get too much snow!

Newest addition..

2011-08-22T07:35:00.000-05:00

We have again been blessed with a new grandson....

the happy parents

big sister watching over

Owen Michael arrived in this world August 17 and in to our family August 20....we look forward to meeting him...soon!

New corn planter

2011-07-22T19:59:00.000-05:00

Farmer Marv sent me to an auction with instructions to 'buy something, anything'....so I purchased a new corn planter for him....I think he'll be thrilled!

...what could I say ... the price was right!

A project done!

2011-07-20T12:37:00.000-05:00

Was special to have this project done...I'm not telling how many years it was on the frame....

...we had fun delivering it last night, too....looks great in their house!

Summer 2011

2011-07-17T21:14:00.001-05:00

My thoughts have been to up date this lots of times but....I'm easily distracted, I guess....but will try and share a few things from the summer .... that like most summers ... is going quickly...

Early in June we enjoyed having a visit from these 2.....

it was our first in home visit for the 'year'...they being away or we being away....it was very special...especially to see the one at nearly 93 continuing to pour out his all....I felt I had lots of 'fragments for my basket' when they left.

Farmer Marv's new 'toy'...

...what more can I say...

A few flowers....

Mother's Day gifts....

from the gardens.....

peonies and poppies

one of many irises

lupines

lilies

my first clematis...a gift from Hannah last Mother's Day

sunflower

my 'hen and chicks'....look carefully!

Grandchildren....

...love the caption on this bib!...

time with Cousin Morgan again!

4th. of July!

Nolan and Hannah came to spend a couple days with us....these are the boats they launched on Papa's pond..

looking at the wheat field with Papa...I love this picture...would make a good puzzle!

It was special to have them but unfortunately Nolan was very homesick...it didn't bother Hannah at all...so either way Mom's heart was broken!

A friends wedding reception.....the bride wore one of our daughter-in-law's dress...kind of neat to see it again

...and remembering our Dad's....Father's Day

my Dad with his truck when he sold Mac Tools....early 1950's

Farmer Marv's Dad holding him....1947

We plan a trip to Montana in August for my class reunion....can hardly believe it is 40 years already...hope to see some family and friends along the way.

So summer passes quickly again...and there is much more I could share but would rather do it face to face!

June is Dairy Month

2011-06-17T11:34:00.000-05:00

Amazing what will show up in print.....

Spring 2011

2011-05-08T22:50:00.000-05:00

It seems maybe spring is going to arrive (or has arrived) after all....guess we knew it would but when it doesn't seem like it will day after day...with cold, rain or snow...maybe we wondered....just a few pictures...

and a few of the princes and princesses....

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

We have had Mother's Day for 2011 and it was special to have all our family together...something that doesn't happen often so makes it so much sweeter when it does. I didn't get all the pictures taken I wanted to but guess that is how it goes sometimes, too. A friend shared this poem and I want to share it here...I feel it is special...

Poet: Ann Taylor, sister of Jane Taylor, the author of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

Who fed me from her gentle breast,

And hush'd me in her arms to rest,

And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?

My Mother.

When sleep forsook my open eye,

Who was it sung sweet hushaby

And rock'd me that I should not cry?

My Mother.

Who sat and watched my infant head

When sleeping in my cradle bed

And tears of sweet affection shed?

My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry,

Who gazed upon my heavy eye,

And wept for fear that I would die?

My Mother.

Who dress'd my dolls in clothes so gay,

And taught me pretty how to play,

And minded all I had to say?

My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray,

And loved God's holy book and day,

And walk in Wisdom's pleasant way?

My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be

Affectionate and kind to thee,

Who was so very kind to me?

My Mother.

Ah no! The thought I cannot bear;

And if God please my life to spare,

I hope I shall reward thy care,

My Mother.

Who ran to help me when I fell,

And would some pretty story tell,

Or kiss the place to make it well?

My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old and gray

My healthy arm shall be thy stay,

And I will soothe thy pains away.

My Mother.

And when I see thee hang thy head

'Twill be my turn to watch thy bed,

And tears of sweet affection shed,

My Mother.

For God, who lives above the skies,

Look down with pleased or loving eyes,

If ever I could dare despise,

My Mother.

...and here are some Mothers (and Dads) that have been special through the years....

...and there are many more and so glad for many positive influences that have crossed my way....

New Addition

2011-03-23T19:44:00.000-05:00

Our family has expanded again....our score on grandchildren is even....2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons...we welcomed Elliot Lee on Tuesday...big brother and big sister are adjusting (as is the family dog!)

the new family of 5...Nolan, Shaun, Elliot, Hannah & Helen

getting ready to take little brother home....

with Grandma

with Papa...

so our days of waiting for the new baby are over...seemed like it was 'taking forever' but guess it really wasn't...the new family is home and now time for adjusting to a new number!

Birthday time

2011-01-09T21:36:00.000-06:00

Had this weekend at Theo and Sarah's...and almost all the family...Shaun was missing as he had a flu bug...we missed him....especially his singing for the birthdays we celebrated! Our little princess, Zoie turned one and Papa Marv had another birthday as well...and we got enough to eat...sigh!

with Mommy and Daddy...no cake damage yet!

oh this birthday cake is great fun!

with my grandpas and grandmas!

on my chair!

Happy Birthday, Papa!

December 2010

2011-01-09T21:03:00.000-06:00

We had a first in December....a cruise....was seven days and we were with a group of friends that totaled 19...unfortunately I didn't get a group picture of all of us but maybe can include a few on pictures here...we left ahead of a BIG storm in Wisconsin...one of those kind that could be classified as a 'storm of the century'...that being said we did get a touch of it as had rather high seas one night and part of a day...a few didn't handle that so well....and it was part of the same storm system that had come through Wisconsin. We had four stops and 2 days at sea...the stops were...Key West, Grand Cayman Island, Cozumel and Castaway Island

leaving Port Canaveral

our ship docked at Key West...our first stop

our stateroom

this was the high seas we had....they would occasionally hit our porthole!

our table on the formal dress night dinner

another couple

and another

and another....think every one is on there somewhere!

didn't know Farmer Marv had a secret career on Grand Cayman...here's proof!

some of our friends who met our ship on Grand Cayman and arranged for us to have a bus tour of the island...a special highlight for sure!

and then there was 'fun night' for dinner!

Some of the Mayan ruins we saw on Cozumel...very interesting

and of course, a picture with Minnie....she came for breakfast with us one day!

as did Mickey!

the last night of sailing...smooth seas and sunset!

So now we are experienced 'cruisers'!... not sure when or where we will do it again but did enjoy a good time and experience for now!

Thanksgiving weekend

2010-11-28T20:56:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving weekend is pretty well over...and it was special. Wednesday evening there was some nasty weather so kind of changed plans for then but then Thursday a.m. was better and company arrived. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures from that day....like I meant to... but do have a few from other things we did this weekend...

Friday....

canning venison....

helping make Mommy's birthday cake....

....with Mommy and the end product!

Sign of the times

2010-11-21T21:25:00.001-06:00

need I say more...a couple birthday items!

with Zoie

ever a paper or book with Papa!

and a little something from one of the 'granddogs', too

beauties in the garden yet as of 11/11....don't look quite so nice any more....

and a visitor who stopped by on the 12th....looks a little bedraggled...was a rather wet day

a little something from earlier this fall...

and Zoie and Cousin Morgan meeting for the first time!

This post is some catching up ... summer is past and fall well on its way out, too....harvest was good and glad to have all in the bin and field work done....now the state is settled in to the 9 day gun deer hunting season....not much work gets done....Shaun is about the only deer hunter left in our family, though...and he got a beauty with his bow.....shaunandhelen.blogspot.com....now it is time for Thanksgiving .... and we look forward to family, food and fun (plus a few chores thrown in!)! Last weekend we enjoyed time with Theo, Sarah and Zoie. They were up this way Friday and Saturday to help Will and Becky roof their house so was fun to see them again. They will be going to her folks for Thanksgiving.
So far we haven't gotten any of the real nasty weather that has started to pass through although just a little bit of ice this morning on the way to meeting. Has been a rainy, gray day all day today. All the snow last weekend by-passed us.
May all who may pass by here and read this have a nice Thanksgiving.....

Fall

2010-10-03T19:04:00.000-05:00

Was special to have all the family home this weekend...didn't do just with my camera though...it was also fun to have other company ... one of them being Helen's friend from growing up years and her family .... as well as another family from our meeting...lots of reminiscing going on! Lots of apple juice also got made...and hmmm...is it good! Zoie kept three of us adults pretty much at bay getting smiles out of her when we were trying to take pictures of her...I will post a some here that are kind of cute...no prejudice on my part, of course! Sorry I didn't get much of the other 2 grandchildren. Everyone is also remarking on how pretty the fall colors are right now...and a sunny day made them really stand out!

Serious business...this tractor driving!

some of grandma's flowers!

and my load of pumpkins!

First day of school

2010-09-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

I don't have a picture to go with this....just pictures in my mind and special feelings in my heart....we have just had our convention....and I must say I have come home with the most peace in my heart that I ever have from a convention.....in the meeting Wednesday night it was brought out that we were at the first day of a new school year....a few natural illustrations given..(the one speaking had actually gone to a one room school her early years....and she's not that old...same age as Farmer Marv to be exact)...we don't start with the last lesson and expect to be able to understand it....we learn our ABC's and our 1-2-3 and build on them year by year....and they are then used in many thousands of different ways in life....so we learn in God's way....our ABC's, our 1-2-3's...reviewing and adding to our knowledge...and using them in experiences as we go through life.
The days together were special and again saw clearly there is not lack in our Heavenly Father's storehouse.

So this is my post for today....I do enjoy lots of other blogs and glad for all the special things other people share....fun things, funny things, happy things, sad things, serious things....seems I often learn so much from others and glad for that....

Summer night....

2010-08-22T21:56:00.001-05:00

I thought this was kind of neat....picture probably doesn't do it justice.....the evening star, crescent moon, lighted flag at the park and our gazebo and weeping willow....click on the picture if you would like to see it better.

Sentinel....cont.

2010-08-16T17:47:00.001-05:00

Alas and alack....our sentinel is no longer with us....

......her post is empty....

...and here she lies...a 'messy puddle on the ground'.....

I've been asked what is the 'story behind her' so I will do my best to tell it here....

Sentinel aka 'Becky' (no inference here to our nice new daughter-in-law) was the brain child of one of our employees and a former employee....one year on the eve of the gun deer hunting season for our area....(her first life was as an inflatable doll...for riding with you so it didn't seem you were alone....with time she became of less value for that purpose because of a leak....and was rescued from the scrap heap at that time for a new purpose)....she was 'inflated' with 2 x 4's, dressed in a blaze orange coverall and some sticks were placed just right in her arms to make it look like she was carrying a rifle....then she was placed in (on) her deer stand...this 'stand' was in such a position as to be very visible from the county road that a lot of deer hunters coming in to the area would be traveling on....so if they were inclined to be drinking something other than kool-aid you can imagine what they might have had to say...and even if they weren't drinking anything special... there were lots of looks, lots of questions....so Becky stood for a number of years....fading with the weather until last week...her resistance gave way to the elements and she is no longer with us. (Not sure when the burial is to be yet). So this probably ends the story of our 'Sentinel Becky' in the pasture. Don't think she has much chance of being rescued this time.

Sentinal

2010-08-15T20:54:00.000-05:00

The Sentinal.....

...lies down on the job

weekend with Zoie

2010-08-10T17:14:00.000-05:00

got milk?....sorry this is a little fuzzy! (also it is ice cream...homemade!)

busy Zoie!

summer and the grandchildren

2010-08-01T20:24:00.002-05:00

Just some video clips of Nolan and Hannah helping Papa feed calves....as you can see Papa doesn't understand that the kids don't know what ho,ho, ho means!

Nolan's birthday!

Zoie reading the paper with Dad

Happy Anniversary

2010-07-31T20:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Anniversary August 1 to this special couple!

Pipgras Reunion

2010-07-29T23:27:00.001-05:00

It was very special to have a lot of the Pipgras family come to our place one afternoon during their reunion and have a potluck supper with us. They have a reunion every 5 years and this time it was in Wisconsin. The children who were here really enjoyed the farm...not an experience they get every day! Some of the adults probably don't either! Here are a few pictures from the evening...

Back row: Nancy B., Tom P, Marv S., Dave S. Terry P, Melvin P. Frankie P. and Corann P.....the cousins..
Front row: Jim B., Lyn P., Minnie S., Leona P., Rudonna P. Sue S. and Ann S......the spouses!

this one Dave S. isn't quite so behind the tiki torch!...just the cousins this time!

Just added a few casual pictures!

More from summer 2010

2010-07-29T22:08:00.002-05:00

Corn and beans
The saying is this: Knee high corn by the 4th. of July should be a good crop....this is what our corn looked like on the 4th.

And the beans....not on the 4th. but looking pretty nice...

Did you ever wonder where the pretty color named 'thistle' in the Crayola box came from?...well here it is:
It is a pretty flower but a nasty weed!

and this is where 'cornflower blue' comes from

We've had a lot of rain this year....but it has produced an abundance of pretty flowers and foliage...

Come sit a spell.....

Summer 2010

2010-07-25T19:33:00.000-05:00

I need to be adding something to this blog....hardly seems that we should be in the last week of July....summer is slipping by quickly again! We have had lot of things going on so I guess that is why it goes quickly. We helped Will and Becky some getting moved and settled in to their place....glad to have them near by!

Then in June I enjoyed a trip to Washington and Montana....saw lots of special people....here are a few pictures...

Here I am with my sisters, Karen & Mabel and our friend, Gladys....our families have been special friends 70+ years....needless to say any time we have together is indeed special.

With Auntie Agnes at Ronan

More special friends at Ronan...Julia B., Leona P., Herb B., Linda B. and Gladys M.

With my special friend, Julia

I'd be remiss if I didn't show some of the mountains....

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-31T22:23:00.000-05:00

Spend a lot of this weekend helping Will and Becky get the remodel project going in the house they purchased....got all the 'yucky' stuff done....now it is wait while we watch the new go in and it all take shape....sorry I didn't get any before pictures...maybe I'll get some after pictures!

Speaking of pictures here are a few recent ones....enjoying more spring flower....and a moon rise....

one of course with cows in the background for Anita!

Hard to believe today is the last day of May....the month has been beautiful ...in many ways....weather has been beautiful....and we added a new 'daughter' to the family this month. Now looking forward to June and the rest of summer!

Will & Becky's wedding....

2010-05-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

Will & Becky

Helen, Will & Becky, Theo

Will & Becky with Carla & Brian

Becky & Will with Auntie Agnes

I didn't get a lot of snapshots at the wedding but maybe this will give you a little peek at how it was. Hopefully I can get more later!

...spreading a beautiful rainbow...

2010-05-04T22:06:00.000-05:00

A couple pictures of 'views' we had today...although pictures don't do justice to it....

Hope springs eternal....

2010-04-30T10:27:00.000-05:00

I really do need to get something new posted here....add a few pictures....maybe change a picture....I do enjoy blogs and some that I follow I get a lot out of and wonder how the people do it....to make them so interesting...be so creative...and yes...also some very touching ones....just want to know how to even learn from them to have more richness in my own life...

Springs work on the farm: things have gone well....a first....almost all the corn planted in April...most years we are glad to just be started planting in April. Now hopefully May weather will not have conditions that make a lot of replanting necessary....but like with many things....we do what we have to do...or at least attempt to make the right choices.
Lots of pretty spring flowers have already bloomed and fruit trees well budded or blooming....awe...the thrill of seeing the renewing of life...

Glad for Special Meetings and worker visit at the time....words can never express all those privileges mean.

Next (known) big event....Will and Becky's wedding...May 22....look forward to that....(if I knew how, I'd put a little heart here!)

Other spring events....3 graduation from High School from our meeting....sorry we'll miss one of those because of the wedding....but we wish them all the best and any other graduates in 2010

And of course, the grandchildren....never get enough time with them....

Hannah has always 'loved' this dolly....and now she is the same size....(guess Nolan isn't in to having 2 'sisters'! ha)

Yes, I can read.....

This one is for Auntie Karen....(and I'm sure all the other aunties out there, too!)

My teddy bear from Uncle Will is soooo much fun!

And maybe last for this post ....but not least.....a Happy 44th. Anniversary to big sis!

...so I'll close this...for this time and sorry for all it lacks.....maybe if I keep doing this I'll get better!

Here's to a happy spring for everyone....and looking forward to a great summer.

'Life's chequered pathway'

2010-03-03T11:51:00.000-06:00

Want to get an up date here....we had a very unexpected, unthought of trip back to Wisconsin for 10 days. On February 17 we got word that Marv's youngest brother died very suddenly. We flew home the next day to be at the funeral and attend to other necessary things. We returned to Texas Monday. This has been a double loss for us as he was not only a brother but also an employee...needless to say it seems quite unreal yet and know we will be very aware of it for some time and especially when we return home from our winter stay in Texas.

Here is their family picture taken last spring at their daughter's graduation.

We know that life can give its dark experience as well as pleasant experiences...our pleasant experience during this time was the completion of the adoption of our granddaughter Zoie...here she is in a 3 generation picture...

here she is with the toy Grandpa bought her....

once again we know it takes the dark as well as the light to make the picture

so it is with life...

We are glad we know God...who is a god of all comfort and He makes no mistakes and may our faith ever be increasing....

Texas 2010

2010-02-13T15:44:00.000-06:00

Thought maybe I should get some things on here about what we have been doing while in Texas. Weather hasn't been the warmest and there has been precipitation but not the kind you have to shovel! We do think of those who have to do the shoveling...wish you could be here! But then we know someone has to stay home and keep things in order!

A few of us went on a bike hike....

we weren't on our bikes here!

and we made it back...

What we saw when we were at Port Mansfield..

Papa trying his hand at fishing!

we saw several of these near Ports Manfield also, we think they are Nilgai a species brought in from India and now a nuisance. It seemed to us that the Mansfield area would be mecca for hunters and fishermen!

New Princess

2010-01-22T22:05:00.000-06:00

We have a new little princess in our family...she arrived in this world January 8 and in to our family January 10. Needless to say it was pretty special to be able to stop and see her on our way to Texas. Now she and Mommy and Daddy are back in Wisconsin and we look forward to seeing more of her when we get back there after our hiatus in the south!

Farmer Marv's birthday

2010-01-22T21:43:00.000-06:00

Just a few pictures from our last days home before heading to our 'Texas Condo'

Papa and his birthday cake!

Blue Moon

2010-01-01T08:40:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

We had a quiet evening but I did try and get some pictures of the blue moon. This one seemed to be the best.

but guess it isn't that great either!

Our day together

2009-12-26T19:56:00.000-06:00

Just a few pictures from our day together!

Where is Hannah?...here I am!

Who is the biggest now!

Playing with homemade play dough Auntie Sarah brought!

Making a snowman with Uncle Theo.....before they were done they had the whole family!

Who we were all gathered....even Lexi!

And Papa and Grandma, too!

change of scene

2009-12-23T16:23:00.000-06:00

thought maybe us people up north would like a change of scene!

Winter!

2009-12-09T17:59:00.006-06:00

I think anyone in the mid-west reading this knows what we have been going through the last 24 hours or so....I just wanted any of my Texas or Florida friends who might happen by to get in on things. My Montana and Washington friends are getting their own version of a few things like this, too!

This is how it looked out the window most of the day.....

This I posted because maybe it was a little hard to see much beauty in the day...I thought it was kind of neat how the snow piled up on the dried sunflowers!

Flat Stanley

2009-12-06T20:09:00.002-06:00

This little guy came to visit, too so will post a few things he saw!

Seeing what the chopper is all about!

Getting ready to combine soybeans!

Seeing what happens in the milking parlor!

And last but not least -- checking on the calves!

Anniversary

2009-12-06T17:10:00.002-06:00

This couple recently had their 30th wedding anniversary -- greetings are a little belated but happy anniversary just the same!

Then and......

and now .. with a couple other special people!

Catch Up!

2009-12-06T16:37:00.004-06:00

Well it has been a while since posting anything on here so will try and add a little something! Everyone else already has their hunting and Thanksgiving posts up but I'm afraid that is probably where this one will focus!

Shaun's buck - opening morning! Not bad!

Our Thanksgiving on Friday evening - plates loaded - ready to go!

Here we are -- all our desserts!

Wow! Mommy really can blow out the candles!

More about local residents

2009-10-24T14:27:00.003-05:00

We had a crow nesting in the pine trees by the house this summer. The other day I was wondering what they were making such a fuss about. Upon investigation I found them harassing a young bald eagle. They had him flying in circles but also found them all in the pasture and got this clip! Guess they were all exercising their wings and voices and place!

Not sure this clip does justice to all the carrying on but you know how it goes once camera is in hand!

What?

2009-10-24T13:58:00.001-05:00

What... was it really doing this the other day?

but wait...what does the thermometer say??

projects!

2009-10-15T22:26:00.004-05:00

Its been too wet to get anything done outside so I've been working on 'projects' inside. I've gotten going on something if you would have asked me about I wouldn't have thought I would be doing... it is a project involving embroidery! Here I need to go back on the story. In my mil's things I found three 15" squares with embroidered baskets with flowers. I'm sure she meant them for pillows but I'm not 'in to' pillows, I'm 'in to' quilts. I figured I would use them in a quilt ... some day. Well I happened on to them again recently and decided to 'take up the project'. About the same time I was going through a draw (fyi -- I have pack rat syndrome so things get interesting) and found some transfer patterns that my aunt gave me. Now these have been around a while since she has been in the work 50+ yrs. and they were from before she went in the work (she gave them to me after she was in the work as I wasn't born yet when she went in). And I found some with baskets and flowers! An idea is forming....I'll do a few more blocks, the same size, and then it will become a quilt of contributions from my mil as well as from my family. Next -- find some material to use -- that wasn't hard either -- as I started looking through my 'supplies' -- so the 'project' is off and running. I'm not sure how many blocks I will do total but have three more done and starting on the next set of three. Here is what they look like...

All 6 of them together.

The three from my mil

and the three I've done so far.

And I find I'm quite enjoying the project!
I'm not sure how I will put it together but I'm sure I'll come up with something! Feel free to make suggestions!

This and that from here and there... mostly here!

2009-10-13T20:58:00.002-05:00

Some recent scenes...

when summer was still with us...

falls colors joining us...

Hannah in the pumpkin patch....

aw...so good, drinking chocolate milk with Uncle Will!

weather

2009-10-13T20:35:00.002-05:00

We'd rather have weather like this for harvesting...

than like this!

It seemed yesterday we had gone from fall to winter but maybe we'll have some fine fall days yet!

grandkids and summer

2009-09-06T16:02:00.007-05:00

I would be quite remiss if I updated my blog and didn't get anything on here with grandchildren in the pictures!

Eating sweet corn!

Hannah's birthday!

Have to get the frosting off the candles, you know!

How about a little horseshoe?

Action!

2009-09-06T15:00:00.006-05:00

Here are some action shots!

These little guys really went after the sunflowers! I loved their song as they feasted away! Had to take the pictures through the window as every time I went out the door they flew away!

And here goes Farmer Marv out to get some more chopping done! Third crop hay for the season! Really nice stuff!

Summer giving way to fall

2009-09-06T14:40:00.003-05:00

My blog is over due some comments again. We have had lots of special times this summer especially with our visitors.

Aunt Agnes with visitors from Minnesota
Matt & Linda K.

More of our winter Texan friends from Minnesota that we didn't see at Emo
Ralph & Louise H.

What is in these next two pictures, I maybe shouldn't call 'visitors' since maybe they are just as much residents as we are!

Any one looking for their 'prince charming'? Come check out my backyard pond!

These 2 come around fairly frequently and are quite bold. They were with in 50 to 100 ft. of some of our buildings when I took this and Farmer Marv was very near by in a skid steer!
When ever I see them, I 'stand in awe'. If I had been a little quicker with my camera, I could have gotten a video clip of them flying off!

butterfly

2009-08-05T22:09:00.002-05:00

Maybe nothing really so special about this but was the first time I captured a butterfly with the video setting!

Summer 2009

2009-08-04T21:20:00.009-05:00

I want to add something to my blog again. Not sure if we had summer or not if just calculating it on the temperatures we've had. In one way the cooler temps have been nice but it hasn't made for good corn growing days!
We enjoyed having our niece here from Washington for a few days. We kept her hop scotching about the state to see all of us! We had some group pictures at Theo and Sarah's but the camera I had with me then decided to quite working so I'm trusting some of the others to post those pictures until I get copies!
Now in a little over a week Aunt Agnes will be with us again as she returns from Norway. Will be a special time!
Here are a few pictures and what from our doings from the last post.

Off to combine the wheat!

A few flowers and wild critters in my yard!

Nolan's birthday and fun with a pineta!

At the park with Helen, Hannah, Nolan and Tammy!

Tammy and I went for an excursion on the 'LaCrosse Queen'. Here are a couple pictures from then. Was an interesting ride and would go again! Would be fun to rent a house boat and do more extensive exploring on the river!

turtles basking in the sun!

Sorry all my little peeps I don't have much for action shots!

Summer get away!

2009-07-16T18:20:00.008-05:00

We enjoyed having a trip again this summer. Seems with being gone for a few weeks in the winter we don't think as much about getting away in the summer. Maybe we are still catching up from being away then! Enjoyed being at convention and seeing lots of friends we have made in Texas in the winter. And of course, convention was special in itself.

Front: Arlene R., Bernice M.
Back: Marv & Minnie S., Bob & Alice R., Butch & Cindy M., Myrna & John E., Helen & Richard N.

Our ship has come in!

Heading out for some time on the Rainy River.

An island used by lots of sea gulls and cormorants for nesting. It was pretty much devoid of vegetation. Very noisy and didn't smell real good around there either!

Mermaid made about 75 years ago.

Waiting for the train! The bridge opened for us again after the train had passed.

There was a spectacular sun dog! This picture hardly does it justice!

Beautiful sunset. The international bridge. Looks a lot different then the one going in to Mexico!

Our friends condo.

End of a special day!

Summer time away

2009-07-14T21:38:00.001-05:00

I'll just post this tonight. I need to post pictures, too and hopefully will get at that before long. We just got back from a special week away. We were at Emo Convention. Our last time there was 26 years ago! We have made friends with a couple from that area who we see in the winter in Texas. They invited us to stay with them - which we accepted! We helped with clean up on Monday a.m. and in the p.m. got a lunch together and headed out on Rainy Lake in their pontoon boat! It was special! We left there a little after noon today arriving home this evening! More another time!

Musings of the spring and summer

2009-06-19T21:09:00.004-05:00

Spring and summer have been going well. Maybe a little on the cool side but that isn't all bad when it comes to the flowers. I think this year the irises and lupines have been the prettiest in a long time. Lots of blooms before we got some rain and wind to tip them on their sides! But of course we are getting in to summer and need the warm to make things grow! Glad we have gotten rain but do feel for those who aren't getting rains. One certainly becomes aware of the value of water!

Recently I was 'blog hopping' and seemed that many of those I visited had something about graduations. I really liked this thought shared in more than one - how fine the young people are these days and what it means to us. I just felt that was a wonderful testimony to be able to enter in to. The blogs that I was looking at were scattered across our country! "In Christ there is no east or west....."

Interesting things the last couple days: Bald Eagle in the field across the road; Bobwhite whistling by our window about 6 a.m.! He's been around all summer but that was the earliest I've heard him. (It has to be a he with a name like that, right?)

Now I'll close this one with a video from one recent evening. We were having a beautiful sunset and the flag was gentle waving so tried to 'capture' it. The pictures hardly do it justice but will share anyway.

Hope all are having a good summer.

Summer

2009-06-19T20:37:00.005-05:00

I need to post again and get some of those action things up for the little peeps like I promised!

These next videos are from first crop hay this year.

Dumpbox truck

Off with the tractor and chopper!

Packing the bunker!

Memorial Day weekend

2009-05-31T22:48:00.006-05:00

A few pictures and videos from this last week and Memorial Day weekend!

Nolan on my Rock!

Hannah 'mothering' a kitten!

Uncle Will showing Hannah what to do with a 'Sun Button' gone to seed!

I better stop with this for now as a thunderstorm is coming in and I want to get the computer shut down ... so if any of my little 'peeps' are viewing this - I'll have some more action for you when I can get this edited! Bear with me!

graduation

2009-05-31T22:03:00.009-05:00

It is time I'm getting some things posted here again so will start with the graduation of our niece
a week ago Friday. The pictures and videos are self explanatory, I think! We are proud of her and wish her the best!

Some more spring things

2009-05-17T20:46:00.007-05:00

We were glad the hard frost forecast for last night, this a.m. did not materialize for us! Now it sounds like frosts will be a thing of the past until fall... so the annuals that have been sitting on the deck can be planted and we can await their show! Field work has gotten done in a timely fashion also. We were remarking that this has been the best year in a long time for that. Alfalfa is growing nicely and likely we can start cutting by the end of the week or first of the next and hopefully weather will be nice for that task!
Other special things from the last few days is Aunt Agnes going to Norway for the summer. We are glad she can go as know her heart is there. We look forward to having her with us for a couple weeks on her return.

Here are some spring flowers from walks along the way!

cowslips

trillums

The consensus in dairy animal husbandry these days is that you don't let the calf and cow stay together any longer than can be helped so these types of scenes aren't very commom. I've been watching for one to post so here goes! Farmer Marv also said it is a good thing she didn't need help since Anita B. wasn't here!

And along the way that day, I found these dancing tulips!

careers

2009-05-17T20:23:00.004-05:00

Two of Hannah's early career choices: Pet sitting and gardening!

Video clips!

2009-05-04T22:14:00.007-05:00

Seems like my blog posting isn't complete without a video clip or two! First a little play time after lunch! Checking out the calves! Getting ready to do evening calf chores with Grandpa! And finally the calves getting what they have been looking for!

More about spring

2009-05-04T21:55:00.004-05:00

Its been fun to have our grandchildren here for a few days! Some times we get a different perspective of things through their eyes and I love their enthusiasm about so many things! (I guess there are a few things that I don't love their enthusiasm about and one of those is throwing rocks in my pond!)

Here are a couple pictures!

Livestock, tractors and scenery!

2009-04-24T21:25:00.005-05:00

Now what is it? -- The Pond, Our Pond, Marv's Pond, Pudget Sound and Whidbey Island?

Cows!

Applying anhydrous

Coming in out of the rain!

Mrs. Goose who did not like her space invaded. Mr. Goose is there, too adding his 2 cents!

The fish in the garden pond!

One does have to wonder if I am getting anything done these days with the pictures I've been taking and the posts I've been making! How poetic and I didn't even plan that! Anyway here goes -- I've found out I have some 'little peeps' who like tractor videos and such so I'm trying to include that type of thing!

Some more spring time

2009-04-24T21:02:00.003-05:00

Flowers we are enjoying -- even one 'sun button'

Have been glad to get yard work done and flower beds cleaned out! Always thrilling to see the new growth and anticpate a new season!

Sights and sounds of spring

2009-04-18T16:49:00.011-05:00

First spring flowers! Crocuses!

Out in the field but not standing!

Robins return and so did we!

Papa and Hannah
Papa and Nolan!

Oops!

new picture

2009-04-16T11:04:00.001-05:00

How is this for a nice spring picture! When I get a spring farm picture will post that one in its place!

Spring

2009-04-15T22:27:00.003-05:00

I see it has been over a month since I posted and don't really know what this post will be about. I don't have my pictures in this computer yet so can't post any of them from our time in Texas. Glad for some signs of spring - robins, crocuses, tractors in the fields! Some one suggested we must be like the robins - need 3 snows after returning in the spring! Today seemed to be the first day it felt like spring and everyone seems happy about that! Yesterday we got started with seeding so maybe now things will get rolling. I've also gotten started on cleaning flower beds.
We have had some Special Meeting privileges and worker visit - Carol W. and Curtis B. -- very special. All being well we should get another Special Meeting this coming Sunday.
Another project I have been working on is setting up my 'studio'! We have the mobile home behind our house - it was grandma's - empty again so decided I would convert it to a studio -- for fiber art! You can use your imagination on that and pretty much be right, probably! We really don't like having someone living there but didn't have much options but to have some one there the last year and a half. About an hour after we got home from Texas some 'friendly' fellows from ICE paid us a visit so that is why it is empty. That of course is a whole other story which I won't comment too much on here about. It kind of left us with a sad feeling and renewed appreciation for our own liberties. Anyway back to my studio! I'm hoping to have it as an area to work on my quilts and other projects like that and it will also have a bedroom so can use it also for guests if the occasion arises. Maybe I'll call it my 'cottage studio'!

Home

2009-03-13T07:35:00.003-05:00

Will add a note today to let you know we are home again. We got home Tuesday morning after having the evening and night with Shaun & Helen. Was special to see them and Nolan and Hannah again. Hopefully won't be long before we see the rest of our family, too.
We left the valley last Wednesday after the 2 p.m. Bible Study and eating out with everyone! We drove a couple hours before stopping for the night and the next day on to College Station for the evening and night with our son-in-law's family there. The next day was a long drive to Dan & Marie's in central Missouri. It was special to have the weekend there and see most of our relatives that live in Missouri. We left there Monday a.m.
Weather had a different 'flavor' after a cold front came through Sunday a.m. After that we needed jackets! And we've needed them since coming home, too!! It is amazing how quickly the weather changes but maybe just as amazing how quickly we adapt back in to it again, too! At least we are having more daylight and that suggest spring even if maybe the temperatures don't!
Enough for today!

Update #8

2009-02-24T16:08:00.002-06:00

It is past time I was putting an update here. Time does go quickly and we still keep busy here and the weather stays beautiful! Today we had a potluck for all the friends and workers in the area for Special Meeting. Tomorrow is the meeting for this part - 4 and 7 p.m. Thursday we have lunch in our park -- us 3 couples and another lady from Iowa -- with 2 workers. Look forward to that. Don't really know many of the workers this way so nice to have this time with them.
Guess we won't be getting the canoe trip as it is booked until March 4 and by then most will be gone home from here. We were going to bike one day but amazingly that didn't happen because of rain!
The citrus trees are starting to bloom so the fragrance of the blossoms waifs through the air! It can be strong so people with allergies aren't always so excited about it. Just kind of an interesting experience when you live for most of your life where citrus trees don't stand a chance!
We probably have about another week here before heading north. Haven't really planned our journey but will like have a couple stops along the way.
All for this time

Update #7

2009-02-06T10:05:00.002-06:00

Here is another update sorry again no pictures. Some times I can get my laptop to work and sometimes not and when I have time to do an update it won't work!
We were suppose to go canoeing today as the first time was cancelled because of wind and the same happened today.
We are keeping busy with others doing a variety of things and Marv is even getting in to golfing. Yes, I know, that one is a surprise. His first time around one of the 4 was an 88 year old man, nearly blind and he out golfed them all! Today will be time 2 for him! I've not ventured in to it yet, but I was invited! We may get some biking done today, too.
The saddest thing down here - seeing the wall getting built between our country and the one to the south. Marv was up close to it yesterday and took some pictures -- My opinion(for what it is worth) -- there must be a better way.
I have about 6 minutes of computer time left so better sign off. Weather is great here! except wind!

Update #6

2009-01-22T13:47:00.002-06:00

Hi again from Texas. I thought I better make us heard from in this avenue again. Sorry I'm still not able to post any pictures. We have been doing a few fix-its on the 'condo' so have kept busy with that. Tomorrow we are going on a bike trip with others and getting a few other social things going so this may get even more neglected!
The weather has been about perfect. Cools off at night and is lovely and sunny during the day! Couldn't ask for better! Glad to hear it has been a little warmer up north but guess it is still winter!
All for this update!

Update #5

2009-01-16T14:41:00.004-06:00

Just a note today. I'm having trouble with linking my computer and cellphone so this is from the library. All is going well here (except for computer issues -- I do think I have a jinx on them!). Sure have been thinking of everyone up north and how cold it is. Kind of seems unreal when we are down here but I'm sure it isn't unreal to any of you dealing with it.
Have gotten the trailer all in order and some groceries stocked so guess we are ready to roll. We are invited to friends tomorrow for lunch and biking. So suppose this will start the big roll of social rounds! Not that we haven't had one or two already! Nice to see those we have met in other years as well as meeting new ones.
Guess that is about it for now. Hopefully I can soon post some pictures!

Update #4

2009-01-14T07:05:00.003-06:00

We arrived in the valley last evening. Had a good day of traveling, albeit long. We got a motel as there are a number of things to do to get the trailer ready to stay in after having it closed up for a year. Hopefully we can get it all done today with out too much ado! Looks like clear skies this a.m.
For something to eat after arriving last evening, we went to a pizza place next door and ordered a small pizza. I don't know just what happened but we ended up with 3 small pizza's! Seems someone didn't get our order in as they should have so this was our compensation! Also I think it was about closing time so they had extra things they could just use up and not throw out! So now we have left over pizza for breakfast and lunch today! Ha! Better sign off for now. Happy winter to everyone!

Update #3

2009-01-13T06:38:00.004-06:00

We are in Texas -- well 4 miles or so! Had fairly good driving yesterday except for about the first half hour.It was snowing heavy and a fair amount of snow on the road. Glad traffic was light and we were out of it as soon as we were. The temperatures got steadily warmer as the day progressed and we had to start taking a layer off now and then! We should be to the valley this evening but not really early enough to have the trailer all set up so likely will stay in a motel. I talked with a couple people there last evening, sounds like the temps are in the 60's and 70's. They feel that is cool -- has been in the 80's. All for this a.m.

Update # 2

2009-01-11T21:36:00.002-06:00

We left Wisconsin today heading south! Had lunch with all the family and Sarah's folks after meeting today and were on the road about 12:45 p.m. The roads in eastern Iowa got a little snowy at times because of drifting but when we turned south on 35 they were better. Hopefully tomorrow we will be able to get in a good day of driving although there is suppose to be snow coming so will see how things look in the morning as to how to start the day. There is less snow here in southern Iowa and a little warmer but guess maybe we could expect that?? I have one more email I should send tonight and then will call it a day!

On to Texas

2009-01-10T16:46:00.001-06:00

We are at the first stop on the way to Texas - Wisconsin Dells with all the family. We've enjoyed a little of the water -- Nolan and Hannah really like it. Tonight we are going out to eat for Marv's birthday. Hopefully I can get some pictures posted before long!

Up date

2009-01-08T11:51:00.003-06:00

Just thought I would put in a new post today. We are suppose to be headed south tomorrow. First stop is Wisconsin Dells where all our family will meet us for the weekend. From there to my brother's in Missouri. Then on to the 'Valley'. Marv can't get there soon enough! This post is being done with my new laptop. Hopefully I won't be as frustrated as with my last one and with all my computers the last few days but we won't get in to all of that just now! I'm not sure just how much more I will post before leaving but will try and keep you all informed.

I'll edit this to add a postscript with regards to the comments. We'll probably get home some time the first part of March and yes, I'll try and post pictures. That might depend on how good the internet service is that I'm trying to work with -- you know how much of a techie I am! : )

Company and such

2008-12-29T17:45:00.005-06:00

This post has a little of what we have been doing lately. Enjoyed having Shaun & Helen and family as well as their visitors from Louisiana up on Friday. One of the things we did was have cake for Shaun's birthday. I guess Shaun had a sore throat as he wasn't able to sing with his usual harmony for the occasion -- we missed it! Hopefully he gets over his sore throat quickly!
The next post shows some of the outside activities! The kids (of all ages!) were having a good time!
Also will add here that we got to a winter Special Meeting Sunday -- ours last Sunday was cancelled. This way we got to see more workers!

Building a snowman....

2008-12-29T15:51:00.007-06:00

....need I say more!

Winter wonderland....

2008-12-22T17:48:00.006-06:00

Yes, it is a winter wonderland and we wonder..... Our weather prohibited us from getting our winter special meeting yesterday -- it was cancelled. Since we are kind of out where 'fields come together' there are actually a couple closer than the one we would have gone to so maybe we can get one of those! Glad we had our visit last Wednesday and Thursday so didn't miss that, too. Come to think of it out of the last 4 years only once have we gotten both our visit and meeting!

The pictures are of a sunrise and sunset the same day - they were kind of pretty. Guess with less day light hours you some times are more aware of them. Now to be positive, we are now starting in to our days of more sunlight! Today maybe only 1/2 a minute and tomorrow a whole minute but it is coming!

And a couple video clips from yesterday:
To my little 'peeps': Some tractor action
To Linda D. an apology: Wind chimes : )
To Anita B.: if you look close you can see the Oliver symbol
To Becky Z.: Marv getting his exercise!

This shows a little of our snow cover! Not as impressive as some!

Winter

2008-12-19T13:07:00.005-06:00

I don't have any pictures with this one again -- I'll only post a snow picture when it can be more impressive with snow than some of my relatives in one of them there western states! They have promised to send it our way so maybe by the end of the weekend we'll have something to show!

Winter

2008-12-07T21:09:00.002-06:00

Since we seem to be in winter mode now, I decided I better up date the blog picture! Although this one is even dated as we now have more snow than what we had here!

Lefse weekend

2008-12-07T20:14:00.010-06:00

Here we are at the 'lefse weekend'. Since I've already gotten inquires as to how it went I thought I better get some pictures posted and maybe even get it done before Sarah does any posting! We also made cut out cookies before the lefse but guess we didn't get any pictures of that - either the making or eating process! We did enjoy the time and there even a few cookies and lefse left over by the end of the weekend.

Here are a couple video clips -- interesting background conversation!

Eating lefse!

Playing some kind of German card game -- the objective? To be the Great Kahoonie and not the Lesser Peon -- or something to that idea. Wonder if things are going well for Sarah??

to Minneapolis

2008-12-04T19:09:00.003-06:00

This post won't have any pictures just a little up date on 'current events'! We went to Minnepolis yesterday for a dairy meeting. It is sponsored by the feed company we do business with and we go every year -- for the most part. We rode a bus with others going -- kind of nice to leave the driving to another especially this time of year when you never know what the weather will be like and traffic 'up that way' is a little different than Humbird! : )
The last few years they have added a little something to the agenda for 'spouses' -- and this means 'wife spouses' really!! This year it was going out to lunch at a restaurant on a lake front - the lake being frozen, of course this time of the year! It really was a nice setting and would be beautiful in the summer. From there on to Bonnie Mohr's studio for a tour and shopping. She has her establishment on their farm - which is still operating also - 90 cows - and they also have 5 children still all at home. Midwesterns might be familiar with her work - a lot of holstein cows. She really has become quite successful with her painting. She quit going to the barn after baby number 3! She is one of these very enthusiastic people with lots of energy - wish I could have brought some of that home along with the print purchases I made! : ) It really was quite interesting and I'm glad I went but kind of sorry for at least one of the parts of the meeting I missed. That was a speaker who talked about global warming and whether it is a myth or not -- seems -- well maybe I better not say much about it here!! The meetings were over a little before noon today so it was on the bus and home again except ... when the bus was about 3/4 loaded it became apparent something was wrong with the engine -- hummm glad it happened there and not on the freeway somewhere. So we sat for a while, while the driver figured out what to do. Another bus was found to come get us and a machinic found to come for the broken down bus. So an hour and a half later we were finally on our way home! With no further mishap!
Tomorrow we hope to go to Theo and Sarah's -- one of the projects for the weekend is make lefse! Sounds hmm good!

Thanksgiving weekend

2008-11-30T21:10:00.004-06:00

Thanksgiving weekend is over for another year and like years in the past it was full and we are full!! Will and Becky got here late Wednesday evening, Shaun and Helen and the kids got here mid afternoon Thursday. Since Thursday was Helen's birthday (she was also born on Thanksgiving) we had birthday supper and cake for her (see video below! : )). Becky's family came Friday about noon.
Weather wise it was rather pleasant - cool but sunny.
Here are some of the things we got done over the weekend - a little deer hunting, a puzzle put together (the lost piece even got found), Will worked on fabricating a trailer and eating. Becky and her family left for Madison shortly after breakfast on Saturday and Will went back later in the afternoon so just Shaun & Helen and family here for the rest of the weekend. Theo and Sarah had Thanksgiving with her folks.
Now it is Sunday and we are getting a little snow. Hopefully it isn't causing problems for folks traveling today. Tomorrow it will be back to work!
Hope all of you had a good Thanksgiving! And yes, in our country we have much to be thankful for.
Here are pictures of our little prince and princess - ones before meeting and afterwards at Pizza Hut!

I'm sorry this is on 'it's side' -- try to view it pretending it isn't! Doesn't our family have a lovely way of singing! Helen's birthday was Thursday so had cake for her that evening. We had our Thanksgiving meal 'turkey and all' on Friday as that is when Becky's family was able to come.

Farm happenings

2008-11-30T21:00:00.003-06:00

Kittie was having a bit of a problem here. But I did notice by the time I was back with the pail of milk and cat food he was at the head of the pack headed for the food dishes ... humm problem solving skills do come when needed. Is there a lesson in that??

One more post today!

2008-11-08T18:41:00.002-06:00

Harvest is getting about wrapped up but didn't do much the last couple days because of rain. The goal, of course, has to be that the harvest is done so all who want to go deer hunting will be free to do so! (for you non- Wisconsinites that is the week of Thanksgiving, including the 2 weekends!)
And the weather the last couple days has definately had a feel of winter coming! Earlier this week the thermometer in the car said 73, yesterday it said 37!

Bunkers - full and partly full

2008-11-08T18:25:00.004-06:00

Ground corn - not quite a full bunker but getting there! The tallest part of the wall is 12 feet! The lower one is 8 feet - a correction on that one from an old post!

Full and covered bunker - this is the one that was being filled on a previous blog - for any one interested and where I said the wall was 12 feet and should have been 8 feet. Still a lot of 'cow salad' for next winter!

I think the shelled corn looks so good you could eat it! Sure glad the cows like it!

Speaking of cows - Farmer Marv felt I should share this story from earlier this fall and it is a true story!
Once upon a 'morning' .... the phone rings at 1:30 a.m. - "Need to get Marv over here, can't get the calf out" Ok
the phone rings 2:30 a.m. - "Did the vet call back?" No! "Well, I can't get this calf out so I had to call the vet and I'm waiting for him to call back." Ok
the phone rings 3:30 a.m. - "I just got your call, do you need help with pulling a calf?" Yes.
4:30 a.m. Farmer Marv gets back to bed.
The cow was ok but the calf didn't make it. Glad this isn't always the 'story' down on the farm!