_ __ From Grandma and Pop

Happy St. Valentine's Day

2012-02-13T18:52:00.002-06:00

After Season Tourney

2012-02-05T21:35:00.000-06:00

___Saturday was a snowy day in the morning. Seven boys (part of the team that had played 7th grade ball) had afternoon games. They were to have 3 games, but one team chose to forfeit due to weather. (They had deeper snow than our 3 inches.) So we played one game and the second team, a game and 1/2. No wins, but the last game was closer. More pictures on facebook.

Last 7th Grade Basketball Game

2012-01-31T21:31:00.001-06:00

____ Two losses tonight, both the A and B games. Tonight was their final game as 7th graders. They are having a tournament on Sat. afternoon, here in town. One of the boy's Dad is coaching. I don't know how many of the boys plan to play. The A team had 2 wins and the B team had some. (Lost count) Their ball handling improved as the year progressed, and more shots made. Also they are all busy growing!

Just a Couple Things I Ran Across

2012-01-29T13:43:00.000-06:00

Basketball vs Roland-Story

2012-01-21T14:46:00.000-06:00

Roland-Story came to town to lose 2 games. Finally 2 wins on the same night!

____________Have to stretch out like the big kids......

7th Grade Rams vs Ogden

2012-01-18T11:55:00.001-06:00

____The boys played vs Odgen at the Rec. Center in Jefferson last night. The score was close most of the game but lost by a few points only. They had an easy win the B game. The boys kept feeding the ball to the players that hadn't scored before and they got some baskets too.

______The usual after game shaking hands with the opponents, than here was Calvin shaking hands with the main official----I missed getting a picture of the hand shake and took it so quick it didn't get focused, but you get the idea!

Two More Games

2012-01-13T11:32:00.002-06:00

____Tuesday Calvin had a game against Nevada @ the Rec. Center. They lost by 2 points less than their first game against Nevada. Progress???

Last night the boys played against Panorama in Scranton. Their first time to play in the "Trojan Dome", as Jeff's bunch had named it. It was still used as a Elementary School then, so not many games there now. I knew the lighting would be poor, so didn't take my camcorder. I enjoyed keeping stats for a change. They had it nice on warm on a cold, windy evening. (I played in that gym in high school! It was one of the biggest and best in the county then.)

Basketball at Gilbert

2012-01-07T14:04:00.000-06:00

____Basketball at Gilbert last evening. Two games, two losses. They didn't look good and didn't play well together most of the time, but some of the time did well. Calvin had 4 points the second game. Made one and intercepted the inbound pass and made another. He had a few other good shots that didn't fall.

_______This team knew what it meant to "block out" (Of course being bigger didn't hurt either.) Our boys had some good shots, that just didn't drop and the other team's off balance shots, would fall! Discouraging!

Skalla Bash

2011-12-26T10:55:00.000-06:00

____Teresa's lovely tree. (Shouldn't have taken the picture in the dark. I didn't realize I missed the top of the angel.)

_____Some of the next generation waiting patiently._____

_____Calvin supervising his little cousin playing on the floor with vehicles, just like Calvin did at that age._____

___And dinner is served for a mixture of friends and relatives. We had helped serve at the Elks, so really weren't very hunger. Pork loin from the grill (David's cooking) with all the trimmings, from Teresa and the family, plus what others brought.

Christmas Present to Us

2011-12-23T18:42:00.001-06:00

___ We purchased a new 2012 Honda CR-V this afternoon in Marshalltown. We had looked and priced in Ames on Wednesday to no avail. Nice people to deal with in Marshalltown and ready to deal.
I'll get a better picture when the day is bright and it's not under trees. It shows up blue here, but it is actually Charcoal. (polished metal metallic according to the color chart) First NEW car we have had.

Heritage Books Arrive

2011-12-20T20:45:00.001-06:00

___Seventy five boxes of 10 books each were delivered to Jefferson Library shortly after noon today.____

__Jeff and Ben were the youngsters, and best helpers ever!! Here Grandpa and Grandson work together. The boys got tired of waiting for the elevator, that would only hold 10 boxes at a time, and they started carrying 2 boxes of books down the stairs. A couple others, not as old as some of us, carried 1 box down at a time. They weighted 51# each.

___The basement was soon filling up. The Genealogy Society members will be helping during Library hours the next 3 days, for people to come in to pick up their orders. Also there are some consignment books that can be purchased. I'm very pleased with the finished product. There were times when we wondered if we would get it accomplished. The "Heritage of Greene County" has been in process for over a year.

Deluhery Christmas

2011-12-18T15:04:00.005-06:00

_____Last evening we held our Deluhery Christmas celebration. Soup, sandwiches and things others brought were enjoyed by all 18 present. Jenni, Tristin, Mara and Becca were unable to attend at the last minute, when Mara woke up from her nap with a fever. (Much to everyone disappointment.) The main gifts were opened first. (This was the second year we had given money early and each recipient purchased their own gift and brought it wrapped to the party.) __Sadie picked shorts for over her dance tights.

_____Jeff chose a nice warm hat only to discover it contained ear phones too.

Hil picked head wear too. A necessity for college kids.

Then the annual $5 grab-bag was held. Pictured is David's turn and he is looking over what everyone has so far, to see what he would like to steal. (Much more strategic teams are developing every year.)

____Teresa has just scratched off a lottery ticket she had with her grab bag gift to discover she had won $20,000. (And the guilty brother that had found it online, enjoying his trickery.)

_____ A good time was had by all and the evening wound down with everyone sitting around after dessert and having a good visit.

Basketball vs Kuemper

2011-12-15T20:18:00.001-06:00

____Logan K's arm is healed (from football) so he could join the team. Kuemper wasn't as good as predicted. They had been beaten by Carroll, instead of beating them by 40 points, as first reported. Our boys lost, but did pretty well.

___Once again, the other team had the height advantage.

___Finish of the A game, ready for the B game, which our boys won. Thanks to the final free throws by Logan L. We were behind by 1 with time running out at the other end of the floor and Logan heaved the basketball toward the basket at the opposite end and was fouled. He made 2 free throws to win the game.
(I bet the poor Kuemper boy that made the foul feels terrible)

Loss @ Prairie Valley

2011-12-08T20:11:00.003-06:00

_____Height was a factor in the loss again tonight. This photo isn't a sharp as I like, but with available light this is what I got, but it shows the height difference.

_____This combination, that played the 2nd and 4th quarters of the B game would have been winners if they had only kept score those quarters. As it was we lost by 1 point. The boys can only play 6 quarters a day. So when they play in 4 quarters of the A game, they can only play in 2 more quarters in the next game. This B game helped them regain some of the confidence they lost the first game.
_____Next week we play Kuemper. Kuemper beat Carroll (the team that beat us badly, 68-15) by 40 points.....

7th Rams @ Carroll

2011-12-01T20:25:00.001-06:00

____ Two lopsided games tonight in Carroll. Our A team was beaten soundly. And the B team won easily. Calvin played the A game and two quarters in the B game. He had a couple points in each. I wonder why we even play Carroll. They are a different size school, so our high school doesn't compete against them. It is a closer drive then some of the schools we play.

Nativities to the Library

2011-12-01T20:18:00.000-06:00

_____The library called a couple weeks ago to see if I would be willing to display some nativities during December this year. Of course I would. (Even though this is the third time some have been there.) I didn't remember which I had taken up before and decided I would take some of the homemade ones, as well as a Lizzy High craft collection I had. Plus a few others to fill in.

Rams win---Rams 31- Perry 28

2011-11-29T20:40:00.001-06:00

___Finally a win! These boys hadn't won all football season and lost the first basketball game by a bunch. Tonight we had an evener match in height. Plus their tallest boy fouled out just before the end of the game. This helped. Calvin didn't have any points, but had some great assists and rebounds.

New Outdoor Nativity

2011-11-29T20:35:00.001-06:00

____First Christmas present of the year delivered from New Jersey! Thank you, Liz and family. It got set up today, except for the angel. We're still studying on that. Jerry cut grooves in 2x4 for the ground, plus a rod behind to keep them in place. Next the angel, probably on a post and a spotlight! This completes my collection. I was needing one for outside!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-11-28T07:47:00.001-06:00

____We had a quiet day Thanksgiving. Just taking life easy and preparing for the weekend. Friday Nancy and Mara stopped to play, eat and get tired so Mara would nap on their way to Des Moines for Disney on Ice. Their plan worked and Mara napped and later enjoyed the program. (I'm wondering if Grandma Nancy might be starting a new tradition!)

_____Saturday we journeyed to Williamsburg. Dan and Nancy hosted Thanksgiving for the Shermans, plus us. Joan and girls were able to come down from CR too. Good time, great food and company. Here Sadie and I are starting a beginner reader! Becca was all eyes for this book. You can never start too early! At 4 months, she was ready to read.

____Sunday Matt, Liz, and family joined us and Teresa's family for lunch and a good visit. They had returned to Iowa to visit and to be with Liz's family for the first holiday without her Mother. They sorted through pictures and etc. Liz said they had stuff from grandparents, and aunts an uncles too. Things that need to find a family historian. Today they are heading for home.

7th Grade Basketball

2011-11-22T21:39:00.001-06:00

___Tonight was the first game of the season. We played Nevada in Nevada. Calvin was captain and played most of the time and didn't play the B game. They lost 9 - 49. The other team had a size advantage, but we knew that after playing them for football. It shows up even more on the basketball court. Our boys played hard the whole game and had some good plays. It wasn't a good gym for pictures. Not enough light, or I need to sit down front or something.

(Update: The B team lost 2 - 52. The tall kid in the captain picture play in both games.)

Becca's Baptism

2011-11-21T16:46:00.000-06:00

____This is Dan's family. Minus Amos, he had a work project that was claiming his attention. Teresa, Nancy's sister (Godmother) took his place. Baptism went very well. Becca didn't cry at all. Did give the Priest a funny look a couple times. Dan corralled Mara here long enough to get a picture. She does being two, very well! More pictures on facebook...

Home Again

2011-11-10T22:23:00.003-06:00

We visited CR yesterday and today. We enjoyed our visit. School was out early. Jill went to the Kennedy volleyball game and Sadie had dance after supper. Kind of a usual night in their household. We shopped some before returning home. (I should have used flash on the girls picture. The camera would have had more light for better focus. I'm learning!)

____Pictured is how Cedar Rapids takes care of their leaves. People rake them to the curb and they have trucks that vacuum them up. No fires, no sacking them up, no hauling them away.

More Leaves!

2011-11-04T18:59:00.000-05:00

_____The yellow maples turned loose with their leaves today. Really a pretty fall day today. Frost this morning and sunshine later, no wind. Pop is done with jury duty. Now he doesn't have to call in to serve anymore of the 3 months he was scheduled. He's happy with that, but feels like he missed some nice days. Three out of the four days were nice that he was spending time with the jury. It was a new experience for him and he got to know some new people, as well as getting to know better some he already knew and get to see how the system works.

Youthful Exuberance

2011-11-03T15:56:00.001-05:00

___Every year the high school student have taken an afternoon to do community service of leaf raking for those unable to rake their yards themselves. We have many elderly in town that really appreciate this service. This year they have about 130 yards listed. Our neighbor's was the 13th yard for this crew. The front yard group were quietly busy. However the back yard crew were having a great time and enjoying themselves, but never too busy to pose for pictures!

Didn't Have Enough!

2011-10-31T18:51:00.001-05:00

____Trick and treat night tonight 5:30 - 7:30. We had 6 bags of candy bars and ran out in 1/2 hour. Our neighbor shared and thought she had more than enough and we ran out at 140 treats. They lasted another 1/2 hour. (Had to take a picture of this gal. She and a young man both in costume were out collecting candy, no kids noted with them. Must not have wanted to wait until next year!) Lots of adults and lots of little ones not dressed warm enough. It was getting too dark before 7 anyway.

Trick and Treat Around the Square

2011-10-28T16:05:00.003-05:00

_____Last evening 5-6 we went uptown to watch trick and treaters. What a crowd. One store had 600 treats and ran out. That is a close a count as available. We were in front of Ben Franklin and people were coming from both directions. This is toward the end and it was thinning out some. (I have more pictures on facebook.) Some people we knew, but many we had never seen before. The Rec Center and Library both had treats also. Lots of adults dressed up too. Deb G. had 3 sacks of 350 treats. She said she gave 2 pieces and wouldn't give to those taller than she was.... though she admits to being vertically challenged, she's not THAT short. Her treat bag was running out too.

7th Football @ Perry

2011-10-18T16:39:00.004-05:00

_____Perry won 18-6. That makes a 0-6 record for this year. Last season they had some wins against bigger town in the AAU program. But they also had less kids and boys that had played since 3rd grade. This year they had many that hadn't played football before along with the boys that had played. Now it will soon be time for basketball!

Freedom Park Memorial Ceremony

2011-10-16T21:26:00.003-05:00

__This afternoon they had a ceremony to dedicate the Park, newly completed, in Churdan. It is to honor the Service men from the area that lost their lives in WWI and WWII. Jerry's uncle topped the list.

7th football @ Prairie Valley

2011-10-12T12:50:00.002-05:00

_______Another loss. This time 36 - 0. Calvin played all game except for the kickoff receiving team, and with the score, there were more than usual! Pictured is of Calvin on his way to assist with a tackle. (The white shoes and black socks) One more game next Monday.

BVU @ Central

2011-10-09T13:23:00.006-05:00

____Saturday Abbey cheered for BV at Central in Pella. We went down and joined other family members to take part. BV had a great first half to lose in the second half. We all went out to eat after the game before heading our separate ways. (Calvin had his radio ear bud listing to the Iowa game and couldn't concentrate on both games at the same time, so had his head buried part of the time. Jeff had the other ear bud in his ear listening and reporting to the guy behind us when the score changed.) Iowa lost too. Dave was busy farming and missed the fun. (Abbey is in the back in the tower formation. That is her usual spot, so no decent photos showing her then.)

Thursday Football

2011-10-09T13:19:00.004-05:00

____Calvin played in Jefferson against Roland-Story. Jefferson lost 0-22. He was center again the whole game and linebacker. In the 5th quarter he was in the backfield, where he is much more satisfied. Two more games left. Both out of town.

7th Football vs Gilbert

2011-09-30T16:45:00.003-05:00

_____Another loss. This time our boys scored more points. Lost 22-36. This team had beaten one of the teams that we had lost to. Here Calvin was running the ball. He held on to it inspite of being "tackled" by his arms. He carried a few times in the 5th quarter. He played the complete A game at center on offense and linebacker on defense, except for a couple times he dropped back to safety. He played other positions in the 5th quarter. Last night he was on the receiving team too and carried once and did ok. There are now less kids than started out the year, so not as many subs.

Don't Know If I Needed This

2011-09-28T10:48:00.005-05:00

_____ But I liked it........ But maybe it's a bit like when we were to have a CEU on being assertiveness and my boss told me "Don't you dare go!" ( I think she must have been kidding!)

Class of '57

2011-09-24T20:51:00.003-05:00

_____This afternoon ten members of Pop's graduating class from Lohrville High School gathered for an visit and BBQ. (One fellow had left before we got cameras out) A good time was had by all.

Football @ Nevada

2011-09-22T21:33:00.005-05:00

_______Our boys lost another one. 20 - 6 this time. Even bigger kids caring the ball tonight. Jerry thinks we need a better lunch program. Dave can't figure out why we have smaller guys, as we have the best donut shop around! Calvin was on the field all the time, except the receiving team. Even played both directions for the 5th quarter, then he got to carry the ball and was corner, instead of linebacker. They were down 3 players since the game last week, two for discipline and one concussion. These pictures are the first from my new camera. I'm learning!!!!

Football 2011

2011-09-16T09:10:00.004-05:00

___The 7th grade football season started with a game against North Polk at Alleman. They lost 14-20 against a bigger team. Calvin (#30 with red and white shoes, black socks) was center and middle linebacker. He was in all the game except for two plays, when the receiving team was out. We were threatening a touchdown when time ran out. So the game just ended at the wrong time. Calvin was a running back for the 5th quarter, when the B team took over, and had a touchdown. He had one quarterback sack in the regular game plus some other good plays. ____Then we were off to a car show in Ames.

Sunday Drive this Week!

2011-09-11T15:06:00.003-05:00

Today I drove the golf cart. Time I tried it out. Fun, but no big deal. Actually I need a pillow behind me to be comfortable reaching the steering wheel and gas. Then Pop drove and we toured around town.

Sunday Drive

2011-09-04T16:43:00.003-05:00

____We headed out after lunch for today's journey. We checked out the new resurfacing on the highway to Perry and checked out the new high bridge on the bike trail from a distance. I would really like to see it up close at night with the lights on the arches that go across. Then it was off to Madrid to check out the car show there. I walked around for a bit before returning to the car and my lawn chair and book. That way Pop could look as long as he wished. We went north out of Madrid, as their road is recently resurfaced also. Pop had worked on that road when it had been resurfaced before. And no, it didn't make him feel old that the road he had worked on was being redone. He's had other projects that have been changed too. And he reminded me that most of my past residents had been "covered up" too.

Our visit to New Jersey

2011-08-28T08:15:00.009-05:00

________On Tues. Aug. 23 we flew to Philadelphia on our trip to visit Matt and family. We had a good flight and got a car rented to head to NJ. We had crossed into NJ, when the car started to bump like you were going over a mass of rumble strips. Jerry thought it was the road, but checked the rear view mirror and everything looked fine. Then it started again and he wondered if something was wrong with the rental car... After that everything was fine. We then stopped for a sandwich to hear they had had an earthquake. Everyone was all excited about it and so we figured out that was what we had felt in the car. Our first earthquake experience. _____We fished and kayaked the next day. (Matt has some of those pictures on his facebook page.) Liz got called to Des Moines as her Mother is seriously ill. When we fished, Matt stayed behind briefly arranging a flight for Liz. Pop had made a $1 offer for the first one to catch a fish. Sarah got right busy and had the first one. Then without Matt there and Liz without her gloves, who would take the fish off the hook? Grandma had no problem, even though it had been a long time since I had taken a fish off a hook. (And I removed a few more)___I also had to try the kayak. What fun. Though needed a hand from Matt to get up and out of it! That was the hardest part! Liz flew out that afternoon. We're glad we got in a little visit before she had to leave. ____Matt took us to the Aquarium in Camden the next day. It was a great place. The kids got to touch sharks and rays, as well as the other exhibits. Theo is the shark fan, but he had watched 'shark week' too many times to be brave enough to touch. He wanted too and gave it a good try, but just didn't get it done. Marty however was ready to jump in with them! Theo did get a ray touched. (But Theo doesn't like to touch fish either) ____I did cook once, since Liz was gone, on the last night we were there. (Besides she had things thawed and was ready to make something!) The girls were good help. They like to cook and were anxious to see how Grandma did it. What Matt had told them held true, "Grandma doesn't always measure!"____We flew out on Friday and beat the hurricane. The flight was full. Lots of people were getting out before the storm. We enjoyed our trip, but it's always good to be home.

Teresa's Partly Empty Nest

2011-08-18T13:38:00.004-05:00

_______We''ll not quite empty... I was down for an errand and noticed Abbey's room. I had to have a picture! It looks like it's a picture from a magazine. Nothing like when it is inhabited! With Abbey's bright colors and the sun streaming in, it looks great. (Teresa had already taken over Hil's room with a couple laundry baskets that were removed before the picture) and Jeff's room was vacant too. Calvin was busy downstairs with HIS new X-box (or whatever). The old one went to college! They will soon be back to visit with tales to tell.

Hot August Nights

2011-08-13T14:23:00.006-05:00

____Thursday evening was the car show up on the square. It has turned into a 'vehicle' show as motorcycles and scooters had always been included, this year they added tractors. Two hundred five registered in all. Kwanis grilled burgers and etc. Later free watermelon was served by the Fareway store to the big crowd that was on hand. Cars were parked around the square on the inside. They had to start using the outside and later a line-up down the middle. It was a beautiful night. _______Friday we went down and enjoyed the State Fair. We avoided all the political candidates and saw the favorite things we always want to see. (I didn't take my camera. There are lots of fair pictures on the Des Moines Register website.)

At the Brown's

2011-08-07T14:20:00.008-05:00

___Thursday evening after supper we went over to visit the Browns. Joan, Sadie, Abbey, Calvin and Pop hadn't seen Becca yet. Becca was sleeping and stayed asleep even with the change of holders. With both Abbey and Joan on hand it was a wonder Sadie and I got a chance to hold her, but they shared very well. Bubbles kept Calvin busy and Mara had big hugs for him too. Abbey taught her to throw kisses. We finally got a couple peeks of open eyes from Becca, but it was bright out and she wasn't done sleeping. Wonder how she slept that night? ____We were in Glidden in time to let Sadie and Joan get a taste of ice cream. It was strawberry this week. _____Friday it was fix sweetcorn day. Paul's was ready and we went up and picked and my kitchen was the processing plant before Sadie and Joan headed home. _____Pop and I headed to Fort Dodge Car show only to turn around and leave the T-Bucket at home. We were glad we did or it would have been rained on big time. ____Dan and Nancy were here overnight. They floated the river with friends and today had a Sherman get together at Nancy's folks. ______We've been busy!____ That's the way we like it!__

Guests

2011-07-29T17:28:00.002-05:00

____Actually they were Teresa's guests. Ruth and Bradley stopped on their way to Colorado. They slept at Skallas. (They are more pet friendly than us.) We had suppers here. Ate out one noon and let Ruth try Glidden ice cream. She alway says she over eats in Iowa. Got to keep that going. We had sweetcorn from Dave's patch. Tomatoes aren't quite ready, so she missed those and not the right time of year for one of her favorites - caramel apples.

Ragbrai Follow-up

2011-07-27T14:21:00.003-05:00

____We checked out Boone - the overnight town. Lots of people, but more room to spread out than Churdan. We turned and didn't try the downtown area they had blocked from traffic. The pictures are of the Wal-Mart parking lot, and also the replacement bus. ____I saw Pat in the grocery store this a.m. They didn't try serving sweet corn. He worked in Paton with the firemen. They had ribeye sandwiches. They served 1000, plus about 400 more that Churdan firemen had left over. Churdan had set up outside of town and didn't draw as big a crowd. A fellow at the edge of Paton tried to count the bikers as they left town. He had 16,000. When they were leaving Churdan, it would have been impossible to have an accurate count, just too many in groups.

Ragbrai

2011-07-26T12:49:00.007-05:00

___We drove up to Churdan about 9:30 to watch the bicycles going through. We first noted many support vehicles at Fareway getting some shopping for groceries done. Probably a smart move on their part, to avoid the congestion in Carroll last night and Boone tonight. There was mile long trail of vehicles from the west waiting to go through the 4-way stop at Highway 4 and 30. (They needed a patrolperson to wave them through to speed things along.) ___In Churdan we set our chairs out on the curve on Highway 4. There was a steady stream of bicycles the 1/2 hour we watched. We proceeded to main street. The town was packed. People, bicycles, support vehicles, and cars all over. Every shady spot had someone or a team! The Kiwanis had sold out on sandwiches and this was 11:00. The street was packed with walking people, with and without bicycles. Vendors lined both sides. I didn't even get a picture. You would have had to been above the crowd to get one. What a mob--but a peaceful mob! ____Wondering how Pat and family were doing. The route goes right past their place. They had planned on selling sweetcorn. I don't know if it was ready in time or not. ____Dan plans to ride a day or so, starting at Marengo. He won't be too far from home this year.

Goldfinch

2011-07-24T13:43:00.004-05:00

_____This silly little goldfinch comes and pecks on the window. I know the feeder needs filled again, but I don't think he is that smart. Or he knows it's nice and cool in here. Or he is just young and stupid. He only pecks where there aren't screens behind the window and he leaves it alone if the sheers are pulled. This has been going on for a few days.________Tues. ___Within a few minutes after opening the curtain he was back today!

County Fair

2011-07-15T21:33:00.003-05:00

________Yesterday was entry day and this morning was judging day for our genealogy exhibits. We had 71 again this year. We had a good variety of things to display. Some of the Art Hall departments were down on entries, especially the junior division. There was a good showing for flowers and garden. There aren't as many kids that take part in 4-H now, but what they do is usually well done.

Getting Aquainted

2011-07-12T20:20:00.004-05:00

___Becca was sleeping when I arrived, but T. was quick to disturb her. I bet he won't do that when they get her home. She wasn't quite sure she wanted to be awake and fussed a bit. She quiets when jiggled and talked to. Baby, Mom and Dad are all doing well. Big sister had patted her and leaned her face against her and held her for about 30 seconds, before that was enough yesterday. T. plans on having Mara at home tonight and her going to day care and getting back to a normal schedule before baby comes home.

Introducing--

2011-07-11T19:53:00.004-05:00

Becca Kathryn ---- _______ Arrived this morning, daughter of Jenni and Tristin and has big sister, Mara. She is our second Great grand daughter. Congratulations to all!!!!!

Pop's Latest Project

2011-07-09T11:15:00.006-05:00

Road ready on July 13, 2011 ____Golf carts are now legal on Jefferson streets. Pop has been shopping. He found a cart in Ankeny, from Craig's list. The light kit he is putting on was found by internet shopping too. He no longer has his scooter, so this is the replacement. It has to have lights to be street legal, even though they can only be driven between sunrise and sunset. But that includes brake and turning lights too, so should be safer. Now he needs a slow moving vehicle sign and a flag and he'll be ready to go.

Carved in Stone

2011-07-09T11:10:00.003-05:00

___Here is a picture of the Doreen Wilber Memorial that we put a little of Mom's Memorial money toward. I didn't realize her name would be carved in stone at the site. (Her name is about 10th down on the side shown) See the target across the street?

Celebrate

2011-07-03T11:40:00.002-05:00

_________It's a quiet weekend here. Pop may go to a car show tomorrow. I think I'll opt to stay home..... that is part of independence! There are plenty of things to keep busy and still won't have everything done.

Local Author

2011-06-28T17:35:00.003-05:00

_______I just finished reading Rose's book. It was fun. Especially knowing Rose and family. It gives me courage to write. I had started a book once and had a couple chapters when our computer crashed. I never started again. It was/is titled "Don't Eat the Applesauce" and deals with life in a Nursing home. Makes me think maybe I should get going again. You can get this book on Amazon.com. Ok, who wants to borrow it next?

Garden Walk

2011-06-26T19:04:00.004-05:00

________The Garden Club sponsored a Garden Walk this afternoon for a fund raiser. Five home owners and the area the Garden Club sponsors at the bike trail head were on the tour. Also there were arrangements and table displays at the Historical Museum, where we started. Mary Jane has taken me to see the Christmas homes they have decorated every other year, for a tour in early December for my birthday. This year was their first Garden tour almost in time for her birthday! Pictured a colorful display and a favorite flower, plus I have many more pictures. (And the only snap I got of MJ.)

Baseball is Over for This Year

2011-06-25T15:46:00.002-05:00

___________Calvin's last game was last night. The tourney for tomorrow is canceled. All in all he had a good year. He play every position, so must be classified as an utility player. He knows the game and get frustrated with those that don't. (Umpires included!) The team that played in Ames was much better than the program that they have here in town. He enjoyed both and next year it will be a school team.

Baseball, Baseball and More Baseball

2011-06-17T15:00:00.004-05:00

____Wednesday evening Calvin's team played in Boxholm against SE Webster-Grand. We were ahead and than lost. Calvin started as pitcher and than Shortstop. Last evening they played two different Jefferson teams in Jefferson. One win - one lose. He was pitcher, shortstop and catcher. Had lots of hits and scores. Most of the outs were strike outs. All three games were fairly high scoring, so lots of at bats for everyone. He found out what it is like to play with the setting sun in his eyes. Next there is a tourney in Storm Lake this Sat. This is with the team that played in Ames earlier. A much better team.

Busy Saturday

2011-06-12T22:19:00.002-05:00

_______________The parade was @ 11 with tacos here afterward. Car show in the afternoon and the unveiling of the Doreen Wilber statue. At 3:oo Mara's 2nd Birthday party was held at Grma & Grpa Browns. Then I rode over to Ames with Joan and girls for Calvin's championship baseball game. (He had played at noon so Teresa, Dave, and he miss the parade and birthday party.) The picture of Dan playing with the bubble gift was taken by Nancy after the official party. It was a hit. You can easily tell who is the biggest kid! The quilt was made by Nancy for Mara's "big" bed.

Friday Night Fun

2011-06-12T22:13:00.003-05:00

_____Joan and the girls came over Friday evening for the Bell Tower Festival. After eating uptown and browsing the square, they joined Skalla's activities. My camera was sent along so the pictures are posted. (I especially love the one of Calvin with the sparkler.)

Sadie's Recital

2011-06-06T08:53:00.005-05:00

____Sadie had a dance recital this Saturday night. I drove over after watching Calvin play ball in Ames. (Nice it was in the same direction.) Pop had headed to KC for the races. Sadie did very well and Jill took over the camcorder and got it taped for me. (I haven't mastered using two cameras at once.) Sadie got to open her goodie bags before we went. (We didn't want to take them to the recital!) Ann, Jim and Jean, Michael's sister, were there too. I stayed overnight and had a great time.

Recommend this Book

2011-06-01T15:47:00.002-05:00

_________I read this a few weeks ago, just after it was starting to get noticed. It doesn't take long to read and I enjoyed it and found it delightful. It is the tale of a near death experience from the view of a child. After dealing with the dying in my years of work, and hearing their tales and from my observations, this book just continues that line.

Switched From Track to Baseball

2011-05-28T11:24:00.003-05:00

_____Thursday evening Calvin played baseball at Grand Junction. They won. Calvin started as catcher and switched to first base when they changed pitchers. Then pitched and later switched to shortstop. Everyone was hitting and it was a fun game to watch. His friend, Logan, has joined his team as he decided not to be on swimteam. They were going to need more players when others leave. Logan had been on the traveling team too. ______Last night the game was against a different Jefferson team in Jefferson at 7:30. It was getting cool to cold! They lost to a better team, 13-9. Calvin caught the whole game. It's was the first game he has played the same position for the whole game. He got along pretty well, but found out he wasn't suppose to talk to the batters. (The other coach complained.) Only chatter, no personal comments. Hard for him to do when they were his buddies. (I did see him congratulate an opponent when he crossed the plate after a home run!)

Graduation

2011-05-23T16:08:00.006-05:00

_________A busy weekend---and a fun time. Saturday's State Track turned to disappointment when the third runner left to soon and the Shuttle Hurdle team was disqualified. Jeff had a good start and Darin increased the lead to no avail. (Except they could feel good about their part.) They had the fastest qualifying time and had a good chance at the championship. And besides their one day state record was beaten by .06 seconds. It will still be the school record though. Jeff placed 8th in 2A for 100 meters. (That is the T-shirt quilt Teresa made in the background. She has another started with State track T-shirts.) ________Sunday 9 - 12 was Jeff's graduation party. Pancakes, sausage, fruit and drinks were on the menu. 291 were served. It was very good and a good time visiting with everyone. ________At 2 was graduation. All went well. Now Abbey--help edit this and get the backgound more acceptable. It was at the wrong angle. I know you can do it!

Happy Hurdlers

2011-05-20T09:06:00.006-05:00

__Another busy day at the State Track Meet today (weather permitting). Jeff will run at 2:00 in the 4 x 400. The winning shuttle hurdle relay team and coach are pictured. Also the results from yesterday, as posted on cable. Also these three faithful fans are enjoying the day.

Baseball and Awards Night

2011-05-18T14:11:00.005-05:00

We started out watching Calvin's baseball game. He played shortstop and catcher. He batted twice and scored 2 runs, while we were there. Then we were off to awards night, where the only thing Jeff received was a Grand View Scholarship, which he won't use. (He hadn't turned in his Drake awards) The gold cords for academic achievement, which he received, were handed out. I was wishing I had kept track of the percentage of scholarships that went to the people without the gold cords. Personally I would have more confidence in the gold cord receivers doing well in college. But maybe they chose the ones they considered needier. Which brings up another question. Are the poorer students from poorer families? Even in our small community, without slums and etc., where the same education is available to all?

Senior Mass

2011-05-17T13:25:00.003-05:00

____Graduates were honored at Mass Sunday. Jeff had also been honored at Mass the week before in Scranton. He ushered and Teresa was Eucharistic minister. The Junior parents hosted a breakfast for the seniors and families after Mass.

Ram Boys State Track Quailfiers

2011-05-17T13:22:00.001-05:00

The Royal Wedding

2011-05-13T16:07:00.002-05:00

_________________________Isn't this just too funny!_______________________

Waiting for Results

2011-05-13T13:33:00.006-05:00

___Last night in rainy, stormy weather, the District track meet was held. It was fairly decent at the beginning. A bit windy, but that was mild compared to what we had coming. The shuttle hurdle relay was first, so will go to state without question. Jeff's other 3 event were second. So by tonight it should be figured out if any go to state. He should have a good chance, but times from the other meets is what makes the difference and most probably had better weather. You can see from the picture how close he was in the 100. Update: Jeff qualified for state in 4 events: 100, 200, Shuttle Hurdle Relay and 4 x 400.

HOIC meet

2011-05-10T15:40:00.005-05:00

__Last night was the Heart of Iowa Conference track meet. Rams won! Beautiful night. Calvin's baseball game was canceled, so he got to go too. We didn't plan to go and then at the last minute Pop said, "Can you be ready in 10 minutes? Lets go." We just missed his first event the 100 (second) and were there to see the 200 (second) the 4 x 100,( about 4th, I think) and the 4 x 400, which they won! When I was up taking the picture a guy standing there said that the kid with the shaved head and the long pants would win. I told him to cheer for the kid in the red shoes. He said after, that was the closest race he had seen him in this year. (I think he was cheering for the kid in the red shoes at the finish after all! His son's friend was one of the other runners.)

Not Sharing

2011-05-08T22:14:00.002-05:00

_________We are trying to keep the deer out of our garden. Jerry advertised and found a used dog pen that has become our garden fence. It is 6 feet tall, so should do the trick. We'll see how it works. Tomorrow we plan to plant tomatoes. The lettuce, radishes and onions are in. The buckets pictured are just for measuring the room we need for tomatoes. We may have a little room for something else too.

AT Ballard and Ames

2011-05-08T21:50:00.004-05:00

____Track was in Huxley on Thursday. Three firsts and a fourth. Shuttle hurdle relay, 100, 200, and 4 x 100 (4th). Calvin had a baseball game in Jefferson Friday night. (Little league equivalent) He had to sit out the first inning. He had only been to 2 of their practice, as busy with track meets and CCD one night. Then played shortstop and first base the rest of the game and had some really good plays. Saturday he had two games in Ames with the traveling team. They won over Ames and lost to Newton. He played five different positions. Where he plays depends on who pitches and who sits out. 1st, 3rd, short, and right and left fields. Some of the boys only play one position or just a couple and Calvin fills in whereever. He likes the variety. This week both LL games are on nights of track meets, so that presented a dilemma. That team needs him and he has decided to skip the conference track meet Monday and play ball and go the the district meet Friday. ( He gave Teresa orders on how to tape the races!!!) Track will soon be over. District determines who goes to state the following weekend.

Ogden Relays

2011-05-04T07:22:00.003-05:00

_____Jeff didn't run in the Shuttle Hurdle Relay. He ran the open 100, open 2oo, and 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relays. Three firsts and one second in the 4 x 100. The thermometer said 60 degrees, when we got to the car after the meet, but it sure didn't feel that warm! Our boys won the meet and the girls were second.

Pictures from Drake

2011-05-01T10:50:00.007-05:00

_____Teresa took my camera... She got a good start of the race, but than lost out. (She gets too exited watching and cheering.) (Plus not familiar with my camera.) Calvin did well with the camcorder, so I got to see the race and so will David, as he was busy farming and didn't attend. Jeff had a personal best with his split of 14.3. They missed the finals by .01 seconds at 59.14. They only took four teams and we were fifth. But this was all sizes of schools together, so that was really good for us. (They were beaten in their heat by the team that won overall.)

Drake Relays Update

2011-04-30T10:52:00.003-05:00

________ Missed making the finals by .01 second. (That time is getting Jeff. That is how much he missed going to state in swimming) They ran in 59.14. They had had better times by a bit. Jeff's split was 14.3, a personal best, so he should be pleased. Now they need to learn to run in decent weather! They aren't used to that!

Track @ Boone

2011-04-29T14:45:00.004-05:00

_______Fairly decent weather for a track meet compared to the past couple weeks. Of course we had wind, but at least didn't need our heaviest winter coats! Jeff's events included the shuttle hurdle relay (won), 400 (won) I put on 2 pictures, so you could see his competition and how he turned on the speed. And 400 (2nd) and later the 4 x 100 where they placed 3rd and lost the meet by 2 points. Which against Webster City, Denison, Boone, and Kuemper was ok.

The Farm

2011-04-24T14:26:00.003-05:00

_________And "the farm" is what is left...... Everything has been cleared. The ground is ready to work to plant. I'm afraid they will be fighting tree roots for some time and I hate to think of the cost of all that has been done. It is as it should be. Progress.... All fences and lanes are no more. The drive way is the only way to tell of where the farmstead stood. (And a couple boxes for electric connection) Large equipment can now be used. It will be interesting to see how good of crop they will get. (Two views from the driveway and one from the north property line.)

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T14:22:00.002-05:00

Track @ Carroll

2011-04-22T20:20:00.002-05:00

______Last night, in the cold damp weather, was another track meet. They had changed around the order a bit. Instead of running the shuttle hurdle relay, Jeff ran in the 4 x 200. He also ran the 200 and 100 open. So missed running the 400. Anyway they won the meet. The coach is switching around trying to decide how to go in the conference and district tourneys. Jeff had 3 firsts and a second in the 4 x 100. That's the race he keeps not winning. I wish that would be the one the coach would replace him.

Ram Relays

2011-04-19T15:49:00.003-05:00

___Last night was cold and damp, almost worse than when they canceled the Rams Early Bird Relays, but we had a track meet. It wasn't the best night for pictures with all the moisture in the air but I snapped away anyway. Jeff started off the Shuttle Hurdle relay. (The last two meets they have been in a different order so Jeff and Caleb are against the wind. Tommy is so light he can really sail with the wind at his back and wouldn't get anywhere against the wind!) They won and set new records. Then Jeff ran the 100 and had a personal best. Next the 400 and another personal best. Those 3 events are one after another, so when it is a girl/boy meet he can run all 3, but when it is boys only meet he hasn't been running the 100 and runs the 200 instead. Right now he has the team's best in all three. Then he anchored the 4 x 100 relay, which placed third last night. The goal is to run in the state meet. Our district is in Ida Grove which looks like a good place for our team. You can follow times and standings on Quik Stats, which you can get on from the Iowa High School Athletic Association website. We are Heart of Iowa Conference (Large) and District 2A-07. You have to win at district to go to state or have best times compared to the other districts. I don't know how many they take per event.

Bathroom Curtain

2011-04-13T21:30:00.002-05:00

______I had a routine Appointment in Ames today. (I'm in good health) and found a curtain for the bathroom. I had gotten a sample of material for a possibility, before I found these at Penneys. I wanted something light, that blended and wasn't over whelming. I'm satisfied, so guess that is what counts.

Track @ PV

2011-04-12T12:28:00.003-05:00

___It was windy and got plenty cool last night at Gowrie for the track meet. We didn't stick around for the finals. Jefferson was ahead when last announced, but had no score for the 4 x 100 (baton drop as pictured) or probably the following 4 x 400. There was a 3 way tie for second then, so if one team won or placed well in both, they could have won. They won their Shuttle hurdle relay. Jeff placed 2nd in both the 200 and 400 by 100ths of seconds. Next meet is Friday in Creston. (but weather sounds like it may not cooperate)

Nice Day for a Walk

2011-04-10T16:47:00.003-05:00

The temperature was near 80 with enough breeze to feel good. Just had to go for a walk around the neighborhood and of course take my camera. My destination was Arlene's. I knew her daffodils were out. Then I spotted Calvin helping Logan put up the net around the trampoline. Rose's were the only tulips I noticed. Than a cat that was trapped indoors with two outside to torment him. Of course there were some robins too. And Pauline caught me to let me know her meds were doing better. (Once a nurse, always a nurse and people with questions. She had stopped me on an earlier walk)

Busy Saturday

2011-04-09T22:24:00.005-05:00

___Calvin had a baseball game at 2 in Ames vs Nevada. We went over early enough to shop some. I got rugs for the bathroom and we took a couple things back to Lowe's. Calvin's team came from behind 13 points to win. He played 3rd base, right field, and center field. He struck out, walked and hit a triple. He had another game at 6, but we came home. ( follow up- Calvin reported they won the second game too. He played first base and had another hit to the fence.) I took pictures at the Prom Grand March and Pop went to the races in Boone.

4 Events-4 First Places

2011-04-05T22:11:00.005-05:00

__Track meet at Panora tonight. It was a nice night. Much better than last night, when it was postponed until tonight. Jeff competed in 4 events and they placed first in all 4 that he was in. His first event was the Shuttle Hurdle relay. This is the first year he has ran hurdles. (Once last year he subbed at a meet) Usually not something kids start as seniors, but we have a couple real good hurdlers and they put Jeff and Darin Newell (his first year to run hurdles too) in to complete the relay team. It was effective, as they set a new meet record tonight. Then he ran the 100 and won. Next was the 400 which he won and set another meet record. After 3 events in a row, he had a break until the 4 x 100 which they won also. It was getting dark by then... hence the blurry picture. He ran the 200 0pen at Friday nights meet, so he wouldn't have 3 in a row. But tonight it was a girl/boy meet, so had girls events between his events to catch his breath. Friday they run at Ankeny against 4A schools, so will have stiffer competition. (We are a 2A school)

Jeffrey Honored

2011-04-02T14:30:00.002-05:00

__________I didn't stretch out the picture....That is the way it appeared on the school channel! (This is last years school picture) Right now he is more concerned with track....

Bathroom Finished for Now

2011-04-02T14:25:00.003-05:00

The shower curtain and clock were hung today. The corner protectors are now on too. So we are finished for a couple weeks, when we can seal the grout between the tiles. The color of the cabinets that we painted is called coffee bean, but to me it looks like milk chocolate. (I need to soak the shower curtain so it can hang and dry out the wrinkles.) Anyway we have moved back in and everything is operational! New rug or two and curtains are being considered.

Mirror

2011-03-27T21:17:00.003-05:00

David came over to help place the mirror. No one wanted 7 years of bad luck, so there was plenty of help. It's looking good and all done except some finishing touches.

More than a Week Ago

2011-03-26T20:06:00.003-05:00

The 25th we drove up to the farm to check on the demolition in the evening after fish supper in Grand Junction. They were still working. Nothing much left except piles of dirt. Haven't gotten up there this week. These were taken on my camera phone. I didn't get then off the phone until yesterday. Now have it mastered, but couldn't get the ones off Pop's phone. They are taken on a different program that isn't compatible with the computer programs we have . Will have to work on that too.

Closer to Being Done

2011-03-24T14:18:00.003-05:00

The tile has been laid. The counter top is on. Tomorrow the grout will be put between tiles and mirror hung. We had good luck with Carroll Glass cutting down the old mirror. Curtains are up. Also light switches back in place. Closet doors will be rehung when the grout is ready and then the plumbing will get finished. Probably Monday afternoon and it will be finished. Right now I'm picking paint for the cabinet under the countertop. I'm thinking the darkest shade. It will be a couple weeks before the sealer can be applied.

Painting and Dodgeball

2011-03-22T21:38:00.002-05:00

_____Yesterday afternoon and this morning we painted. This evening we watched dodgeball. The painting went well and covered with one coat and a little touchup. Tomorrow flooring is on the agenda. Jeff's dodgeball team was eliminated in two rounds. They have some new rules this year and the games went much faster. (Too fast for Jeff's team) We didn't stay for the end.

Choices

2011-03-21T11:21:00.003-05:00

______The texturing is done and drying. We picked out paint this morning. Pumpkin Spice is what we decided on. Teresa's Tan seemed a bit too dark for a small room and the other too light. It seems to blend with both the tile and counter top. We plan to put it on tomorrow.

Update for Joan!

2011-03-18T15:29:00.001-05:00

The second coat of stuff on the seams of drywall has been applied, as of now. This was from this a.m. with one coat drying.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T09:08:00.001-05:00

Bathroom Update

2011-03-15T20:40:00.003-05:00

Remodeling started in earnest today. A busy day. And a good day, except for a leak that sprung below the floor, where an older joint loosened. A shut off was than put in with repair planned for tomorrow. It was such a nice day, the window was left open and old wall materials were thrown out into the trailer. (Didn't have to take them out through the house. Hurrah!)

Progress

2011-03-14T16:02:00.004-05:00

Paul called this morning that they were planning on tearing down buildings this week. Then Jerry got a call from a friend at noon that things were burning. They could see it from Churdan. We drove up to take pictures, when I got done with bridge. Everything was down except the barn and they were turning the house into a pile. Various fires were burning here and there. They were knocking down trees onto the pile of rubble of the house and plan to burn it tonight and also start on tearing down the barn to burn tomorrow. ______You have to look at the progress and remember the memories. Nothing stays the same--time marches on. They had some logs on trailers and most of them were rotten in the center. About all they are good for is firewood. Still some stumps around to be demolished later.

Spring is Approaching!!!!!

2011-03-13T10:56:00.002-05:00

Fun Company

2011-03-05T15:44:00.005-06:00

Dan called to catch us home today. Nancy and Courtney were busy sewing curtains in Des Moines, Jenni had been couped up at home and was ready to get out, and Dan didn't want to sew curtains!_______ We still have toys for this age (and more), but no changes of clothes anymore. So Mara is pictured in an old basketball camp shirt/dress, which she needed until her things were dry. Teresa and David came over to share the fun. Dan was teaching Mara new tricks. i.e. throwing things at him..... and saying "Ow, quit it!", which she thought was hilarious. Daycare will have to unteach that one! I had forgotten what perfect height our front window is for little ones. A nice break on a quiet day.

Home Again

2011-02-27T11:00:00.006-06:00

We got home Friday afternoon, but got other things done instead of putting on pictures. It was a fun time, but always good to get home. It was good to get to see Joan and Michael before they left too. __________We vacationed too. Didn't cook - ate out! Toured the city. (Plus I got a cell phone. Before Jerry and I shared. Now we can call each other!) We hadn't been inside the new church since it was finished. I took Sadie to dance on Tues. Of course had to take pictures, plus those little girls knew how to work my cell phone! Wednesday noon we met Ann for lunch at Panera's and had a great visit. Wed. evening it was to IC to meet Dan, Nancy and Hil. Of course a tour of Hil's apartment, that we hadn't seen yet. A great change from last year's dorm. Michael's Mom took over on Friday and we headed home.

Have a Great Day!

2011-02-14T10:58:00.001-06:00

Snowmobile Company

2011-02-12T14:35:00.002-06:00

_____We weren't at home, but we knew we had company. Dan and a friend had gotten on the bike trail in Waukee and ridden to Jefferson and back. He says it is lots quicker to ride with a snowmobile than on a bike! Yesterday was a real nice day and today is even nicer.