Strawberry Forever

Marcia Ball concert.

2011-11-30T19:25:00.000-06:00

Last night Ed and I went to a concert featuring Marcia Ball at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Different type of music for me. She is from Louisiana and sings a lot of lively ballads, I think that is what they are called. The concert lasted for 2 hours. We were glad we went, but I started losing it by 8:30 pm.

Update:

2011-10-21T08:43:00.000-05:00

Well, it turns out that asthma was not the culprit this time. Who would have guessed. I have a temporary weak heart from a virus. Hopefully, listening to the doctor, I will be 100% in a couple of months. I am happy to be able to stay home from work this week and get stronger. I always seem to have a few projects to work on, so that is my goal. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by a loving family and good friends!

Bread

2011-10-13T11:42:00.002-05:00

Well, yesterday I made six loaves of zucchini bread to freeze. I added walnuts, pecans and chocolate chips. Look so yummy. Would have taken a photo, but the battery was dead on the camera and I had to wrap and freeze them. Unfortuntely, they wore me out, so today, I relax, read and watch TV. How exciting. I promise to be good, but it is a challenge. ONWARD!

Asthma

2011-10-11T19:47:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like I will be home for the week. Darn this asthma. I have to take my neb 3 times a day and extend the prednisone. I trying to think of it as a vacation, but today I was so tired. Went on a little trip to the store, felt so good to get out. Plan on making zucchini bread and banana bread tomorrow. It is something I can do that does not take a lot of work. Good news though, I have been working on the bathroom and slowly it is looking good. The walls are painted, it's a start. I give my self 20 minutes of work and then I read. I hope to post before and after pictures when I am done. So far, it looks very good.

Asthma again.....................

2011-10-07T10:46:00.000-05:00

What a surprise this one was. I have never had an asthma attack in October. After going to and spending four hours at the ER i am at home, resting, (that's all I can do) til next week and maybe go back to work. I have a great boss, who is very understanding. It is hard doing nothing, I would rather move. I hope for a fast recovery. ONWARD

2011-09-28T19:51:00.000-05:00

such a good talk!

I love this!

2011-09-21T19:21:00.002-05:00

2011-09-18T18:31:00.000-05:00

A few photos of my garden, the top is my northern hibiscus, which I love. It had many blooms this year, must have been a good year for it.

The bottom photo is bount from my veggie garden. With our erratic weather our garden did not do as well as I hoped, but we had some carrots, beets, tomatoes, gourds, a few ears of corn and lots of zucchini. Now is time to put the garden to bed.

The Great Minnesota Get Together

2011-08-29T21:01:00.000-05:00

Went to the Minnesota 2011 State Fair today. The weather was perfect. low 80's with a slight cool breeze. Spent about seven hours there. Got my fair poster, I collect them. Lots of yummy food. Reese's deep fried candy. (very rich, but good) mini donuts, apple-caramel malt, Sweet Martha's chocolate chip cookies, with all the milk you can drink. What a combo. The pork chop on the stick, root beer floats and rice kristy bars, one of my favorites. Going through this list reminds of how full I got, no dinner for us tonight. We walked 15,000 step, not to bad. Ed and I like to people watch. Had to check out the Harley Davison bikes. We even found one we liked. Went to the sheep barn, so I can sink my fingers in their wool. Love it! There was of course lots of people, but everyone was on their best behavior. We had a great time and look forward to next year!

Jeff and Sara's wedding reception-Minnesota

2011-07-17T18:09:00.000-05:00

These are actually from last April. I had some camera problems, but now they are OK. We were hoping for nice weather as we planned on utilizing the back yard, where we have room. Of course it was raining and cold, so we made do. All the decorations were packing materials from furniture, so I was quite pleased the way they turned out. I had many friends from church help me decorated. We had a chocolate fountain that was a hit, and of course the beautiful wedding cake made by Joni. I am happy all went well. It was a great day!

Cycling

2011-07-13T20:54:00.000-05:00

Discovered a new trail today. I started at the Big River Trail in Mendota Hgts, but instead of biking to Harriett Island, I took the trail to Minnehaha Falls, cycling on the Mendota Bridge. The trail brings you close to Fort Snelling and as I was passing the Fort Snelling Chapel, the bells were ringing. Very nice. It was so fun to try a new trail. It was only 10,5 miles round trip. I plan on exploring more trails. It was so fun!

A little late........

2011-07-04T17:22:00.000-05:00

This is from last April 9, 2011 in Idaho Falls. Jeff and Sara were sealed in this temple. The day was a little chilly, but beautiful. Everything went well for Jeff and Sara. May they have many blessed moment in their life.

Insurance!!!! Grrrrr!!!!!

2011-06-09T19:02:00.000-05:00

Well, we had our yearly renewal insurance meeting at work today, for dental, health, and life. Sticker Shock! My insurance will be raising $140.00 per month. It is kind of hard to swallow. I was feeling underpaid already and this is just plain insanity. Why does health insurance have to be so high? I will be going to paying $710.00/month to $ 850.00./month. Ouch. If I had children on my policy it would be $1500.00/month.

HOT!!!!

2011-06-07T18:12:00.000-05:00

We broke a record today. We reached 103 degrees! We are the hottest place in the nation. Roads are buckling, tires are blowing out and I am staying inside. I always have projects inside to do.

Recovering!

2011-06-01T17:34:00.000-05:00

Made it to work for two days, with three more this week. It is nice to be back on a schedule and be able to work. I find I get tired easily, especially today. I need to use wisdom. It is nice to be on the road to recovery! ONWARD!

Today!

2011-05-29T13:25:00.000-05:00

Made it to sacrament meeting. Felt so good. I am now starting to feel frustrated and a little angry so I know that I will be feeling better soon. (My pattern) I long to bike the trails, walk outside and go to Minnehaha Falls. My very chubby body is looking forward to these activities also. Today, will be a bittersweet day of visiting many of our family gravesites. It is a tradition that my parents instilled in me at a young age. I feel so bound by this tradition and I am glad that I have it! ONWARD!

The Veggie Garden Is In!

2011-05-28T21:02:00.001-05:00

Well, with all the prednisone I have been taking, I have lots of energy, even though I need to be careful. As of today, the garden is in. Already growing was potatoes, spinach, lettuce, onions, garlic and sweet peas. Now sweet corn is planted, some sunflowers, green beans, tomatoes, multi colored bell peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, canteloupe and butternut squasch. It is so nice to have the garden fenced in, Thanks Jeff. I was able to use our compost which looked great and added some cow manure. I feel we will be having the best garden ever. I also have some grape vines that are starting to sprout, and blueberries and rhubarb. What a good feeling it is to have this completed!

Joy or boredom?

2011-05-24T12:57:00.000-05:00

Well, it seems I will be out for the week. I tried to do a few errands and found myself out of breath. I do feel better, but my impatience side is kicking in. SO! I am going to pretend this is a vacation of doing what I want with lots of rest. Doesn't sound half bad. ONWARD!

Asthma cont..............

2011-05-21T09:07:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been a week and sometimes I don't feel any better. I found out yesterday at the dr. that my oxygen levels on wednesday were down to 88 and they almost put me in the hospital. I am now at 94 which is better. I need to get to 96. I feel like I have energy maybe one hour a day. This is the pits. I went to pick up my car yesterday and talk with my boss, and it wiped me out for the evening. I am on every med that can be taken. I have gained ten pounds from all these meds, so I feel good and crummy at the same time. I know that this wil not be forever, but at times it seems that way. All I want is to get on my bike and cycle down to Harriett Island. Not today, but maybe tomorrow. ONWARD!

Awful spring!

2011-05-15T16:26:00.000-05:00

This spring has been awful. I am now recovering from another asthma bout. With the temps, one day in the 90's and high humidity to a high of 40 degrees has taken their toll. I am now on prednisone, and we know what that means. It is beautiful today, and I did manage to go outside for a while, but missed church. Two more weeks of antibiotics and one week of prednisone. I am hoping for the best! ONWARD!

Spring where are you?

2011-04-29T20:51:00.000-05:00

First of all my camera is not working, so I am not able to download any of the photos that have been taken in the last few weeks.

Winter has had its due, spring when will you be here? The cold evenings and dismal days are becoming very disappointing.

I did notice in my garden today, that I have some potato vines starting to grow. I planted about 20, so I hope to get a lot of taters.

The peas are taking their sweet time coming up, I thought they were cold weather crops.

The spinach and lettuce are growing, so I can't wait til they are grown enough to put in my yummy sandwiches. The onions are also starting to grow. Still waiting on the peppers. Maybe I planted them to early.

I have purchased many seeds and am looking forward to getting them planted.

I want sun and warmer weather!

Here they are!

2011-04-12T18:03:00.000-05:00

Jeff and Sarah Morse
Rexburg Temple
April 8, 2010

I am on You Tube

2011-03-30T17:13:00.001-05:00

Alex

2011-03-29T15:10:00.002-05:00

We had a lovely visit with Kristina and Stephen and their new baby.

Tsunami

2011-03-14T19:37:00.000-05:00

My thoughts. Life is so fragile. I am reminded of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price when he says I am nothing but a speck. How true that is. We are definitely in the Last Days.

Tsunami Hits Japan! Live Footage!! 3-11-2011 ~ 2:05EST

2011-03-11T18:39:00.000-06:00

Changes!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-28T20:43:00.000-06:00

The date has changed for the wedding. It is now April 8, at the Rexburg Temple. A reception will be that evening and a reception will be held here the following Saturday the 16th. Busy time. Everthing is in fast forward. Things usually work out. Our family as a rule is very dramatic. Keeps things interesting. ONWARD!

AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-22T20:31:00.000-06:00

Again we received 18 inches of snow. Last week the temp was in the 40's and you could actually see the roof. Now we are right back to where we started. Thank goodness for a snowblower and a lovely husband to get the driveway clean. It is suppose to snow again this friday and saturday. Why not? ONWARD!

The Winters Tale by Shakespeare

2011-02-16T20:33:00.000-06:00

I was able to attend the play 'The Winters Tale' by Shakespeare at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis with my book club group. I have not been to the Guthrie since they have redone it and it is beautiful. There are large windows that allow you to look out at the city. The play was great. Thank goodness I read the book first or I would have had trouble following the script with the Baroque Language. My favorite character was 'the clown' bottom photo. He was so funny! It was a very nice evening even though I was only able to get 5 hours of sleep.

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-08T17:25:00.000-06:00

It is so cold outside. We keep our water running in the kitchen so the pipes don't freeze. The roof makes loud popping noise from the cold and ice. Thanks goodness it will be getting a little warmer this weekend. I am so glad to have a warm car that takes me back and forth to work, warm home and bed, strong body and freshly made peanut butter cookies! ONWARD

It is official.

2011-01-24T00:39:00.000-06:00

Since I am going to be having a very busy summer, I am putting out my shingle to do wood, furniture refinishing or repairs and upholtery redo's or repairs. I have lots of good ideas and know my stuff, so if you are interested, please let me know.

It's a wedding!

2011-01-23T20:01:00.000-06:00

Well, it's official. Jeff and Sara have made plans to be married at Nauvoo Temple on July 27th at 11am. How very excited we are and what a busy summer we will have!

I need some flowers!

2011-01-19T14:32:00.000-06:00

So, I posted some for me. How I enjoy the painting of Monet.

Yeah-sort of

2011-01-16T19:53:00.000-06:00

Well, I weighed myself and stayed the same. I have worked out a lot and my sore muscles can prove it. I am hoping that I changed some of the fat into muscle. I do feel stronger, and walk taller. Onward!

Yeah!

2011-01-10T16:02:00.000-06:00

I wouldn't call this a new years resolution, but I have made a commitment to be healthier. After my 20 pound weight gain from all the prednisone, now is the time to get started. I work out before and after work and am eating less. Last week I lost 3 pounds and couldn't be happier.

Jeff and Sara

2011-01-06T06:12:00.000-06:00

I thought it wold be fun to include a photo of Jeff and Sara, my futute daughter in law. She is so beautiful and they make a cute couple!

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T21:23:00.001-06:00

As I will probably not make it up to midnight, I am excited about the thought of a New Year. I am looking forward to good health, happy thoughts, lots of time with friends and family, and of course prosperity! Hope everyone else also has thoughts of a good new year.

Curtains

2010-12-28T20:42:00.000-06:00

These are some under counter curtains that I made for my mother in law. She rented a handicapped equipped apt, and did not like the open areas as she does not use a wheelchair. I chose a fabric that could be reversed. The linen look side was used for two spaces in the kitchen and the satin look side was used for the bathrooms. I trimmed one in satin ribbon, antoher in organza ribbon and the other one I left plain. They turned out really cute. It was fun to design some curtains as I have not done this in a long time.

The concert

2010-12-28T09:56:00.000-06:00

Ed and I had a wonderful treat last night. We received tickets to the Mannheim Steamroller. It was held at the Xcel Center. All the seats were full and the audience had a lot of energy. Once we got used to the electric guitars and hair flopping, we had a great time. The concert lasted for three hours and was filled with Christmas and other music. pyrotechnic The music, light and pyrotechnic display was awesome. I did not realize this band had been together for 30 years. It was well worth our time! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Travels of Jeff

2010-12-28T09:44:00.002-06:00

Well, Jeff made it into South Dakota, Rapid City at 2 am. He seems to got to Rapid City ok, but had trouble finding the home of his friend. To say at least it was a very short night. At 1 am I ate the rest of the pecan fudge and had a stomach ached after that. Thankfully I have the day off of work, so I plan on doing a lot of cleaning and scrubbing to use up this adrenaline I have in me. No matter what age your kids are you still worry. Aggggh!

Decompress...escape

2010-12-27T23:37:00.001-06:00

This entry is a little out of order. After Jeff left, Ed and I went to one of our favorite places, the Como Conservatory. It was so nice to smell the warm humid air and see the beautiful gardens. I feel all rested when I visit there. Maybe, I should go everyday.

Oh Jeff, where are thou?

2010-12-27T23:28:00.000-06:00

This is a photo of Jeff before leaving for his cross country trip to Utah. His bags are all packed with every emergency gear available. Jeff left at noon and it is now 11:30 pm and I have not heard from him. He should be in Rapid City, SD, but no news of him. I am not going to get to concerned yet. This has been an ordeal getting him ready, so this is just one more item on the pile. Jeff contact us soon!

The Minnesota Song

2010-12-25T11:16:00.000-06:00

Technical Difficulties

2010-12-25T11:08:00.002-06:00

I seem to have added a photo three times. Oops!

Christmas* Winter Wonderland

2010-12-25T11:06:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve

2010-12-25T10:24:00.000-06:00

We had nice quiet Christmas Eve. Went out for chinese, opened a few gifts and just had a wonderful time together. There is not anything better. How I love my family.

Little late...blizzard pix

2010-12-24T19:57:00.000-06:00

18 inches of snow. The area was beautiful. How I love snow, as long as my car starts.

Snow

2010-12-12T12:15:00.000-06:00

We received a whopping 18 inches of snow. The metrodome teflon roof collapsed. No church today.

Blizzard

2010-12-11T15:35:00.000-06:00

Well, it is official. We are having a blizzard with very cold temps tonight. I am home from work, so I hope to bake cookies, read and sew. Sounds like so much fun.

Couldn't resist.

2010-12-10T20:57:00.000-06:00

This photo is from the famous Nov 11, 1940 blizzard in Minnesota. This photo was taken from excelsior boulevard. My mom would tell stories of being a young girl living in Farmington, with the snow so deep, they had to tunnel to get out of their home.
I am sure we will not received this much snow!

What will tomorrow bring?

2010-12-10T20:10:00.000-06:00

This might be us tomorrow. We are forecasted with 12-18 inches of snow. Mankota is told to expect a blizzard. Snow falling from midnight tonight til midnight tomorrow eve. Sounds like a day off for me. I would love to spend time in the kitchen and BAKE. Also it has been a while since I have been in my craft room, so who knows. I think though with all the hype, we might just get a few inches. Time will tell!

Kitchen cabinets revisited.

2010-11-18T20:55:00.000-06:00

The top two photos are the before cabinets. After trying to mix different stain combinations, I went with the original stain, Golden Oak and love it. The drawer fronts, and door front have a nice bright finish. I love the new handles. I think I will have to finish the job, even though I had called it quits. It looks so nice!

Kitchen cabinets...still not done.

2010-11-10T19:56:00.000-06:00

I was hoping to get these done before it got to cold, but there never is enough time. I took off the drawer fronts, stripped them, stained them and sprayed some lacguer.

Next to my microwave I had a gap that I was able to cut a piece of wood, stain it and put on a topcoat.

Finally I stripped the large doors and put a new finish on them. I still have more left, but I am calling it quits til next spring.

Christmas Cactus,...a little early?

2010-11-10T19:48:00.000-06:00

My Christmas Cactus is blooming, a little early. I finally figured out the secret to achieving blooms. (Keeping the plant outside and taking in right before a frost) I just have not figured out how to delay the blossoms til December. They are so beautiful!

Halloween Deco

2010-11-01T10:01:00.000-05:00

I was inspired by a friends blog and post some of my deco. It is so different celebrating Halloween without any little ones around. We had a very small number of trick or treaters. About 20. I ended up giving them two treats.

Happy birthday!

2010-10-28T19:03:00.000-05:00

As it turns out Ed and I have our birthdays back to back. His is today. I salute my husband, for being a wonderful man and putting up with me. Happy, happy birthday!

Windy

2010-10-26T21:22:00.000-05:00

It is so windy here today. Wind gusts of up to 55 mph. Waves on Lake Superior are rising to 29 feet. Perfect Halloween evening. We also had a record barometric drop. It is so nice to be in my warm snug home.

Success

2010-10-21T20:52:00.000-05:00

I am so happy! I have been refinishing the lower half of my cabinet doors. First of all, was to find the right stain. I mix my own, so it took a couple of different formulas and I found what I wanted, a warm oak with a slight red highlights. Then I was having trouble with my spray gun. I decided to check the viscosity of the lacquer and discovered it need to be thinned. I started to spray and perfect atomization. The doors look great. With the weather holding out I hope to be able to finish the doors before the snow flies. Wish me luck!

Cycling on the Grand Round

2010-10-07T19:18:00.000-05:00

This is Minnehaha Creek on the way to Minnehaha Falls.

This is a wonderful sun setting over Lake Nokomis.

Big River Bike Trail

2010-10-05T19:20:00.000-05:00

Beatiful Autumn Colors

The trail ends here, as you can see the road is under water, by the Lilydale Yacht Club. Was not able to make it to Harriet Island.

The Minnesota River Valley. The sun is setting. What a beautiful sight! How I love the bike trails in Minnesota.

German Chocolate Brownies

2010-09-30T06:07:00.000-05:00

These have to be the richest, most calorie possessed brownies I have ever made. I made them for a potluck today at work.

Yum!!!!

2010-09-29T19:05:00.000-05:00

I made for the first time foccacio bread with rosemary. It turned out so yummy. The pix does not do it justice. Also made some molasses spice cookies, one of ;my favorites. My mother in law is not a good influence. Ha Ha

Revisting Cooking 101

2010-09-22T17:00:00.000-05:00

Last night I hosted Book Club. We had good attendance and a great discussion on the book "Sarah's Key". I thought since it was getting to the new autumn season a peach cobbler might be yummy. The evening before with the assistance of my Mother in Law, we made a peach, blueberry cobbler. It looked so good. I was told many times make sure you save some for us. It did look yummy. I thought, how about serving it warm with a little whipped cream on top. I placed the cobbler in the oven on a very low heat. When I removed it to serve, the cobbler looked like soup. I was horrified, but what do you do. I served it. Lesson learned, do not heat up this recipe in the oven. It changes consistently. (Needless to say, I stopped at Cub on the way home and picked up more ingredients to serve a cobbler for my family.)

My Country Garden

2010-09-19T11:48:00.000-05:00

Photos from my veggie garden. I enjoy planting flowers with the veggies. Add lots of color and delight. Pictured are my sunflower, that I planted late, but still bloomed. Zinnias, one of my favorites and cosmos (from the flower seeds that Karen sent me. Thanks Karen.

Feeling better

2010-09-16T20:31:00.000-05:00

Fianlly, I feel better. Thank goodness for prednisone, not the weight gain part of it though. Yesterday the yard got mowed, made zucchine bread and peanut butter cookies after work. Feeling inspiration for the bathroom repair. Hopefully I will have some before and after photos to post. Was given a pat on the back from my boss at work today. Thankful that life improves. Onward!

Asthma again.

2010-09-11T11:59:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it to four hours of work today. I was so tired and started having breathing problems again. I am not a very good patient, sometimes I do not slow down. Very frustrating. So I have the day and evening by myself with Jeff, to relax which is hard to do.

ER i go...

2010-09-10T18:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been struggling since last friday, asthma troubles. At work today, I had an dozey of an asthma attack. My co-worker took me to ridges and called Ed to meet me there. I was there for about three hours. I feel so tired, I was shot with different meds and a chest x-ray. No pneumonia. I am on different inhalers for my neblizer.
They are stronger and will have a faster effect on my lungs. Thank goodness it is crappy outside or I would be very disappointed.

Sick again...

2010-09-07T18:30:00.000-05:00

Well my asthma decided to show itself. With the shift in the weather, my lungs have been complaining again. I missed church, but was able to make it into work today. I felt so wiped out, had to use my rescue inhaler twice. Thankfully I have been subscribed an anitbiotic and more prednisone. In a week, I should be feeling much better.

Another ride of the Big River Trail...

2010-08-29T15:21:00.000-05:00

Oh, how I love to ride where there are lots of trees, flowers and water. It is a perfect day!!!!

Around the Lakes

2010-08-23T15:30:00.000-05:00

Some photos from my bike ride around the lakes this morning. One of my favorite stops is to check out the Perennial Garden by Lake Harriett. I receive inspiration there. The ride was great. I am so thankful for all the bike trails and parks in Minnesota.

Bike ride to Harriet Island.

2010-08-15T19:54:00.000-05:00

In the morning I took a lovely bike ride to Harriett Island. Lots of other families, individuals, etc were also there. The day was in the 70's with a strong wind. At Harriett Island there was an Irish Fest, no photos. I walked aroud and checked everything out. I really enjoyed the cooler temps.

FIRE! - not at our house.

2010-08-15T19:47:00.000-05:00

Across Diffley on the north side of the road in the Cedar Grove area Ed and Granny spotted a fire and of course, I had to check it out. Five firetrucks with about 30 firefighters along with a host of police, paramedics and Channel 9 News. I walked up to the yard next door and an older lady came out and started telling me what happened. First of all, she said "I did not even know their names. They have a dog and three children. Everyone is OK. She said I don't know if I should say anything, but the couple had been trimming their bushes and was burning them in a above ground firepit. The day was extremely windy and the house started on fire. To me it looked like a total loss. Fire was still inside the home and attic. The pyro in me said it was quite fascinating.

Trigger point therapy

2010-08-12T19:00:00.000-05:00

Today I went to an anesthesiologist to have an anesthesia ( similar to Novocaine) injected into four spots on my neck into the muscle. Goal is to numb them so I can able to due some more stretches. What an experience. My neck hurt, felt dizzy and nauseous. I have to stretch every 30 minutes and then I went to the physical therapist, that also stretched out my neck. I felt horrible. So much for an afternoon off from work. Just sort of hanging out.

I can't believe I found these gems...

2010-08-12T18:52:00.000-05:00

I had taken a half day of work and stopped at a garage sale and found these 'Crystal" candle holders. They will hold a pillar or a traditional candle. They are gorgeous and I purchased them for $1.00. WOW!

A new cake plate from Goodwill, only $2.00.

And of course I am always looking for a new cow. How Cute!

Pictures are a little out of order. Still getting to learn this program.

The latest of the garden-

2010-08-12T18:44:00.000-05:00

As you can see the garden is fenced in, Thanks Jeff, to keep the varmints out, mainly rabbits. My scarecrow which is named 'Susy Cream Cheese' ( names from one of Jeff''s album of Frank Zappa) keeps an eye on the goods, I have hubbard squash growing and tons of cantaloupe.

My camera is working!!

2010-08-08T21:21:00.002-05:00

It turns out that the batteries that I thought were good, were not. After picking up some more batteries, the camera is working. I am so glad.

Presenting...

2010-08-08T17:44:00.002-05:00

A few pictures of the garden. Lots of blooms.

There is beauty...

2010-08-08T17:13:00.000-05:00

Annanbelle hydrangea.

It is so hot!

2010-08-03T18:41:00.000-05:00

Work today was greuling. 94 degrees outside with a dewpoint of 69. Yowie. So glad I brought gatorade, as I was starting to feel nautious. Just cooling tonight. Hopefully a little cooler tomorrow and a bike ride.

Composite

2010-08-01T15:57:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been awhile since I have entered any info to my blog. I miss my camera dearly. I have lost two pounds as of last Friday. My week has been centered around work, doctors and visiting my mother in law. I did manage to go on a bike ride to Harriet Island which was so much fun. My leg is healing from wiping out on the trail the week before. Still have bruises, but my bike is fine. My garden is doing great and I hope to have some red tomatoes soon. Tomorrow it is housework, weeding and hopefully a bike ride.

Ditto!!!

2010-07-16T18:38:00.000-05:00

Well, I remained the same as far as weight loss. I think I have created a new set point! I will need to evaluate my intake and exercise. Next week has got to bring some results.

Weight Loss

2010-07-09T18:11:00.000-05:00

Well, I stayed the same this week. A little disappointed, but still I am driven. I cancelled my snap membership because of my insurance going up $100.00 dollars a month. That makes $700.00 I pay now. It is getting a little tight. I need to work out when I cannot go on a bike ride. Any ideas?

Weight Loss

2010-07-02T05:25:00.000-05:00

I am back on the llosing side again. I have lost six pounds. Finally going where I want to go. Twenty four pounds left.

Headache news.

2010-07-01T20:53:00.002-05:00

Well, after visiting the neurologist and the physical therapist, the answer is quite simply, I have bad posture. It is causing my muscles in my neck and head to work when they shouldn't. I have not had a migraine in two months. What a relief. And also no more Topomax which took my energy away. I am starting to feel so much better.

They are gone!

2010-06-29T06:08:00.002-05:00

After a fun filled 10 days, Kristina and Stephen are gone. They will be greatly missed. We had such a good time. The only disappointment is that my camera stopped working. Yesterday we parked at the Sculpture Garden and walked downtown visiting all the sports stadiums. The weather was perfect and you get a whole different view of the city by walking. There is a lot of beauty downtown.

Week in review

2010-06-27T08:48:00.000-05:00

Well, Kristina and Stephen are here. It is so nice to have them here. My camera is acting up so no photos. Very disappointed! Some of the activities we have done are going to the Como Conservatory and checking out the new Polar Bear exhibit. It is about 2/3 larger. Lots of room with swimming. The flowers at the Conservatory were beautiful. The sunken garden had many asiactic lilies. I just love the Conservatory.
We went to the Walker museum and Sculpure garden. The same exhibit was at the Walker, 1964 and talent show. The works of art are so different with sometimes no reality in them. I find I have to have a different mindset to enjoy.
We also went to Spicer and visited Granny. She kept us busy with chores around the home. We also took many items with us. One of my favorite is a large ceramic crock that was used to making butter.
We went biking around the lakes. This is my first long bike ride, and it was so much fun. The weather was beautiful.
We enjoyed two severe thunderstorms. On friday night the rain came down in sheets and the sky was green and black. Kristina, Stephen and Jeff afterward jumped in puddles.
Stephen and Jeff graciously cleaned our gutters. There was almost a forest growing in them. The price you pay for having large Silver Maple Trees.
Lots more things we did, but have slipped my mind. This has been a great week. I have even enjoyed their dog Skampers. He is such a good dog and been busy chasing the bunnies out of our garden.
It has been a wonderful time for our family and I hate it to leave,

Weigh in

2010-06-14T07:17:00.000-05:00

I am disappointed. I did not have a good week as far as eating smaller portions, so I gained some weight. I did not know if I wanted to record it, but I want to be honest with myself, and hopefully learn/

Week in Review

2010-06-04T18:14:00.000-05:00

Well. this has been a very busy week. Besides work, my family and I have spent a lot of time outdoors. I should have taken pictures. Our vegetable garden is in the process of being fenced in so that we can enjoy our produce, instead of our bunnies, etc. Also, borrowed a chain saw and cut down some rather large trees which were growing in the lilac shrubs. One tree was approx. 50 feet tall, which we cut down last night. What an adventure that was. Ed cut and Jeff and I pulled the very large branches out. Our yard looked like a jungle when we were done from all the tree limbs. Our backyard was also very noisy from the chain saw. I will have to say the lilacs look nicer. The garden is coming along. Approx 10-15 holes for the fence posts, still need to be done. Jeff has graciously agreed to dig those. Also with the economy such as it is, I decided to hand till the garden with a shovel. Lots of hard work, but it paid off, because when I weighed in this morning I had lost five pounds this past week, which brings the total to 11. WOW! Unfortunately my bike riding has neglected, so as soon as the garden is finished, on the bike I go. Sometimes there is just not enough hours in the day.

Family Memories

2010-05-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

Today Ed and I went to Ft. Snelling in Minneapolis and visited the grave of my grandfather Dovovan Othmar and my parents Myron Donovan and Inez Harriett. We then went to Gardenview Cememtery in Burnsville and visited the graves of my brother Bruce who only lived to 33 yrs and our son William who only lived to age 17. We then went to Grantsburg Wisconsin and went to Riverside Cemetery and visited the grave of my Great Grandfather Marian Lafayette and his family. I absolutely love his grave marker of the tree with the vines and flower carved on it. The man had class. He was the only doctor of Grantsburg at the time. We had a wonderful time, while on route we listened to Conference CD's and while I am writing this and looking out the window I see a lovely sunset of orange, violet, and azure blue sunset. The day is complete.

Weight Loss

2010-05-30T09:14:00.000-05:00

This is the second week. I lost one pound. Hip, hip hooray. It is such a nice feeling.

Gardening Boxes

2010-05-30T09:11:00.000-05:00

This was a fun enrichment project our Ward did. The wood was donated and I cut the wood with the help from others, mainly Jeff, Dad and Dave and on a thursday night the boxes were assembled by many women. It was so much fun. Discovered that the air nailer was a hit. I used mine in the front yard. I am so happy I am able to use tools.

Gardening.

2010-05-30T09:05:00.000-05:00

This I did a few days ago. But gardening has started. Broke in my new gardening gloves (thanks Karen) and planted some Marigolds in front garden.

Minnehaha Falls

2010-05-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Jeff and I went on a bike ride from Lake Nokomis to Minnehaha Falls and I felt great. My legs felt a little sore today, just because I am out of shape. Now I feel I can ride around the lakes.

1st Bike Ride of the Year

2010-05-24T16:09:00.000-05:00

Today was my first bike ride of the year. I decided to start slow. I biked around the neighborhood and clocked in a couple of miles. A slow start, but I am a little nervous since my asthma attack. The ride felt great, although I was huffing and puffing when I was done. Tomorrow I plan on biking to Minnehaha Falls. The weather is great. How I love to bike.

Hooray!

2010-05-21T16:38:00.000-05:00

Hooray for me! I have lost 5 pounds, 25 to go. I am so excited. The weather is getting nice so that means I will be able to get on my bike and burn those calories.

The Walker

2010-05-10T15:33:00.000-05:00

Jeff and I went to the Walker Art Center last week. I had not been there for quite some time, so it was a real treat. There was all new exhibits, which was quite fun. My favorites was 1964 and benches and binoculars. 1964 focuses on how art changed around historic events such as the assasination of JFK. It was fun to see Andy Warhol's famouse can of Campbell's chicken n rice soup. The other exhibit I liked was the benches and binoculars which was a room with prints, oils from floor to ceiling and benches with binoclulars that you could use to view them. Some of the prints had not been out for decades. What a treat!

Yard Work

2010-04-28T17:21:00.002-05:00

Jeff was a big help trimming around the garden.

Spring Flowers

2010-04-28T17:15:00.000-05:00

Grape Hyacinth and Tulips. These are located in the front yard.

Spring Flowers

2010-04-28T17:12:00.000-05:00

Lilacs. How lovely. I discovered that I actually have a white lilac bush by the maple tree. The flowers are very near the top.

Spring Flowers

2010-04-28T17:09:00.000-05:00

Bleeding Heart. They are so pretty.