It wasn't long after we got on the road this morning that the scenery began to change. The wheat and canola fields soon gave way to the beautiful green forests, but we did sit at a construction hold up for a few minutes which gave me a chance to take a picture of one last farm scene. The the excitement builds as we leave Alberta and cross into British Columbia and approach milemarker 0 in Dawson Creek, the beginning of the famous Alaska Highway, over 1700 miles from home.
We stopped for lunch in the parking lot and the obligatory photo under the sign.
Way up here the radio stations are practically nonexistent, so for
entertainment along the way we are listening to CD's. So far we have
been serenaded by Greg Brown, Jerry Garcia, Iris DeMent, Gilllian
Welch, Peter Ostroushko, John, Paul, George and Ringo, and Marty Robbins. Oh, and our very own Divers!
Soon we entered the hills....the big hills....the Northern Rocky mountains.
Some stretches, especially where we were slowed by construction, had very heavy traffic, and many, many big trucks hauling pipes, oil, gas, machinery, and even a house!
The greens are so green! Except where the spruce beetle has killed the spruce trees. Then they are a rusty brown. Do you see those mountains coming up in the distance? Excuse the buggy shots through the windshield. We didn't stop for such minor things as photos!
And this one is for grandson Ben! We found him! We found Bigfoot! This spot was called Sasquatch Crossing.
The fireweed is lining the highway on both sides....
making for a very pretty drive. However, it looks like the fireweed is pretty well spent, which means winter is coming soon!
We are in Fort Nelson where it was 81 when we arrived at 4:30 this afternoon. The car thermometer hit 84 at one point this afternoon. It was a long day and I am ready for the shower and then bed, only to get up early and go even further tomorrow, hopefully landing in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory tomorrow night. We have some beautiful scenery to go through tomorrow.
Good night and God bless.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
WHEAT AND OIL AND TRAINS
The sun was shining brightly as we made our way West and North today. The morning was spent driving through the main crops of Saskatchewan, wheat and other grains, and canola. Some spots offered a patchwork of fields, the ever present yellow of canola, light tan of barley, more golden tan of wheat, and many shades of the greens and browns of the other crops. As the land changed from flat to more rolling hills, we saw many cattle farms.
They soon gave way to the other main crop of this part of Canada, oil. We saw many farms with multiple oil tanks and pumps on them. We saw many places where they were drilling for oil. And the highway was crowded with trucks hauling pumps, parts, pipes, and this contraption shown below. We don't know exactly what it was, but it was some part of an oil operation. It was so huge that the traffic was blocked....it took both lanes of the highway and as it drove slowly down the road it held up a couple of miles of heavy traffic behind it.
Lunch today was at a highway rest stop....actually it was a truck stop. We just used their parking lot and built our sandwich!
It was a day for interesting things on the highway. A few miles down the road after lunch, we came upon a truck and trailer loaded with this helicopter!
And then we arrived in Edmonton. We thought we remembered that the highway went around the edge of the city, but nope, it went through the city. It's a huge city. It has lots of oil related businesses and buildings. And of course it has the Edmonton Oilers. And it has Wayne Gretzky Drive.
And it has many signs for the West Edmonton Mall. No, we did not stop. Been there before, never need to go there again! It's huge!
Edmonton also has lots of trains. And train tracks. And these double decker train cars.
And when we arrived at our motel we found that we have our own train track, about 80 yards away from our room. One train already came by, and it wasn't bad, so I'm not too worried. Who am I kidding? I wear ear plugs at night, so I'm not worried at all!
Again we used our fancy new stove to cook our supper. We opted for a decent meal tonight, and I fixed lemon peppered chicken thighs, buttered arborio rice, and carrots with maple syrup and dill.
And it was good. So was the glass of malbec.
Tomorrow we will arrive at mile 0 of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek. We are scheduled to go up the road a good piece after getting on the real road to Alaska, and will put in about 550 miles tomorrow, God willing. The exciting part is that the really beautiful scenery is about to begin! Stay tuned!
They soon gave way to the other main crop of this part of Canada, oil. We saw many farms with multiple oil tanks and pumps on them. We saw many places where they were drilling for oil. And the highway was crowded with trucks hauling pumps, parts, pipes, and this contraption shown below. We don't know exactly what it was, but it was some part of an oil operation. It was so huge that the traffic was blocked....it took both lanes of the highway and as it drove slowly down the road it held up a couple of miles of heavy traffic behind it.
Lunch today was at a highway rest stop....actually it was a truck stop. We just used their parking lot and built our sandwich!
It was a day for interesting things on the highway. A few miles down the road after lunch, we came upon a truck and trailer loaded with this helicopter!
And then we arrived in Edmonton. We thought we remembered that the highway went around the edge of the city, but nope, it went through the city. It's a huge city. It has lots of oil related businesses and buildings. And of course it has the Edmonton Oilers. And it has Wayne Gretzky Drive.
And it has many signs for the West Edmonton Mall. No, we did not stop. Been there before, never need to go there again! It's huge!
Edmonton also has lots of trains. And train tracks. And these double decker train cars.
And when we arrived at our motel we found that we have our own train track, about 80 yards away from our room. One train already came by, and it wasn't bad, so I'm not too worried. Who am I kidding? I wear ear plugs at night, so I'm not worried at all!
Again we used our fancy new stove to cook our supper. We opted for a decent meal tonight, and I fixed lemon peppered chicken thighs, buttered arborio rice, and carrots with maple syrup and dill.
And it was good. So was the glass of malbec.
Tomorrow we will arrive at mile 0 of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek. We are scheduled to go up the road a good piece after getting on the real road to Alaska, and will put in about 550 miles tomorrow, God willing. The exciting part is that the really beautiful scenery is about to begin! Stay tuned!
Monday, August 11, 2014
WE LEFT THE COUNTRY
Greetings from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. We arrived at our destination after 619 miles. It was another good day of travel. Sunshine the whole day, good roads, minimal traffic, and good scenery.
We entered Canada at about 12:45, and then pulled off the side of the highway to make a sandwich for lunch.
There were many farms that were growing more of these oil wells than they were of crops.
This is a fracking operation.
The pretty yellow fields are canola. The sky was a pretty blue, the clouds white, and with the yellow flowers it made a pretty scene. Pay no attention to the glare from the shot through the windshield.
This is one of the beautiful sunflower fields of North Dakota. I wanted to stop and get closer, but you know how it goes.....miles to go before we stop!
Looking back at the day, I think we drove through a loaf of multi grain/seed bread! We saw beautiful fields of wheat, barley, flax, soy beans, canola and sunflowers! And maybe others that we didn't recognize! We also passed by the first organic research farm in Canada! I found that interesting....organic research! Go Canada!
And now it's shower time and early to bed after a supper of tomato soup and pretzels. Num num.
We entered Canada at about 12:45, and then pulled off the side of the highway to make a sandwich for lunch.
There were many farms that were growing more of these oil wells than they were of crops.
This is a fracking operation.
The pretty yellow fields are canola. The sky was a pretty blue, the clouds white, and with the yellow flowers it made a pretty scene. Pay no attention to the glare from the shot through the windshield.
This is one of the beautiful sunflower fields of North Dakota. I wanted to stop and get closer, but you know how it goes.....miles to go before we stop!
Looking back at the day, I think we drove through a loaf of multi grain/seed bread! We saw beautiful fields of wheat, barley, flax, soy beans, canola and sunflowers! And maybe others that we didn't recognize! We also passed by the first organic research farm in Canada! I found that interesting....organic research! Go Canada!
And now it's shower time and early to bed after a supper of tomato soup and pretzels. Num num.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
NORTH DAKOTA
Well, the first day was a very pleasant drive and we made the first 365 miles in good time. The weather was great except for about 45 minutes of rain.
I hope we got rain back home too, as we are very dry. The scenery in Minnesota was as usual; lush green trees, beautifully groomed fields of waving corn and beans, pretty lakes, rolling hills, and colorful flowers decorating the ditches along the roadway. The scenery after we hit North Dakota was.....
....well, it was North Dakota. Utility poles instead of trees, rolled bales in the ditches, and flat land as far as the eye can see. But, we checked into our motel and then picked up our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, Sam for a little visit and an early supper, so it was worth it .
We have over 600 miles to do tomorrow, so I won't be staying up late to check out the supermoon tonight, as much as I'd like to. Our next stop is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
We are one day closer to Alaska!
I hope we got rain back home too, as we are very dry. The scenery in Minnesota was as usual; lush green trees, beautifully groomed fields of waving corn and beans, pretty lakes, rolling hills, and colorful flowers decorating the ditches along the roadway. The scenery after we hit North Dakota was.....
....well, it was North Dakota. Utility poles instead of trees, rolled bales in the ditches, and flat land as far as the eye can see. But, we checked into our motel and then picked up our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, Sam for a little visit and an early supper, so it was worth it .
We have over 600 miles to do tomorrow, so I won't be staying up late to check out the supermoon tonight, as much as I'd like to. Our next stop is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
We are one day closer to Alaska!
NORTH TO ALASKA!
The day has finally come and we are packed and ready to hit the road, going North to Alaska! Not in search of gold nuggets as in the Johnny Horton song, but to see our own little precious gem, our youngest grandson. Get ready for some lovin' Nils, Grandma is on her way!
Saturday, August 09, 2014
NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR TRIP....
This post has nothing to do with our trip, which will begin in about 20 hours, but this is what I am thinking about today. Daddy died in 1982 and Mom in 2008, but I will celebrate for them today. This would have been their 72nd anniversary. Have you ever seen such a beautiful dress or bouquet? Or bride?
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
AND SO IT BEGINS
.....the organizing, the thinking, the deciding, the packing....it takes me a long time to get ready to go on the road for a month. This is the fifth time we have driven the highway, and I am more excited this time than any of the other times. The first road trip was exciting because it was the first trip. The second trip was over the top because we had just retired, had a new to us truck and trailer, and two excited grandsons with us. The third trip was special because we thought it would be the last time driving up. Then we bought a Prius and decided to see how the trip would be without a camper to stay in and what kind of mileage would we get. (averaged 54 MPG, thank you very much!) and drove up for the fourth time. And now we are doing it again! Only this time we have an 8 month old grandbaby waiting at the other end! The most exciting trip of all!
People think we are crazy. Friends always tell us that we could fly and be in Anchorage in five hours. Yes, we could. And it would be easy to rent a car for the remaining 250 miles to our kids' place. But we would miss the journey! We have driven it often enough that we now know what is over the next mountain and around the next bend. We anticipate the unbelievable beauty we will see in the next 100 or 1000 miles. We look forward to the spot in the road where the fireweed is so prolific. We remember the time we saw the bear on the hillside or in the ditch along the road. We have the memories of staying in this or that campground, shopping in the little grocery store next to the gas station, and taking an evening walk in the little village. Yet each and every time, we are awed anew by the incredible beauty of God's amazing creation.
So I have the food box started, and already have started gathering food items. We don't eat out, but cook our three meals each day, so it takes some planning to find easy to prepare items that don't take up a lot of room. The first item in the box is a huge jar of coffee beans. We have oatmeal, rice and gluten free pasta in quart jars. I have a couple of cans of chicken and of tomatoes. I found ready to heat up packages of lentils and chili sauce that can mix with a bit of burger for a quick chili supper. Nuts and dried apricots for snacking or to add to the oatmeal, and coconut oil, peanut butter, and some spices have been packed. Today we will round up the backpacking stove and clean it and make sure it's working. I'll get out the tiny set of pots and the little cast iron skillet. We also bring a little grill to cook meat on. The last morning we pack the cooler with eggs, a little meat and cheese, almond milk, fruits and veggies, and the Britta water pitcher because I can't justify hauling along along the Big Berkey! Today I'll bake a few loaves of bread to freeze for lunch sandwiches.
Our preparations are on the way. Hope yours are too!
People think we are crazy. Friends always tell us that we could fly and be in Anchorage in five hours. Yes, we could. And it would be easy to rent a car for the remaining 250 miles to our kids' place. But we would miss the journey! We have driven it often enough that we now know what is over the next mountain and around the next bend. We anticipate the unbelievable beauty we will see in the next 100 or 1000 miles. We look forward to the spot in the road where the fireweed is so prolific. We remember the time we saw the bear on the hillside or in the ditch along the road. We have the memories of staying in this or that campground, shopping in the little grocery store next to the gas station, and taking an evening walk in the little village. Yet each and every time, we are awed anew by the incredible beauty of God's amazing creation.
So I have the food box started, and already have started gathering food items. We don't eat out, but cook our three meals each day, so it takes some planning to find easy to prepare items that don't take up a lot of room. The first item in the box is a huge jar of coffee beans. We have oatmeal, rice and gluten free pasta in quart jars. I have a couple of cans of chicken and of tomatoes. I found ready to heat up packages of lentils and chili sauce that can mix with a bit of burger for a quick chili supper. Nuts and dried apricots for snacking or to add to the oatmeal, and coconut oil, peanut butter, and some spices have been packed. Today we will round up the backpacking stove and clean it and make sure it's working. I'll get out the tiny set of pots and the little cast iron skillet. We also bring a little grill to cook meat on. The last morning we pack the cooler with eggs, a little meat and cheese, almond milk, fruits and veggies, and the Britta water pitcher because I can't justify hauling along along the Big Berkey! Today I'll bake a few loaves of bread to freeze for lunch sandwiches.
Our preparations are on the way. Hope yours are too!
Monday, July 28, 2014
NORTH TO ALASKA AGAIN!
Surprise! It's me! I have blogged our last 4 trips to Alaska, so I figured I had best do this one too. After all, we are traveling different roads for the first portion of our trip, so I will have new photos to post. And those of you who know me well, know that I do post a lot of photos. I don't know if I'll have anyone following along, but maybe if I connect to Facebook someone will come along.
We will be on the road in two weeks, stopping first in Grand Forks to visit grandson Sammy and his parents. Then it's North to Alaska to see youngest grandson Nils and his parents. Getting excited! Are you?
We will be on the road in two weeks, stopping first in Grand Forks to visit grandson Sammy and his parents. Then it's North to Alaska to see youngest grandson Nils and his parents. Getting excited! Are you?
Saturday, February 02, 2013
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
1653 - New Amsterdam, now known as New York City, was incorporated.
1863 - Samuel Langhorne Clemens used a pseudonym for the first time. He is better remembered by the pseudonym which is Mark Twain.
1887 - The beginning of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, PA.
1892 - William Painter patented the crown-cork bottle cap.
1945 - U.S. President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill left for a summit in Yalta with Soviet leader Josef Stalin.
1962 - The 8th and 9th planets aligned for the first time in 400 years.
1971 - Christopher was born!
Happy birthday Chris! I love you to the moon and back! Hugs to you and Amy, and to granddog, Stella.
1863 - Samuel Langhorne Clemens used a pseudonym for the first time. He is better remembered by the pseudonym which is Mark Twain.
1887 - The beginning of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, PA.
1892 - William Painter patented the crown-cork bottle cap.
1945 - U.S. President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill left for a summit in Yalta with Soviet leader Josef Stalin.
1962 - The 8th and 9th planets aligned for the first time in 400 years.
1971 - Christopher was born!
Happy birthday Chris! I love you to the moon and back! Hugs to you and Amy, and to granddog, Stella.
Friday, February 01, 2013
ANNA'S TABLE TOPPER
My granddaughter spent an afternoon with me in my sewing room recently. I gave her a charm pack of one of my all time favorite fabric lines, Frolic, by Sandy Gervais, and told her to lay them out in either a square or a rectangle. When she had them just the way she wanted them, with no help from me, I told her I'd sew them together into a table topper for her to give to her mom. She argued with me, saying she wanted to give it to her 20 year old college student cousin, Caleb, who has an apartment across the street from where she lives, but who is probably not really into table toppers! I am still trying to convince her that her mom would like it. It was a quick throw together project, and it comes complete with wavy lines instead of straight lines, but that's okay. I think Anna will be happy when I bring it to her today. Then we'll find out whether her mom gets it for her oak kitchen table, or whether Caleb gets it for his small table that probably doubles as a study desk, kitchen counter, and storage area.
And I did get all the gray spool ends on the blocks of thread for my Spools wall hanging. Now I'll get at the sashing today, after I do some laundry, dust some furniture, mop some floors, and get some groceries. And it is still minus 19 wind chill, with an actual temperature of minus 7, but the sun is shining and it looks warmer than that. We have 20 above predicted for tomorrow, and 32 for Tuesday. Hip hip hooray!
And I did get all the gray spool ends on the blocks of thread for my Spools wall hanging. Now I'll get at the sashing today, after I do some laundry, dust some furniture, mop some floors, and get some groceries. And it is still minus 19 wind chill, with an actual temperature of minus 7, but the sun is shining and it looks warmer than that. We have 20 above predicted for tomorrow, and 32 for Tuesday. Hip hip hooray!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
SPOOLS
I only have the spool ends on one block, but with the forecasted high temperature of minus one today, I just may have them finished up shortly! I don't think I am going out as the wind chills could reach 40 below. In fact they closed the school district today because of the cold. But that's okay, I don't have to leave. The cupboards and freezer are stocked, so bring it on! I just worry about those without warm homes, or those with furnaces that can't be trusted, or those who are at the end of their money for the month and have empty cupboards. If you know someone in that situation, please check on them when it's this bitter cold. I will too.
So stay home, stay warm, and stay busy in the sewing room!
Blessings,
Marge
So stay home, stay warm, and stay busy in the sewing room!
Blessings,
Marge
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
NEGLECTED
Oh my. I am embarrassed. I enthusiastically signed up for Marlene's going visiting fun, and then I completely neglected my blog. The truth is, since I started doing Facebook, I spend way too much time on the computer and something had to go, so I just backed off on this blog. However, I know I have friends here that are not on Facebook, and I have missed them. I still read many blogs each day so have not neglected these friends. I am going to remedy this and will post here again.
Actually, it had been a pretty quiet month here in Minnesota. We have only had a total of eleven inches of snow this winter, but have had some rain and ice. And we are now facing our second stretch of days with a high temperature below zero. I would rather have the snow!
I do have a project or two in the works. When we went to Branson the first weekend in December, I did visit their great quilt shop, and I bought some pre-cuts that I had veen envying. I am finally making the Spools wall hanging for my sewing area, using Bonnie and Camille's Marmalade, of course. Then I decided I would also make a quilt for the guest bed in that room, with another of Camille's patterns and the same Marmalade line. My goal for the year is to master FMQ. I keep trying, but I just cannot get it. Does anyone have any good tutorials or ideas for me? I have a big Brother with a long throat, so I really should be able to do it. Somehow I don't think the presser foot pressure is right, and I have adjusted it, to no avail. I am satisfied with my straight line quilting, but just not the FMQ.
Again, I apologize for not updating this site for a month! Please give me another chance!
And this is another reason that I have neglected this blog. My great grand princess, Abby! She is already 5 months old, and getting cuter by the second!
Hugs,
Marge
Actually, it had been a pretty quiet month here in Minnesota. We have only had a total of eleven inches of snow this winter, but have had some rain and ice. And we are now facing our second stretch of days with a high temperature below zero. I would rather have the snow!
I do have a project or two in the works. When we went to Branson the first weekend in December, I did visit their great quilt shop, and I bought some pre-cuts that I had veen envying. I am finally making the Spools wall hanging for my sewing area, using Bonnie and Camille's Marmalade, of course. Then I decided I would also make a quilt for the guest bed in that room, with another of Camille's patterns and the same Marmalade line. My goal for the year is to master FMQ. I keep trying, but I just cannot get it. Does anyone have any good tutorials or ideas for me? I have a big Brother with a long throat, so I really should be able to do it. Somehow I don't think the presser foot pressure is right, and I have adjusted it, to no avail. I am satisfied with my straight line quilting, but just not the FMQ.
Again, I apologize for not updating this site for a month! Please give me another chance!
And this is another reason that I have neglected this blog. My great grand princess, Abby! She is already 5 months old, and getting cuter by the second!
Hugs,
Marge
Saturday, December 29, 2012
PARTY TIME
Today I am hosting our sibling Christmas party. There are five of us, four sisters and one brother. We have been taking turns hosting a get together during the holidays for many years now, and this is my year again. We often have so much food, especially the snackie stuff and cookies, that we could feed the hungry in a small community! This year I laid down the law. Each person is allowed to bring a plate of only one dozen goodies. We'll see what happens!
I decided on a soup luncheon for the menu. We are having three soups to choose from: wild rice, chili, and chicken and dumplings. Add a tray of meat and cheese, several kinds of crackers, and some fresh out of the oven corn muffins, and I think we'll have a simple, but nice meal. Of course I expect everyone will probably have some of each soup, so I think we'll get filled up!
We have another tradition that I really love. We do not exchange gifts. Instead we have a basket or small box sitting out, and each of us is invited to drop in some cash or a check. Then the person hosting the gathering picks a charity to send the gift to. And it's my choice this year!
The table is set, the soup is made and ready to reheat, two sisters are bringing the other two soups, and all I have left to do is whip up the corn muffins. And I have planned a surprise for the afternoon. Hopefully a certain little princess will stop by to visit. Only one of my siblings has seen the great grand princess, Abby. We have got to remedy that!
I decided on a soup luncheon for the menu. We are having three soups to choose from: wild rice, chili, and chicken and dumplings. Add a tray of meat and cheese, several kinds of crackers, and some fresh out of the oven corn muffins, and I think we'll have a simple, but nice meal. Of course I expect everyone will probably have some of each soup, so I think we'll get filled up!
We have another tradition that I really love. We do not exchange gifts. Instead we have a basket or small box sitting out, and each of us is invited to drop in some cash or a check. Then the person hosting the gathering picks a charity to send the gift to. And it's my choice this year!
The table is set, the soup is made and ready to reheat, two sisters are bringing the other two soups, and all I have left to do is whip up the corn muffins. And I have planned a surprise for the afternoon. Hopefully a certain little princess will stop by to visit. Only one of my siblings has seen the great grand princess, Abby. We have got to remedy that!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
THE GREAT GRAND PRINCESS CELEBRATES HER FIRST CHRISTMAS
We were 26 yesterday. That is 26 plus the great grand princess, Abby. I did manage a few pictures of the whole group, but somehow the camera wanted to focus on Abby most often.
This is part of the gang
and here's another part of the gang. A few of the younger ones were in the pool already. What's food when you have a pool adjacent to the party room grandma rented at the motel!
Mommy had dressed the princess for her first Christmas in a green and red tutu. I think she is wondering what is going on!
But she was an absolutely perfect little girl at the gathering. She tasted her tutu
but decided her fingers tasted better.
Great grandpa had his turn holding her, as did most of us!
I was just snuggling with great auntie Thea when they put the fluffy pink and purple hat on me. My auntie Anna made it for me on her new knitting machine.
Time out with auntie Katie.
And this is the new hat I got from grandma. I'm going home now so I can rest from all these festivities!
I think the only casualty of the day was when cousins Ben and Jaden had a little shoving match, and Jaden ended up in the pool fully clothed!
We had a very nice day. Lots of food, lots of catching up, lots of love. We missed Tya who wasn't feeling well, and Chris and Amy in Alaska, and Lenny, Connie and Sam in North Dakota, and Courtney in Idaho. But having 5 of the 7 kids plus spouses, 13 of 15 grandkids, and the great grand princess Abby there, made for a blessed Christmas celebration.
Hoping you enjoyed the same.
This is part of the gang
and here's another part of the gang. A few of the younger ones were in the pool already. What's food when you have a pool adjacent to the party room grandma rented at the motel!
Mommy had dressed the princess for her first Christmas in a green and red tutu. I think she is wondering what is going on!
But she was an absolutely perfect little girl at the gathering. She tasted her tutu
but decided her fingers tasted better.
I was just snuggling with great auntie Thea when they put the fluffy pink and purple hat on me. My auntie Anna made it for me on her new knitting machine.
Time out with auntie Katie.
And this is the new hat I got from grandma. I'm going home now so I can rest from all these festivities!
I think the only casualty of the day was when cousins Ben and Jaden had a little shoving match, and Jaden ended up in the pool fully clothed!
We had a very nice day. Lots of food, lots of catching up, lots of love. We missed Tya who wasn't feeling well, and Chris and Amy in Alaska, and Lenny, Connie and Sam in North Dakota, and Courtney in Idaho. But having 5 of the 7 kids plus spouses, 13 of 15 grandkids, and the great grand princess Abby there, made for a blessed Christmas celebration.
Hoping you enjoyed the same.
Monday, December 10, 2012
MARTY ROBBINS
Probably the show that turned out to be the most fun on our trip to Branson, was the Leroy New show, A Tribute to Marty Robbins. First of all, hubby saved half the cost of admission by being a veteran! Yay for 20 years in the USAF! I wasn't sure about this show, after all we hadn't heard anyone talking about how wonderful it was, and there were no long lines waiting to buy high priced tickets to get in. But when we entered the small, but comfortable theater, and I saw this, I knew we were in for a fun show.
Leroy New did a great job on the Marty Robbins songs. I could sing along with each one of them! The opening was....guess....
Yup, it was! A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation. Brought me back to high school!
Then came the bad boys, Waylon and
Willie!
Hank Sr. even stopped by. We were also treated to a little Johnny Cash, a little blue grass, a Floyd Cramer number, and some Christmas songs.
I was so impressed with the whole show. There was not a single off color joke, not a swear word, nor anything that embarrassed me. Each time they sang a Christmas carol they removed their hat. They spoke lovingly of their family. Each mentioned his faith and love of his Savior. They honored the veterans in the audience, and we sang a song for our country.
If you go to Branson, do take in the Leroy New Tribute to Marty Robbins in the IMAX Theater. Well worth it!
Leroy New did a great job on the Marty Robbins songs. I could sing along with each one of them! The opening was....guess....
Then came the bad boys, Waylon and
Willie!
Hank Sr. even stopped by. We were also treated to a little Johnny Cash, a little blue grass, a Floyd Cramer number, and some Christmas songs.
I was so impressed with the whole show. There was not a single off color joke, not a swear word, nor anything that embarrassed me. Each time they sang a Christmas carol they removed their hat. They spoke lovingly of their family. Each mentioned his faith and love of his Savior. They honored the veterans in the audience, and we sang a song for our country.
If you go to Branson, do take in the Leroy New Tribute to Marty Robbins in the IMAX Theater. Well worth it!
Monday, December 03, 2012
JUST CHATTER
Just a day or two ago it was the end of October, and now it's the first week in December. Uh? Where did November go? Who took November? I do remember having turkey at son Kevin's place, and cooking a big ol' ham and cowboy beans and having a house full here, but I don't know where the rest of the month went. Why before you know it, 2013 will be here!
That means Christmas must be coming up really really soon! Is your tree up? Mine isn't. Guess I should do something about that. However, I do not stress out much over Christmas anymore. For years I made myself sick with the planning and worry and hustle and bustle, and I refuse to do that anymore. Now I just try to enjoy my family, and go with the flow.
Actually, life has gotten much easier since we gave up trying to buy gifts for everyone. With 7 kids and their spouses it just got to be too much when you add in the 15 grandkids and now a couple of spouses there. So a few years ago we started just giving gift cards to the grandkids and December became a lot easier. However, this year there is a new great grand daughter, so I'm sure there will be just a tiny little bit of shopping done!
And I do enjoy doing a little decorating and baking, but not to the extent that I used to do. First of all, no one needs 15 different kinds of cookies, do they? A couple of batches of cookies and special breads is enough. The main thing is the gathering together and enjoying each other. And I do need to get going on planning those gatherings, but otherwise I refuse to worry about anything. Try it. You'll be able to enjoy the real meaning of Christmas so much more if you don't stress out.
So, I'm sitting here in my new slippers, a birthday gift from sister Ruth, sipping my french press coffee, and contemplating turning the master bedroom into the guest/sewing/office, and moving the master into the present guest room. I would gain a little space in the room that gets more traffic, but more importantly would gain more useable wall space for the sewing area stuff. If I start it, can I get it done in a couple of days? We're leaving early Friday morning for a little get away to Branson to see Joseph at the Sight and Sound Theater, and a Christmas show, so I'd like to have things back together before we leave. Ummmmm, gotta think on that one a bit more.
And for your viewing pleasure, here is a picture of the great grand princess Abby, singing Christmas carols!
That means Christmas must be coming up really really soon! Is your tree up? Mine isn't. Guess I should do something about that. However, I do not stress out much over Christmas anymore. For years I made myself sick with the planning and worry and hustle and bustle, and I refuse to do that anymore. Now I just try to enjoy my family, and go with the flow.
Actually, life has gotten much easier since we gave up trying to buy gifts for everyone. With 7 kids and their spouses it just got to be too much when you add in the 15 grandkids and now a couple of spouses there. So a few years ago we started just giving gift cards to the grandkids and December became a lot easier. However, this year there is a new great grand daughter, so I'm sure there will be just a tiny little bit of shopping done!
And I do enjoy doing a little decorating and baking, but not to the extent that I used to do. First of all, no one needs 15 different kinds of cookies, do they? A couple of batches of cookies and special breads is enough. The main thing is the gathering together and enjoying each other. And I do need to get going on planning those gatherings, but otherwise I refuse to worry about anything. Try it. You'll be able to enjoy the real meaning of Christmas so much more if you don't stress out.
So, I'm sitting here in my new slippers, a birthday gift from sister Ruth, sipping my french press coffee, and contemplating turning the master bedroom into the guest/sewing/office, and moving the master into the present guest room. I would gain a little space in the room that gets more traffic, but more importantly would gain more useable wall space for the sewing area stuff. If I start it, can I get it done in a couple of days? We're leaving early Friday morning for a little get away to Branson to see Joseph at the Sight and Sound Theater, and a Christmas show, so I'd like to have things back together before we leave. Ummmmm, gotta think on that one a bit more.
And for your viewing pleasure, here is a picture of the great grand princess Abby, singing Christmas carols!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
BLESSED
We had some disappointments, but all in all, it was a great day. One son had to work, one grandson woke up sick this morning so he and his mom didn't come, one daughter couldn't make it, etc, but for those that came, it was a great day.
The greatest Thanksgiving blessing was a huge surprise for us! Our granddaughter Courtney is living and working in Idaho, and we haven't seen her for so long. Surprise! She came today! It was so great so see her and visit with her. She has grown up so much since the last time we saw her. Love you Courtney!
And for the first time in a long time, I had all of my 6 granddaughters together in one place! It was so much fun to visit with them, and listen to their conversations. And to take a couple of pictures.......
These beauties are: Kjirsten, the mother of the great grand princess Abby, and Katie in the back. In the front are Eden, not really my grandkid, but I'd take her in a minute!, Madison, Anna, Jaden, and Courtney, the Thanksgiving surprise. I also had 3 of the grandsons there, but I didn't line them up for a picture!
And of course, we had fun with the great grand princess, Abby. She is the best baby ever.
Sleeping with her mommy
Sleeping with her grandma
And all bundled up in her fuzzy pink hat, ready to go home.
My life is so full of blessings. I cannot imagine life without even one of my 7 kids, their spouses, the 15 grandkids, and now, one great grand daughter. God has been so good to me!
The greatest Thanksgiving blessing was a huge surprise for us! Our granddaughter Courtney is living and working in Idaho, and we haven't seen her for so long. Surprise! She came today! It was so great so see her and visit with her. She has grown up so much since the last time we saw her. Love you Courtney!
And for the first time in a long time, I had all of my 6 granddaughters together in one place! It was so much fun to visit with them, and listen to their conversations. And to take a couple of pictures.......
These beauties are: Kjirsten, the mother of the great grand princess Abby, and Katie in the back. In the front are Eden, not really my grandkid, but I'd take her in a minute!, Madison, Anna, Jaden, and Courtney, the Thanksgiving surprise. I also had 3 of the grandsons there, but I didn't line them up for a picture!
And of course, we had fun with the great grand princess, Abby. She is the best baby ever.
Sleeping with her mommy
Sleeping with her grandma
And all bundled up in her fuzzy pink hat, ready to go home.
My life is so full of blessings. I cannot imagine life without even one of my 7 kids, their spouses, the 15 grandkids, and now, one great grand daughter. God has been so good to me!
Friday, November 23, 2012
THANKSGIVING MEALS
Yesterday, on Thanksgiving Day, we drove 2 hours northeast to Stillwater, to Kevin and Molly's home for dinner. Molly had decorated outside of the house for Christmas, and had continued inside to the lovely table for our Thanksgiving dinner. She cooked a turkey which was perfectly browned, and nice and juicy and tender.
And it didn't take long for it to look like this. Ummmm good!
We drove home in sleet and snow, a huge contrast to Wednesday afternoon when the temperature hit 70. Now today I had to get busy. I am having the gang here tomorrow for dinner. I decided everyone would be full of turkey, so I opted for a ham. And baked potatoes, calico beans, meat and vegetarian styles, broccoli salad (thank you Kari), corn, cranberry bread, and these goodies I baked today. I made corn muffins and pumpkin bread. But look what happened to one of the mini loaves of pumpkin bread. It somehow baked about two slices shorter than the other ones. Wonder how that happens?
Her Royal Highness, the Great Grand Princess Abby will be here, so you might get to see a picture or two.
And it didn't take long for it to look like this. Ummmm good!
We drove home in sleet and snow, a huge contrast to Wednesday afternoon when the temperature hit 70. Now today I had to get busy. I am having the gang here tomorrow for dinner. I decided everyone would be full of turkey, so I opted for a ham. And baked potatoes, calico beans, meat and vegetarian styles, broccoli salad (thank you Kari), corn, cranberry bread, and these goodies I baked today. I made corn muffins and pumpkin bread. But look what happened to one of the mini loaves of pumpkin bread. It somehow baked about two slices shorter than the other ones. Wonder how that happens?
Her Royal Highness, the Great Grand Princess Abby will be here, so you might get to see a picture or two.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
THE PRINCESS ABBY
Sometimes the Great Grand Princess Abby wears camo. With ruffles on her butt, of course.
Thanks to her grandmother for the picture that I stole off fb.
I have nothing else to say today, except that it is 63 degrees in Minnesota on the day before Thanksgiving!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. This little gal is just one of our many blessings this year.
Just an update: The local TV station said it hit 70 yesterday! However, 20's are in the near future!
Thanks to her grandmother for the picture that I stole off fb.
I have nothing else to say today, except that it is 63 degrees in Minnesota on the day before Thanksgiving!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. This little gal is just one of our many blessings this year.
Just an update: The local TV station said it hit 70 yesterday! However, 20's are in the near future!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
D E L I N Q U E N T
My name is Marge and I am a delinquent blogger.
I have no excuse.
Wait. That's a lie.
I joined Facebook and it has taken over my computer time.
I still have many favorite blogs that I check daily, and even comment on, and I act like nothing is different. But I'm being a fraud. It is different. Facebook is so easy, and so instant, and so much fun. And everyone is doing it. (Yes, mom, if everyone jumped off a cliff I would probably follow.)
That is my excuse. (And Lisa, do not tell me you told me so.)
So, after two months of not blogging, I am going to make an attempt to keep up with both, starting with this post, even if there is no one out there still reading here after my 2 month absence.
I have no excuse.
Wait. That's a lie.
I joined Facebook and it has taken over my computer time.
I still have many favorite blogs that I check daily, and even comment on, and I act like nothing is different. But I'm being a fraud. It is different. Facebook is so easy, and so instant, and so much fun. And everyone is doing it. (Yes, mom, if everyone jumped off a cliff I would probably follow.)
That is my excuse. (And Lisa, do not tell me you told me so.)
So, after two months of not blogging, I am going to make an attempt to keep up with both, starting with this post, even if there is no one out there still reading here after my 2 month absence.
Some of you may remember that we purchased a new freezer this summer to hold the garden produce tomatoes. It is full. And yes, it is mostly tomatoes. After all, what do you expect from 33 tomato plants. So, when hubby decided to stock up on some meat, not because we are worried about TEOTWAWKI, but because I really don't like to grocery shop, and with veggies tomatoes in the freezer, a pantry full of flours and bread making and other baking supplies, we thought if we had meat, too, I wouldn't need to shop as often. But we had just bought a new freezer so the funds were not there for another.
Craigslist to the rescue.
Ernie scoured the listings for a week or two, and finally found a freezer that sounded promising. It was from a town within 30 miles of here, so checking it out would be easy. There was no picture, nor was there a phone number. Just an email address. Ernie dashed off an email, saying he would like to look at the freezer. He waited several days and received no reply, so he sent off another email asking if it had sold yet. And still no reply. He figured it was sold, so he started looking for another.
One afternoon a few weeks later, when he was in the garage playing with the nails and bolts and tools, his phone rang. When he answered a voice on the other end loudly asked "do you want to look at that freezer? I'm within 15 minutes of your place and I can stop by." Uh? You drive around with your for sale freezer, and bring it by to show people? Well, whatever.
Soon an old truck with a trailer pulled up out front, with the freezer loaded on the trailer. Out jumped an interesting looking fellow who boasted a mouth full of at least three teeth. "Here it is. $100." The freezer wasn't spotless by any means, and it did have a few spots of rust on the bottom of the door, but it looked in pretty good condition. Ernie said he'd give the guy $80. "Nope, got to have $90," the guy said. Ernie agreed, paid up, and off loaded the freezer, and moved enough stuff around in the garage to fit it in.
He cleaned it up, I ran to town and bought some appliance paint for the rust spots, and we plugged it in. It now holds a quarter beef, a bit of pork, and most importantly, some bacon.
Turns out the guy doesn't even have a computer. He used his mom's or grandmother's computer to post the freezer on Craigslist, then a couple of weeks later, when he was at that same house taking the freezer out, he checked his email and found Ernie's reply. So he just drove out here with the freezer on the trailer. I wonder if he had other replies, and if Ernie had not bought it, would he have driven around to each person to show them the freezer? Interesting character.
The freezer is working just fine.
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