Sunday, November 20, 2011

Retirement, the time of your life!

It seems so nice to be able to sleep just a tad later. Enjoy the morning coffee and quiet time without the stress of dashing off to work. Not that we don't work, it seems like we are always into projects.
This week I managed to finish the outside decor for the holiday season, better known as Christmas. Tony has to install the wreath and front decorations yet but it is prior to Thanksgiving so plenty of time. Turkey is thawed, big group coming Wednesday through the weekend, lots of food and fun.
Tony is finished with the new TV/stereo cabinet and having an awesome experience with the set up, speakers, surround sound, woofer, you name it, he's playing with it!
(Sometimes it takes longer than anticipated to hook everything up!)I finished the leaves, love the trees so it is a labor of love, all fifty-two bags:) Stihl handheld blower, Tony buys quality. I can even start it with one or two pulls!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Brrr,,,,,,,,,, The weather is changing

We have a wine and cheese party this Friday and it is in the park. I think we shall be very cold unless we are dressed warmly such as for a football game.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Mini Sewer Installation Fun

This was a quite a project! These three guys were so organized. They hardly seemed to talk to each other, all knew exactly what to do and they were hard working, efficient, and fun to watch. When I came dashing out with my camera, I'm sure they thought I was going to be a crabby old lady! I told them I just had to get a picture of their truck for my grandkids. (Actually, I think the picture was for me!) My dad used to drive an excavating truck but nothing like this monster truck! What a beauty and huge!
We set up lawn chairs and were amazed by the way different attachments were added to these machines for various aspects of the job, vacuuming, bulldozing dirt and gravel, a wire roller that cleaned soil from the sidewalks and grass, endless possibilities. They worked 13 hrs. with hardly a break. It was uplifting to know we have some who still believe in the work ethic!

The Gazebo Is Finished!

Meanards, Home Depot, Ace, Fleetfarm, you name the stores with the products for building and we were there for one thing or another.
The entire project seemed to grow in length as Tony folded screening, measured twice and cut once for what seemed like an endless number of trim boards. Thank God for Dewalt tools and power staplers, drills, nailers, you name it, he used it.I never realized that there would be so many details and so much time involved but the end product certainly is beautiful.Duke seems to think it is his new summer place.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Memories

We thought we looked so skinny, pictures let you know what you need to do-eat less! A beautiful walk, a beautiful day with family. Barry, Margaret, CJ, and Eli at the lake.
Snowballs in July, CJ and Eli
.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Tetons and Yellowstone

There is so much to see, so much to do, time, time time, never underestimate how many times you can visit these two parks. Animals are everywhere but you really need to get on the road early before the crowds in order to see them. We were lucky this year, a grizzley cub, elk,
bison,
lots of birds. The forest has recovered from the fire and was much greener this year with tree growth.The majesty of the Tetons and their reflection in the lake is awesome each time.








Thursday, August 25, 2011

Vacations and family ,what else is important?

The time frame of our vacation approached quickly. We waited anxiously for the departure date, well, not exactly. We were pretty busy with construction of the gazebo for Penny and Bob. The first day out was to Edina. Since the trip was only 5.5 hrs., we took our time, slept in and left Green Bay around 2:00 p.m. The following day after enjoying an evening with Chris and family, we headed out west toward Utah. We were well rested so we were up early and hit the road by 6:50 a.m. We drove 14 hrs. that first day and knocked out quite a stretch of interstate. For the first time ever, I saw a bull moose casually walking approximately 12 ft. from the interstate. It was a huge animal with a rack to match and no worries. Naturally, the camera was in the back, zipped up safe and sound, so alas, no picture!
This was a priceless day with grandsons and Debbie and Margaret at the Dinosaur Museum.

The kids had a ball digging for bones in the archaelogical dig site. They usually leave their shoes outside the dig and since it is all sand, they love it. Eli likes his sandals on however!
There was a velcro build the dinosaur activity,
sometimes it was a rather strange looking dinosaur due to placement of the pieces but they had fun and many ideas relative to the construction of this dinosaur.
Many of the pieces were larger than the kids!
The water and sand table is always a favorite. It often proves difficult to convince your children to leave this neat experience. Moms love getting in on the action too and are hesitant to leave as well.


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Vacation

We left the state just in time to miss all the humidity and 90 degree weather. It has been very comfortable since we have returned. The vacation was two-fold. We wanted to visit sons and their families and do some sight seeing. Everyone is well, we accomplished some tasks, had some good conversations, some laughs, and some experiences with the family to add to our memory book.
We visited many of our favorite haunts; the Tetons, Yellowstone, Custer State Park, Custer, Old Faithful, Mt. Rushmore, Sturgis,........the list goes on and we added special memories and new places.
Remember to stay away from the Sturgis area for at least two weeks prior and two weeks after the Sturgis reunion. Seventy years and going strong, we never saw so many motorcycles, fifth wheels with trailers, campers, motorhomes with huge mathching two door trailers, semi motorhomes! (Not to mention all those riding their bikes to the famous event)
Old Faithful was less than spectacular this year. There was another geyser going off at the same time and we thought maybe that affected the show.
Maybe we have just seen Old Faithful too many times-no-you can never see it too many times! Awesome!

Neighbors

A tribute to our precious neighbors!
What an awesome vacation! We have such great neighbors! They took care of our mail, watched the place, re-set the alarm when necessary, cut the grass, watered the flowers........., exceptional people. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
(Our vacation was stress free because we knew you were in charge:)
Tony and Pat

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Gazebo


I never thought it would take so much time but it is beautiful and I know Penny and Bob will enjoy it. The landscaping is in progress and the screens are the final touch. Lights and outdoor breezes, sitting outside in the rain, it will be awesome!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Retirement Party Pictures

This was my awesome partner. He experienced the best group of students I have ever had and it was his first year! What a way to begin your career.I taught in the morning and left at 11:30 daily, he taught in the afternoon. I think the most important lesson he learned was to build a relationship with the students and then you can teach them anything.



These are some of the hard working playground supervisors, a substitute teacher, and the real boss, the secretary:) Never underestimate the power of the duplicating person, the custodian, nor the secretary.




Just a few of the teachers that I spent the last nine years with. They range from kindergarten, special education, physical therapy, and instrumental music. Five of my colleagues are also retiring in January.















The cake was absolutely delicious,the snacks were plentiful and yummy, all were devoured at school the following day. It was a wonderful tribute.















































Saturday, June 4, 2011

Retirement

Two 1/2 days left! 33 years! I have enjoyed my profession and I am ready for the next chapter. Colleagues, friends, family, and parents of students have been supportive which is a necessity in the teaching field. I have no regrets, I was ready. It will be nice to sleep in a bit and be casual for a bit longer every morning. Lingering over coffee prior to starting my day will be a welcome addition to my mornings. Trips to Salt Lake City and Edina will be easier and we will be able to travel more often. Parties were special but they are finished. The final year as a shared position was a wonderful way to transition into retirement. One needs a great partner and I was lucky to have such a person.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Laura Ingalls Wilder Birthday Bash





Sewing aprons and bonnets for the party!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Stereo System Cabinet

Woodworking projects in progress: The finished floor! Tony refinished the floor and has fine sanded it. It has the first coat of stain and varnish. One to go. The cabinet for the new system is starting to look like a piece of furniture. It is out of the workshop and in the living room! Not quite finished yet but already in use.

Monsoon Season-April



I am so ready for spring but the rain just never seems to end this year. The yard has been raked but the flooding makes it impossible to do anything. We have ponds, river, and track to clean and level-oh well, guess we will just do inside work.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Super Bowl


Who would have thought after the Lions game that we even had a chance at the Super Bowl. The team came to play week after week after week and even with some disheartning losses, we prevailed! The injury list grew and grew and grew, what a finish! The trophy is not here in Green Bay yet so we toured the Hall of Fame and took pictures of the three-that's corrcet Viking fans,THREE trophies that we currently have on display:)