Life and Stuff

"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life; That word is love." ---Sophocles


Life is like an onion; you peel off one layer at a time and sometimes you weep. ----Carl Sandburg

"Practice hope. As hopefulness becomes a habit, you can achieve a permanently happy spirit." ---Norman Vincent Peale

"It's always too soon to quit." ---Norman Vincent Peale

"Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us." ---Earl Nightingale
"The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time." ---Abraham Lincoln

"Music has charms to soothe the savage breast, to soften rocks or bend a knotted oak." ---William Congreve

October 25 - Hamburger and Fries Day

Nobody could hold up the line at McDonald's like my brother! Our family would stop there for lunch on our semi-annual trip to Madison. It was only after suffering through our regular dental visits that we were treated to the extravagance of lunch at the new hamburger joint on Park Street.

We certainly earned our 19-cent burgers and 15-cent fries those days! We had endured the usual rigamarole in the dentist's chair and the interminable wait in the boring waiting room with the horrible "elevator" music. Good old Dr. Nania had presented each of us with the usual nickel or package of sugarless gum (nothing at all like we have now) and we would be on our way! I still wonder why I was always the one that also had to have a "little" cavity drilled and filled on the spot - sans novacaine! (It was probably better than scheduling a follow-up appointment, however, which I would have had to dread for weeks until it was over with.) All of it brings back horrible memories except the lunch at McDonald's!

We never ordered our own. We just waited in the car in happy expectation while our parents did the ordering. It was a big job, you see, and they had to handle it. We just waited in the car... and waited, and waited, and waited... I can imagine the conversation inside: "Oh, one of those six burgers has to be plain!" "No, no ketchup, no mustard, no pickle!" "No, I said no pickle! Now you have to start over... the pickle has touched the bun!" Screech! The assembly line ground to a halt while someone figured out how to make a McDonald's hamburger that was "p-l-a-i-n"! while we waited in the car...

Today I think I will have my burger and fries at Burger King where a person can have it their way. "Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us." By the way, Happy Burger and Fries day in honor of my Big Brother's Birthday! Make mine plain, please, just like his! He would have been 64!

Happy Anniversary!

He's caring.
He's considerate.
He's clever.
He's creative, convivial and kind.
He's positive,
proud,
patriotic
and a man of prayer.

He's generous, devoted,
respectful, enthusiastic,
energetic,
and loving...
He is wise and wonderful.
He's handsome,
happy,
healthy,
thoughtful and careful.

He's a giver,
a tenor,
a lover,
exhorter,
provider,
protector and problem-solver!

He's musical, he's ethical, he's wonderful.
(Did I say that already?)

He is supportive.
He is understanding.
He is industrious.

And he
cooks for me,
and he makes my tea.
And he starts my yoga video for me!

He's my plumber,
my mechanic,
my electrician and mason.
He's my roofer, finisher, gardener, and landscaper.
He is my installer and appliance repairman.

He's my rosemaler,
woodworker,
calligrapher,
dog trainer,
tincture-maker,
fire-builder,
and doggie trainer.

He has character.
He loves the Lord.
He is a great Dad.
He is a doting Grandpa.

He is the best.
He wants the best.
He always tries to do better!

...and he is my friend.

So glad I married him forty-one years ago today!

Phil "Junior"...

Rachel had a great time rummaging the other day. She was very excited to find more tools to add to her growing collection! Her latest finds: a chain saw, a large bolt cutter (to use for trimming bushes) and a shovel! She recently received a scroll saw and belt sander from some family friends and is planning projects for her home. Already in her collection are a mitre box, drill, hammer, screw drivers and other various small hand tools.

If you really wanna make her happy she would love a circular saw!

Phil enjoys this as much as Rachel does. He gets to play with the tools, too, as he shows her how they work and teaches her how to sharpen them or oil them or whatever...
Rachel hangs the cabinets and shelves at her house. She also has been know to help her friends and relatives install mini-blinds and other stuff.

Look out now! She will be cutting down trees with her new chain saw!

Of course, there is no job she would rather do than "mother" her kids. She just likes to have something to do while they are napping! (hahahaha)

Good job teaching her, Phil!
I bet she can even change a tire and an oil filter...

Welcome home...

Welcome home, Jerome!
It has been seven months since you were home and we are so glad to have you back! They changed some doors and built you a ramp and deck, but it is still HOME.
Your bathroom has been changed so you can move around in there, but it is still HOME!

We love you and we are proud of how hard you have worked to be ready to come home.



It is so good to see you enjoy being outside and visiting with friends and neighbors! It is so good to see you decide when you want to come in again. Dianne is happy to have someone to cook for and it looks like you are happy to have her cooking!

It has been a long journey,

and we have seen you come so far...

The boys came often to visit you and they began to feel right at home at St. Luke's. They were just glad to be near you.

Thanksgiving.

Birthdays.

Christmas.

and a New Year!

Valentine's Day.

Easter. Spring!

Many friends celebrated your progress and prayed for your return to strength.

We love you Jerome! and continue to pray for you and for your family. Welcome Home!

Memorial Day...

We celebrated Memorial Day as we often do with a visit to the veteran's cemetary at Wood, Wisconsin. It is always an emotive experience, but is especially so on this day of "remembrance". The straight rows of headstones formed ranks in every direction and each marker was decorated with its own American flag. Families walked among stones, thinking... remembering. We instinctively went to our location in section B, marker number 194 - Chester Mowbray DesRochers, Ensign - U.S. Navy.
As always I simply said, "Hi Dad!"

One thing that caught our attention was the peace and quiet that is always a part of the experience. Another notable thing was the beauty of the grounds with the lush, green grass and the flowering shrubs lining the drive. Finally we wondered at the sheer numbers that were buried there. Men and women who shared the common bond, whether in peace or at war, of service to our great country. We walked among the markers, we thought of them and we remembered with gratitude.

Back home at Woodland Wonderland we proudly fly the flag. Each day as we count our blessings we count our freedom, our nation, our patriots. We remember and we are grateful . May God Bless America.

Family Fun...

Cousins, Elodie, Gabriella and Owen, got lots of attention during their recent visit to Grandma Mama & Grandpa Phil's house. Wanna see? Click the arrow below, and watch!

Rising Star...

I was privileged to meet and greet several members of Lori's "family" of stars at their headquarters in Brandon, Florida. It was great to discover yet another part of Lori's world. Her world of work. Celestar Corporation has seen significant growth in recent years under the leadership of company CEO, Greg, his capable wife and company V.P., Joanne, and the company's President, Ralph.

They were small business of the year finalist in 2008.
Check it out! http://www.celestarcorp.com/celestar_html/index.html

Yeah, so what do I know? I'm just a Mom...
...but I do know that Lori loves her work, loves the people that are a part of her work and they take good care of her. It's a two way street and that's what counts for me!

She loves them; they love her;
she's a star and they let her shine!

Lori's Triathlon...

Just when I think my days of spectating are over I am invited to be a fan at another event! The Escape Ft. DeSoto Triathlon took place on Saturday in St. Petersburg and I just happened to be in town for the occasion. Even the little training that Lori did paid off as she walked away with first in her age group! http://trievent.com/escape/

It was fun times with Lori and friends as they participated in the .5 mile swim, 11 mile bike and 4 mile run. It started in a deep fog at the beach where you could hardly see the orange bouys and kayaks that directed the more that 11oo participants over the swim course and back across the beach to the transition. Lori and her friends, Erinn and Angie started in the same wave - different age groups.

Erinn's hubby, Tony and their nephew, Matt followed up in the men's division as the men participated in their first-ever "Triath-a-lon" ...

...complete with a cheering section of extended family from Pittsburgh, PA! It is a faithful fan club that will show up before dawn and stay until the finish! and listen to the details of a struggle to keep swimming while being dunked and battered and kicked in the "free-for-all" known as the men's swim.

(Special thanks to Lori's main "support staff", photographer and number one fan, Constantin, who also happened to be in town for the occasion.)

Lori finished with a strong run and posted high in the women's standings with her 1:08 time.

By the end the sun had burned through the morning fog revealing a gorgeous blue sky, brilliant sunshine and great beach temperatures! Woo Hoo!, Lori Jo!!

Time to celebrate with a twinkie and a ho-ho!

Remembering Chet...

"Chetty”
10/25/45 — 4/8/99
Remembering a Classic…

It seems impossible that it has been ten years since he has gone. But count them again! It has been TEN! Ten years since cancer claimed his life. Ten years since he lost his courageous battle with that destructive foe. Ten years since we gathered as a family to mourn his passing. Ten years since we had to say goodbye to him. But...

...we said we would remember him and we will continue to do so! Indeed, we will always remember him! We remember collectively when we head out for our hamburgers and french fries on October 25 and compare notes about our meals via email.

Each of us also remembers in our own special way. Myself... I particularly enjoy looking at old pictures. I love poring over those old photos from long ago... snapshots that were taken with care to preserve moments and memories. (Thanks, Mom, for your watchfulness and for always being alert for a "Kodak moment"!) Like this one of Grandpa, Dad and Chetty playing with the train set one Christmas.

Sometimes I remember him with awe as my big brother - so strong, so smart, so cool! I wanted to be like him. Or, at least, I wanted to do all the things that he got to do. Like driving and going to high school and acting in plays and stuff.

Sometimes I remember him without awe. He was too strong, too smart, too cool and always had the upper hand. He always won in things like, "pink belly", "indian underwear" and "ninety-niners". Try as I might, I lost every time. (Did anyone EVER get him back?)

Class of 1964. The year the Beatles came to America, wasn't it?

He usually took charge and sat at the top when we took the "stair" pictures like this one in 1973!

The best part of remembering is the realization that, even though he has gone ahead, we will see him again someday. It thrills my heart to know that he is in heaven now - a much better place! He is where there is no more suffering or pain; no sickness or disease; no worry or anxiety; no waiting; no time! The greatest gift he ever gave us was the reassurance that he had trusted Christ in his life and knew where he would spend eternity. (I am so grateful to God for this fact and for the truth that we can know our destiny and that Christ is enough in this life and in the life to come.)
I picture Chet in Heaven's great Banquet hall - at the rowdy table, of course - and I just know that he is saving seats for all his dear family and friends!

Chet with his precious family Jeanne, Jen, Aim and Nic

...and Momma, Mimi.

He may be gone from this earth, but he definitely is not forgotten! As a matter of fact his spirit lives on! His spirit lives on in all of us, but it is so apparent in the lives of his daughters! These stong, smart and independent young women are leaving their mark (and his) on this world. Their joi de vivre is contagious, their individuality is powerful, their generosity is spontaneous and their laughter is outrageous!

Chet's spirit lives on in Nic (and Farn) who are "testing their moxy around the world"; challenging every adventure with, "Is that all you got?" He lives on in Aimee's quiet strength and her loving, loyal spirit. He is there in Jeanne's wild, and articulate exposes of her everyday life that leave me weak from laughter.

Knowing that his spirit lives on keeps me smiling ...

Chet with Nic...

clowning with Aim, Troy and Nic...

Jen and Nic running in their underwear for a great cause!

Hey bro! I hope you are saving a place for me up there! (at the rowdy table, of course)

Florida fun...

I guess Florida has been my favorite place to spend my birthday, so it was no surprise that I planned to do it again for the big "6-oh!" ...and since Rach had just reached her 30th in January,

she thought it would be fitting to come along. Owen and Gabriella made it a foursome as we traveled to the Sunshine State for a lonnnnnng weekend. Owen was excited to be going on an airplane again - his fourth plane trip in his short 2 1/2 years! A veteran by now, he came equipped with his portable DVD player, toys, books and his new "monkey" leash... I mean, back pack!

We flew into Ft. Meyers and went straight to Cape Coral, where we stayed in the comfortable Florida home of dear Aunt Vivi and Uncle Jim. It was just as we had remembered it; and we basked in the warm hospitality that is a constant there on Sunny Brook Court!

The focal point for these north-country escapees was the beautiful swimming pool! Warmed up to 80 degrees and kept spotless under Uncle's watchful eye, it was fully enjoyed by all of us. Owen delighted in throwing all of the toys and balls into the water while others retrieved them. The sun found its way to the patio every day and warmed us with its best Forida rays. Geckos darted on and off the sidewalk, staying just far enough away to prevent capture, but Owen enjoyed the hunt anyway, climbing under all of the deck chairs in the chase.

We all enjoyed spending time with Gramma Mimi, who enjoyed the role of co-hostess while we were there. She remembered with me all the birthdays I have spent in Florida in recent years. What fun! And, of course, everyone knows that G-ma is the birthday queen, remembering lots of special dates for lots of special people... It is nice to be remembered, even at my age!

Saturday's sunrise found us packing the van for the short drive north to spend the day at St. Pete Beach and the evening in Tampa with Lori Jo.

We enjoyed the view of the Tampa Bay bridge while Owen got his first splash in the water.

The skies were blue and the water a delicious green. We all enjoyed the fine white sand and hunting for shells. Owen even made friends with another two-year-old who shared his Thomas toys and beach balls with him. Always generous, Mimi shared her sandwich with the seagulls. (Almost shared her finger, too!)

It was fun (and important to all of us) to spend time with Lori Jo! It was great to learn more about her "world" where we walked around, explored Channelside and met her best friend, Erin. One thing she loves is that everything is within walking distance or a Trolley ride away. After taking Owen to a playground and having supper, we got to be part of the noisy exit of the pirate ship, Gasparilla, and we watched the revelers celebrate. Some of them tried to share their strings of beads with Owen, but he didn't want anything to do with it!

After dodging a few raindrops and then warming up with Starbucks, we spent the next morning at the Aquarium, another short walk away.

Mimi never misses an opportunity to give a geography lesson!

...and I need all of the geography lessons I can get. However, I must admit that my GPS has made my life a lot easier and even helped in getting us to all of our various destinations in Florida.
Owen was certain that he had found Nemo! He also found many other fish; many of which were much larger than he was. (Including a Grouper that may have grown to be 800 pounds!)

The sun came out in time for lunch and pictures in the outdoor play area. Owen played with his little toy Manatee - his favorite souvenir of the trip.

In the afternoon we took the Trolley back to our car and reluctantly left Lori in Tampa.

Not wanting to miss a minute of our last day in Cape Coral, Owen got us up at dawn. We took a ride to the pier and the beach where we enjoyed an early morning walk both directions along the beach;

we took one last chance to go to the park and then we spent the rest of our day enjoying the sun from the warmth of the patio and yard at Sunny Brook Court. Our visit was made even more special because we shared our time with other family visiting from the cold north!

Here's hoping that our Florida birthday trip will leave lasting memories for all of us!

Thank you Aunt Vivi, Uncle Jim, G-ma Mimi and Lori Jo!

It was a blast!

Meet Milwaukee, Mario...

Meeting Mario.

Sunshine, blue skies and smiles.

The MAM, Milwaukee Museum and Mo's Irish Pub.

Mellow moments, making memories;

Meaningful conversation.

May be a match...

Semester Exams...

The room was silent.
The students were absorbed in their Algebra exam: factoring, simplifying, solving equations.
The teacher was walking about the room monitoring progress and checking calculations. This teacher was thinking, "Semester exam time is hard on everyone.
Students are anxious...
Teachers are under pressure..."

Then the teacher farted. (loudly)
"phffffffpbtpbtpbtpbt!!!!" (oh no! stand still! keep a straight face!)

Ben looked at Todd. Kevin glanced at Emily. Austin looked up with a "whodunnit" expression on his face. Greg was sure it was Jordan and slid his desk to the side...

The students did what they so often do!
...overlook the obvious! (and today that's okay!)

Cousins Club...

Girls just wanna have fun...

Elodie and Gabriella are already sharing clothes! They have also looked at each other via webcam; they have chatted on the internet and they have sent each other picture mail on their cell phones. And, though they haven't yet mastered the skill of "texting", they will soon be meeting in person! They are planning a "sleepover" at Elodie's house. They will soon be getting together and comparing notes on their quite recent arrivals into this world. They will share their adventures so far and will compare notes on what it is like to be cozy in their little cradles, to wear pink, to be snuggled by their mommies and adored by their daddies and put up with a big brother.
Well, at least their Mommies will be comparing "notes".
We are so excited to know that Rachel and Julie will be planning new adventures and starting to make memories for these little cousins. We are so glad they will know each other from an early age.
Well, Owen. You are certainly outnumbered... one sister and four girl first cousins (so far). You might as well grin and bear it.

Christmas 2008

Gabriella Grace was born on December 23 - her Great Grandma Loretta Larsen's birthday. We all delighted in Gabby's pretty face, pink skin, soft hair and tiny size! She looks great in pink, too, which is a good thing since that is Owen's favorite color. Owen's first visit to the "hotsipal" to meet her was not without incident. He cried in the elevator and refused to go near it again. (We later found out that he thought we were calling it an 'alligator'... but aren't sure if his anxiety was because of that or because of the weird feeling you get when you ride on an elevator.)
Owen met his "baby sister" for the first time... but was most interested in hugging his Mommy

There was much excitement and anticipation as we waited for their arrival home from the "hotsipal". Soon enough they came through the door and we welcomed them home; Rachel, Roger and their baby, Gabriella Grace. It was Christmas morning and we all felt as though we had received the sweetest kind of gift... reminding us of the gift that God gave us on that first Christmas so long ago... We sang Happy Birthday to Gabby, and we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus - at Owen's prompting.
Here is Owen welcoming his baby sister home.

Here is Owen in front of the Christmas tree.

We enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey and all the trimmings...

and before we could get the dishes done, Roger and Owen were tearing into the presents! (Our family tradition lets the youngest go first and they sure did!)

Here are Roger and Owen showing off their matching Father-Son Vikings pants.

Rachel and MaryBeth were next,

with the rest of us opening ours last - but certainly not least!

Thank you one and all for the nice gifts. We are thankful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of our children (and of Mimi too). They have continued to shower us with love and gifts - time after time - year after year! We love the Memory book that captures highlights from our lives together. It will be a cherished album. Thank you!

Owen enjoyed playing with his many new toys...

Thank you for the Tonka digger, Aunt Lori. It is like Grampa's!

Here is a photo that is another "tradition":

the 4-generation picture!

GG-ma Mimi, Grandma Mama, Mommy and Baby Gabriella.
Since she may not remember her first Christmas we wanted to have lots of pictures to show her some day!

Colorado visit...

Happily we got to meet little Elodie Ruth Olsen!
Child of my child. Firstborn of my firstborn...
It was a special moment for all of us.

Phil savored quiet moments

and sang his baby granddaughter to sleep...

We celebrated family at the Thanksgiving table;

enjoying one another and giving thanks for the

chance to be together! We are so blessed.

Sunday visitors...

We were surprised by not one, but two, different young bucks that came through our yard. We had to keep the dogs inside while we enjoyed these beautiful deer.
They may have been scared out of the forest by hunters that had gone in the early morning on their relentless pursuit of these beautiful creatures.
Too young! Please leave these guys alone... They are still curious and unaware and perfectly lovely as they move around; exploring the planters, bird-feeders and shrubbery... Let me enjoy them a little longer. Perhaps they are the twins that were raised by a young doe which would pass through our neighborhood on a daily basis three short years ago!

These whitetail deer are just an example of the species that is Wisconsin's state animal. Male whitetails re-grow their antlers every year. Bucks less than two years of age typically have short spiked antlers. However the number of points or thickness of the antlers do not determine the age of a buck. Antlers begin to grow in late spring, covered with "velvet" which they rub off on the trees in their habitat. These Bucks have a symmetrical antler arrangement. They are the same on both sides and the points grow straight up off the main beam. Antlers are a coveted "trophy" for hunters.
This is their mating season, or "rut'. The bucks use these antlers to mark their territory by rubbing on trees and occasionaly to fight with other males. Bucks shed their antlers when all females have been bred, from late December to February.
We hope they come a visit again!

Happy Birthday, Karen...

Don't be too shy to have yourself a Happy Day!!
Go ahead and live it up...

More pictures...

Mommy and Baby...


Elodie...

The dangling burp trick...


Resting up...

Elodie Ruth...

Introducing our beautiful new granddaughter, Elodie Ruth.
A picture is worth a thousand words...

Waiting...

I can't think of a lovlier place to be "waiting" than in the mountains of Colorado. ...Waiting for a baby, that is.Julie was a wonderfully good sport and didn't even consider sitting around. While waiting out the days past her "due" date we kept busy enjoying bright blue skies and unseasonably warm days. After going out to lunch one day we hiked the peninsula in Lake Dillon. Another day we walked around Lower Cataract Lake. (Which, by the way, will also be an ideal spot for fishing and picnicking some day! ) The walk around the lake (probably 2 miles roundtrip) crossed the falls and Cataract Creek at the far end of the lake. The falls dropped down the cliffs to the creek and splashed over rocks and under a bridge making a fun place for the dogs (and us) to play.

A couple of the days we just walked around the block in her neighborhood or relaxed in the sun on her big front porch. As usual, we went one day to Hot Sulpher Springs where we soaked in the relaxing hot mineral springs that overlook the Colorado River. Reluctant to leave, we stayed until after dark!

You can't escape the costume party if you are with Julie and Todd at Halloween! It was hard to choose from their selection of costumes, but I finally settled on being a "cow" - udder and all! Julie went as a clown and Todd was a Pabst afficianado with an afro... go figger...

My visit was made complete with a visit from Aimee and her pup Jasper. After spending a great day with Jewels together, I took her up on her generous offer to drive me to the airport! Aim, you made my day and what a great opportunity to get caught up. Thanks so much...

Nope, no baby yet. But we sure hope she comes soon! We are all so anxious to meet her! As I write this I remember how many weeks I was "overdue" with my first baby girl.

And I also remember that old lady that pronounced so glibly to me: "When the apple's ripe, it'll fall!"

Yeah, right, lady!!!!!!

Cross Country...

It was a beautiful day for a cross country meet and Nagawicka Park was especially decked out with fall colors at their peak. I originally went just to be outside to enjoy the weather, but I also wanted to watch some of my "kids" compete. Kevin, Rachel, Josh, Sam, and others. I saw the Physics teacher there. He was doing the same thing. Something he said is still ringing in my heart... "It's all about relationships, isn't it?"It has been fifteen years since I last attended this big meet and the memories came flooding back. At that time I went to watch my own kids run. I loved those days and I especially enjoyed the cross country meets. I was always an enthusiastic parent spectator: I'd begin at the starting line watching the runners take off; I'd dash up the hill to the next vantage point; run across the park to another spot where I could see them as they emerged from the woods; then it was down to the finish line to cheer them in! "Push it!" "Go!" "Lean forward!" "Catch the one ahead of you!" "Faster!" "Pass her!" "Now go get the next one."
Today I went to watch my "school" kids. They were surprised. Delighted even. Hearing me on the side of the trail, they would glance over at me and I would see a tiny flicker of recognition. I even sensed that they pushed just a little bit harder then. Afterwards, "Wow, you came!" "Thank you!" "Did you see me catch them right after that turn?" "I was off my personal best, but my knee was really hurting."
"But you finished strong! You did a great job!" I shook their hands, met some parents and came away proud of each and every one.
"You're right Mr. V, it's all about relationships!" The teaching will come later......

Dear "Birth Mother"...

Somewhere in Wisconsin is a lovely young woman and, though I don't even know her name, I already love her. I thank the Lord for her and have promised myself to pray for her. Having nurtured new life for nine months - all the while praying for wisdom - she made the beautiful decision to place her baby girl in the loving and capable arms of my friends Sara and her husband Chris. She could not have made a better choice and, if I could talk to her today, this is what I would say:
"I met tiny Emma Grace on Friday. She was only 9 days old, slightly less than 8 pounds and nursing sweetly from a bottle. In spite of her diminutive size she had already turned her new home "upside down"! Though quiet, the joy in their home was palpable. Sara was so graceful as she lovingly tended to Emma; Chris showed fatherly pride in his baby's charm.

"She is so calm!" I remarked. Emma stretched and yawned and curled her tiny arms about her round face. She peeked out of her sleep to see the new faces, rolled her lip down and blinked in the light. Her beautiful hands, long arms and legs, and slender feet were so delicate. Sara glowed and Chris smiled; their love for their tiny daughter shining in their faces. It was beautiful, natural and utterly complete! Thank you for your courage and your love."

Anniversary Celebration...

A full weekend of fun was planned for the family's celebration of our 40th Wedding Anniversary. All our girls as well as Mimi came home for the occasion and there was no shortage of food, fun and celebration! We traveled in style in a 12-passenger van! We ate in the "Pope's Room" at Milwaukee's famous Buca di Beppo restaurant. (The Italian food and the Red Velvet cake were out of this world!) We tailgated at Miller Park and took in a Brewer game. (they lost...) The guys golfed at Rainbow Springs while the girls "showered" Julie with baby items for her little girl which is expected to arrive in October.
Phil enjoyed the "experience" of grocery shopping with the pros - Julie and Lori. We took walks and runs and sat around in the yard. Some of us enjoyed a late night campfire while others of us enjoyed the early mornings with Owen... We enjoyed hanging out in the kitchen making breakfast together (we used our new griddle) or snacking on "Skinny Cows" (are they really legal?) We tried Calimari, tasted non-alcoholic beer, played pool and even tried a new "softer" t.p. (Thanks to Julie and Lori.)

Slightly short on sleep, everyone has headed back home and to work, remembering the fun times and wishing they didn't fly by so quickly! Our Fiftieth will be a calmer affair...?

Rog & Rach, MB, Jewlie 'n Todd, LoriJo and Constantin
Front Row: Owen MM and Phil

Forty Years...

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY!

A tribute to 40 years...too many memories to even begin to mention. To tell you the truth, we just can't imagine that it has really been that long! Where have the years gone?

Thankfully we have our health and strength, our family and EACH OTHER. We have meaningful and satisfying work, great kids, places where we like to travel and a lovely place to call "home". God has blessed "exceedingly and abundantly, above all we could ask or think!" I guess we will trust Him for the next year or forty more!

"Meem Dawg"...

Don't you think that Mimi looks cute with a doggie?



Just look at how this one loves to jump on her lap!



See? She knows just where to scratch him!



Does Mimi need a doggie?

Let's vote!

Your vote counts!!!!

Vote early and often!!!



YES or NO

"MY WISH"...

Happy Birthday, Mary Beth!


"My Wish"
by RASCAL FLATTS
I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.
But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big ....

...never stop dreaming

...I'll LOVE you for always!

Last Day...

It was hard to think that today (Friday) would be our last full day of vacation in Colorado, but we kept playing and working - enjoying every minute of it. You sure stay busy at julie's house!

She got her Dad to make a trench to bury the barn electric wire and even Owen enjoyed seeing Phil run the backhoe. (Only one telephone wire was broken in the process! oops!) We got in more biking and walking and playing on the 4-wheeler. The "kids" made a tent for Owen to play in.
We also played some more with the ponies!

Aimee and Shane made it up here in time for dinner. Aimee showed us her new bike.
(Grandma was happy to have some time with Aim!) Then we all celebrated Julie's birthday (again) with steak on the grill and a red velvet birthday cake! mmmmmmmmmm Mimi placed the candles on the cake and, fortunately, we did not need a fire extinguisher before Julie blew them out!

The days have been warm and the nights have been cool. I guess that is how it is in the mountains. We will certainly miss this beautiful place and our family here, but have been blessed to enjoy them all so much this week.

Colorado fun...

She loves "those wide open spaces"... and we have all certainly enjoyed them too! The landscape surrounding Olsen's Handlebar Ranch is scenic and spacious.

The mountains rise in every direction and the Blue River flows in the valley below. We have enjoyed walking and biking each way on Kit Carson Drive - (County Road 1001).








Kremmling, the closest town, is 10 miles north. Home of the Mustangs and a lovely park and playground. Owen loved the Vietnam era helicopter and the eagle sculpture; i.e. the "hopicopter" and the "hummingbird". We all enjoyed the water pad with fountains, sprays and arcs of water in which to cool off.
We were so lucky to be able to watch a mountain bike race in the outskirts of Breckenridge. Todd raced in the Expert Division over a course that was 19.5 miles long! We were able to cheer him on over the final "lap"! Owen yelled for Uncle Todd - "woo hoo"!

Phil's favorite thing all week, besides the day of fishing, was the tour of the Country Boy Mine! We went into the cold, wet tunnel about 1000 feet to learn of the miner's life and work in Summit County in the late 1800's.
The tour ended with an opportunity to pan for gold! Phil has often talked about trying that, and he was happy to finally have the chance. Several of us tried our hand at it, some of us discovering tiny golden particles in the sand at the bottom of our pans!

Colorado Vacation...

It has been a busy couple days here at Todd and Julie's house! There is so much to do and we want to do it all! Thanks to Rachel and Owen for getting our day started with Yoga stretches.

Thanks to Julie for getting a little bike and tow-behind burley so Owen and Rachel could join in on the fun.

Some of our vacation activities include:

breakfast with Todd before he leaves for work

picking up rocks in Sadie's and Geri's pasture

reading

napping

playing with ponies

playing on Todd's tractor

and learning to run a dump truck and backhoe

sucking on "juicecicles"

relaxing on the deck

swimming in the big "blue" pool

and soaking in the pools at Hot Sulpher Springs