March birthdays and anniversary

Looks like it is time to send out birthday wishes for March! Happy birthday to our baby brother Alan and my youngest grandson, Kaden tomorrow on the 7th. Mark on the 8th . Alex on the 14th and Norrie on the 15th, then Dale on the 19th. Ken on the 23rd. Roger and John O. on the 24th. Hope I didn't forget anyone!
Also, a belated Happy 6th anniversary to David and Jenny Hayes - hard to believe it is only 6 years since they have been together alot longer than that!
Hasn't today been a beautiful day in Minnesota - 60 degrees, who would have thought! May have a little rain tomorrow which is ok too.
Have a great week everyone!
Love you all
Ann

garden

It has been raining most of the day and we needed it! It was a good day to can the tomatoes that were picked. I made salsa today - got 8 quarts and 7 pints with a bowl full left over. It turned out hotter than I would prefer but that is the way it goes sometimes. Ryan said it is fine with him. That will probably be all the salsa I try to make this year as it takes along time to cook down. Will make juice or stewed tomatoes out of the rest that do not get eaten. Also made some refrigerator dills and refrigerator bread and butter pickles earlier this week. Every year I think I need to cut back on the garden and canning but somehow I still end of doing plenty. It always taste good in the winter and I know there are no preservatives in what I do.

President

How exciting to have the President in southeast Minnesota on Monday! I did not wait in Preston long enough to see the motorcade pass... he was late. He did not stop at all in Preston anyway. He stood in the doorway of the bus and waved to all the people waiting in Harmony and made a stop in ...CANTON to talk to children that were waiting for him. Another co worker who lives on the state line road was waiting for him when he entered Iowa and he stood in the doorway and waved to them also. Ryan saw them pass over 63 when he was at work. We had alot of excited people at work yesterday who had seen the President in person now, it is a once in a life time event for most of us.
Ann

Weekend

I put a comment under Barb's last posting and then thought that maybe not everyone reads them. Sooo.. I'll do my own comment!
Roger and I started the MN shop hop on Friday since I had the day off, then we finished it yesterday (Sunday). I thought it would be fun to do it with the "group" like last year but it didn't seem that would work this year. I have this week off and the next two weekends we have family reunions on Rogers side. It worked having Roger with for all the shops as he also qualified to earn the 7 yard bundle of free fabric too! One gal asked me in Montgomery how that worked.
Hoping to get some cleaning, canning, and sewing done this week while I am home - it may be good to go back to work next week! Hope I actually accomplish something this week.
Roger is doing a good job keeping the garden watered with all the hot weather we have had. We did not get the extreme rain that Rochestere received twice but we have plenty in our rain barrels. The zucchini and summer squash have started, the tomatoes are starting to ripen, and the cucumbers are setting on.
Thank you to all those who called or emailed birthday wishes. It was a good weekend.
Ann

snow, snow, snow

Here are pictures from Wykoff from the weekend of December 11. It took along time to dig out.

busy weekend

Saturday Matt and Liz attended the Testicle Festival in Zumbrota and the kids stayed with us. In return Matt brought his chainsaw today and we cut down our crabtree, our 1/2 dead maple in front yard and the elm tree at the back of the house. The elm had that elm bore so we had dead limbs up in it. We planted 2 new maple trees in the front of the house. Roger and I are very blessed that Matt, Mark, Jerome, and Ryan helped get this done. The bottom of the elm and 3 short limbs had to stay for now in case there are any deer gotten this season.
Ryan went bow hunting yesterday, shot a deer but could not find it since it got dark fast. He went out looking this morning but still did not find it. Mary, he said to tell you that yes those tips are sharp, he sliced his thumb wide open today when in the woods when he was changing tips.

Crystal

Boy, this posting is tough. I loaded pictures then could not type. Anyway pictures are of Crystal's house. Moving day went pretty smooth thanks to her friend Derrick borrowing his families enclosed trailer and all his help, plus Dave (coworker and friend) and his daughter Carly helping Crystal sooo much. Mark and Ryan helped with moving the big items and both still got to go fishing yesterday. Roger and I helped move things into the house from the garage and unpack, don't know why we were so tired last night since we did not help with the heavy work. Poor Dave blew a head gasket on his pickup pulling the trailer with the last load. Everyone following thought a tire blew at first except for Ryan. So that is the part that was not good. I am so happy she is right in Riceville now and can park the car for the most part. She is very close to work, babysitter, church, and kids will catch the bus on the other corner for school (her house is on a corner).
Also, we were pleased to attend Crystals commencement from Upper Iowa University on May 8th. She got her diploma earlier this year, unfortunately I forgot my camera so do not have any pictures but there were some taken on her camera. I'll have to see if we can get one on the blog.

busy weekend

Well, what a cool wet weekend this turned out to be!! Also, a fun one. Linda, Barb, Mary, and I enjoyed ourselves visiting and sewing yesterday. Ken also worked on embroidering boy scout bags for the gamboree (they are very nice). I am sure Mary will get some pictures up soon to show us hard at work. Today I went to a clients birthday party, then went to Virginia's. We should all be very proud of our brother Carl who earned $2000 last night for a ill friend/coworker at a benefit by getting his hair cut and beard shaved. And I must say he looks very dashing. I noticed on my way home how much the trees are leaving out now that we are getting alittle rain. So now I am back at home getting some laundry done.
Patricia is suppose to be flying out tomorrow to England, please keep her in your prayers that she has a safe trip and no more volcano activity. She is to return May 11. Crystal will be moving to Riceville, closing on a house June 1. Matt has another week off, some got lay-off notices Friday. Road construction is still a fickle job. Mark and Ryan have been spending time working on their boats or motors - always something. And all the grandchildren are fine (as far as I know). Roger continues to stay out of trouble most of the time and I continue to try to keep an eye on all of them and work.
Hope everyone has a great week.

Josie

I forgot the camera, but spent yesterday with Crystal. I went down to help her transport little girls to McD's for Josie's birthday party. What noise little girls can make in a vehicle. Her birthday is this Tuesday and she is turning 6. My how time flies! And my baby (Ryan) will be 25 on Thursday.

Storlie News

Not much happening at our house. Ryan got a boat last night thanks to his dad, not sure where he plans to store it for the winter. I have done quite a bit of canning this summer/fall so we will not go hunger this winter! The potatoes, carrots, and beets are still in the ground, and there are plenty of green tomatoes out there. With the weather turning colder and wetter, we will have to get done with the garden soon. The boys have had their bow and arrows out, Mark and Ryan have been out looking for deer. The kids all seem to be happy to be in school. Josie reports she "LOVES" school. Jerome is looking forward to starting preschool this month. Nicholas stays with Roger after school until Mark gets off work and 1st grade is going great. Work is still work. We lost benefits and are working short most days - anyone got a good paying, likable job for me? I will be getting off alittle early again Friday as I am rarely done in 8 hours and am not to get overtime. But I am thankful for a job!!
Happy fall to all

Fun Time

The week after July 4th, Roger and I enjoyed a few days visiting Larry's family at the Carney's cabin on Leaf LakeI even had a spin on the jet ski and meet Davids little girl, Layla. Sharon and Daniel missed the cookout on Wednesday evening. It was a nice get away. If you see the blog, Jenny and family, thanks alot!

Ann says......

Roger and I went to a free movie Sunday afternoon called Fireproof, an area church put in on to be a marriage enrichment. It was very good, not quite what I expected it to be. I recommend it to anyone gets a chance to see this film.
After the show we visited Virginia and Carl for a few hours. Alan stopped by with a turtle for Carl. When Roger went to the bathroom, he looked out of the window and notice the turtle was gone! The wind had picked up and misting while we went out looking for him. Carl located him up by the bar, right in front of their door. It was a nice Sunday with the April showers.
Then on Monday morning one of my coworkers came in early to tell me that another coworker lost her son Saturday. Dylan was only 20 years old and decided live was not worth living. DeeAnn(mom) is having a really tough time, I'm sure the whole family is. Please say a prayer for the Dylan Westby family - I know they need as many prayers as they can get right now to get through this terrible time.
Sending my love to all of you
Ann

Hello

Hello everyone
Welcome to spring!
What a beautiful week we have had but am praying for April showers.
It has been a busy week at work but I took off Thursday morning for Roger and I to attend Kingslands grandparents day program. Victoria and Nicholas did a great job as did all the kids. After the program we stopped at Subway for lunch. Sharon's sister and brother in law, Helen and Harvey also attend the program and stopped for lunch so we had a little visit with them. Roger has planted the peas and I planted some spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower seeds. If it stays this warm and we would get some rain, we will probably plant more soon.
Hope you are all enjoying the nice weather.

Pickled Fish and Birthday Wishes

Our update this week is about Mark. A few weeks ago he made a batch of pickled fish and it was time to open it this week. He did an excellent job!! He took about a half gallon to work and it was all gone at the end of the shift. When he told us it went over well, we opened the jar that was in our fridge and found out it was good! Mark and Nicholas plan on going to the Eagle Center today to see Eagles and get in some spring fishing so he can start another batch.
Don't want to forget to wish all the March birthday people out there a Happy Birthday (some are belated). Thought about each of you on your birthday just neglected to call or send out wishes to some. So hope you had or will have a bessed and happy birthday with many more to come.
Happy Spring to us all!!!!

Ann

It's Saturday so Ryan showed me again how to add pictures. Sending pictures of what is left of Matts barn and the addition to his house. It is a beautiful day out today, I am really looking forward to spring!

Not a Good Start to the New Year

Well our new year has not started great but we are still thankful!! Matt and Liz had a fire at their place Sunday and lost the shop/barn but no one was injured. I have not heard yet how many of his tools, ect. in the shop are gone but are thankful it is only "stuff". There was a fireman that was limping but don't know if it happened down there, they were also at a fire Saturday where a shed was lost. Matt thinks the fire started from the wood stove, but the stove was still closed and burning correctly with the smoke going up the chimney when we were there - funny how you could tell that with all the smoke. Will post again when we know more. Hope you are all doing well and stay safe!

March birthdays and anniversaries

Sending best wishes to Dave and Jenny for their 2nd wedding anniversay(it was on the 4th).
Birthday wishes to Alan and Kaden on the 7th, Mark on the 8th, Alexander on the 14th, Dale on the 19th, Ken on the 23rd, and Roger and John on the 24th. Hope I didn't mess this up or forget anyone!! Love to all

Sharon's news

Hi everyone!
Talked to Sharon tonight and she would like everyone to know her family will be growing more!! I think we all heard from Jodi and Daniel that they are expecting a baby in July - around the middle. David and Jenny have also announced their family will increase in early September!! Sharon said it was ok if I spilled the beans and let you know. Jennifer and Richard got a new computer at home around Christmas time, so hopefully she will let us know their email address and put news on the blog from Moorhead. Hope to see a bunch of you at Deans birthday party.
Ann

something not to laugh at

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it be ing shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?
I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina)
Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.
And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about and we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.
Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

hi to all

Just a note to everyone, Roger and I decided to go to Moorhead this weekend. Wanted to let everyone know in case they tried to call. I thought it easiest to just put it on the blog. Love to all Ann