Dr. Bill on Retirement

Packers-Giants NFL Playoff Puzzle

2012-01-15T22:14:00.001-06:00

Packers-Giants NFL Playoff Puzzle

Just did one puzzle today, during the second game. Another one with the bigger pieces. Curious scene, but not to bad to work with. I contributed maybe 25 % today. ;-)

It was a nice day in the mid-50s, but we mostly stayed inside. I went for a brief walk between games. ;-)

NFL Div Sat Puzzles

2012-01-14T23:29:00.003-06:00

NFL Divisional Playoffs

Saturday Puzzles

We were actually able to one puzzle each during the two games, today. For the first game, San Francisco winning over New Orleans. We did a larger puzzle, with smaller pieces. Were done by those last fantastic minutes... Congrats to 49ers. I actually helped nearly half of this one, today.

For the second game, we went back to a large piece one, the tough one with two many "same color" pieces, but we got it done by the end of the game, anyway. Sorry, Tim Tebow. Tom Brady and the New England team had the experience, you didn't yet. We're looking forward to Tim getting some great coaching and working hard this off-season so that Denver can continue to improve. Congrats to the Patriots. Great game! I helped on this one maybe 35 percent. Spent quite a bit of time on my computer... ;-)

It was a nice day! ;-)

New Ozark Technical College Campus Nearby

2012-01-09T22:32:00.001-06:00

New Ozark Technical College Campus Nearby

I like to follow major construction in the area (you may have noticed). The newest such project is just down the road to the east, overlooking the U.S. 65 between Historic 165 (our road) and Hollister. The site included a huge restaurant building that was torn down last fall. The city also sold some land to the OTC on the north end to make a fair size property. Since last fall, there have been two huge billboards with the architect picture of the new facility, one at the north end, one on the south end, each facing north.

From the Hollister Police Station (just to the south of McDonalds, up the hill south), which is located just off the north east corner of the OTC property, you can see the near and the far billboards (looking south):

The sun was right in my eyes, if I moved further to the left, like I wanted to. ;-) The road, Gage St., goes up the hill to the right, just in front of the big billboard. Let's go there, next, try getting both billboards, again, with a 'big digger' over in front of the far sign.

At the top of the hill, there has been a little city park on the left (south) side of the road, on Gage St., up near 165. It was sitting on the crushed rock, here.

Allison had taken a photo toward this site, with the gazebo still there, as they were starting to remove trees and move dirt.

They moved the gazebo, and park, and parking lot, across the Gage street, to the north; directly west of the police station, on the top of the hill.

Police station is down the hill, to the right (above), and Historic 165 runs left to right, ahead, beyond the park parking area.

Now, from over on 165, looking at the site, where the restaurant used to be. Allison took this one a week or so ago, as they were just getting the digging under way.

Above, the south billboard is just to the right of the tall pole. Today, I took another photo, about the same place. You can see both the billboard and the big digger from the earlier photo.

Actually, I'm a few feet further south. That dirt pile, in first photo, is still there, I'm just "ahead" of it, so in the bottom photo we can see down the hill... all the trees are gone, and the land all leveled, sloped down the hill.

Finally, a view to the east. Across US 65, you can see over to Hollister, where an earlier "big construction project" was documented a few years ago - scuttled by the economy downturn.

Alabama just beat LSU for the National Football title. ;-)

Bronco OT Win Puzzle

2012-01-08T21:01:00.001-06:00

Bronco OT Win Puzzle

Finishing this one as the Denver Broncos won their playoff game in Overtime - on one 80 yard pass play from Tebow to Thomas - 29-23 - we know Allison was cheering!!

This was a 300 piece Ravensberger Puzzle with larger pieces - it would be really good to have set on a puzzle table at a party. People could easily walk by and put in a piece or two, walking around. That is kind of what I did. I probably contributed a dozen or so pieces, this time.

We even stopped at half time to have hot turkey sandwiches - so, I guess we had our own Broncos victory party! Sorry Steelers fans - you've had your turns. This was Elway - Fox - Tebow - Thomas time... and the defense! A total team effort. ;-)

Even though a little chillier, today, it was a very nice day! ;-)

Cotton Bowl Puzzle

2012-01-06T22:41:00.003-06:00

Cotton Bowl Puzzle

Well, we are into puzzle season, even though it was 66 degrees, today. Nancy put this together mostly while the Cotton Bowl was running (Kansas State vs. Arkansas at Cowboy Stadium).

Nancy did most of the puzzle... I helped with maybe a dozen pieces... plus picked up a few off the floor, from time to time... Very pretty puzzle. Well done.

It was a very good day! ;-)

Monday in Austin - Final full day

2012-01-02T21:45:00.002-06:00

Monday in Austin

Final full day

Turns out this day sort of features Kaylee, I really don't mind that much. This morning, she was playing 'server' - almost said 'waiter' - sorry.

Allison sent a Target Gift Card to Kaylee, as one of her Christmas gifts. This afternoon, Arrion went to Target and got Kaylee the Dora doll, that she had been wanting.

She enjoyed playing with it. Dressed and undressed, combed her hair, etc. Fun to watch.

Sometimes she gets real casual. Love the crossed legs... ;-)

Later, Annette played a Froggy game with Alex and Kaylee.

It was another very nice day! We'll had for home on Tuesday... ;-)

Sunday in Austin - Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T21:38:00.001-06:00

Sunday in Austin

Happy New Year!

We started our day with the kids with a shorter play, today, 'Dora and Boots!'

Kaylee was Dora, the star, today. Alex played Boots (he has a tail; Boots is a monkey sidekick of Dora, on tv, if you're not up on the series...). Annette again narrated the story the kids had composed.

Larry played Swipper, the fox who steals (swipes) things, and then is always sorry.

Not sure what Nancy is doing with the panda bear....

Later, Ben and Alex got in some Wii time with a new game.

Kaylee and Grandma played with a 'creative' drawing game. Kaylee drew super girl and Nancy did a Green Bay Packer... sort of... ;-)

They worked together on one big one, as well.

Later, during the Bronco and Chiefs' football game, Kaylee watched Elf movie on her DVD with new new headphones.

I kept her dish filled with grapes, when she wanted them... healthy! ;-)

Annette and Alex finished constructing the Lego train they had been working on. Got it going on small, round track.

Alex and Annette tried adding some more track.

From time to time, Annette worked on the new online course she is developing.

I'm doing this during the second half of the Cowboys-Giants game; not looking good, right now! ;-)

Arrion fixing fantastic meals every day - many good days in a row - more to come. ;-)

Saturday in Austin, New Year's Eve day

2011-12-31T23:50:00.001-06:00

Saturday in Austin, New Year's Eve day

Annette helped the kids do a 'play' today - everyone participated - titled, "Cowboys, Indians, and Ninjas." Alex wrote it. Annette narrated it. Just a few random photos... perhaps more, later on...

Annette assisting the lead actors in preparation.

Here, the cowboy 'extras' are 'getting into their roles.'

Nancy is watching the preparation, in anticipation of her role, and being a member of the audience, as well.

After the play, we went to County Line Restaurant for lunch...

Here is a medium photo of us... note the menu has a Big Chief Tablet front on it! ;-)

Only photo I have of this batch with Kaylee, Larry and Annette with a decent smile... just funny lighting! ;-)

It was a good day, anyway! Watched NYC 'ball drop' - so ok to go to bed! Nite, nite! ;-)

Friday in Austin, and more

2011-12-30T23:05:00.000-06:00

Friday in Austin, and more

Another very nice day, in the 70s during mid-day. Here, Ben is supervising neighborhood kids in front yard playing with the bubble machine.

Later on, Arrion, Annette, and Ben played ball with Alex in the back yard. Here, Arrion is pitching, Annette is catching. Ben is in the field.

Alex hit the ball toward Ben, to field.

A couple more photos from Wednesday. Annette and Kaylee playing a game Kaylee got.

Annette helped Kaylee, later, with her 'foot massage' kit... whatever that is. Practicing being in the beauty parlor being pampered, I think! ;-)

I'm sitting in the background, there, posting the Wednesday photos on this blog, actually! ;-)

Another very nice day! ;-)

Thursday in Austin, and more

2011-12-29T20:50:00.000-06:00

Thursday in Austin, and more

Allison asked to see our computer lab, from this afternoon. Five all operating on the home network. Besides a lot of talk, we actually got some work done...

The kids had friends over playing in the backyard...

I think Ben was taking down Christmas lights, Arrion went to the market.

Some leftover highlights from yesterday...

Annette and Kaylee playing...

Kaylee got a Dora calendar for 2012.

Alex was born in Dallas, so Grandpa Smith got him a Dallas Cowboys shirt. [Thanks, Grandma!]

Ben got some Illini pajamas. It made him happy. ;-)

Alex got a Rathsack Racing shirt - that mad him happy, as well! ;-)

Kaylee had lots of toys to play with, but, first, she needed to pop the bubble-wrap.

I can hear her great-aunt Janice smiling! ;-)

It was another great day! ;-)

First full day in Austin, December 2011

2011-12-28T21:48:00.001-06:00

First full day in Austin, December 2011

These are photos from this afternoon when we had the Smith family Christmas gift exchange with the four Rathsacks, Annette and Larry, and Nancy and I. These are a few selected photos, four or five are from Annette's camera.

Here, Kaylee opened a gift from Allison; a pretty dress. I captured Arrion with her new camera capturing Kaylee holding it in front of herself.

Alex got a couple of good sized Lego kits from his list, along with a really nice Lego Ideas book.

Ben got shop storage unit, from us, from his list. He's planning a new garage workbench this year.

We gave Kaylee some pretty pink pajamas. She seemed to like them.

Larry got a gift off of his list - the package was pretty; the gadget wasn't, just useful! ;-)

Nancy got a new 'basket' from Annette.

Arrion got a dvd and some Packer decals for her van, from Allison.

Bill was surprised, and very pleased, to get a tee-shirt from Annette and Larry, special made the name and town from Bill's novels' setting... amazing! ;-)

Arrion and Bill each got a Starfest Shirt from Annette and Larry.

Arrion and Annette went the grocery store. Annette tried to convince Kaylee these were apples, but Kaylee wasn't buying it.

Later, Kaylee playing with the new game, from Grandma, for her DS.

Meanwhile, Alex had been playing a game on Nancy's Mac.

Nancy has found she likes shawls. This is a really soft, comfortable one she got, today.

Finally, Bill was pleased to get a new Iowa State shirt from the Rathsacks.

Enough for today. Perhaps a few others from today, over next couple of days.

Tonight, we are watching Holiday Bowl with Texas, 14, and Cal, 10 - close, tough game.

It was a great day! ;-)

Christmas Day in Hollister, 2011

2011-12-25T22:06:00.002-06:00

Christmas Day in Hollister, 2011

We, Nancy, Allison and I, celebrated Christmas Day, 2011, at the cabin in Branson/Hollister today. Nancy had the turkey in the oven as we enjoyed a light breakfast: Allison made the banana bread and fruit salad. Yum! ;-)

Allison was pleased to start opening gifts from under the tree. She enjoyed receiving quite a number of outfits in her new, smaller sizes.

Books were common for Bill and Nancy. Here, Nancy had opened hers, Bill is showing the pretty wrapping paper.

Bill thought Nancy's 'package' under the tree for the book she got him on his kindle was very clever - a piece of paper printed off the computer of the book cover... ;-)

Nancy got her shawl at a craft booth at Silver Dollar City, so she has shown a lot of patience waiting until Christmas to model it, from under the tree.

After opening our packages, Allison asked me to take some photos of her, for her records, both indoors and outdoors. I'll just share one, here - I liked it.

OK, one from outside, too:

Turkey dinner, Allison and Nancy:

Allison said I needed to be in one, as well:

It was a very good day! ;-)

Ah... the memories... ;-)

2011-12-22T18:55:00.001-06:00

Came across this at:
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~earlyyrs/familyphotos/travel2004/aprmayjun/may/3rdweek.html

How sweet! ;-)

First Winter Snow, 6 Dec 2011

2011-12-06T20:36:00.001-06:00

First Winter Snow

6 Dec 2011

A couple days ago, I heard Springfield news/weather person say the first snow usually came on Dec 6 or 7; well, right on schedule, this morning, here it is!

On the small Holly bush, out front, it looked like cotton bolls, ready to pick. Even prickly! ;-)

The snow was still on the ground when it got dark, and will be in the low 20s tonight. Bundle up! ;-)

Christmas Decorations and Robins

2011-11-28T19:54:00.001-06:00

Christmas Decorations and Robins

Yesterday, you saw the start of our 2011 cabin inside Christmas decorations, if you looked beyond the two people that were the focus of the photo - the wreath above, and the plain tree, on the right.

Nancy decorated the tree today, as winter has settled in on us for this year:

She wrapped all the packages early on Saturday, so they were already to put in place. We have listened to the Christmas music on the TV cable channel - ALL DAY - been really fun!

I had put the three outdoor wreathes up on Friday (when it was warm), but had not finished the lights and wiring. I got to do that with ear-muffs, today. ;-)

Here you can see the three lighted wreathes (by side door, and two on front).

This photo was taken within seconds of the other, but lighting is so different in the photos. Here, you can see the elf (we didn't find it last year; so it is NEW this year!)

And, finally, a few minutes earlier, I noticed another flock of Robins in our back yard. We had a flock a few days ago, as well. Perhaps a hundred... strange to see. Headed south, I guess. Here are five, on the rocks, if you look close. {I took several shots - this was the best...}

Guess they stopped for a drink in the 'pond' still in our back yard. How lucky we are! ;-)

Upper 30's for temperature, today. Average is still about 55, so it is cold, for us. ;-)

Visit from youngest brother, Paul

2011-11-27T14:29:00.001-06:00

Visit from youngest brother, Paul

Another 'happy coincidence' of staying at the cabin for Thanksgiving this year: My youngest brother, Paul, who lives in Spicer, MN, whom we have not seen in over ten years, stopped by for a long visit. Paul is pictured, above, with Allison, who stopped by after work, and joined in the conversation.

Paul brought us up to date on his health, work and family issues. It was nice to get some of the details we had only heard in brief mentions, from time to time, talking to Barry and my other brothers.

Also, Paul's son, Brendan, recently got married to Vanny, so we got a few more details on that event, since it was a small, local event that we had only picked up on from Brendan's facebook page. Hopefully, we'll hear from Paul more frequently, now, with the recent changes in his life.

It has been an interesting week, to say the least. ;-)

Larry's 'Birthday'

2011-11-21T22:57:00.001-06:00

Larry's 'Birthday'

Larry and Annette arrived back from Illinois Sunday evening, on schedule. Annette and Allison went walking at Branson Landing on Monday morning. They went to the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn in the middle of the day. We all went to the new Chicken restaurant late afternoon, before the crowds arrived. During the evening as we were all on our computers, and Monday Night Football was on, Nancy put candles on the cake she had made, and we had 'surprise' birthday party for Larry - and a piece of cake, of course.

Here he is plowing out the four candles.

He was successful blowing out the candles.

Annette and I were nearby, just not in the photos.

They had been to the 'J. Edgar' movie last week, so, Larry got a book on J. Edgar Hoover.

His actually birthday is few days in the future. They will be in Austin. Mom and I are not going, after all, because of my accident. We'll go back down between Christmas and New Year's!

It was a very good day! ;-)

Company Weekend

2011-11-15T21:10:00.001-06:00

Company Weekend

We were expecting 'company' at the cabin this past weekend because Annette and Larry were coming through on their way to visits in Illinois.

However, on Thursday, we found that Al and Joleen Bolger were able to get away from their jobs in Iowa for a brief visit. They had hoped for a longer visit in October, but that was cancelled due to work commitments. We were pleased to have them visit on Friday and Saturday.

Allison was able to join us for great conversation about family and life in general, and, we went out to eat both nights they were here. Party time! ;-) Al and Joleen headed back for Iowa on Sunday.

Annette and Larry did arrive at Branson Airport Sunday afternoon. More good conversation. Annette checked out some western history books still in our 'library.'

Allison was off on Monday, so she and Annette went hiking, shopping and to lunch - 'sister time.'

Here are the matching turtle-neck sweaters and jackets they got.

On Tuesday, Annette and Larry loaded their stuff into our Honda, as they have done a number of times before, and left for the week at a conference and visiting his family members in Illinois. They will return here on Sunday afternoon.

It was a great weekend! ;-)

Kylee's 4th Birthday Celebration with family

2011-11-05T21:24:00.000-05:00

Kylee's 4th Birthday Celebration with family

Kaylee got to start her celebration by putting her presents on the table, all together.

Alex likes to be involved...

Moved the presents to the floor to open. Texas game with Tech was well in hand in the second half, so we didn't wait until after the game for the festivities to begin. ;-)

Three related bunches of Fisher-Price sets from Mom and Dad, among other things. Allison sent some books - Strawberry Shortcake.

Grandpa and Grandma Smith had clothes, including jammies, and some Barbies.

Grandpa and Grandma Rathsack sent a 4 year old Precious Moments statue.

The Fisher-Price cabin, tent and rv needed some packaging removal and assembly. Arrion did that.

Kaylee and her loot, as the Texas game progresses, and Arrion gets a photo, as well.

Kaylee wanted a purple and pink Barbie Cake, chocolate, from H.E.B....

With the four candles...

Barbie was removed from the cake, in an appropriate ceremony, before cutting to eat.

And the cake was very good, too.... ;-)

It was a very good day! ;-)

Austin Visit - Pre-Birthday

2011-11-04T21:25:00.002-05:00

Austin Visit

Pre-Birthday

Here are some photos from our first two days here. We will celebrate Kaylee's fourth birthday on Saturday, even though it is next week, the day after we leave. She will have her Birthday Party at Little Gym next Saturday. She had her Early Birthday with Annette and Larry a couple of weeks ago. We all like to celebrate birthdays!

Although it was a little cool, Alex and I were playing throw and catch with a tennis ball in the back yard. His arm is getting much stronger.

Grandma and Kaylee are getting out the Alphabet Bingo. I was the caller. Kaylee actually knows most of the letters. Just a few still working on. We also worked on the small letters, where she has a few to go, as well. Very good! ;-)

Grandma helped Alex with his homework. He read two chapters in a book. Then, he wrote one sentence answers to ten questions. First grade! He did real well.

Kaylee showed Grandma her Barbie with a braid.

Grandma put a braid in Kaylee's hair... then one in the other side, as well!

Both kids really like the iPad. It has games and activities for each age. They each do their own. Here, Kaylee is 'baking muffins' while Grandma watches.

'Mom and Dad' went to a movie tonight. For quiet time, before they went to bed, Kaylee and Alex played quietly, together, with the airplane toy. Neat! They are really growing up! ;-)

Stay tuned for a big Saturday. I'll try to remember to take some more photos! ;-)

It was another very nice day! ;-)

Rain tests backyard 'maintenance' work

2011-10-12T23:40:00.001-05:00

Rain tests backyard 'maintenance' work

Well, the nice rain we had today provided a good test of how the water runs in our backyard after the work that was done by all the machines of the excavating company on the sewer line.

To the north, they seemed to do a pretty good job.

To the south, they seemed to do a pretty good job. Perhaps a little messy, nearby.

Behind our cabin... very messy!

Much standing water... several spots... not draining.

We still have the 'spring' to the right, but no place for it to go, except into one of the pools.

Aren't the caterpiller tracks just great!

And, rocks, rocks, and more rocks.

No way that can ever be mowed!

Complaint sent off to Board of Directors, to see what we can do. ;-)

Wilderness RV Resort Neighborhood Yard Sale

2011-10-08T21:13:00.001-05:00

Wilderness RV Resort

Neighborhood Yard Sale

We were actually here this year for the Fall Neighborhood Yard Sale, and were able to gather some stuff out of the storage and participate in the yard sale. Allison brought over some stuff, as well, and we had a really successful sale. These photos are near the end, but are representative.

Marilyn (and Bob) next door were out, as well.

I took a photo of Allison waiting for the next customers...

Then, she returned the favor! ;-)

Overall, It was a very good day! Perfect weather, sold most of our stuff. Hard to beat! ;-)

More Austin - Kaylee at Little Gym

2011-10-01T21:01:00.002-05:00

More Austin

Kaylee at Little Gym

This post is a bit late - due to unforeseeable circumstances. We were half way home from Austin on Friday, when I realized I had left my camera on the shelf; with these Kaylee Little Gym photos on the camera, not downloaded. Of course, we expected to fly from Springfield to Utah on Tuesday, so we contacted Arrion to send the camera to Utah, which she did.

Sadly, Nancy became ill on Sunday, so the flight to Utah had to be cancelled. Therefore, we needed to ask Annette to send the camera back here to Missouri once it arrived in Utah, which she did. Thanks, all around! ;-)

Our last night in Austin, I got to take Kaylee to her hour at Little Gym, while Arrion and Ben went to a concert, and Nancy worked with Alex.

The hour consisted of an opening, and three sessions. I was sitting outside the big glass windows and door. Sometime quite a ways away, sometimes close, so we move in and out a lot. Of course, the kids are almost constantly in motion. This is what I got. starting with the lead instructor talking to the kids in a circle. Kaylee is in pink, second from the right in this first one, head partially obscured... ;-)

After talking a while, they do some exercises... two young ladies assisted. Kaylee is in the center, a boy's hand over her face... ;-)

They work the following three sessions in teams. Here the teams line up to go to session One, with the girl assistant leading the way. Kaylee is next to the back in this group.

The girl assistant talked to them before they started the routine, at the far right end of the room. She seemed to want them to focus on what they were about to do.

Only got one other decent photo of this session... they kept walking behind things... tumbling, etc.

The second session was right in front of me; with the lead instructor. Here, she walks on the the high beam on all fours, then stands, at the end, and jumps off, to practice landings!

After they land, to the right, they turn to the left, and walk up the yellow stairs to the parallel bars, again walking on all fours along the small bars. Have a couple different looks at this. Kaylee in all pink, in the center.

They go around and around about five or six times. Here she is finishing the crawl, and ends on the box, at left, and to the ground.

Think the instructor got bored, so did the crawl, as well. Two or three times during the evening, he had Kaylee demonstrate a move or action at the start of a session. She seems to be doing very well. ;-)

This is the second set of parallel bars, in session 2. I included the photo to show the high and low bar in session three, behind. The assistant is helping a girl on the low bar of the two. When you see Kaylee, in a bit, she will be holding onto the high bar.

This is the finish of session Two, off to the left; then, it is back to the high balance beam in the foreground.

Between Session Two and Three, they line up again, to move to the next area; far side, left end of the building from where I sat. Here Kaylee was first in the line, getting ready to go.

This activity in Session Three was walking on the narrower low balance beam... she is working hard at her balance; see those hands out! ;-)

Here is where she was working the high bar with the other assistant in Session Three. She is standing on the lower bar; then hangs from the high bar; then falls/jumps into a round protected tubing, to get used to the landing.

This is the third activity in Session three. It is similar parallel bars, but they are supposed to crawl feet first, like this. Kaylee did it pretty well. Most of the kids did upside down, hands first, like they did on in Session One. Good for Kaylee! ;-)

Then, they went back in the far corner for some closing discussion and 'quiet down' before they came back out, retrieved their shoes, and headed home - with Grandpa, in our case! Good time had by all. I got a 'good exercise' just watching! ;-)

It was another very good day! ;-)

Saturday in Austin

2011-09-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

Saturday in Austin

Pretty nice day. Kaylee went out on 'new' swing set.

Alex was playing a Lego game on the computer.

I had been outside with Kaylee, for awhile, then Nancy came out to play with her, as well.

Later, Alex went to play with friends, Kaylee got on the computer. Love the headphones!

Anyone hear "Anything you can do, I can do as well."

Actually, it rained for a couple of hours - light rain, but actually water falling from the sky after a summer of drought and - August temps in Austin averaged 105 daily high. We told them we would bring some rain... ;-)

During the Texas-UCLA football game, Kaylee played on the iPad... what a resource for learning youngsters! Some popcorn, and touchscreen.

She got very comfortable...

Later, at bedtime, she had some wild pajamas - pigs on them!

Nite, Nite. Arrion leaves for New York City first thing Sunday morning; business trip, and some genealogy research!

It was a very good day! ;-)

Labor Day - Sewer Trench Update

2011-09-05T15:14:00.000-05:00

Labor Day

Sewer Trench Update

Since last I wrote, Sewer Trench II in the back yard work continued. The small manhole was placed in the hole, right behind us - how lucky!

Then they continued to lay the pipe to the south. The pipe is marked with some 'magnetic tape' for identifying location purposes, then covered with gravel. The gravel is to encourage water to flow down the pipe placement. Then, they began covering in the trench.

Everything is done with the big machines, of various sizes. Back and forth, front and back of blade... everytime they back up... BEEP, BEEP, BEEP... ;-)

They covered the pipe to the north; they covered the pipe to the south - as far as it was done. Said they wanted it done before Labor Day... Except, right behind us!

How nice! NOT... ;-) Next, a smaller 'scraper' came along, from north to south, to smooth it all out. Had a nice chat with him. He 'saved' my lilacs, along the fence...

He cleaned it all up... except, around our manhole... he expected them to bring the 'cover' - they didn't. So he came back, and did what he could. After he left, someone brought the cover...

Here we look to the north, to see how smooth he was able to make it...

And smooth to the south...

He'll have to come back to 'finish' around the cover - oh, well. Here we sit on Labor Day.

Nancy continues to supervise, from time to time.

Yesterday, we finally got our temperature reprieve. Had continued to be in mid-upper 90s. Yesterday, a 20 degree drop. We're now in mid-70s. How wonderful!

Happy Labor Day! ;-)

Sewer Line Trenching - Phase II?

2011-08-25T18:17:00.001-05:00

Sewer Line Trenching

Phase II?

Back in the middle of July, I had a few posts about the sewer line trenching going on in the 'backyard' of our cabin - well, now in mid-August, they are back tearing it up, again, and now they are actually laying the pipe.

The big trencher came through, broke through the rock about three feet wide and five feet deep. Then, they came back through and filled it in. Now, a big power scoop is digging a path through the trench in which to lay the pipe. Let's take a look. They started at the north end, and working toward us. Here are some of the sections of pipe, awaiting their turn.

Here is the 'beaten ground' directly behind us, waiting for the next phase to arrive.

As they got closer, Nancy wanted to take a closer look at what has been making so much noise, starting at 6:30 in the morning.

Here she got up close and personal with the machine, after they were done in the afternoon.

Want to lay some pipe? Here it comes...

Oops - water in the ditch... what shall we do? Right behind our cabin!

First, fill it in with gravel, to lay the pipe on... oh, by the way, let's put in a manhole!

Pick it up, and put it in place...

Looking back down the line...

They got this in about noon... rather that moving on, they stopped progress and spend the afternoon filling in the dirt over the pipe already laid.

More gravel coming...

So, more noise tomorrow, it seems.

Temp in the 80s - looking pretty good... ;-)

Travel Update Page

2011-08-06T20:06:00.001-05:00

This a page to update our old travel pages, since it has been too hot, and we've been at home.

http://www.reocities.com/billnancysmith/travels.html - replaced old GeoCities pages that were removed.

Still a few pages missing, but, that is ok. Thanks to 'reocities' - whoever you are! ;-)

We went to Bob Evans for Nancy's birthday, and to Grand Country Buffet for our Anniversary (tomorrow).

Just had a little shower to break the many, many days of heat - many over 100; record 108 on Nancy's birthday. ;-)

More photos of kids on Branson vacation

2011-07-24T15:03:00.003-05:00

Here are some more photos of Alex and Kaylee while they visited the cabin and Branson area in the middle of July:

Most of these are of Alex at Silver Dollar City, Arrion took them, of course. Here, at Woodshop.

Here he is in his smurf outfit, when it rained early in the day.

Alex in the jail, by himself. This is one we do every year; first one was at six months!

'Hook 'em Horns' headed for the candlewax... Didn't get photo of the results... sorry

They listened to and talked to Miss Judy, the school marm, at the old school house.

Later, when Alex interviewed me, I mentioned that our one room country school was much like this, and our desks were identical...

They brought Kaylee a pink umbrella with her name on it!

Kaylee at mini-golf at Grand Country.

Alex and Kaylee telling stories.

It was a great week! ;-)

Trenching and Back Filling

2011-07-20T05:30:00.001-05:00

Trenching and Back Filling

To continue the saga of the trenching in our back yard - 'utility easement.'

The monster trencher approaches our cabin as Kaylee looked on, this was July 15.

Later that day, they stopped for a long time right behind our cabin. They were making a slight adjustment in direction. Here the two operators are doing survey work to ascertain where they are and where they were going to go.

They continued on...

Here you get to see the cloud they created as they moved on to the south. Later in the day, a guy with a backhoe came along and filled in the trench they had dug!

What? They dug the trench, then filled it in! To the south...

This was taken July 19; they had dug clear to the south end of sub-division, and stopped. Then, had back filled it all in. They will eventually keep going south, up the hill to where the new development is.

Here is the back fill completed, north of us.

This is where we stand, now. I assume another machine comes and lays the tile, where the rocky soil has now been broken up... time will tell.

They have been interesting days! ;-)

Ten Days in July 2011

2011-07-19T14:44:00.004-05:00

Ten Days in July 2011

Okay, I'm behind in posting photos of our activities the last ten days or so. Arrion, Alex and Kaylee visited all last week; and, we were surprised by a visit from Annette and Larry on Tuesday, last week, and they were here again the last couple of days. It is now Tuesday afternoon, and they are out at the Branson Airport, awaiting their flight back to Utah... here are some highlights of these ten day, I'll post other photos, later on... it will be quiet around here! ;-)

This is my favorite introductory photo... just after Arrion, Alex and Kaylee arrived on Saturday afternoon.

A little later, Alex and Kaylee had been playing with the Trio blocks...

All during the week, work continued in our 'back yard' - actually a utility easement area. Here Kaylee is watching the monster trencher approaching our area. We stayed inside as it passed our house, with it's clouds of dust... and noise... ;-) More on this operation in another post.

One of the goals of the week was to play mini-golf. Here is Alex at the Dinosaur course.

Note: The photos in this 'highlight' post are a mix of my camera and Arrion's - and a few on mine by Arrion and on Arrion's by Kaylee... I'll let you guess which are which, if you care... ;-) Another photo on this mini-golf outing on Monday, which was Allison's day off of work.

Larry's dad fell and broke his hip, so was in the hospital up in Springfield, IL. So, Annette and Larry flew in to be with him for his surgery later in the week. He is 90+. They flew into Branson Airport on Tuesday, then drove our Honda up to Illinois on Wednesday.

Here is Annette with the kids...

Later, they did a dance... It reminded us of a photo from long ago (to be saved for a later post, as well)...

As often as it works out for two of our daughters to be together at one time (three or four times a year, at least), it is fairly rare when all three are in one place at one time. Since this was one, Monday evening, here is the 'capture,' with the two grand kids.

To be sure no one is left out of this post, here are Nancy and Larry, a bit later...

On Wednesday. Arrion decided it was Silver Dollar City day, even though the weather was really hot, all week. We had decided earlier that Kaylee would prefer to go to the city parks, swing, etc. with Grandma and Grandpa rather than 'slow down' Arrion and Alex at SDC. Well, come Wed morn, it was rainy. Plans were carried out, anyway. Here is Alex in his smurf outfit on one of the rides.

Actually, it only rained a bit... and it was hot and humid, Arrion said, but attendance was WAY down, so there were no lines, but all the rides were working. They stayed all day, and had a great time... in spite of the faces they made, here, at the jail!

Later in the week, we went to Grand Country Buffett for brunch and then played indoor mini-golf - here is one photo.

Another day, when Arrion had a webinar and a conference call to handle, Nancy and I took the kids to the all morning "Amazing Pets" show, in this same Grand Country complex. Lots of fun for the kids... it went very well. It is nice to be able to do more and different things as they are getting older.

Arrion, Alex and Kaylee headed back to Austin, on Saturday, and ended up driving all the way. That was nice. Ben had been in Canada, all week, fishing with his Dad. He returned Saturday night... and was to leave on a business trip to Japan on Sunday... ah, young folks! ;-)

I'll post some other photos of the ten day a little later on... enjoy!

The Pine Tree came tumbling down

2011-07-05T22:55:00.008-05:00

The Pine Tree came tumbling down

Well, my birthday and the 4th of July have come and gone. Now, the day after, the 'back yard construction' has finally begun. We have lived with the 'stakes in back' for a few months now. And, the story that a maintenance line was going to be dug from the south to the north through our back yard at the cabin.

Well, early this morning, the excavation machine, part 1, came through to 'clear the way' - removing anything in the path of the the 'digger' to come later. Here, the machine appeared to be stripping the branches from the side of the big pine tree, next door north.

Wrong, the whole tree was going... going... gone.

And, pummeled into 'nothing!'

Then, on down the line, to repeat the rape and plunder.

Our back yard, after the final pass...

And, off to the south - past Allison's house in the other development, and to the top of the hill, where the new development is going in... and needs to connect to the Taney County sewer system, on the north edge of our development.

On a more pleasant note - more red flowers blooming, in the front of the house, behind the 'little' holly.

It was another very hot day! ;-)

Emporia Book Signing

2011-06-23T14:24:00.000-05:00

Had a great day in Emporia at the Book Signing

It was a very good day! ;-)

5th Annual Author Extravaganza - Sat, June 18, 2011

2011-06-17T18:54:00.002-05:00

See you in Emporia on Saturday!! ;-) 11 a.m.-1 p.m., usually starts earlier.... ;-)

5th Annual Author Extravaganza

Town Crier Bookstore, Emporia, Kansas

June 18, 2011

Photos from Bolger Gathering on Saturday

2011-06-14T23:06:00.000-05:00

Photos from Bolger Gathering on Saturday

Here are a few candid photos from the gathering of the Bolger family at Al and Joleen's place on Saturday, June 11, 2011.

It was a very good day! ;-)

Memories - years gone by

2011-06-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

These photos just came up as I was looking around, randomly. Lots of memories.

Summer time softball... Arrion about Kaylee's age??? ;-)

Annette and I have been collaborating for a long time...

Getting ready for a busy weekend in Iowa...

It was a very good day! ;-)

Headed home on Saturday

2011-06-04T21:59:00.001-05:00

We left Austin a little before 8 am and arrived in Hollister, MO, at the cabin, shortly before 7:30 p.m.

Long and tiring trip, but took it easy a bit, drove fast and smart, and generally enjoyed the trip.

Great week in Austin. Two final photos. Last time, we had gotten Kaylee a 'Karaoke' mic - she was still playing with it. Here, she is singing, and Alex is walking around her in a circle. It had something to do with the song... that escaped me... that happens more and more, especially with the young folks things...

At a somewhat different time, earlier, I think, when Kaylee wasn't around, Alex did a whole performance from a play they did at school. I got some of it on video... I'll try to edit a little and share, later. This is a good photo, though! ;-)

He has more and more of these "mature moments" when we are reminded how he is growing up! ;-)

It was a great week! ;-)

Last Friday in Austin

2011-06-03T21:45:00.000-05:00

Last Friday in Austin

Oh, that's right! It's our only Friday in Austin... We head home tomorrow!

One photo left from yesterday, as Arrion and Kaylee were fixing supper. Have a couple more, but I'm too lazy (worn out?) tonight, to download...

Yes, that is the hot Austin sun, shining through the glass door from the patio, shining in Arrion's eyes! The mashed potatoes were great, by the way! ;-)

It was 100 degrees in Austin, for our last day. How nice! ;-)

Thursday in Austin - Alex's first day of summer

2011-06-02T20:36:00.000-05:00

Thursday in Austin

Alex's first day of summer

Alex enjoyed his first day of 'no school' - we took him shopping at Target and to lunch at McDonalds. What more could he ask?!

Here, he is working on his Farm Town on the computer after talking to Great-Aunt Janice on the phone last night!

With temperatures continuing in the mid-upper 90s. Kaylee was into swimming suit and 'water table' play both yesterday, and today. Here she modeled her swimsuit!

She liked to water the grass, as well as play, on the back patio! ;-)

Arrion got home from her convention early in the afternoon. She fixed a great supper of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and veggies! YUM! ;-)

It was another great day! ;-)

Wednesday in Austin

2011-06-01T22:07:00.000-05:00

Wednesday in Austin

Last day of school for Alex. Arrion at conference in Dallas. Alex had T-Ball game in the afternoon; he went with Ben. This was another Kaylee day, for us. Here she is before 'school' again, this time she is drawing pictures with her drawing pencils and colors.

Here she is, after school, with her backpack and lunch box.

We took her to her favorite, Chick-Fil-A, again, this time for supper; she enjoyed the play area, again, as well. On the way home, we stopped by H.E.B., the big grocery store, to pick up a few items. She is a great shopper!

It was another great day! ;-)

Tuesday in Austin - off to school

2011-05-31T13:47:00.001-05:00

Tuesday in Austin

off to school

Before Kaylee goes to school in the morning, one of her activities is to play on her computer. She often does Barney, but here she is on her Mom's Facebook page, going through the photos. Kaylee is real good with the mouse!

Here she is looking at herself in the hospital, just after she was born, with her family!

Mommy (Arrion) went to Dallas, today, for a conference - she'll be back on Thursday afternoon.

It was a great day! ;-)

Memorial Day in Austin

2011-05-30T21:11:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day in Austin

Well, nothing ordinary about this Memorial Day, in Austin. Because of a 'snow day' makeup, Alex actually had to go to school today. Weird! To give Arrion some time to work while Alex was in school, we took Kaylee to Target, shopping, and then to Chick-fil-A, for lunch. She likes to eat the chicken, but they also have a real nice indoors play area!

At Target, we had gotten Alex a new Wii game, Lego Batman. But, when we got home, they had given us the wrong game... not the Lego version! Also a couple of shirts were the wrong size. So, when Alex got home from school, we took him back to Target, and got the right game, and some other clothes that he wanted. It is really nice that BOTH of them are old enough it is FUN to take them out! REALLY NEAT! ;-)

Back at the house, earlier, I caught Arrion and Ben in a 'strategy' meeting regarding where the new SWING SET will be placed.

During the day, sometime, Kaylee was playing dress up... here as a princess!

And, can you believe, even at 7 and 3 1/2, they still like to play 'Hide and Seek' - Kaylee:

Alex...

Or, perhaps it is the personal attention that makes it still 'fun' - and it is! ;-)

It was a another good day! ;-)

Sunday in Austin

2011-05-29T22:04:00.000-05:00

Sunday in Austin

The big event on Sunday was Ben spent several hours staining the wood parts for the new "swing set" that he and his dad will be assembling next weekend. Lots and lots of parts!

The two trees across the yard are also growing very nicely.

Grandma and Alex playing...

Kaylee posing...

Alex and Grandma played Qwirkle, and used every tile. They were very pleased!

It was another very good day! ;-)

First Day in Austin

2011-05-28T05:31:00.000-05:00

First Day in Austin

Got to Austin early in the afternoon on Saturday. Kids were at T-Ball game... high 90's so we didn't try to go over to the ball diamond. We got unloaded, and had a pleasant afternoon and evening after they returned.

Her, Grandma is playing a game with Alex, as Kaylee looks on.

In the evening, Arrion and Ben went to see Thor. After, getting Kaylee to bed, we played real Monopoly with Alex for about an hour and a half. He can read most of the cards, and counts money real well, now. Neat. Had a good time.

It was a very good day! ;-)

Wild Roses in bloom

2011-05-24T18:02:00.000-05:00

Wild Roses in bloom

2nd day back in Hollister, no rain so far today. Took a photo of the Wild Roses in the front of the cabin, on the small trellis. Very pretty.

With all the rain, lucky the weeds were not out of hand. Happy to be back in the cabin. Head for Austin for a week this coming Friday. ;-)

It has been another pretty decent day! ;-)

Final day of Utah trip

2011-05-22T18:56:00.002-05:00

We arrived home in Hollister, MO, about 4 p.m.... just to put an end to this neat series of reports.

It was a great trip... and a great day! ;-)

2nd Thursday in Utah - last full day here

2011-05-19T20:41:00.002-05:00

2nd Thursday in Utah

last full day here

Woke up at 7 a.m. to snow on the rocks, outside our Garden Level apartment...

Went upstairs, and this is how it looked, to the east, toward the valley - yes, that is the sun!

By 8:30 a.m., all the snow was gone. By noon, it was sunny/cloudy... changed all day. Around noon, I got this last photo, for me, of birds at the bird feeder. two colorful birds, together.

It rained, snowed, sleeted, off and on all day long. Around 6, it cleared off and was sunny with only light clouds - temps in low to mid 40s. What a day!

Just finished watching American Idol, Scotty and Lauren made it to Finale, as we all hoped.

"The Homeplace Revisited" manuscript will go off to printer for first proof copy, yet tonight.

We'll head back to the midwest in the morning....

It was a good day! ;-)

2nd Wednesday in Utah - and snow came again

2011-05-18T22:28:00.002-05:00

2nd Wednesday in Utah

...and snow came again

Around 8:30 a.m. we got about an inch of snow... beautiful!

My noon, it was all melting... You can see the water dripping off the roof!

And, although we had intermitant snow flurries and sleet all day, Larry was able to work outside most of the afternoon. We all worked on project, finishing up novel two, etc., so the day went by quickly.

Overall, another very nice day - especially inside! ;-)

2nd Tuesday in Utah - the Stellar Jay arrived

2011-05-17T21:52:00.001-05:00

2nd Tuesday in Utah

the Stellar Jay arrived

We'll start off, today, with the news of the day - a Stellar Jay appeared out the window. There are three types of Jay at this altitude, here, and this makes the third type, a clean sweep.

He has the comb that sticks up, whereas neither of the others do. The wind would blow it around!

Last night, Larry fixed chicken and vegetable Kibobs on the grill - very pretty, and very good!

Picking up some of the neat photos from Monday, as we drove down the mountain, if you are not driving, some neat scenes. Here is the first, just around the corner, 1000 Lakes Mountain; didn't roll down the window on these two, so some reflections.

Then, a little further down, swing to the east, a bit... the house in the valley, where we turn back to the left...

After we got down in the valley, and around a few curves, we get out to the blacktop, where the bald eagles have a nest.

A little closer look, I was able to catch the top of the head of the female bald eagle in the nest.

After we had finished the loop of the Old Caineville Road yesterday, we decided to do just a little piece of the Cathedral Valley drive, many less than ten of the 60 mile trip... we wanted to do the river ford...

Just a few miles in, the road 'fords' the Fremont River a few hundred feet... They have actually reinforced the river bed into a highway bed... but it still looks scary as you go down one bank, into the fast rushing water a ways, and up on the opposite bank. Note: if any extra rain in the area, always check with the ranger station, first.

It was fun... Annette gets out and takes the photos... ;-)

One other highlight on this short trip, out a few miles further; Indian Paint Brush, just starting to come out. This was the only good one we saw!

Ok, one more set of two photos... as we were up and down and around all the rock formations, we kept seeing this one formation, that really looked like a Ute Indian, on a bluff, wrapped in a blanket, with his peace pipe or a rifle, guarding the valley... snow on the Henry Mountains, in the back right, pretty neat as well (melted quite a bit the 10 days we have been in the area) - back to the 'Indian.'

Guess it is hard to see, on the left, on that point. Here is a closer view - it is obvious an unusual rock formation, but....

It was another great day! ;-)

2nd Monday in Utah - Old Caineville Road

2011-05-16T23:38:00.001-05:00

2nd Monday in Utah

Old Caineville Road

We went for an adventure ride today on the Old Caineville Road, a little ways beyond the Capital Reef park to the east. Part of it is the old dirt/gravel/sand road before Highway 24 was built and improved. Toward the far end, are some remnants of old Caineville... new Caineville, a little farther east, isn't much more impressive.

Most impressive is that we go off the highway, into the rocks, so to speak, and here is this fairly lush valley, with a canal and a river running through it, green hay fields, trees, ... totally unforeseeable from the highway.

Just feet from the highway, on the dirt road, there was a cattle gate. When Larry went back to close it, this old gentleman (92+, Annette and Larry know them) and his wife pulled up. Larry re-opened the gate, for them... as they went through, another car came and went, as well. We never saw another car, all the way around.

Looking ahead...

On down the road, a piece... Canal just below the photo, river in the bottom, cliffs on other side.

Around many, many curves, we came to a swampy, wet-land area along the road. [From here on, some photos are mine, some are Annette's]

There are actually beaver working the area... we didn't see any, but, the tree upper left, shows signs.

Here Annette was about to take the following photo of the beaver chewed tree, up closer.

A few curves further down the road, we came to the old, abandoned (mostly) homestead. Here is a wide angle photo, back up the road we came down.

Nancy stayed in the jeep, but we moved it a couple of times, along here.

Here is the first old building...

Annette captured me looking at it...

Next was the abandoned house... perhaps only 30-40 years from livability.

Next on the east was a corral, looks like for sheep, but also cattle, that had been used this spring.

With the nearby pasture, there was a modern rake; but there was also relic, old machinery.

Moving on down the road, and turning back to the north, toward the Highway, and just west of current Caineville, was an old cemetery.

I'll share more about the cemetery, and some other side trips, in a later post.

It was a nice, generally cool, day! ;-)

Second Sunday in Utah - a quiet day

2011-05-15T15:04:00.003-05:00

Second Sunday in Utah

a quiet day

Nancy finished her jigsaw puzzle on the puzzle table late on Saturday night. She did it all herself, with only positive encouragement from the rest of us. Congratulations!

Pretty, huh?!

After a heavy workday and the park yesterday, Larry took it easy and work on assembly of another bench for the desk. Much more complex than I imagined. But, he has all the tools and the skills. They are really neat. Shade makes the photo a little bad on contrast, but it is recorded.

We each worked on our projects, and the all sharing in watching three hours of Survivor finale - skipping the commercials via Direct TV. Boston Rob finally got his win.

It was a good day! ;-)

First Saturday - Work in the Park Day

2011-05-14T21:57:00.002-05:00

First Saturday

Work in the Park Day

Annette and Larry were committed to a work day and cleanup day down in the Teasdale Park (started to say City Park, but Teasdale is not an incorporated City!). It is an annual event they have done for a few years now. Lots of folks work, and then they have lunch in the shelter house. Mom and I stayed home, this year. We were sad that it seemed to be raining, up here, between 9 and 10 a.m. But, it didn't last, and they had a good work day. Here Larry and some of the guys are working on a new walk/bike path they just started that goes around the park. (Thanks to Annette for photo!)

Hummingbirds are a little late getting to the house this year. There has been one, from time to time, it seems. Today, I finally got him with the camera.

Hummingbird is drinking, lower right, in case you missed it.... ;-)

Larry put a shield on the bird feeder stand, yesterday, to keep the squirrels out of the bird-feeder. Well, I happened to see the little chipmunk JUMP from the white stump on the right, to get to the feeder! ;-)

The larger squirrels on the ground haven't tried it yet! ;-)

Nancy worked on a jigsaw puzzle and her computer; I worked on blogs and other writing...

Already in a work mode, Annette worked in the yard, cleaning out old dried sticks from the little green flowering plants...

Larry also worked, out back (east side), moving some rocks to put in a drain pipe.

The day ended something like it began... some rain, about 7:30 p.m., followed by a nice rainbow!

It was another nice day! ;-) Thus ended the first week of your visit in Utah this May... ;-)

First Friday - Groceries in Loa

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

First Friday - Groceries in Loa

Well, we'll start with Thursday night. Annette and Larry had a meeting to select a movie for the BIFF (Bicknell International Film Festival), subject this year: Superheros. Before they started previewing the film, I took this photo of the tv screen and Mom working...

This morning, we saw some deer walking up the hill, west of the house. Couple of photos came out.

In the afternoon, we drove over to Loa to the grocery store. On the way, we drove up to the Sundown Campground in the Fish Lake National Forest, just a mile off the road. Neat!

Up at the campground turnaround... looking back into the valley.

Back home, we had noticed the 'neighbors' were camping out on their homesite with some friends. At least three tents, and a nice campfire.

Looking at the sun in the valley...

And, from the west side of the house, with the Wilson's house on the left, campers on the right.

Watched movies, this evening... some better than others... no... both bad! ;-)

It was another beautiful day... regardless of the movies! ;-)

First Thursday - 1964 comparisons in Capital Reef

2011-05-12T21:18:00.004-05:00

First Thursday

1964 comparisons in Capital Reef

By Thursday morning, the weather had turned beautiful, as we had hoped and expected... about 65 degrees and sunny. Our mission today was to locate the rock formation behind us in four 1964 slides I took of the family as we drove from St. George, Utah, to Louisville, Kentucky, in mid-July, 1964.

The first one we were looking for was this one, with Nancy holding Allison and Annette behind.

Annette had noticed the 'petroglyph' in two of the photos, and was sure she knew the area. So, these were the first rock formations we looked for, in that area.

We parked the Jeep in the pullout near the current 'petroglyph' boardwalk... the rock formations were certainly there - but trees were now grown up, a bit in the way. Here, you can see the rocks.

To get the right angle, to close the rock formations together, they needed to be to the left in the photo, over by the entrance to the boardwalk. Below is a photo of Annette on the boardwalk to the petroglyphs. I am standing about on the spot were the sign was, before.

Do you see the petroglyphs on the red wall, behind? I didn't either. Here is a closer look. There are many, many more, proceeding to the right, down the boardwalk, now.

Here is the second 1964 photo; the petroglyph sign, again. I'm holding Allison, Annette at side.

The trees even seem to be the same, here. Unbelievable! ;-)

Next, we went on east, to the entrance of the park, turned around, to locate where the entrance to the Monument was - in 1964, Capital Reef was a National Monument, not a National Park. Just east of the Behunin Cabin, we found the curve in the road and the rock formation. See here:

and, again,

The sign is gone, but the spot is still there; the cement foundation and some fragments of the bricks.

Here, Annette looks at the remnants.

So, we achieved our goals. Earlier in the trip, we ate lunch at Chillzz.

Driving into town, we saw a Golden Eagle nearby the road.

And, along the road, in the park, two big-horn sheep lept across the road in front of us... then stopped nearby. I got a partial view, but Annette was able to get out of the car, stand up, and took this one.

This is a fairly rare occasion, so we really enjoyed it! ;-)

While on the petroglyph boardwalk, we met a nice couple and chatted a bit:

Leaving the park, I took this photo over the Visitor's Center - neat, huh? ;-)

It was another very good day! ;-)

First Wednesday - more birds to id

2011-05-11T18:37:00.001-05:00

First Wednesday - more birds to id

One of the more common birds here is the Dark-eyed Junco. Beside the dark eyes, they have distinctive rust colored spot on their back; they are very small. You may have seen them in earlier photos.

The next for today is the House Finch. I think I mentioned it earlier, but this is a nice photo.

The other new one for today, three angles, is the Black-headed Grosbeak (male):

On Wednesday afternoon, after some more snow and sleet, it cleared off a bit, so that Larry and Annette could join the 4-H group they work with to 'pick up highway trash' on a 2 mile stretch of Highway 24 west of Loa. Here is a photo of Larry hard at work with the Jeep.

It was another good day in Utah! ;-)

First Tuesday - Snow and more

2011-05-10T22:52:00.000-05:00

First Tuesday

Snow and more

Before the snow came in the afternoon, the squirrel was trying to get at the suet feeder (for birds!).

See, it is supposed to be for the birds, the Clark's Nutcracker, to be specific.

Snow on the bird feeder... mid-afternoon...

And, a little later, the storm was down in the valley and over in the Park.

What an interesting day! ;-)

First May Monday in Utah - bird watching 2

2011-05-09T22:56:00.001-05:00

First May Monday in Utah

bird watching 2

Well, we started the morning with snow on the ground - at about 7 a.m. - by 10 it was all melted away from around the house and up on the mountain, a ways.

OK, the birds, today. A close up of the little pine siskin, from yesterday, but up close; note dots on breast.

This was one that Larry and Annette had not seen yet this year; a female evening grosbeak

And again, with a ground squirrel.

The red headed house finch was interesting - a little more colorful.

During the afternoon, we had snow flurries a number of times. Hard to catch in photo; here is best one (out the right one of the three south faceing windows).

We all were working on projects. One of Annette's was to read the draft of my 2nd novel and make suggestions, which she did. Seems to be enjoying the read, on her Kindle! ;-) THANKS! ;-)

It was a good day! ;-)

Mother's Day - First Sunday in Utah

2011-05-08T14:31:00.001-05:00

Mother's Day

First May Sunday in Utah

Our first full day here in Utah is Mother's Day as well as our first Sunday. We got the daisy bouquet in Loa on the way in yesterday. Nancy had brought a combination of Anniversary and Birthday presents, so we had a little party.

A photo of the bookends, Larry, and Annette's hat, among other things.

To the right, in the photo above, is the first of three windows along the south side of the house. In addition to the mountain across the small valley, the area right outside the window has bird feeders and trees and other 'decorations' that make viewing really fun. This visit, already, there are many different varieties of birds and ground squirrels. I'll share a few, from time to time, as I can catch them.

Here is a generic view out this first window.

You can see the red humming bird feeder. It is just coming into their season... we've only seen a couple so far.

To the left, is the thistle feeder for the pine siskins... very small birds.

The blueish pinyon jays come by, from time to time, in small flocks, and scare the others away, for a few minutes. The like to eat from the suet feeders, also.

I caught three of the jays, here, just sitting. Just the beginning. Lots of fun.

A very good day! ;-)

Anasazi Heritage Center - BLM - Dolores, CO

2011-05-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

Anasazi Heritage Center

BLM - Dolores, CO

Website

We visited the Center this morning, after staying overnight in nearby Cortez. Here we are just arriving.

The building was very nice; over looks the McPhee Reservoir.

This center focuses on the Anasazi in the 4 corners area, the Northern San Juan, in this case.

The educational displays are very up to date and most interesting; Here is one through the ages.

Another had drawers you pull out for more information.

There are computer stations and video displays around the area. Here as long view.

Note in the foreground right, you are looking down into a replica of a pit-house. See it:

Here Nancy is looking at a display about an archeological dig.

We were fascinated by the "Small pots" display.

We really enjoyed our brief visit; might stop by again sometime.

We went up through Moab - we had not been there before. It was 92 degrees... not pleasant. We went on up to Green River, expecting to stay the night. But, we ended up getting there real early... and realized it was only about to two hours to Teasdale - so we cancelled the motel and came on in. Larry is here; Annette will be back from Seattle late tonight.

Here is a photo off the back deck late this afternoon:

It was a very nice day! ;-)

Half Way on Vacation Trip to Utah

2011-05-06T22:59:00.001-05:00

Half Way on Vacation Trip to Utah

We are at the end of our second day of a four day 'vacation trip' to Utah to spend a couple of weeks or so with Annette and Larry. We stayed in Amarillo, TX, last night, and are in Cortez, CO, tonight. We will be doing some sight-seeing and museum visits before we arrive at their house on Boulder Mountain on Sunday afternoon.

As we came back from supper tonight, to our Holiday Inn Express motel, here was the sight we saw!

Were no cars coming, I had to stand in the street, use my telephoto a little, but it came out pretty neat!

Snow-capped Rocky Mountains are still hard to beat for visual stimulation! ;-)

It was a very good day! ;-)

Visited Dewey Bald geocache across the dam

2011-05-03T22:00:00.006-05:00

Visited Dewey Bald geocache across the dam

I needed to put a new log book in the cache on Dewey Bald - had put it out Apr 2007 (I had originally be place in 2002 - nine years ago - over 850 visits since.

I ended up writing an Examiner.com article about it, with the pictures in a slide show - check it out:

http://www.examiner.com/cultureal-heritage-in-springfield-mo/geocaching-contributes-to-ozarks-cultural-heritage-do-you-geocache

They are making repairs on the sod on the front of the dam. There is one way traffic for two weeks. Cannot see a thing driving by. They have stop lights up. Real dark cloud was in place, but here is photo I took waiting.

While I sat, I used the telephoto on the camera so you can see the level of the lake on the dam - and the new visitor center under construction on right.

It was a good day, actually! ;-)

Reminder of April 2011 Floods

2011-04-30T17:02:00.000-05:00

Reminder of April 2011 Floods

A couple days ago, we did go over to the overlook, just up the road from the cabin. Table Rock Lake had just been at 935 feet, and all ten gates were open. First, from the distance, then up closer.

Looking down at Taneycomo...

And one of the houses, below, left (in above view):

At least we had a couple of dry, sunny days... before the rains started again.

Happy Easter 2011 - and it rained the day before

2011-04-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter 2011

...and it rained the day before

Well, I still have three chocolate Easter Bunnies, so I 'hid' them on the top of my dresser so I would 'find' them in the morning...

This was the day it started to rain, over night, and rained, and rained, and rained, all day!

Before it rained, we had some nice iris in bloom...

Between the cabin and the iris, we are going to have a 30 inch sewer main dug in the next few weeks. The stakes give some idea... it goes clear south, past Allison's subdivision, and up to the top of the hill... can we see the water tower up there from here?

Well, this view looked a little different late this afternoon!

And, straight out, toward the iris... Isn't this fun! ;-) Iris on the right...

And, on the north, down the hill to the sewer main hookup locations, beyond the vehicle storage area...

They are suggesting they can go by Let's big pine, but the three smaller ones farther down will likely be sacrificed. We wonder if they know that water runs down here like this, routinely. Can you imagine how that ditch (filled back in and seeded) will look if another one of these 'gully-washers' (when, not if, sorry!) comes along?!?!?! ;-)

Well, what will Easter Day bring... likely more rain! ;-)

Bolgers Visit for Branson Fam Tour

2011-04-17T13:31:00.000-05:00

Bolgers Visit for Branson Fam Tour

Bob and Carol Bolger were in the Branson area this week on Branson Fam Tour sponsored by the Branson Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Bob and Carol are Travel Agents, and while they normally book cruises, they have recently taken on organizing a group of 40 or so coming to Branson by bus. At about the same time, they received an invitation to come on a Familiarization Tour, so came up for the week, the first first few days attending show and workshops and presentations by various Branson entities. They toured the airport and the convention center, as well.

After the tour, Bob and Carol stayed on a few days, and Al and Jolene came down from Iowa, as well. Here we are at the cabin, chatting during a rare 'down time.'

Thursday night, we all went to The Dutton Family Theater after eating at the Plantation Restaurant nearby. On Friday, the four of them went on the Branson Belle; but, they stayed at the dock because it was cold and windy. In the afternoon, Al and Joleen went to Branson Landing, while Bob and Carol, Nancy and I went to Noah at Sight and Sound, dinner at McFarland's, followed by the Shojo Tabushi show. On Saturday, we all six went to the Cat's Pajama Show, ate at Montana Mike's, and to the Clay Cooper Theater in the evening.

Bob and Carol headed back to Louisianna Sunday morning. Nancy, Allison and I met Al and Joleen at Bob Evans for brunch before they headed back to Iowa.

A good time was had by all! ;-)

More from Austin...

2011-04-13T21:40:00.001-05:00

Alex 'pretend' Birthday Party

2011-04-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

Alex

'pretend'

Birthday Party

While Ben and Arrion are in Europe, for his meetings, and her 'genealogy tourism,' Annette and Larry were in Austin to look after the kids. Annette had to be gone on Wednesday and Thursday, as well, so we went down to be available as backup, when ever needed.

Before Annette left, we had a 'pretend' Birthday Party for Alex - a couple of weeks early - fun! ;-)

He will be 7, of course, and picked out his own ice cream cake at the local market with Annette.

Annette taking a photo of both kids.

Grandma had Pokeman for DS and Star Wars Clones for Wii among other goodies for him.

Time to light the candles...

and, of course, blow them out!

A good time was had, by all.

Temperatures in the 70s and 80s - hard to beat! ;-)

Next Flower update

2011-04-01T22:34:00.000-05:00

OK, it is only a couple more days. The Window Box had been inside for 3 days, as it was COLD outside. The sun was out today, high about 60....

Couple of photos:

Closer view:

Really growing... need to think about thinning... Will be in Austin this coming week, so will handle that when we return.

It was a great day, with sunshine the whole day... after 7 days not! ;-)

Holly Hock Flower Update - two weeks later

2011-03-30T17:18:00.000-05:00

Holly Hock Flower Update

Two Weeks Later

Just a quick update. Really cold week. Have had the flower box in the house all of the last 48 hours and a couple of nights before that... it was freezing outside. They are still growing, tho'....

Looking good! ;-)

Holly Hock Flower Update - one week later

2011-03-23T18:46:00.000-05:00

Holly Hock Flower Update - one week later

Note: This is a personal update, primarily for the benefit of myself and my grandson, Alex.

One week ago, we planted a bunch of dried Holly Hock flower seeds that I'd gotten from Brother T.K. last summer. Alex and I planted them in a window box full of miracle grow potting soil. I wasn't even sure they would grow at all. Well, here we are, a week later...

The near 'green things' were up yesterday; today there is a whole row and the beginning of a second. Neat! Whereas I had been watering on the surface, today I put water in the bottom of the Window Box. You can see the water level. It says it will last for two weeks.

Other flower updates in the backyard... by nature, daffodils still blooming, but about done. There appears to be a little tulip nearby... don't know if it will survive to bloom...

Over in the transplanted iris bed, growth is appearing.

To the right, there are some pretty little purple flowers...

I am easily interested... ;-) ... even violets with a few dandelions... ;-)

More next week...

It was a very good day! ;-)

Spring Break Day Four and a Half

2011-03-20T23:04:00.001-05:00

Spring Break Day Four and a Half

These are some photos from Arrion's camera, including minigolf and flowers in the backyard... ;-)

The Rathsack family went to play mini-golf one day at the Dinosaur course.

Kaylee putting the ball...

Alex putting the ball...

Alex in front of one of the dinos...

The family together...

Alex and Bill in the backyard with the daffodils in bloom...

Arrion made a 'raft' for Alex...

Here Alex is floating the raft. We also used leaves and sticks of various sizes. Good straight sticks actually worked the best! ;-)

We'll get back to Day Five at Silver Dollar City, and Day Six, a little later on. They went home on Saturday. Had a great week. Enjoyed watching March Madness... Arizona to Sweet Sixteen, so that was nice, as well.

I was a very nice day. About 75. Went for long walk. ;-)

Spring Break Day Four - Wednesday

2011-03-17T22:25:00.001-05:00

Spring Break Day Four - Wednesday

A relatively quiet day, in preparation for a BIG day on Thursday, at Silver Dollar City, previewed below!

Here, Alex is playing a game with Grandma, before bedtime, the night before...

Alex and I planted some Holly Hock flower seeds that I had gotten from my brother, T.K., last summer. It will be interesting to see if any of the grow. They're kind of old, really should have planted them last fall, but never got to it. We'll see, and keep you advised.

When we were last in Austin, we got Kaylee a Microphone, that she like to use to sing songs. We don't have one up here, so Grandma and Kaylee were improvising, with other toys substituting for a Mic...

Kaylee was using a hammer! ... ;-)

Here is a preview of Silver Dollar City on Thursday... Alex in jail!

We have him here, every year since he was six months old... will be 7 the end of April!

Kaylee wanted in on the action, but a little afraid of the dark inside...

She got some help from Daddie....

Just down the path from the jail, is the bakery... cinnamon bread has become a family tradition!

Her, Alex is talking to Grandma while Arrion purchases the bread...

The cinnamon bread arrived!!! ;-) Yum!

After filling our tummies, it was off to the kiddie rides... see us there, tomorrow! ;-)

It was an absolutely gorgeous day to be at Silver Dollar City - just as we had planned! ;-)

Spring Break Day Three - Tuesday

2011-03-16T14:45:00.003-05:00

Spring Break Day Three - Tuesday

Ben and I took Alex and Kaylee to a couple of Hollister City Parks late morning on Tuesday.

We first went to the City park by the City Hall. Here Ben, Alex and Kaylee are on the 1912 bridge that used to span Turkey Creek, 300 meters to the east, the sign says! City Hall, in the background.

Turning to the right, up the hill, along the stream that runs under the bridge, there is a nice little waterfall.

There are actually some smaller falls on upstream behind where the kids are standing. There is actually a nice picnic table just to the right, from where this photo was taken.

We then went back down the path, past the bridge, where there is a neat Gazebo and another bench.

Ben took this photo of Kaylee and Alex and I at the bench. While we were there, a cardinal flew over. Alex said he saw three. I took this photo to capture the moment.

Next, we back up the road to the Downing View Park, a small playground and park area, overlooking the Downing Street - downtown old Hollister - across the railroad tracks from the City Hall area.

And the "Downing View" - down Downing Street, with Old English buildings at the far end.

City Hall forward and around to the left. Downing Street is on the right. See Ben, Alex and Kaylee on the swings. Here is the better (ok, not much better) photo taken from near the back of the van... ;-)

Alex got to go down the slide, on the old towel from the van, to remove a bit of water left from the rain.

Then, Kaylee was ready to slide.

Kaylee pushing Daddie on the swing!

Looking back up the hill toward the sign...

Special Poe-esque photo moment - the Crow in the Tree with dark clouds behind:

Though a bit chilly, the sun felt good when it was out.

Picked up Subway sandwiches for adults and chicken nuggets for kids at McDonalds on the way back to the cabin.

It was a good day! ;-)

Spring Break Day Two - Monday

2011-03-15T22:18:00.002-05:00

Spring Break Day Two - Monday

Monday night we decided to get Papa John's pizza - we'd all been out and around all day - Allison worked all day and stopped by after...

At lunch time, we took two cars, and ate at McFarlin's at the IMAX complex, then Ben, Arrion and Alex stayed there to see the movie, Rango. Bill, Nancy and Kaylee went for a ride that included stopping at Books-A-Million to see Allison at work, bought some stuff; then to Target (Kaylee's favorite story) and bought some more stuff!

So by evening, CARRYOUT! [Grandpa got do the "carrying" of course! ;-)]

Afterwards, Kaylee got Allison to "play ball" - ok, they sit on the floor and roll it back and forth. Here, they were having a discussion, and Alex was "looking after the ball." Not sure what that all meant... !

[The following are actually from the next day, but fit better here]

Recycling and trash carryout are everyday events at the little cabin, so, today, we made it a family affair. Bill has cardboard and cans, Ben has trash and plastic bottles, Kaylee and Alex have their helmets and scooters.... Arrion took the photo, thank you very much! ;-)

She seemed to like this view, as well!

For orientation, the mailboxes are just left of Bill, and the trash and recycling dropoffs are behind the fence beyond the mailboxes. A nice walk on a cool, but nice day!

An indoor activity to add here - playdough, while Ben and Arrion were out shopping - got some new playdough at Target!

And, in case you don't get the full-effect in this one, try a closer look...

She really "gets after it" when she plays! ;-) Needless to say, cleanup was really fun, as well!

The rain had ended and the sun was out! It was a very good day! ;-)

Sunday of Spring Break Week

2011-03-13T21:02:00.001-05:00

Sunday of Spring Break Week

We got an early start on Sunday. Kaylee wanted to walk on the back deck, even though is was little cool.

When we got out there, we saw the little daffodils... so both Alex and Kaylee lined up... still half asleep, perhaps!

Back up on the deck, they liked the swing... for a few minutes, anyway!

A little later, Kaylee got out her scooter to show Grandpa. She can really go. Just going in a circle, here. We went down the street, both directions... ;-)

Shortly after noon, we went into down for lunch... ended up at Fall Creek restaurant. Nice. "Tossed Rolls" are fun.

Allison came over in the afternoon and we all enjoyed that!

It was a very good day! ;-)

New Geocache Information in Hollister

2011-03-10T15:20:00.003-06:00

From the Geocache:

CHAD A FUQUA MEMORIAL PARK…located on the North side of Hollister Town Hall is about a .6 mile flat walking trail with resting benches, vintage light poles and resting benches. Commerative and memorial bricks line to walking trail to honor those we love and special events in our lives. Take a short hike up Hackett Falls trail to find a beautiful place to picnic.

Permission was granted by the Hollister Parks Director.

With the establishment of the first US Land Office in Springfield in 1835 came a migration of rugged pioneer families into the virgin Ozark wilderness of Southwest Missouri. Malinda Fortner was one of these early pioneers. Little is known of her past or why she chose the demanding life of a homesteader. The original 120 acre tract of land on which she established her claim in 1867 was the beginning for a crossroads settlement along the West Bank of Turkey Creek in the early 1880's.
Around the turn of the century, Rueben Kirkham opened a general store and applied to the Post Office Department for permission to establish a Post Office suggesting the name HOLLISTER after the birth place of his daughter in Hollister, California. Permission was granted and in 1904 the name of the Ozarks settlement was established.

With the coming of the St Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad the area was opened to new expansion. It became the headquarters for the Mo-Pac Agricultural Agent of the White River Division. The area achieved tremendous agricultural development. Berries, vegetables, grape vineyards, orchards, cotton and tobacco flourished and the amount, variety of stock and produce shipped from the station in the early years was phenomenal.

W.H. Johnson and Professor J.W. Blankenship platted and started the major development of a beautiful English style village which attracted visitors from all over the world. Johnson's dream resulted in the row of quaint Elizabethan structures which is now Downing Street. His son W.W. Johnson, built the historic Ye English Inn in 1912 and it became a stopover for travelers with special trains bringing visitors to a then remote area.

Hollister was incorporated as a town in 1910 with Professor J.W. Blankenship becoming the first mayor.

Hollister is noted for bringing to Taney County the first major influx of tourism. It had the first iron bridge in Taney County which still spans Turkey Creek, the first paved street, electric lights, movie house, the first registered pharmacist and modern steam heated hotel.

The colorful history of this unusual Ozark town is fascinating and covers and era when stock wars were waged between merchants and stockmen. Grape carnivals promoted by the railroad were gala affairs where men and women of an age gone by helped to build an unique English Village in the Ozarks. . .Hollister, Missouri

Local Historian, Viola Hartman, is credited with Hollister's being placed on the National Register of Historical sites In 1978.

Interesting bit of history, on a very nice day! ;-)

Allison's Birthday Party 2011

2011-03-06T20:49:00.001-06:00

Allison's Birthday Party 2011

We took Allison to Grand Country Buffet for lunch, then we took a drive out west of town, including Wal*Mart in Branson West.

On returning home, we had her birthday party. Here Nancy is applying the candles.

Lighting the candles - didn't burn the cabin down, fortunately! ;-)

Blowing out the candles... safely, and completely, again! ;-)

A big birthday smile, with hat! ;-)

Gifts! ;-) Partial... ;-)

It was another very good day! ;-)

Last full day in Austin

2011-03-02T11:41:00.001-06:00

Just a few more photos to post. Didn't take too many, this time. Just enough for some good memories...

Alex on Nancy's Mac, at an educational site he really likes with tough puzzles to solve. He really gets into them:

I asked him to smile:

Perhaps that was a 'bit much!'

Nancy and Kaylee - with the dollies.... ;-)

Kaylee had gone up to the playroom, alone, for a while. She was playing! Had laid out the blanket, with picture of a table setting... and places fruits and vegetables at each place setting - cute! ;-)

Grandma helping Kaylee "with her lipstick" - what else? ;-)

Temps stayed in 60s and 70s in the daytime, got cool into the 40s overnight!

They were very nice days in Austin - love to see the kids grow! They'll be in Branson/Hollister for Spring Break in about 10 days! ;-)

Fifth day in Austin - March 1, 2010

2011-03-01T20:30:00.001-06:00

Ben is in San Jose, California. We are here with the kids and Arrion, having a great time, with lots of activities. I've picked up Kaylee from her school each of the last two days. Yesterday, it was the last day for one of the kids, so they had a big cookie with frosting they were eating when I arrived. There was enough for parents picking up, and grandpas and grandmas out in the car, to have a piece, also.

We've taken Kaylee to the grocery store - H.E.B. - twice now. Tonight, while Alex (and Arrion) hosted the Cub Scout troop at the house, Nancy, Kaylee and I went to Chick-fil-A, she played on the indoor playground, and then we went to H.E.B. to pick up a few things. Arrived home just as the scouts were leaving.

Some photos for the week:

Ben got out the marbles game on Saturday, before he left on Sunday.

Alex read for Grandma. He is progressing well. He has about finished 1st grade, and will start 2nd grade level the rest of the semester.

On a trip to Target, Kaylee picked out a microphone that sings itself. She likes it.

A few more photos will be shared tomorrow.

It was another very good day! ;-)

Austin visit in February

2011-02-27T16:47:00.000-06:00

We arrived in Austin on Friday, after spending overnight in the new Holiday Inn Express in Paul's Valley, Oklahoma. Had rain in Missouri along I-44. Left after Diabetes Education class.

Ben left for the week at meetings in California early this morning. Arrion has Alex at Cub Scout day at the U of Texas women's basketball game, this afternoon, versus Texas A & M. Temperature in the 70s.

Kaylee playing dollies and kitchen upstairs as Nancy and I on our computers down here. I go check her, from time to time, but see seems to be playing very nicely and quietly. Can't beat that! Photos later.

Another very nice day! ;-)

Snow all gone... ;-)

2011-02-19T20:47:00.000-06:00

It has been in the 60s for several days and the snow has been all gone, for awhile!

There have been a number of very good days! ;-)

And we're getting more snow today!

2011-02-09T14:39:00.002-06:00

Snow started falling about 5 am and has not stopped yet. Took these two photos, 16 degrees out, so from inside. Honda a clear of snow, yesterday:

Out my back door, deck and trees in back:

It is past 2:30 pm and just keeps coming down...

Good that we can stay inside. NO cars or people outside, at all.

**** 5 p.m. update ******

Stopped snowing a little after 3... all done... got out and brushed and shoveled.... drove down to the mail box. Roads not yet re-plowed.

Happy Day! Supposed to be around zero tonight... in 50s in a couple of days.

;-)

Five more inches, soft and dry

2011-02-05T18:00:00.001-06:00

Well, that quiet little snow just kept coming, and coming... by overnight at 5-6 inches.

Camera balked as I started shoveling, but worked again, later - maybe hooking up the battery did make a difference.

During the day, Friday, we ended up doing another puzzle.

On Saturday, it get up over 40 degrees. Still a lot of snow, but reasonable melting, as well.

It was a very good day! ;-)

It is snowing, again - beautiful, really

2011-02-04T16:01:00.000-06:00

Very gentle snow began coming down, during the morning. Took a couple photos, here is one.

A couple of hours later, the car is totally covered, again. Soft snow, but still snow covered!

Oh, well... it is winter!

We finished the puzzle, already.... never even got to the weekend. We are not compulsive about finishing, are we? ... I suppose we are.

So, we've started another one... I'm giving Nancy some space... my pieces were fitting, hers weren't... good time to leave the room! ;-)

It is another nice, quite day! ;-)

Groundhog Day (2 Feb) 2011

2011-02-02T23:59:00.001-06:00

Well, I hear Phil didn't see his shadow this morning, so I'll be expecting Spring in six more weeks - just in time for the grandkids to come visit, right?! ;-)

Our part of the Great Blizzard in the Ozarks yesterday came up a little short, which is fine with us. We still planned to and did stay entirely inside yesterday and today, and with the temperature falling and our meeting tomorrow postponed, we will likely stay inside then, as well.

Ok, in the middle of the day, I went out in the driveway for a bit, a couple of time, and cleaned part of the sleet accumulation from the one car. I took this photo out front before getting to work.

We had two or three inches of (dry) sleet accumulation (hard as a rock on the driveway!) and then another couple of inches of snow on top, with a little of the snow blown around... but not much. I can take this a couple of times a year without complaining, too much.

Looking out the back... kinda pretty! ;-)

This evening, Nancy started on the Big Game Weekend puzzle - supposedly aren't supposed to say Super Bowl without paying for the rights... so I won't! ;-)

It is another long and narrow one, it appears...

We'll share a photo of the finished product, assuming we get it done.

It was another very nice day! ;-)

End of January 2010

2011-01-30T18:41:00.000-06:00

We had a couple of days in the low 60s on Friday and Saturday. Now, we have predictions of "winter weather" for Tuesday, followed by a streak of really cold weather.

I would personally prefer not to get precipitation that stays around for days and weeks.

Allison's refrigerator/freezer went out a couple of days ago. Repairman to come on Monday. Hope it all works out!

It has been a generally good day! ;-)

Snow arrives on Jan 20th

2011-01-22T18:47:00.000-06:00

We got three or four inches of snow overnight, morning of January 20. Came straight down, on cars and drive and yard. Went out early afternoon and brushed off cars and shoveled all drive in about 25-30 degrees and partly cloudy. Would be nice if this were our 2011 snow. We shall see.

It was a generally nice day and week - average temp is 42. We have had mostly upper 30s.

;-)

Jan 2nd Weekend Puzzle, Snow and Fire

2011-01-10T16:19:00.000-06:00

Second Weekend of January 2011

Puzzle, Snow and Fire

Over the second weekend of January, we put this wide and narrow puzzle together on Mom's new puzzle table. Neat! Finished it late Sunday evening.

Overnight, we got a little snow, but we were lucky to be in between and south belt and the north belt - so far!

About 5 minutes before 7 on Sunday morning, I heard emergency vehicles go by with sirens blasting. Assumed it was out on 165, as usual. Also, a couple of minutes later, a vehicle went right by our front road about 50-60 MPH! Mom heard the same - we didn't mention it to each other until later in the day.

Last evening (Sunday), Mom posted this story on Facebook: http://hometowndailynews.com/local_news.php?id=3946 telling of the fire south of Allison's house.

Here are our photos, today, supplementing those Allison posted a while ago.

A sorry looking sight, for sure. In the first photo, you can see the new deck and steps that had been added, still standing there... leading to nothing, now!

Otherwise, it is still a pretty good day! ;-)

New Years Weekend Activities 2011

2011-01-02T19:28:00.000-06:00

Lots of college bowl and professional football games - Faith Hill doing last performance before the St. Louis game on NBC as I type this... end of NFL regular season. Bring on the unofficial playoffs - since the Cowboys won't be playing this year! Right?! ;-)

Ground Beef Soup was the highlight of a cold weekend to stay in the cabin, this year. Used our version of the recipe Arrion used in Austin...

Worked on a big puzzle, as well. Finally got it finished a bit ago:

One last reminder of the holidays.... the day before we left Austin, Ben and Arrion and kids were taking their 'official Christmas photos' with new clothes, etc. After they were done, I was able to get this photo of the kids, Alex and Kaylee, by the tree. Kaylee had her sucker, and Alex just had one hand, but otherwise, kind of cute - and great memories! ;-)

It was another great day! ;-)

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-01T07:10:00.000-06:00

Writing plans for 2011

As a retired 71+ year old person (professor), making "New Years Resolutions" is really not especially useful.

First, I am retired; I can do pretty much as I wish (if my wife doesn't object) most any time I wish.

Second, family comes first - grandpa, husband, father, brother, uncle, etc.

Third, I have a contract to teach an/my on-line university course in the Spring.

FInally, with the time left, I write.

1. I expect to complete and publish my second novel in the Spring of 2011. I will continue to promote both novels through appropriate activities throughout the year.

2. I will continue to write weekly articles for Examiner.com on both my topic areas: Springfield Genealogy Examiner and Ozark Cultural Heritage Examiner.

3. I will continue to research and begin to write the non-fiction Revolutionary War family history book on Sergeant Major William Kinnick.

4. I will continue to research and write the non-fiction family history book on my great-grandfather Michael Smith.

5. I will continue my primary blogs, with most entries related to the research, writing and promoting I am doing at the time.

Dr. Bill Tells Ancestor Stories
Dr. Bill on Retirement
Dr. Bill's Book Bazaar
The Homeplace Series Blog
The KINNICK Project

6. As mid-year approaches, I will step up the Civil War research and writing for my young adult Civil War novel and "The Beginnings" novel in "The Homeplace" series.

It is another very good day! ;-)

More Christmas Day photos, from Annette's camera

2010-12-26T21:36:00.000-06:00

Here are a few more photos of Christmas Day, in Austin, taken on Annette's camera... I get in a few more of her photos! ;-)

Here is better photo of Alex with his guitar, with his uncle Larry in the background.

Here, I got a t-shirt from Annette and Larry with a Thomas Jefferson theme!

Here is a really nice photo of Kaylee playing with her new doll house, "The Loving Family" model.

Nancy got a nice "Welcome" sign with bears on it from Annette and Larry; she had picked it out in Estes Park, Colo, last fall, I believe. Very nice! ;-)

I joined Ben and Alex for the first "adult" game of Monopoly for Alex. It was fun! ;-)

Here Arrion is reading some new books with Kaylee, by the tree.

Here, Nancy has Alex practice reading to her. That is part of his 'assignment' for the holiday break

It was another very good day! ;-)