Christmas 2009

Christmas, 2009 is over, all the kids made it home for our family Christmas on Dec. 27th.
What a wonderful day we had, it is always such a joy to have the family home. I am so thankful that the weather turned out pretty good for everyone to travel.
We got wonderful news that day, Jolyn and John are expecting a baby Aug. 1st. We are really thrilled to have our 10th grandchild on it's way.
Here is hoping everyone has a wonderful New Year!!!! Let's pray that everyone will be safe, healthy and happy. Happy New Year to all!!!!

Is this Indian summer?

I can't believe how nice is it, but we sure are not complaining. Seems more like October than November. They have started combining corn now and got the beans out last night.
Glad to see the farmers working in the fields again. Sure feel for them.
Dad started chopping stalks for MBS, think he kind of likes doing that in the fall.
Dad also got a new shop door put on and a new walk-in garage door put on. They were in pretty bad shape, so should make a difference with the weather.
Can't believe how those Hawkeyes are doing, going to the game again Sat., hope they keep up the exciting plays.
Still haven' t found the wall hangings I want for the kitchen. Will keep looking.
Hope everyone has a good week.

Short fall season?

I sure hope this doesn't mean we are having a short fall season. I always enjoy the fall weather, but this fall is seems so much more cold than it has been for a while.
We have everything put away for the winter already. Even put the outdoor furniture and garden things away yesterday, usually don't put them away till the first of Nov. But the weather sure hasn't been very fall like. So might as well get things done now. Hope we have a little more nice weather before the snow starts falling.
Today a couple grandsons are staying, Jacob and Austin. Nice to have them here.
Still looking for my wall hangings for the kitchen, will blog them when I find them.
Stay warm and pray for some nicer weather so the crops can be harvested.

Short fall season?

New look in the Kitchen

While Dad was in Minnesota fishing last week, I took on the project of painting the kitchen.
Decided to get bold and go with a green color, these walls are called relaxation green, will look better when the curtains, rugs and seat cushions come

The west wall is called golf course green. Took me a while to get use to that wall, but after I painted the other walls the other green, really like it now.

Fall is here!!!

I have to say, Fall is here!! The trees are turning and the leaves are falling. I just love this time of the year, and more so this year, as I can enjoy the days at home watching the changing trees.
Jay is fishing in Northern Minnesota this week with Brent, Rob, and Paul, also Gene, Fred and Wally. Hope they catch some good fish.
I find it is quite quiet around the house with Jay gone, I am glad he went though, he does enjoy the time with the guys. I have gone to lunch with my friend, Ellie. Have many projects that I want to get done, rather I do or not, that is the question!!!!
Hope everyone enjoys this beautiful weather we have had and the changing colors this fall.
Happy Fall to everyone.!!!

Mom's Choice

We looked a long time and this was Mom's Choice. I think she has incredible taste!!

We found these beauties in our favorite pond.

Reflecting

This is one of the pictures taken in Canada along the Kasier Hiway. It was a perfect place to reflect and do nothing but slow down and recognize the vast beauty of God's Creations both up close and at a distance. Thanks to J. R.'s post. I took the time to slow down!! and view a few pictures and Reflect!!!

Enjoying retirement!!

We have been home from our trip to Alaska a couple weeks now, there has been a lot of activity going on, we went to Kansas City and babysit with Jackie, she is such a little sweety, enjoyed bonding with her and seeing Jolyn and John. Then we came home and the kids started coming to the farm, we always enjoy their visits, Jana @ Paul and kids came for several days, Brents came one evening when Jana's were here. Paula @ Rob and kids came for a couple days, we got sweet corn done during this week also. Austin came to stay at the farm, then Bryan @ Angie came for lunch on Sunday, so we actually got to eat with all the kids sometime during a week's time period. That was so nice.
Now everyone will be starting back to school soon, and then the school activities will start.
Not having to go to work this fall is really great. I enjoy retirement so much. We hope to take in some activities of the grandchildren. Of course, there is always work that can be done, but that will always be there,doing our fun things will come first!!!!

Enjoying retirement!!

Home Sweet Home (The Last Leg)

This guy knows how to fish. What diversity 7 days of travel can bring. This picture was take in Hyder Alaska from a viewing platform. The bears were content to go about their business of making a living the natural way.

This is the first Mt. Scene at the entrance to Canadas' Jasper National Park. It is the highest point in the Canadian Rockies.

When we left the park we traveled through Calgary south to the Montana border. Agriculture was present all the way home. A few Oil Fields were present in Montana and western North Dakota. Lots of Canola, Wheat and Livestock. The river valleys have recieved ample rain this year where Hay and Pastures are so important to there economy.

And this is the scene from south of the machine shed at home. The corn was barely thigh hi when we left on the 25th of June. I am hear to tell you the good ole Iowa landscape looks pretty plush compared to a lot of the country where water is so scarce.

Thanks for following our blog. We enjoyed every moment, met a lot of folks along the way, it was a great trip and we are happy to be home.

A special thanks again to B&C; M,M&C and S&K, You guys made our vacation of a lifetime very special.

Heading Home

The first sighting by Grama. Zoom in and you will see!!

Almost to Tok, we still realize the beauty in Alaska never ends

I can tell when Grama misses the kids

We got caught up in traffic just south of Palmer. 30 min. to go 2 miles.

Decided to stay at Fox Run Camp ground and continue on the next morning.

We then continued on to Tok Where we stayed at Tok Village RV Park.

Tonight we find ourselves in the Capital of the Yukon, Whitehorse.

Tommorrow who knows but we are not going to rush and get thrown off the roads because of frost heaves. Some of the Alaskan Hi-Way between Destruction Bay and Tok had Frost Heaves at least two foot deep. What a roller coaster ride.

And we have no cell coverage for the time being. We should be back into service in a couple of days.

Fun at the Property

All good things have to come to a close as time just runs out. We had a wonderful time with Steve and Kathy. Creating memories to never be forgotten.

Cousins relaxing at the property.Kathy and I had a chance to visit and enjoy one another.

The camper at the property. The best most relaxing Campsite of all. Thank you Steve and Kathy for our campsite. We had a great time with you both. And the Steaks were done to perfection.

This is Jay hooked up with a Wild Sockeye Salmon at the Kenai River in Soldotna, AK. They range in size from 8 to 12 lbs. It takes 5000 casts per fish!!!!!! Just 4 for Steve!!!!

These are Halibut, Silvers, Rock Fish, Grey Cod and even a Kelp Greenlee. All from the depths of the Pacific Ocean. We had a great day on the Charter. Leaving camp at 3:00 AM and returning at 9:45 PM.

Sharon and I even got in on the processing. Note how she supervises me. Just watches me like a Hawk. (Jay did get pretty good with the processor, though!)

What a workout !!!!!

This is the results of a one day Halibut Fish

Lucky lefty hookin up the big one

Aview from Cook Inlet back toward shore.

Yes thats right ole lefty showed me up pretty good.
What an experience we had. We are glad we went for it.$$

Oh well just the kids inheritance

Kathy's to Whittier to Homer

After we left Kathy's,we drove down Turnagain Arm, went through the longest mountain tunnel in North America, it is 2.5 miles long, it is also shared by the Alaskan Railroad. It takes you to Whittier,this picture is on the docks at Whittier.

Typical scene along the Seward Highway.

We are camped at Stoney Creek Campground, this is taken at 11:00 p.m. at night, stays light out a long time, we finally just close our eyes to make it dark.

This is Exit Glacier. Is this the viewing area ? No ! Is this the toe ? N0! Is this the Edge? Yes! That is all the further we could climb, 1.2 miles up a mountain path. The continuation of this trail goes another 7.5 mi. to the surface of the ice.

We had lunch at this seaside resturant in Seward, ate Halibut, very good.

Camp-sight scene across Cook Inlet in Homer.

We are having a great time, we are going on a Halibut fishing charter tomorrow and will not have access to internet for a couple days.

At Steve and Kathy's (Eagle River)

We made it to Kathy and Steve's.Here are some flowers the girls planted for Kathy, they sure do
look nice.

This is Kathy and Steve's house,Steve painted it since we were here last, also has new windows, really looks sharp. We left Kathy's in the morning, headed to Whittier, spent a few hours there.

Then we headed toward Seward, found a nice campground about 6 miles from Seward. A real nice place. Heading to Seward and maybe Homer tomorrow.

The Inside Passage to Eagle River

The Manatusca Showing up 3.5 hrs late

Do we look like tourists or what?

This sunset lasted for 2 hours

This is the sunrise the next morning

We arrived in Tok and stayed at the RV park

This is scenery on the Glen Hi-Way

And now for the next chapter. Who knows we are still just putting one foot ahead of the other With no special plans. We are surely going to enjoy Steve and Kathy.

From Prince George to Prince Rupert Day 12

As we drove along Queens Hi-Way 16 following the Sheena River the Scenery was breath taking. Agriculture plays an important role in the economy with mostly dairy and beef operations in the lush valleys. Lumber and paper mills are predominant in the forested areas with sustinent fishing present on the reservations. The closer we got to Prince Rupert we witnessed more sport fishing .
We are so looking forward to boarding the ferry and traveling up the inside passage To Haines AK.
That starts at 5:30 PM.Day 13

From Seattle Washington to Quesnel B.C.

We saw Cruise Ships in the Harbor in Seattle.

Walked to the farmers market where as you can see
this is a very popular place. We sampled the Russian Pasteries. YUM YUM!!

A short drive and we were at the Space Needle. Amazing Tour By Marks' Tours From Renton

On our way to Dragon lake and Roberts' Roost The drive through the Fraser River Valley was a close rival to the Grand Canyon?? That will be another trip.

Hear we are parked along the shores of Dragon Lake with all the emenities. As you can see even Wi-Fi. PS Fishermen I saw the pictures of the 12-15 lb salmon and trout they catch out of the lake. Impressive!!

Heading North Day 10

Hear we go , On the road again. Rested and heading north to Prince Rupert. Thanks to Mark and Michelle for there hospitality,healthy food,and a great time sightseeing. We especially were greatfull to get to know Conner. What a nice little boy being, raised by loving parents.
Well we have many adventures ahead and we are not sure when we will be connected again. So it could be a few days before we find Wi-Fi.

At Michelle and Marks in Renton

Here is a picture of Mark, Michelle and Connor in front of their house. We are having a real nice time with them. This has been real relaxing for us. Happy Fourth of July to everyone!!

Connor loves to play outside with his truck in the sand.

Connor riding his bike, he is an outdoors boy alright!

Good morning everyone!!!
We ended up at Motel 8 last night after trying several campgrounds and everything was full or they weren't very good campsites. So here we are in Kelso, Washington. We are heading to Mark& Michelle's this morning, should get to their place shortly after lunch. We talked to Mark yesterday. Our travels have taken us from I-80 across the desert into Calif. then we got on Hwy
20, traveled that till we got to Hwy 101, which is the coastal drive,then got on Hwy 30, took that to I-5, which is what we will take to Mark's. In Legget, Calif. it was 95' and about an hour later up the coast it was only 65', what a difference, and so nice. It actually got down to 50' someplaces. We can't believe how many different terrains we have seen. This is quite a USA. We will be staying at Mark's till Sunday morning, then we will head north to Prince Rupert and get on our ferry. Will keep you up to date, we sometimes have trouble finding WiFi, but we keep looking. Everyone have a great 4th of July and stay safe. Love you all. Mom & Dad

The state parks in Oregon are the best

Sharon and Jay enjoying the Red Woods

The drive along the coast of California and Oregon was a great experience. If you go there allow time to enjoy. It takes all of two days.

This clip tells it all. I'll Clean the lens later HA!

Day 6 From Sand to Forest

After driving through the desert with 102 temps, this is the camp site we choose at Sparks-Reno,Nevada.

We left Reno and crossed over the Sierra mountains and forest. This is the route of the famous Donner Expedition

After leaving the Sierrra Mountains we descended into the Sacramento Valley. We saw Wheat Fields, Apricot and Pecan Orchards, Vineyards, Fruits and Vegetables grown in this rich valley.

Here we bought some fresh apricots to eat along the way.
Also there were many beautiful Palm trees.

We left the valley and ascended into the Oak Forests and Grasslands

We stopped at Clear Lake for lunch. This thing is over tweny miles
long.

Ended up for the night camping in the Redwood Forest area along the coast near Eureka California.





If you can get this video to work it is what we saw during our 500+ mile stretch over the desert. Not bad for an accidental shooting by Sharon.