Celebration of Life

Wilderness Challenge

2012-01-03T18:48:00.002-07:00

This is the new "Wilderness Challenge" that I am going to paint in January. I will keep you posted as to my progress...wish me luck!

It's been six years....

2011-10-16T17:28:00.002-06:00

In the past six years since Leo's death (suicide) my life has changed but in many ways it has stayed the same. I am still single, still live close to my daughter and three beautiful and smart granddaughters and I have a great job which I enjoy very much.

The biggest changes have been internally. I no longer seek approval from others and find my self-worth from within, knowing that I am living up to my potential by self examination and integrity.

I may never know why Leo killed himself but I do know that suicide is an awful way to solve problems and it only hurts those who are left behind.

Now that I have been down my life path six more years, I keep looking to the future not backwards in despair; I just keep on Celebrating Life!

All is well,

Reflections

2011-10-07T06:33:00.002-06:00

It has been quite some time since I blogged. I have been reading past posts and comments and realized how much I missed this medium for expression of my thoughts and reflections.

I have traveled many miles on life's road since I started blogging. I have endured pain, heartbreak and sorrow but more importantly I have flourished with blessings and love. People have come and gone from my life in the past 6 years but I have also made many friends who have stayed with me but most of all I still have my loving family.

This morning we had snow on the ground and the wind is howling.... as much as I despise the cold and am not looking forward to winter I know there are good days to come with many blessings to come. Despite the winter weather there are warm memories and a grateful heart that keep me optimistic.

I hope you all are having a marvelous fall!

Love,

Before the shed...

2011-05-22T13:02:00.002-06:00

Here is my latest painting (it only took me six months)!

November 24th...

2010-11-24T06:12:00.005-07:00

20 years ago, Beckie was 34 years old, young and vibrant with high expectations of graduating in the spring with a nursing degree. Beckie was a mother of four boys, worked full-time and went to nursing school driving 43 miles one way. Beckie never complained about having to hang the laundry on the clothes line to dry even in the winter, having to haul their drinking water from town or the long hours she had to spend just to keep food on the table.

Sadly, Beckie never realized her dreams and was brutally gunned down by her 15 year old step-son; he turned and slaughtered the other three boys and set the house on fire to cover his crimes.

Even after 20 years, my loss of my sister does not diminish and it probably never will. I am not writing this blog for sympathy or to cause hurt to others but to reflect the things that Beckie's life has taught me. The first is, never give up, do your very best and look for the blessing behind every bad time. Second, always look for the best in people, don't judge them and never gossip or talk bad about others. The most important thing I have learned from Beckie's life is to celebrate your life, live each day as if were your last with no regrets and to always leave others with a smile.

Still smiling,
Jo

P.S. To read the full story, my sister Ellie has it posted on her blog:
http://mscreek.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html#5050652361808253203

Wilderness Challenge #3

2010-11-23T23:37:00.002-07:00

I have had a little problems with the antlers but I think I have them almost complete. I still have a little work on the legs and still have to figure out what I am going to do with the foreground. So far, I am pleased with the results...what do you think?

November Wilderness Challenge.. Progression 1 & 2

2010-11-20T19:11:00.006-07:00

Today is one of those days that I did not feel like doing much of anything so I drug out my easel and started painting. Gary Keimig of Dubois posts an art challenge every month and since this month is one of my favorite wildlife animals, I decided to take him up on it.

The challenge

The background...

The mid-ground

More to come....

Have a great weekend everyone!

Jolene

It's been awhile....

2010-09-17T05:50:00.002-06:00

It has been awhile since I have posted my thoughts and happenings on my blog post; writing has been at the bottom of my "to do" list.

I had a busy summer. Sadly to say, one of the highlights was to grow one tomato plant that my friends Tom and Darlene gave me, on my patio in a big pot. So far, it has yielded to ripe tomatoes and I have about a dozen green ones left. Between the wind and the freezing temperatures at night, it is looking pretty shabby but I drug it into the house and hopefully the tomatoes will turn red soon.

Laura and her family moved back to Rock Springs this summer. It has been fun having the girls close enough to visit very often once again. Kaylee is in the third grade and Lizzy is in kindergarten again because her birthday is 13 days after the cutoff day for age. That's a bummer for her but she seems to be adjusting again. Kaylee is smart beyond her age and reads everything she can get her hands on. Brooklyn is two and is talking very well; she is mimicking her older sisters and is very strong willed. :o)

September is a hard month for me as it is the anniversary dates of my parent's passing and the month I go to the Parole Hearing to keep Beckie and her boys' killer in prison. This year, Laura is going to take the journey with me on September 28th. In Wyoming, an average life sentence is 15 years, Beckie's murderer will be in prison 20 years so I feel it is essential to urge the Parole Board not to commute his life sentence to a number of years. While he is serving his life sentence and it has not been commuted, he will not be released. It is possible that some parole board or governor could commute his life sentence at some point because he has spent more than double his age in prison. I have heard through sources that he continues to be a "naughty" prisoner so the chances of him being commuted at this time is slim, it still could happen.

In October, it will be five years since my husband Leo killed himself. I still miss him so much; I wish he could have known the pain he would cause by his suicide. The pain does not stop with me but it is also upon my children and family members who also loved him very much.

This seems like a sad blog today but my spirit is healed and I continue to celebrate life because after all, life does go on and we have to make the best of it. Sorrow helps me to appreciate the good things of life; celebrating good times and showing appreciation to those who touch my life is my goal.

Jo

CCR Family Reunion...2010

2010-07-31T19:41:00.003-06:00

About 98 family members were present at our Creek, Chapman, Redman Reunion. Uncle Bill bought the fried chicken for all of us and everyone else brought tons of food to accompany it.
The day was filled with visiting, singing, reminiscing and laughing.

Uncle Bill, in his yellow shirt, was the King for the day and the "favorite" of all family members.
He definitely traveled the furthest to attend (from Yemen) but we also had relatives from as far away as Alaska, Texas and Florida. Some were talking about having a reunion every five years but I think we should have them more often!

It was good to see everyone and even the trip home was hot and long, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Love,
Jo

Wilderness Challenge: Bison Progression...#1, #2 and finished!

2010-05-29T11:34:00.006-06:00

This Bison was the art challenge subject.

I decided to make it a more interesting painting of this majestic creature.

In this photo, I have the background and bison blocked in.

In this photo, I have the background pretty much completed, the mid ground blocked in and am working on the foreground and will finish the bison last.

FINISHED AT LAST!

I decided to name this painting:

"A King Surveying His Kingdom"

Happy Birthday, Annastacia Jolene!

2010-05-20T08:19:00.002-06:00

You are truly a beautiful woman, in every way!

Love,

Aunt Jolene

AKA: Aunt Bo Bo

Happy Birthday, Beckie!

2010-05-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

I still miss you!

I miss my Mother...

2010-05-09T08:42:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure when this picture was taken but I think it was after Dad died. Even though Dad's death devestated her, Mother was strong and trusted God to get her through her period of mourning. I remember that when she went to bed, she would put on a stack of records which were all hymns and fell asleep with the words saturating her heart and soul. Mother had a lifetime of sorrows but they never stopped her from being upbeat; she lived her faith.

I have so many good memories of Mother; she taught me how to bake bread from scratch, she would tell me stories of her childhood and she taught me how to knit...crochet one, pearl two.
Mother taught me to be strong in the worst of times and how to laugh at the silliest of things. Mother taught me unconditional love.

Now that I am a grandmother, I want to pass on to the next generations, my mother's legacy. Motherhood and Grandmahood is more than changing diapers, fixing meals and cleaning. Motherhood is mentoring, teaching and living your Faith.

Thank you Mother for being such a wonderful role model.

Your loving daughter,

New Wilderness Art Challenge

2010-05-07T06:29:00.003-06:00

This is a photo of a buffalo in Hot Springs County. Gary K. from Dubois has an art challenge on his blog and I decided to continue the fun! I hope I can do the old boy justice. :o)

Have a great weekend everyone!
Jo

Back lit moose....

2010-04-24T10:34:00.004-06:00

This was a painting challenge from Gary Keimig.

I had fun with this challenge.

I hope you can see the resemblance! :o)

Brooklyn...

2010-04-11T07:34:00.003-06:00

Two years ago, our little Brooklyn was born.

She is growing so fast and wants to be just like her bigger sisters.

Happy Birthday, Brooklyn.

Love,

Grandma Jo Jo

Finished at last! Boar's Tusk after a storm.

2010-03-27T13:45:00.003-06:00

Finally, Boar's Tusk is finished. See the lightning?
Oh, it was so fast you missed it! :o)
I have struggled with the lightning and decided I wasn't experienced enough so I painted over it ... again...and decided to call it good.

I would like to thank Gary K from Dubois for all of his inspiration, suggestions and encouragement; I admire his work very much.

I have another painting stared, well the sky anyway, and was going to paint lupines but I think I will use that sky and paint Sand Butte that overlooks the town of Green River. Every morning and every night on my way to and from work, I look at it and imagine what colors I would use in a painting. Now that I have it imprinted in my memory, I am going to attempt to catch in on canvas.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

Jo

Progression...Boar's Tusk...#5

2010-03-20T12:35:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I finally got the foreground and the road to where it did not bother me. Next and final step is the lightning. Any suggestions or words of wisdom Gary K?

Jo

Progression...Boar's Tusk...#4

2010-03-13T16:52:00.003-07:00

Boar's Tusk became Grrrr's tusk as I made a big boo boo today. I was getting ready to paint and I was squeezing the paint in the tube towards the top as One does with the toothpaste tube. As I squeezed the tube, plop went the lid and splat went the big blob of paint onto the painting. I dashed to get a wet rag but the paint ran down the painting from the middle all of the way down to the bottom. I spent most of the day repainting the blob smear areas. I still have quite a bit of work to do on the foreground but at least you can see the road and some of the sagebrush.

Hope you all are having a productive weekend!

Jo

Progression...Boar's Tusk...#3

2010-03-08T20:47:00.002-07:00

The lighting isn't quite right for the picture but you can see where I have blocked in the road and started sagebrush patches. I used red for the dirt becuase they do not call it the Red Desert for nothing! :o) Thanks Gary K. for your suggestions on the colors. I also worked on the clouds and rainstorm a bit more. I can not wait until I paint in the lightning; I am saving that for very last. It will be like putting the cherry on top of the sundae! :o)

Jo

Progression...Boar's Tusk...#2

2010-03-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

I put some detail on the Tusk and played with the landscape a little bit. I think I might put some antelope in the foreground or maybe some wild horses or maybe just some sagebrush. I guess I will clean my paintbrushes and call it good for awhile.

Jo

Progression...Boar's Tusk

2010-03-06T15:51:00.003-07:00

Today, I blocked in Boar's Tusk and worked on the background and clouds a little more.

I'm still trying to decide what to do with the foreground; any suggestions?

Progression...one foot ahead of the other....

2010-03-04T07:31:00.002-07:00

....or one stroke after another! I started painting again. I had in my mind's eye to paint a lightning storm. I did not want it to be just a sky painting so I decided to paint Boar's Tusk, a landmark here in Sweetwater County. I intend to post a progression of my work. I am no expert and I may be doing it all wrong but since I have had no formal training, I hope you will keep that in consideration as you follow my progress.

This is where I blocked in the sky and landscape. I decided it was not dark enough for contrast when I paint in the lightning bolts.

So I darkened it. The next step will be blocking in Boar's Tusk.

Jo

These things I know....

2010-02-24T06:26:00.003-07:00

1) The Earth is round.
2) No matter how dark the night, the sun always comes up.
3) Spring follows winter.
4) The love of family and friends is what makes my world go around.
5) Always be thankful, even in the bad times...look for a silver lining.
6) Celebrate life.

Winter in Wyoming

2010-02-19T05:48:00.001-07:00

It's been dreary and bleak but it is what it is!

How true it was, today.

2010-02-14T22:03:00.001-07:00

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A strong partnership is necessary but you may become the lesser associate. You start out with high hopes but disappointing realities can set in over time. Your choices don't develop as expected.

In order to understand why your love life is the way it is, you have to understand what happened before. It's time to look at old patterns and long-standing habits that are holding you back from what you need.

I didn't read my horoscope until the end of the day today; I wish I had read it before!

The older I get, the more I appreciate my mother...

2010-02-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

Even when Mother was bedridden and in a lot of pain, she had a smile, an encouraging word and a great attitude.

Mother always had fun and a great laugh; she appeciated the lighter side of life.

Mother was beautiful on so many levels.

Mother loved her kids and and grand kids and great grand kids.

I miss you so much.

Super Bowl Sunday...

2010-02-07T17:59:00.002-07:00

I am probably one of the very few people in America that does not have a favorite football team (or any other sports team) and has no stake in Super Bowl Sunday.

This is a close as I come to liking a 'super bowl'. :o)

I am hoping YOUR team wins!
Jo

My children...

2010-01-31T21:12:00.003-07:00

This picture was taken a couple of years ago but no matter how old my children get or how much older I get, my pride never dissipates; it only grows. My children have always made me proud and they certainly have a lot to be proud of. I love you two, so very much.

Love,
Mom

The Lupines of my life...

2010-01-20T06:52:00.004-07:00

Lupines have a very special place in my heart and in my childhood memories. Lupines grew

wild every spring in the Big Horn Mountains, growing up. They were one of the first signs that winter was over and summer was on its way. Over the years, I would watch for the Lupines in the Spring. I am looking forward to their bursts of color this spring.

I have been thinking.....

2010-01-17T17:41:00.003-07:00

maybe I should abandon my blogs and just spend my extra time on facebook.

Family

2010-01-08T01:55:00.004-07:00

To me, family is more than a blood relation; it is a kinship between members. I have blood relation I have never met. Are they family? Yes, of course but I have no kinship with them. I have close blood relation that I wish I never met. Are they family? No, because we have no kinship or friendship. I have close friends that are more like family (close in kinship) than some of my own blood relatives. We can choose our friends but we can't choose our family. However, we can choose what kind of relationships to have with our family.

Jo

Reflection

2010-01-01T09:11:00.002-07:00

Today is a new day, a new year, a new decade in the span of my life.
As I ponder my accomplishments, my unfinished projects, the decisions I have made, I can not help but wonder about the "if only I had" s or the "if I had only said"s. Then again, I have many kudos and blessings in my life that bring me joy.

As I reflect on my life I can see I still have so much to accomplish. Now it is time to stop reflecting and get to work on the new year's goals.

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

2009-12-31T22:33:00.003-07:00

For the second year in a row, we went out to the fairgrounds and participated in the Young at Heart Seniors Benefit and dance with Gary's family. We had an excellent roast beef dinner and then we danced. Unfortunately, we had to cut our time short because Gary has to work tomorrow but we were able to dance to our song "Keeper of the Stars" before we left.

Gary and me.
Glenn and Shirley

Anita and Dan.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone.

Another trip around the sun....

2009-12-27T21:48:00.002-07:00

Tick-tock, the clock is ticking....
We are just days before we begin a new year.
What have I accomplished, what do I have left to do?
Have I left words unsaid; have I told my loved ones that I love them enough?
Do I have pain in my footprints behind me or did I leave happiness and joy?

Only another trip around the sun, will tell.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Love,
Jo

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

2009-12-17T21:14:00.003-07:00

You were our Christmas baby in 1963...always very special in your own unique way.
You are talented, resourceful, intelligent and very beautiful...inside and out.

I'm very proud to call you my sister!

Have a very happy Birthday!

Love,

Jolene

Retired but not out of service....

2009-12-12T16:52:00.002-07:00

I painted this from a a photo that Dick E. took; he gave me permission to paint it. Thanks Dick!

I am giving this to Glenn, Gary's father for Christmas. Glenn is 85, retired and still enjoying life.

The blue strip at the top of the painting is actually the shadow from the frame. :o)

Now I only have 7 more projects to finish in the next 11 days!

Jo

I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel...

2009-12-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

Preparations continue....

2009-12-10T06:34:00.001-07:00

The presents are wrapped and under the tree....

The out of town presents are shipped...

If all goes well, I need another month of preparation to get everything done!

Tis the Season to be jolly...ha ha ha ha ha....

2009-12-06T21:18:00.001-07:00

Tis the Season...

2009-11-29T20:39:00.004-07:00

The Christmas tree is up and decorated and Chuck is ready to go shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T06:44:00.002-07:00

Dear family and friends,

May this day bring you much love, laughter and joy!

To me, being thankful means to look beyond the pain that just living brings and being thankful for not only what I have but for the anticipation of more blessings; celebrate life and make the most of it.

Blessings to all of you!

Word of the day: nephelococcygia

2009-11-18T19:12:00.002-07:00

According to Wikipedia:

It is the act of seeking and finding shapes in clouds.

One of my favorite hobbies!

Sewing, sewing, sewing... I am a so and so!

2009-11-18T17:04:00.003-07:00

I have been busy sewing so please excuse my absence for awhile longer!

I hope you are having a good week!

Bryan...Happy Birthday!

2009-11-15T01:00:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday, Son!

I named you Bryan because it means "Strong One" and you have lived up to your name.

The first time I held you in my arms and looked into your eyes, I knew you had great potential. You have proven to be very intelligent and a caring, sensitive man. I am so very proud of you!

Even though your sister and you tease each other, I know your love and respect for each other goes to the deepest of bonds.

You have always been there for me when I needed you the most; I appreciate your unconditional love and support.

Happy Birthday, Son!
I love you very much!

And so does Chuck!

Love,
Mom

Happy Birthday, Laura!

2009-11-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Although I have known you since before you were born,

Somehow, you still continue to amaze me.

I have watched you go through change after change,

And I have seen you navigate through some pretty rough times

with your heart as your compass and your strong, resilient spirit

to carry you through.

Simply put, I could not be prouder of you.

You have grown from an adorable girl

into a most remarkable woman.

A woman I admire, love and respect more every day.

When I held you as a baby,

I knew you were special.

When I see you as a woman,

I realize just how special.

More so than I ever could have imagined.

Happy Birthday, my daughter!

I love you very, very much!

Love,

Mom

Veterans' Day Week...

2009-11-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I first saw a print of this painting my first trip to Washington D.C. There was something about it that grabbed my heartstrings and I could not stop thinking about it. It was not practical for me to purchase it and try to transport it home at that time. When I got home, I went on-line and found it and purchased it; I still have it hanging in a prominent place of honor in my livingroom.

I did not have any brothers but I had uncles and cousins who served in different wars and thankfully, they all came home safely. My father was Marine stationed in the Johnson Islands at the end of World War II but at that time, the war was virtually over and he did not have to engage in any fighting. I don't know why I have an attachment to this picture, but I do.

I would like this week to be a week of reflection to honor all of those who have served and especially for those who gave their ALL so that we are able to live in the best country in the world.

Thank you soldiers!

Finally Friday!

2009-11-06T06:54:00.002-07:00

Have a great and marvelous weekend!

Daylight Savings time.....

2009-11-02T06:26:00.002-07:00

Yes, I set my clocks back, all six of them but my body still woke up to the old time. :o)
So, here I am at 6:30 a.m. ready for work and it is too early to go in!

This weekend's project was to assemble my new sleep number bed. Since my car accident, I have had difficulty sleeping on a traditional mattress because of my hips and legs. I saved and saved then I shopped around for the best price. I finally found a refurbished bed in my price range. The only draw back was that it is a king not a queen size so I was unable to use my headboard. I sat up the queen bed in my spare bedroom which was my grand daughters' play room so I had to move their things to my office which is now a playroom.

The new king fits in my room okay but in my haste, I did not order a frame so the bed is way too low so now I need to go purchase a king frame. Eventually, I will purchase a new headboard but for now, I will go without. The new bed came with a bonus package of sheets and pillowcases but I had to go get a new comforter and curtains to match the comforter. (A girl has got to match!) lol :o)

I must report that sleeping on the air bed is heavenly and for the first time in years, I woke up without any pain or stiffness.

You can be what you want to be....

2009-10-30T06:44:00.002-06:00

Some people do not participate in the Halloween custom. For me it is a fun time for the kids (and adults) to dress up and be someone or something else.

At times, we all pretend to be something or someone else; put on a mask and hide our true feelings. Motives for doing this vary from each circumstance and I suppose it does not matter why as long as we are true to ourselves. Getting honest with ourselves, figuring out who we are and what we want to do with our lives is the big challenge in life.

No one sets a goal in their life to be poor or homeless, without transportation or to get cancer or another disease where they have to depend totally on someone else. No one chooses pain over happiness yet so many people are in that place.

I have found that happiness is not a costume or a mask but a product of making choices; it is an end product of what we do and how we live.

Another poem memory of Mother...

2009-10-28T21:04:00.004-06:00

The Swing

Robert Louis Stevenson

How do you like to go up in a swing,

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing

Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,

Till I can see so wide,

River and trees and cattle and all

Over the countryside -

Till I look down on the garden green,

Down on the roof so brown -

Up in the air I go flying again,

Up in the air and down!

Come little leaves....

2009-10-24T07:21:00.003-06:00

THE WIND AND THE LEAVES

by George Cooper

“Come, little leaves,” said the wind one day,

“Come o’er the meadows with me, and play.

Put on your dresses of red and gold;

Summer is gone, and the days grow cold.”

Soon as the leaves heard the wind’s low call,

Down they came fluttering, one and all;

Over the brown fields they danced and flew,

Singing the soft little songs they knew.

“Cricket, good-by, we’ve been friends so long!

Pretty brook, sing us your farewell song;

Say you are sorry to see us go.

Oh! you will miss us, right well we know.

“Dear little lambs, in your fleecy fold,

Mother will keep you from harm and cold;

Fondly we’ve watched you in vale and glade.

Say, will you dream of our loving shade?”

Dancing and whirling, the little leaves went:

Winter had called them, and they were content.

Soon fast asleep in their earthly beds,

The snow laid a coverlet over their heads.

Wellness Day...

2009-10-21T07:41:00.003-06:00

I am taking today off to take care of my annual wellness day. Ocotober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage everyone reading this to take the time to have your wellness check-up.

I will always miss your smile...

2009-10-17T18:43:00.000-06:00

OKTOBERFEST

2009-10-16T07:32:00.002-06:00

Traditionally, Oktoberfest is a 16-day festival held each year in Munich, Germany, running from late September to early October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year, and is an important part of Bavarian culture. Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations, modeled after the Munich event.

I am not sure how close the Oktoberfest in Rock Springs is modeled after the Munich event but you can be sure there will be music and beer.

This weekend will be the second year that I will attend. I like the music and being able to visit with people I know. Last year, Gary tried to teach me to polka but I have two left feet and stomped all over him. :o) It was a treat to see Gary and his sister Anita polka together. Gary's parents are always there too! I will let you know how it goes!

What are you going to do this weekend?

Fall is in the air...

2009-10-12T11:38:00.003-06:00

It is hard to believe that summer is over and fall is in the air! I am looking forward to Indian Summer, the warm days before yet another harsh Wyoming winter. We have already had some snow, closed roads and lots of complaining. I am trying to find a reason to celebrate winter... have any suggestions?

Jo

Silent Witness

2009-10-07T07:23:00.005-06:00

This photo was taken several years ago in Glenrock. The two figures above represent my sister Beckie and her three boys who were murdered in 1990 in domestic violence. The other figures are other women, children and men who have been murdered in Wyoming in domestic violence.

Today, I travel to Rawlins to participate in the Silent Witness Initiative. In the last 9 years, I have only missed a few of them. Next year 2010 marks ten years since this Initiative was implemented; the theme was "Zero by 2010." Zero deaths due to domestic violence is an awareness campaign started Nationally in 1999. Ellie and I walked Beckie's silhouette in the rain and wind from the Washington Memorial to the Capitol in Washington D.C. Today, I will walk with Beckie again.

What can we as a society do to stop the violence and deaths?

Positive Points to Ponder and Practice...

2009-10-01T07:34:00.003-06:00

Sister Ellie, had such a good blog post today, I thought I would continue her thoughts:

1. Look for the good in everyone; no one is ALL bad.

2. Laugh out loud, often; it is music for your soul and good for your health and stress release.

3. People make mistakes, forgive them and forgive yourself when you make mistakes.

4. Celebrate the sweetness of life.

5. When life hands you something bad, shake its hand and give life back your very best!

6. Dance and sing as if no one is watching.

7. Celebrate life.

Elizabeth turns 5!

2009-09-27T18:56:00.007-06:00

Elizabeth turns 5 this week so we had her birthday party, Saturday. There was a lot of people and out of town guests. Lizzy was excited.

Cousin Makayla and Lizzy.

Melissa of M&M family modeling her new purse. (we traded)

Opening presents.

Daddy helping Lizzy.

Excitement reigns!

Monte & Melissa of M&M family.

Lizzy's fairy cake. (Tinkerbell is on top.)

Eating cake.

Lolly eating cake.

Grandma Brenda and Neen, eating cake.

Brooklyn eating cake.

A fun time was had by all!

What did you do this weekend?

Tweety Bird turns 60!

2009-09-23T06:44:00.001-06:00

"I TAWT I TAW A PU..........A PUT.......OH I DON'T KNOW WAT DA HECK I TAW!!"

Day 6... Victoria B.C.

2009-09-19T07:17:00.010-06:00

Harbor view of Victoria, B.C. from the ship:

We decided to take a walking tour of Victoria; it lasted about 2 hours.
This is our tour guide, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was born and raised in Victoria and is a college student. I remember her name because she had big blue eyes just like my grand daughter, Elizabeth!

This is a condo building that was built in the 1970s. Because it is on the harbor, the units are over a million dollars each. I thought it was interesting enough to post because of what we discovered about the details as we got closer.

There were carved marble heads of animals and gargoyles placed strategically around the building.

We were told that the heads serve as dryer vent covers so in the winter when the residents dry their clothes, steam come out of the mouths of the carvings. :o)

Harbor view.

This is something that a Wyoming girl doesn't see very often, houseboats! The owners live in these houses year around. On the left side of the house, in the picture, you can see a water hose, the water source for the house. :o)

Some more houseboats. I was amazed that some were two-story and had balconies.

Some were very fancy!

A harbor taxi.

Continuing our walking tour and looking back, here is a good view of the houseboats.

The next few frames are some of the flowers we saw on our tour. The camera does not capture the intensity and brilliance of the flowers. I don't remember the name of the flowers but I do remember how much in awe I was.

It was starting to get dark so we had to hurry......

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. This is a picture of the Parliament Building.

Another totem pole.

Downtown Victoria.

I call this statue Prince Albert (not in a can) but Gary said it was Captain James Cook.

That concludes the tour of Victoria and the cruise. The next day, we disembarked at Seattle, was transported to the airport. It was a very memorable trip!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Jo

Day 5... Ketchikan the totem pole capital!

2009-09-17T10:34:00.011-06:00

The continuing tail...

Ketchikan harbor:

Ketchikan's economy is based upon tourism and fishing, and the city is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World."

Ketchikan is named after Ketchikan Creek, which flows through the town. Ketchikan comes from the Tlingit name for the creek, Kitschk-hin, the meaning of which is unclear. It may mean "the river belonging to Kitschk"; other accounts claim it means "Thundering Wings of an Eagle." Ketchikan's secondary post office zip code, 99950, is the highest zip code ever assigned in the United States. Ketchikan also has the world's largest collection of standing totem poles, located at three major locations: Saxman Village, Totem Bight and the Totem Heritage Center.

In Ketchikan we did not participate in any planned excursions but walked the streets, took pictures and shopped. We wanted to have freedom to roam at will, take pictures and take in the ambiance of the town.

Here I am trying to take the miner's sack of gold.

Here's Gary shaking hands with a polar bear.

One of many totem poles we found while exploring.

The tallest totem pole we saw!

One of the more notorious streets in Ketchikan. I wanted my picture taken here because of my maiden name. Creek Street is an unusual street because the buildings were built over the creek on stilts; it was also the "red light" district in the 1890s. Today the buildings are shops, art galleries and a museum.

We were told to watch for bears feeding on the salmon; we didn't see any bears but the water was black with salmon.. These pictures were taken from the bridge to Creek Street.

Looking down and across the creek we spotted Dolly's place. Dolly was a notorious Madam.

It is now a museum:

Another totem pole on the way back to the ship:

The dock was just across the road from main street. Needless to say, there was parallel parking only on the dock side! :o)

Next stop: Victoria, Canada!

I hope you are having as much fun as I am remembering our trip!

Day 4... Tracy Arm Fjord - Sawyer Glacier

2009-09-15T21:39:00.005-06:00

We traveled all night to get to the Tracy Arm Fjord. It is named after a Civil War general named Benjamin Franklin Tracy. It is located about 45 miles south of Juneau.

Entering Tracy Arm

Starting to see ice bergs...

There was water and waterfalls everywhere we looked.
We saw mountain goats towards the top of the mountains and
of course bald eagles and sea otters!

You can see Sawyer Glacier just around the bend.

Because it was overcast, the icebergs and glacier were blue.

I like to describe them as Windex blue! :o)

Closer...closer...closer...

Hundreds and hundreds of mini icebergs...

The pictures can't even come close to depicting the beauty and brilliance of the glacier.

It was chilly that day but a mug (or two) of Baileys and coffee hit the spot!

Next stop: Ketchikan - first city of southeast Alaska!

Train up to the Yukon from Skagway...Part 3

2009-09-14T17:27:00.007-06:00

Okay, I finally was able to upload the pictures of the train ride out of Skagway up to White Pass the gateway of the Yukon! Thanks for your patience!

We were on the very last car of about 12 on the train so here are some once in a lifetime shots! Looking back....

Looking forward!

Looking up!
If you look real close, you can see the bridge over a chasm going into a tunnel.

Here we are going over that bridge and into the tunnel.

Here is a bridge that is no longer in use, it was made out of timber and was rotting away.

Next stop: Tracy Arm where the glaciers were Windex blue!

Jo

Skagway - Day 3 - Part 2:

2009-09-10T21:12:00.005-06:00

For some unforeseen reason, I have only been able to upload these five pictures of our train ride up the mountain to the Yukon. I will try tomorrow to post pictures of the spectacular views from the train as we wound our way to the top.

This rail was built in the late 1890s to transport miners and their tons of gear (they were only allowed into the Yukon when they could show that they could sustain themselves for a year)to the gateway of the the gold fields.

Shortly after the railway was built, the gold boom fizzled out. Today, there is a highway on the opposite side of the valley, to the Yukon.

Just one of the spectacular views climbing up to the top!

It seemed as if we were on top of the world!

Here was our destination. In Wyoming, we live at a much higher elevation but going from sea level to 2,888 feet in less than 2 hours made it seem much higher there.

North West Mounted Police border crossing.

This is going back down as you can see by the flags.

We were not allowed to get off of the train because we were in Canada.

Tomorrow when I have time, I will post the train photos; they are awesome!

Are you enjoying the tour or would you rather me post something else?

Skagway - Day 3 - Part 1:

2009-09-06T21:11:00.005-06:00

The day we visited Skagway was filled with activities. First of all, we took a tour of the town. This is the view from the overlook. In the summer, the town has a population of 800 people and in the winter the population is diminished to 400 residents after the cruise ships leave by September 23rd. We were told that the senior class this past spring consisted of 4 boys.

In Skagway, merchants advertised their businesses by painting on the cliffs, using them like billboards. This billboard was painted over 100 years ago, advertising a clock/watch maker. (taken with my zoom lense from the overlook above)

One of the many statues we viewed in the Skagway Garden. This statue depicts the miners who traveled to the Yukon in the 1890's in search of gold.

The next stop was the theatre where we watched a musical about Jeff 'Soapy' Smith. Soapy was a soap salesman, a bunko artist who absconded from the law in Denver and found his way to Skagway. He was called 'Soapy' not only because he sold soap but was a slick conman who would take advantage of anyone and everyone he crossed paths with. It didn't take long until the citizens of Skagway formed the "Committee of 101" to run Soapy out of town. To make a long story short, Frank Reid from the "Committee of 101" and Soapy had a shoot out where both men died. The entire town turned out for Frank Reid's burial where only the mortician and Soapy's madam attended Jeff Smith's burial.

The musical was humorous and tragic with lots of interaction with the audience.

This is the grave yard where Soapy was buried.

Part two will be the train ride to White Pass and the Yukon.

It will be a couple of days before I will be able to post again....please be patient. :o)

Day 2... Juneau

2009-08-28T14:41:00.003-06:00

Please excuse the delay of getting Day 2 posted; it has been a tedious process going through over 900 pictures and to figure out which pictures would best capture our adventure!

Pulling into the Juneau port.

The main reason for taking an Alaskan cruise was to see whales. This is something that Gary and I always wanted to do. The day we took the whale excursion it was cold and rainy and we were thankful! (Huh?) We were told that the fish the whales feed on are at the service on cloudy days. We weren't disappointed.

Gary and I on the back of the excursion boat.

Look real close and you can see Sea Lions.

This picture is one of many of the hump back whales we saw. This picture shows that the whales were not afraid of the boats. We saw 12 whales that day. It was a glorious gloomy day!

Next stop....Skagway!

Alaskan Cruise...Day 1

2009-08-23T16:55:00.004-06:00

The Golden Princess was built in 2001; the overall length is 951 feet and the overall width is 118 feet. The normal passenger capacity is 2,600 and the normal crew is 1,150 people. The cruising speed is 22.5 knots.

Saturday, we flew to Seattle then took a bus to the dock. This is the view of the ship from the bus.

We went through customs then went on dock to board. This picture was taken from the dock just before we went through another security check point.

These pictures were taken from the balcony of our stateroom. This first picture is a fishing boat based out of Seattle.

We could see the Space Needle from our balcony. There was a lot of activity in the harbor.

This is a Holland ship that cruised the same route that our ship did. Whenever we docked, they docked behind us.

At sea... it was a little chilly out on the deck but the air was refreshing. I got my sea legs right away and did not get sea sick at all.

Next I will post pictures of Juneau for Day 2.

The BIG Double Nickel...

2009-08-13T06:14:00.004-06:00

Today, I turned the big Double Nickel! I don't feel like I am 55 years old but I guess age is irrelevant; it's the quality not the quantity.

I googled the words 'double nickel' and 'August 13, 1954' and this is what I came up with:

Of course this is the most obvious one!

I can remember in the 70's when changing the speed limit was a big controversy, especially in the western states, because in many places the major towns are 100 miles apart.

Someone, somewhere took this picture on August 13, 1954. I thought it was a cool picture!

In 2007, Rob Reiner directed a film called: The Bucket List. It starred Morgan Freeman and Jack Nickolson. Essentially, it is about two men who meet in a hospital who begin writing a "bucket list," or things to do before they "kick the bucket." The movie inspired me to do the same.

One of the items on my 'bucket list' is to take an Alaskan cruise to see the whales. Gary, my generous and wonderful boyfriend is taking me on that cruise for my 55th birthday; we leave Saturday!

Our ship the Golden Princess!

I will blog all about it when I return. Thank you family and friends for making this day very special for me!

Love,

One of the best I've ever received about being thankful....

2009-08-05T10:39:00.005-06:00

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.

Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.

That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?" The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way." I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it."

Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have.

Be creative.
Be innovative.
Think differently and positively.
When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile.
Face your past without regret.

Handle your present with confidence.

Prepare for the future without fear.
Keep the faith and drop the fear.

The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling…

And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!

(I received this via email from my friend, Gerry, in Canada. It was so moving, I had to blog it!)

I realized I was nuts!

2009-08-03T17:03:00.003-06:00

Foot prints...

2009-07-31T17:25:00.002-06:00

The 'buzz phrase" these days is "leaving a carbon footprint". Even though this is an important concept to talk about, it is not the subject of this post today.

I have often wondered how much of an impact or footprint I have left in the field of victim services in Wyoming. I began my servitude over 16 years ago when I became a volunteer for the Victim/Witness Program in the County in which I lived. Many of you know about the murders of my dear sister Beckie and that of her three boys. Unknowingly, that event launched me into victim services.

I can remember vividly, the names and faces of the hundreds of women and children I helped through the system. I can also remember my mother's encouraging words and sweet smile as I stood before the Senate committee and testified for the 'Life Without Parole" bill as if it were only yesterday. But, did I leave foot prints where someone else can follow? Did I do enough in that journey in which I have now veered from? Have I left people with hope or with despair? I guess I may never know for sure.

One person's trash....

2009-07-30T19:28:00.003-06:00

It is often said, "one person's trash is another's treasure." I do not generally go to yard sales. I have at time's participated and sold my unwanted treasures but I do not get excited about driving around town to other's houses and rummage through their stuff. I know many people like this hobby and have found wonderful priceless treasures; for me, I find no real pleasure in it. I am in no way judging it, I just don't normally participate in this summer event.

Any given weekend, there are 100+ yard sales listed in the daily paper. This weekend my daughter and her mother-in-law are going to host a yard sale. What am I going to do? I am going to keep Brooklyn for the day so she can get to know "Doh Doh" better. The other two girls are going to have a lemonade stand so they will be occupied.

I am looking forward to Saturday and playing with Brook. What are you doing this weekend?
Jo

A "golden" time with GREAT people...

2009-07-26T18:47:00.006-06:00

Wednesday, I drove to Casper to meet up with my two sisters, Rubye and Ellie; we were hosted by our mother's oldest sister, Aunt Goldie.

Aunt Goldie, 85 years young!

Nephew Monte

Monte's wife and daughters...M&M Family

Rubye, cousin Darrell and me

Ellie

Rubye and Aunt Goldie with one of the M&Ms.

It was so good to have good visits, lots of laughs and midnight giggles. I arrived home safely Friday evening to enjoy the weekend at home. There is no place like home but there is also nothing like spending time with those you love!

Have a good week!

Saturday on Little Mountain...

2009-07-19T13:57:00.005-06:00

Saturday, nine of us rode four-wheelers up Little Mountain in southern Wyoming. From afar, Little Mountain looks like little more than a large hill but as we climbed to the top the elevation was over 8,000 ft. Usually there are still snow drifts along the tree line this time of year but, not this year! Our round trip was 39.1 miles.

Darlene, Tom and their daughter Laura.

Lisa with Katie on the left and Tom & Darlene on the right.

The meadows were lush and green on top of Little Mountain.

A hidden cabin in the woods where we had lunch in the meadow.

An eagle's view from the rim of Little Mountain.

Looking north into Wyoming.

Looking south into Utah. If you look close you can see Flaming Gorge just above the dam.

We all had a marvelous day and hope to go out again before summer is over.

What did you do this weekend?

Life goes on...Celebrate it...

2009-07-17T09:49:00.002-06:00

Blah, blah, blah...

2009-07-10T13:21:00.003-06:00

I have the blahs; some call them the blues. I am between jobs and it seems my life is stagnent right now. The things that used to bring me joy and laughter have fallen into a pile of rubble. I have been searching for a kick-start, something that will put me back on track and back into the race but I haven't found it yet.... blah, blah, blah.

Overland Trail

2009-07-01T10:21:00.009-06:00

A week ago, I was asking Gary about the Overland Trail which parallels much of I-80 and the the railroad tracks. Since Gary was born and raised in Wyoming and Rock Springs he knows many of the back roads and landmarks. We took a dirt road just south of Point of Rocks. I love Wyoming and history and find it thrilling when I can walk in the footprints of the past.

The Overland Trail was a pioneer trail beginning at several different points. Parts of it were based on traditional Native American trails, and it connected to the Great Trail which led back to the East Coast.

Beginning in Omaha, Nebraska, the Overland Trail followed the Great Platte River Road and the Sweetwater River in the Nebraska Territory across the plains to the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains. There it crossed the Continental Divide, eventually splitting near Fort Hall. Between 1840 and 1860 more than a quarter of a million immigrants used a variety of transportation, including stagecoaches and covered wagons, to make the trek.

The journey across Overland Trails took pioneers 2,000 miles and around seven months. Most groups traveled at a pace of fifteen miles a day. Few traveled the Overland Trails alone . Most of the settlers traveled with their families. Large groups of pioneers joined together to form "trains." Groups were usually led by "pilots" who were fur trappers or mountain men that would guide them on the trails. The journey over the trails usually began in the spring to avoid traveling in the winter. Many people died on the journey due to disease or accidents. Attacks by Native Americans were rare. Many made the journey to California and Oregon because they saw these new lands as a place of endless opportunity. Once the Transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, the wagon train era ended because settlers could now journey to the west coast safely in a fraction of the time.

Overland Trail marker and stage stop just south of Point of Rocks.

Remnants of the stagecoach stop just south of Point of Rocks, constructed from sandstone rock as seen in the background. These stops were placed about 12 miles apart along the trail. Inside this structure there is rubble from the fireplace and chimney.

Overland Trail marker out in the middle of nowhere.

Looking back at where we started on our trek following the Overland Trail.

We ended up about 40 miles south of the Interstate on Highway 480. It was a marvelous day!

Wildlife is abundant on the high desert.

We are heading for the mountains for a long weekend before Gary goes back to work and I continue my search for another job. Have a great week everyone!
Jo

Happy Birthday, Kaylee Anne!

2009-06-15T06:59:00.003-06:00

Sunday, June 14th was Kaylee's 7th birthday! It is hard to believe that she is already 7 and going into the second grade even though she is advanced for her age in so many ways. One of the gifts she asked for was office supplies. (A girl after my own heart.) Of course I did give her a box of supplies for her birthday gift.

Happy Birthday, Kaylee girl!

Love,

Grandma JoJo

A weekend with my girlies....

2009-06-07T19:24:00.002-06:00

This weekend, my girlies were in town. They came over for dinner on Saturday. I fixed bbq ribs with my secret sauce, corn on the cob and mashed potatoes. We had a fun time of visiting, playing and just hanging out.

Laura, the beautiful!

Kaylee, showing Chuck how to play chess on the computer.

Lizzy resting, after she showed me how to dance.

Brooklyn the explorer.

I had a marvelous weekend with my girlies!

What can I say?

2009-06-03T07:50:00.002-06:00

It was a dark and stormy day....

As much as I was looking forward to spring and looking forward to seeing green instead of white, these rainy spring days seem gloomy. I had to turn on my heaters again this morning because it was chilly. I can't see White Mountain from my window because of the storm clouds resting on the ground.

I am ready for a change and not just a change in the weather... I am looking for other avenues to explore.

Never fear, the sun will come out tomorrow, tomorrow...

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T20:21:00.002-06:00

We had a marvelous time in Afton over the Memorial Weekend with my friends, Ray and Tonie!

Never forget the sacrifices so many have made in order to keep our USA flag flying!

Now I am off to Seattle this week. Will talk to all of you on the flip side!

One of the best things about being a Mother....

2009-05-10T16:16:00.004-06:00

....is becoming a Grand Mother!

Laura and Brooklyn

Lizzy and Kaylee

My son and his girlfriend are very special to me also!

Mothers, daughters and grand daughters are very special people!

Happy Mother's Day to my sisters and nieces too!

Love,

There's a storm on the mountain....

2009-05-01T10:34:00.003-06:00

It's so foggy today, I can't see the mountain.

I hope everyone is having a sunny day!

Spring - Winter - Spring - Winter...

2009-04-25T09:14:00.001-06:00

I'm so ready for summer!

Opera by Children

2009-04-24T11:49:00.002-06:00

Wednesday, Gary and I traveled to Utah to watch Kaylee in her 1st grade Opera. The first graders wrote and produced their own Operas; there were three in all. Kaylee's class wrote the Opera: The Stolen Golden Gargoyles. They wrote the script, the songs, designed the sets and costumes then performed. The words to the music were cute and the costumes and backdrops were darling. They all did so well.

We weren't allowd to take pictures of the performances but we snapped some photos out on the lawn afterwards.

From left to right with Mom in the back, Lizzy, Brooklyn and my Diva, Kaylee.

Three ladies in waiting.

I am so proud of all of them!

We are looking for Jane Doe....

2009-04-18T12:23:00.004-06:00

Rubye Jean sent me this picture from the Yahoo news page. The caption said it was taken in Medicine Bow, WY on March 27, 2009.

We lived in Medicine Bow when we were much younger. I attended grade school there from the 1st grade through the 5th grade when our father was stationed there with the Wyoming Game & Fish; this was years before Interstate 80 was built, the wind mills were erected and when life was less complicated.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Springtime in the Rockies...

2009-04-15T09:28:00.003-06:00

Today it is 52 degrees, the wind is calm, the sky is blue and the birds are singing.
Tomorrow it is supposed to snow with accumulations up to 7 inches.

I am so ready for summer.

April 10th ... Happy Birthday Rubye Jean

2009-04-11T12:59:00.004-06:00

Rubye in August 2007

Rubye Jean, April 10, 2009

Happy Birthday, Rubye Jean...
I love you very much!

Gary's birthday party....

2009-04-10T11:09:00.008-06:00

April 7th was Gary's 57th birthday. Gary and I have been dating for a year now!

I had 18 people at my house for cake and ice cream. (Just a small gathering.) I was a little busy so I asked Gary to take pictures for me.

This picture of Gary was taken a year ago in Afton.

At the table in the back are Kim and Troy, friends of Gary's family. In the foreground in the front on the right is Dan, Gary's brother-in-law and his father Glen.

Left to right is Troy again and in the red, his sister Anita. In the back cutting and serving cake is me, Jason (my son-in-law and my daughter Laura.

This is Bo and Bud and Kiki. Bud is Gary's son, Bo is Bud's girlfriend and Kiki is Gary's grand daughter by his daughter Amber.

This is Jaden and Kiki, Amber's children.

From left to right, Chrissy - Anita's daughter, Derrick - Chrissy's son, Shirley - Gary's step-mother, Bo and Chrissy's daughter, Lexie.

From left to right, Shirley, Bo, Garren - Frosti's son and Frosti - Gary's oldest daughter. In the foreground on the right is Darlene. Gary and I go to Tom and Darlene's house every Sunday morning for coffee.

This is a better picture of Frosti and Darlene.

And here we are back at the table again with Tom - Darlene's husband and Glen - Gary's dad.

There weren't any pictures of Amber or Lee - Amber's husband.

With that many people attending Gary's birthday celebration, I did not have any cake or ice cream leftover. Everyone got along and Gary was able to celebrate his birthday with his family.

Have a Happy Easter, everyone!

April Snows bring April Birthdays...

2009-04-08T06:50:00.006-06:00

This is the week for birthday parties; I attended three this week. The birthday party that I am highlighting in this post is of my grand daughter Brooklyn. Brook turned 1 on the 5th.

Birthday cake with Winnie the Pooh and friends

Brooklyn is patiently waiting for her cake

Oh yeah! This is fun!

There is nothing better than a sugar high!

Opening birthday presents with Mom and sisters.

I will try to get pictures of Gary's party blogged by Friday.
Jo

One year ago today....

2009-03-26T17:49:00.002-06:00

...Lynetta and her lovely family traveled through Wyoming on their move to Tennessee. I was on my way back home, going west and they were going east so we met in Rawlins. It was a windy cold day, much like today. I wish them well and I miss them!
Aunt Jo

Hot Cross Buns...

2009-03-19T11:19:00.005-06:00

Chuck brought me home a recipe and cooking conversion chart for Hot Cross Buns from Dilly's Mum. He insists that I make them right away, but I will save them for Easter.

I remember a little song from childhood about hot cross buns and it has been running through my head; it goes like this:

Hot cross buns, hot cross buns,

One a penny, two a penny,

Hot cross buns.

If you have no daughters,

give them to your sons;

One a penny, two a penny,

Hot cross buns.

Ingredients:

4 tsp dried yeast, 55g caster sugar, 250ml warm milk, 600g plain flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 60g butter, 1 egg lightly beaten, 125ml warm water, 110g currants, 40g mixed peel, 1 tlb apricot jam.

I will let you know how they turn out. :o)

Jo

Is it spring yet?

2009-03-19T07:56:00.002-06:00

Chuck is home....

2009-03-12T12:25:00.002-06:00

Chuck got home today! He is happy to be home but he misses Dilly already and is begging me to invite Dilly to Wyoming. I told him that it is up to Dilly's Mum. He has jet lag so he is going to sleep for awhile then we will explore his carton of goodies. I will blog more on it later.

Thanks, Dilly, for allowing Chuck to visit you in England! I hope you allow us to return the hospitality!

Love,

Moondance Diner

2009-03-07T19:43:00.004-07:00

Today, Gary and I decided to take a drive out in the middle of nowhere to LaBarge, WY, population 310, to eat lunch. Why in the land of sanity would we drive out to this sparsely populated place to eat, you might ask? The answer is simple, we heard that the Moondance Diner was open. This diner originated in New York City and was trucked to LaBarge, over a year ago. They officially opened January 12, 2009.

The diner is small and doesn't seat very many people but the food is delicious and plentiful!

If you want to go to the Moondance Diner website, here is the link: http://www.historicmoondancediner.com/. If you are ever in the neighborhood of LaBarge, I recommend you try this diner.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Lizzy

2009-03-04T08:33:00.003-07:00

Lizzy is...

...my second grand daughter of three. Lizzy turned four last September and this is the day for her school pictures.

Lizzy has the coloring and eyes of her mother and the personality of her father. She is very kind and gentle but when she is pushed she can fight like a wildcat. She has a unique sense of justice for someone her age and she fights for the right. I love her gentleness and spirit.

My three grand daughters all hold a very special place in my heart and my heart keeps expanding with love for them. Until now, I never realized how much children and grand children enrich a person's life in so many ways.

Thanks Lolly for allowing me to blog her picture today!

Spring in Wyoming!

2009-02-27T13:43:00.002-07:00

I am witnessing the slow appearance of spring outside of my window. The snow is subsiding and the temperature is consistently rising everyday. Spring is on the way!

The view outside my window these days is mostly of birds. Sometimes the rabbits and squirrels that live in the yard make their appearance but mostly the birds seem to enjoy my veranda.

The sparrows sit on my railing and look in the window at me. I think they enjoy seeing their reflections in the window.

The chick-a-dees come in closer and eat the crumbs the girls have dropped. I love these birds!

Lately, the ravens have been making their appearance and spending a lot of time out on the lawn. I have never seen so many very large ravens all together before. I wonder what kind of conference they are attending?

Spring is coming to Wyoming, but we have at LEAST two more months! I am looking forward to doing the happy spring dance!

Have a good weekend, everyone!

My best Valentines....

2009-02-22T21:47:00.004-07:00

On Valentine's Day, my three girlies came and spent the day with me. We had so much fun! Kaylee and Elizabeth each made me a valentine and one for Glenn and Shirley. We went and had lunch with them.

Kaylee, age 6.

Elizabeth, age 4.

Big girl, Brooklyn; age 10 months.

My girlies are a constant joy in my life!

Valentines - Not for the weak at heart!

2009-02-13T07:53:00.004-07:00

It's easy to get sentimental this time of year.

Remembering past loves, hopeful of new loves.

Making plans with high anticipation, not knowing what the future will bring.

Love is a gift, a privilege.

Happy Valentines Day!