Deer Season

Today was opening day of Firearms Deer Season. It's kind of a local holiday in this area. My parents were hunters as were their parents before them, as we are. It's a time for camaraderie, everyone has their favorite "story". My Mom was a hunter and I hunt the way that she did. She was a stalking hunter, no deer stands for her (or I). We enjoy exploring the area, enjoying all that nature has to offer and if we're lucky we will see the elusive whitetail deer. They definitely have the advantage with this style of hunting. Their keen senses and knowledge of their "back yard" is second to none. I feel privileged to even get a glimpse of one let alone a shot.

I really miss my Mom at times like this. She stopped hunting a few years back but she was always up for a deer story or to listen to ours. She was supportive, encouraging, and helpful. She had a "hunch" where the deer would be at a given time. I feel fortunate to have been blessed with that gene and we had quite a few conversations about it over the years.

We are continuing on the tradition Mom - wish you were here!

Cold, Snow, and Snowmen

So, yesterday we had our first snow in Minnesota. Normally I would be really happy to see that first snow but when it's accompanied by gale force winds - not so much.

The grandbabies enjoyed it though. They gave me a smile and made my outlook on the situation change some  a little.

Here are the snowmen, aren't they adorable??? Not too much snow and today it's already a memory but left us with a stark reminder of what is to come in the not too distant future.

As long as I remember to look at things through the youngins eyes things will be easier to take. We can learn (or remember) a lot from those little tykes.

Time Flies...

This past week has been a whirlwind getting ready for our visit from our oldest daughter Crystal. The weekend went so fast but there were quite a few memories made.

We weren't sure if they would hold out but we did get out to view the Fall Colors and take some pics.

It was also Frank's Birthday so we had the whole family over for birthday dinner. We had 3 Birthdays to celebrate. In addition to Frank we celebrated Angie's and Crystal's partner Dale's birthdays. On top of that we did some pumpkin carving, always a fun activity this time of year.

The wildlife even decided to make an appearance for the occasion. 

The deer didn't appreciate the paparazzi.

What a great weekend! 

Fall is in the air

Things have been pretty chilly mornings here lately. Still busy working on the woodpile, slowly but surely. We had some helpers yesterday.

Nice to have the grandbabies here, they always give you a new outlook on an old boring chore. The oldest thought Grampa should make him his own axe out of wood, the youngest thought playing on the big logs was too fun to resist (while we all held our breath!).

"BloodMoon" Eclipse

Thought I'd give it a shot, see if I could capture the blood moon tonight. Supposedly it will be another 30 years before it will be seen again.

This was taken before the total eclipse and I was so excited that I captured it, then decided to try the full eclipse. I had a devil of a time but it isn't too bad. I'm still learning :)

Now if I could just capture those Northern Lights, but I think I may need a fancier camera for that!

They're BACK!

The dreaded Asian beetles have descended upon us once again, they are the bain of our existence in the fall. This is just the start and hopefully they won't be as intrusive as they have been in the past where it takes all winter to get rid of the ones that sneak into the house!

On a more cheerful note it's also the time of year for the Mums bloom and the change of colors. Angie has been busy putting up an abundance of apples that she acquired from a friend. She's starting to lose her excitement about the whole process now because she has done many buckets so far. This weekend we'll be back to splitting and stacking...the fun never ends!

Busy Busy Busy

This past week has been nothing short of crazy busy at work. Then we got started cutting up the 11 cords of wood staring us in the face for our winter heat. It's hard work but rewarding at the same time, knowing that our efforts are going to keep us warm and cozy all winter.

No Kodak moments this week, I guess that's not entirely true - this morning there were at least 4 deer in our field. They looked neat intermixed with the fog. I try not to make a big deal of them though, Cooper the wonderdog has a coronary if he knows they're out there. So, I just kept their secret and walked out of their line of view. It was a nice start to the day.

Back to Ancestry

I got an invite from Ancestry for a new subscription at a substantial savings so, loving the deal, I took on another 6 mo. subscription. I usually do in the fall so I have the winter months to work on the Family Tree. There's "new" information. What an oxymoron - old data being new. Anyway, I enjoy it and someday the grandbabies might enjoy seeing it all.

Dad and Mom on their wedding day - 1956

I have recently begun scanning the old photo's and adding them to the tree so they don't have to just be that blue or pink profile icon. 

My Paternal Grandparents

My Maternal Grandparents

Later my maternal Grandmother remarried so the only "Grampa" I knew was him and not this man. This guy passed away long before I was even born in 1945.

My Dad and his siblings. Dad is the one on the left in the back, Ralph, his older brother on the right.

It's a fun pastime in the long winter months. Imagine how much more difficult it was prior to the internet! 

Sunday Funday

Today we had the kids (and grandkids) out for the afternoon. We made chili and cornbread and Grampa had plans to make airplanes out of foam he's been saving from meat trays. They turned out pretty good and the kids had a blast with them.

They also did some shooting with their Dad. Of course, the first order of business is the safety meeting.

There was all kinds of excitement but they were very safety minded, which made the older set happy.

Patience is a virtue. Waiting for his turn.

Cooper was called back to the house, patience is NOT a virtue of his. He loves being in the thick of it but safety first!

Grampa and the little one had about all the excitement they could take.

We've come a long way, Baby!

We purchased the property we live on almost 12 years ago already (hard to believe!)
It started out with a 1940's farm house that had been somewhat renovated inside.

Let's just say we didn't buy the place for the house. Hubby built me the little barn garden shed out back and I finally got a chance to use the "Mr. Ed" door I bought at an auction a hundred , several years ago.

The place has a beautiful hedge of lilacs in the back yard, and although definitely an added bonus, still not the reason we bought the place.

So, we remodeled that old farmhouse with kind of a pole barn construction around the old place and adding on 2 additions. We also demolished the top story and got rid of that. Those stairs were too much and we figured it was only going to get worse. We added heat in the floor in the new additions.

Finally getting a start on some landscaping in 2011 after tearing down the old outbuildings, building a new shop and remodeling the house. Starting to come together finally in 2011(8 years!). It was a bigger undertaking than we anticipated.

The landscaping is finally filling in that big area in the front of the house.

Having family here to enjoy all the wide open space to explore, ride bikes, golf cart rides, games, etc., THAT is why we bought the place.

Photography is not my forte'

I took some time today to fool around with my camera. I'm usually the auto everything point and shoot type photographer. I discovered quite a few settings on my Nikon that I didn't realize were there so I tried a couple "outside of the box" pictures.

Here's Cooper (my usual model) in a sepia tone. I see I need to work on background some :)

This one was in "selective color" mode. I can see how this would be fun.

I see the greatest photo's people take of fireworks, moons, northern lights, etc., and would like to be able to do that too (at some point). But for now, I put it back in auto mode.

Auction Day

1st Saturday of the month is Auction Day, we've been going to these consignment auctions for years. This year we've been a little lax at attending. We just have so much stuff the last thing we need is more.

We used to really enjoy the old time farm auctions. Usually way off the beaten path and took us to places we wouldn't normally have gone. Then they'd have the lunch wagon. There's nothing better than a sloppy joe at the auction. At least that's how it was. Some of the allure is missing at a consignment sale but we go nonetheless. We even have a fixed bidding number.

So, today, we stopped in to see what treasures we couldn't live without. To make a long story short we didn't even pull out our number. There wasn't much there this time, it probably wasn't going to be a very long auction.

Instead we headed back to town for breakfast then on a drive around the backroads. I didn't take any pictures today, we just drove and chatted enjoying the A/C. It was a scorcher again today - sure looking forward to that cool down.

Summer's "Last Hurrah"

It's Labor Day weekend so I made sure I stocked up yesterday so we don't have to deal with the craziness in town this weekend. Actually, the craziness was starting on Wednesday but that's beside the point.  We have no big plans, just stay home and stay cool.

We took the golf cart out and about on the property looking things over and, of course, Cooper had to hog the cart ride along.

It's still really muggy today, sounds like that is to continue through the weekend. We are looking forward to next week when it's supposed to be in the 60's. Hubby struggles with this weather more than we do with his condition so it will be a welcome reprieve. Besides that we need some rain, it's supposed to do that too when the cool front moves in. The leaves are turning and dropping already but I'm not sure it's on schedule or if it's due to the crazy weather.

Cooper the bipolar hound

After I got home from work Angie showed up with the boys. We had a good visit and of course the boys had to snack. I'm sure we have basically the same snacks that they have at home but it's something about having it at Gramma and Papa's I guess. Today it was chocolate chip bunnies (Annies). I admit they are tasty.

Cooper was happy to see the boys as well, a bit TOO happy usually because he ends up bowling them over and slurping them on the way by. I swear that dog is bipolar, he can go from sleeping under my desk to full on hyperspastic mode in about 2 seconds (if that).

He is a good looking dog though, and he knows it, he struts around like he's the King around here. Who knows - maybe he is....

My first Mandala is finished!

I've looked at quite a few patterns for these mandala's and finally settled on this one - The Dandelion Mandala. Here's the Ravelry link :Dandelion Mandala

It was a fun project and the instructions are extremely well written. I had a couple of problems but overall it went just fine. I am anxious to try another one now but I know I will definitely be making this one again. It's one of those patterns that a change of colors gives it an entirely different look. I was unsure if the turquoise was a good color choice but I like it now that it's done.

Now to weave in all those ends - Yikes!

Red Moon

We've had some awesome moons this weekend. I finally got a picture of it, not the greatest picture but it still looks pretty neat.

Today hubby is working on the kitchen light. The thing has been trouble for some time so we're replacing it with one of those new LED panels. Hopefully it will be an improvement over the fluorescent panel. Of course it doesn't just "sit in" to the suspended grid as advertised - go figure.

It's another scorcher this week with high temps and high humidity, blech :P but next week looks more comfortable in the 60's. The cherry tomatoes are blooming like crazy so we've been eating those like crazy, I always miss them in the winter, you just can't buy tomatoes like that in the store.

This is a picture of a pansy that is in a pot of flowers from the Grandkids, it's one of my favorites.

Fate

Yesterday while we were out gallivanting we were at a Moving Sale and they had a sign out that said "Hobby Farm priced to sell" so we inquired about it. Turn out the place is for sale because the owners had moved to North Dakota. Frank and I both thought, "What a great place this would be for Angie and family". Then we went out about our day.

This afternoon Angie calls, they're out looking at houses (Really?!) so I give them directions to the place we looked at yesterday - they're in love with it! So hopefully it will work out. Seems they want to be closer to us than 10 miles. Well, this place is 4 - 5 miles away, not exactly walking distance but still closer. I agree it would be nice.

So we got to spend some time with them this afternoon - Grandpa even got a few hands of Go Fish in with the kiddo's.

Gallivanting Day

We had quite the morning. First we drove down to Snellman Junk to see what was new, found a few things but apparently they aren't going to stay there. We enjoyed stopping in there, she was always friendly and they have a good selection of "high values".

After that, we stopped at a Moving Sale and then the area Fun Fly. We enjoy watching the rc planes flying and the fliers usually take the time to answer questions - I nice bunch of folks. This year we noticed a young boy flying his plane with his father close by, he did a great job.

We talked to the man that owns the plane in the top photo, it's not a cheap hobby - $10,000 worth right there. Too rich for my blood but we enjoy stopping in to watch and support the group.

Birthday celebration II

This has been a hectic week at work but tonight was card night. We've been playing cards for years with the neighbors every Friday night. We have snacks, visit, and play cards. It's a nice way to end a busy week. When one of us has a birthday we celebrate that too. Tonight was Red Velvet creme roll cake and Red Velvet Ice Cream - YUM! And tonight my team won, how great is that?

Happy Birthday to me

Today was my birthday so after work I came home and our youngest daughter was here with the grandsons. She made me a great sign for my garden and helped Frank with my birthday dinner - Lasagna and all the fixings (even homemade bread!).

Later Mike (Angie's husband) and 2 of the other grandkids came out and had dinner with us. It's the first time they've been here in a long time due to a family conflict. It was great to have them all here though.

I am so blessed.

The Crafting Continues

I think I'm finally getting the hang of this overlay crochet thing. I'm still considered a newbie since I've only been crocheting a couple years. Seems like I always have to try the most difficult stuff, probably because it's the nicest looking.

It's coming along, I believe it will take me longer to weave in the ends than to create the project. Not sure on the colors yet either but we'll see how it looks at the end. It will make a nice pot holder if nothing else.

We have a guy here cutting the hay in the field, he cuts it once a year and usually later than we'd like but at least it will be cut and, hopefully, green up some for the livestock  deer this fall. They enjoy nibbling and we enjoy seeing them. We notice the fawns have grown quite a bit already, they still have spots though.

Ok, back to the mandala....

Feeling Crafty

It must be coming on winter because I'm feeling like doing crafts again. I started a crochet mandala pattern that I bought. I'm excited to see how it turns out.

This is a photo of it that someone else crafted. I'm hoping mine at least resembles it. 

Neither of us felt like having leftover soup so we decided to head down to Menahga and have a burger at the Cottage House restaurant. It was good (as usual) and it was a nice treat.

Friend on the window

This is what we were greeted with this morning

He has probably got a pretty active buffet in this location, right above the water barrel where a lot of bugs hang out.

Kind of a cool misty/rainy day here in central Minnesota. Temp is 68, it's a good day to work inside. I think it's a good soup making day. I have some corn still from our friend so I think I may make some Corn Chowder. 

Milo had day camp today (poor kid), hope he has fun in spite of the weather. Hubby is having coffee with a friend, solving all the worlds problems I'm sure. Guess I'll start shucking that corn...

Great News

Angie's CT Scan results came back and they're fine - whatever they saw on the X-ray didn't show up at all. What a relief!

The boys started their home school year too. Yesterday while they were here we picked up acorns for some of their crafty projects.

Milo is in 1st grade

Rowan is in Tot School (He's only 2)

Family Time

Got to spend some time with Angie and the boys this afternoon, there were lots of giggles and fun all around. I had to return to work for a couple hours so Frank got to spend time with them too. It's amazing how much life kids bring into a house. When they go home it's so QUIET!

Projects with the boys are already in the works with Grampa for the upcoming winter. The boys, being 2 and 5,  have so much energy and love of learning and Grampa has alot of knowledge to share with them. It should be alot of fun.

Communication interruption

Today started out in the wee hours with an issue at the workplace where the Email communications came to a screeching halt. A person doesn't realize just how dependent they are on this system of communication until something like this happens.

It is not yet resolved at end of day but tomorrow is a new day so, hopefully, things will be rectified.

The CT Scan our daughter was to have today didn't go as planned either. For some reason the wrong test was ordered by the Dr. so it's a waiting game. The test has been reordered and supposed to take place early Friday morning so fingers are still crossed here.

Weather wise it was downright chilly here today - and windy. Not a great combo. I love the cooler weather but coat weather wasn't quite what I was hoping for, I almost feel bad for all the tourists here on vacation without appropriate clothing. Good for clothing sales in the area I suppose. Sweatshirts were probably a "hot" commodity - no pun intended.

Fingers Crossed

I had a conversation with our youngest daughter, Angie, today. She thinks her sinuses are better but when they took an x-ray they found something that concerned them - and now all of us!

They feel she could have a risk of hemorrhage at the base of her skull and so she is scheduled for 2 CT scans tomorrow, 1 with contrast and 1 without.

We all have our fingers crossed that it is nothing to worry about (even though we are still worrying).

Manic Monday

Today was pretty busy with work but I did get a chance to chat with Crystal for awhile, both of us traveling to different jobs. I tried to get ahold of Angie tonight but she was probably already sleeping. I hope she's feeling better she had a sinus infection the last time we talked.

Cooper found a new prize and he was anxious to show it to me when I got home - a big piece of a log, he was pretty proud of it. Frank had been sawing wood so Coop nabbed that right away - that dog has sure got some strength to carry that big thing around!

I'll have to snap a pic of him carrying it and add it.

End of the Heat Wave

Today is supposed to be the end to our current heatwave. It can't end soon enough if you ask me. Why do people say things like, " At least it's not 20 below" when it's hot. At that moment 20 below would be a welcome reprieve!

It feels great this evening, a definite drop in the humidity level. We even went all out and turned off the A/C. I am glad we have the A/C but am always ready to opt for opening the windows and getting some fresh air.

Even the animals have been struggling because if the heat and humidity isn't bad enough the bugs seem to thrive in that atmosphere. We had a doe and fawn on the field last night and you could tell they were being "bugged". I'm sure just getting out of the woods was helpful.

Tomorrow should be a change for the better, the forecast is for cooler and drier weather for the week. Yippee!

This is what greeted me in my car after work yesterday, uffda!