Say Hi to Jackie O.

Meet Jackie O. She was born October 3 2008 and came to live with me in December. Jackie is a purebred Chocolate lab - papers and all.



Jackie enjoyed her first Christmas with the whole family. She learned quickly how to get into trouble and who to run to with people in a 3 bedroom house. Surprisingly Jackie did very well and did not get in to back of trouble.




Some help came from Jackie meeting her "cousin" Bo. Bo was an excellent teacher on what "kennel up" is. Although there is a BIG difference in size, Jackie did not notice. My sister and her family loved to see me working to train and care for the puppy as they did for Bo. I wonder if she will be as big as Bo?

Last but not least, a picture of Jackie and I. Jackie loves to show off her feminine side with the pink bandanna she got from Alley. Alley says, "A girl just has to wear pink!!"

Grandma Cleo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA CLEO!!!

It was great to see Grandma Cleo on her birthday. Seeing her doing well and happy made my day and I know I made her's too. I pray that I too will be able to celebrate my 90th Bday. Cleo is the perfect example of what a true neighbor and friend is. Though we do not share the same blood, she truly is Grandma to the whole family!

A special treat was to eat a chocolate orange slice with her. It is an old tradition for her to get a chocolate orange and share it with us. Hmmmmmmmm yummy! Part of the tradition is to also watch Dad choke down his piece because he is not a fan, but can't say no to Cleo.

found the camera

I was a little nervous that I misplaced my camera and I would not be able to share scenes of my life with you. Then I found it.


Here is my first tree!!! The last two years I wanted to setup a tree and decorate for Christmas but I was moving and did not have the time. This year I did not have to move and have been able to enjoy the holiday's at my own house. Thank you Gayle for the tree, it looks great after I put the puzzle together. Take special note of the angel on the top -- this makes the tree complete. The tree skirt has a picture of Santa Clause which I am sure Mom would enjoy.


the outside of the house got some decorations too. It isn't a lot but the candles in the windows does help to spruce up the house for the holidays.

Merry Christmas!!!

PS. The snowmobile has been out and it is great to ride again.

Now this is Christmas

OK I know this is the start of a famous song, and I hope the tune is now trapped in your head. This last weekend we had our annual deer hunting, last night it snowed ~4", and my FIRST Christmas trip is up so NOW IS THE CHRISTMAS TIME OF YEAR.

The deer hunting was a successful trip again. Five of the 8 hunters got deer. Two members got their FIRST deer. It was a lot of fun even though it was COLD!

Last night it was snowing, making a PERFECT night for putting up Christmas decorations. There will be pictures to come. In the mean time just imagine/guess how a bachelor would decorate his house!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas before Thanksgiving

Last night put me in the mood for Christmas! Algona has a great annual tradition of "living store fronts". During this annual event the people of town get together on main street to see the local clubs put on Christmas scenes in the store front windows. This also included a glee club going store to store and singing carols. Down main street there were carriage rides behind two beautiful Clydesdale horses.

Needless to say this event along with our recent drop in temperature and covering of snow has put the Christmas spirit in me! This week I will get to celebrate Thanksgiving a couple of times with the family and take some time off of work. MAN I LOVE THE WINTER HOLIDAYS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!!!!

Bob has multiplied!!!

IT IS A MIRACLE. Bob has multiplied! When I got home after a day of sleet and rain I found that Bob could not hold himself together (the small pile on the left). But in his place there are now two little ones and another big snowman/woman. This new snow person came complete with a face. Not sure how to identify the sex of the snow person so I will just call it Fred and the two little ones.

I can't say for sure who made these creations, but there are tracks leading directly to the neighbors house. Ahhh the fun of winter has STARTED!

LET IT SNOW!!

November 7th -- and it snows. It was a surprising snow because no one was expecting it to actually accumulate but after snowing all day and the temperature dropping to the upper 20s WE HAVE SNOW. Below is a look at the back door at 6:30 AM on Saturday.



Though most people are not wanting the cold yet, I decided to enjoy it. Check out my creation! I think I will call him Bob.


Bob -- Do you want to go fishing??? Maybe not, but next year I might try to get the boat winterized and covered a little earlier.