Merry Christmas!

My "JOY" tree in the hallway.

Winter Wonderland with my snowmen on top of the TV.

My big tree in the living room.

My little tree in my 'craft room.'

Merry Christmas to All!

Are you all ready for the holiday? I have everything that I bought wrapped. I have a couple of things to pick up yet and then wrap and then I'm done. Or I'm quitting!! I'm also hoping that the weather will treat me nice so that I can get to my daughter's and son's for the holiday. I keep watching the weather channel and it keeps changing so . . . guess I'll wait and see what happens between now and Wednesday morning!

My house looks pretty good. All my decorations are up that are going to be up. We're having Christmas here in January so I'll enjoy my trees and decorations for some time. But I love Christmas so it won't be a hardship.

It's jeans week at work. Always is just before the holidays. We have an all-agency staffing on Wednesday morning. The agency is providing a breakfast buffet (we pay $5.00) and then a meeting following. I guess they aren't providing the complete meal, but the better portion of it. We have a number of awards to present and a little housekeeping to get done before the first of the year. I get my 25 year plaque. It was 25 years in September, but our October meeting was cancelled so . . . we'll try for Wednesday morning. It's at the Mid-Way here in Dubuque. It's a nice place to gather. My hopes are to be able to leave around 1:00 or 1:30 for my childrens'. I don't want to drive in the dark this time of year, especially with unpredictable weather. Getting old!!

I have a friend coming over Tuesday evening to help me pack up my gifts and get them in my car. I can pack the suitcase later in the evening and finish on Wednesday morning. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my kids. I'm especially excited to be spending some time with my granddaughter Charlotte. She's growing so fast and I want to get to know her a little better. Have a few packages for her . . . but grandmother's can do that. Spoil the kid!! I'm sure a lot of pictures will be taken.

I'll miss my sister and her family. Told them to take lots of pictures too. Jackson is such a little goer right now and so much fun to watch. I'm sure he'll enjoy the holiday very much. There's some packages under my tree for him too. My sister's birthday is in December so there's some for her too!! January 16th should be fun.

I see my Colts are still undefeated!! Go Colts! And the Saints got beat so the Colts are the team to beat. Hope they go all the way to the Super Bowl. They have been my favorite team before they left Baltimore! I'm a die hard Colt fan.

Here's Christmas wishes to all. Hope this is the best holiday ever. Take care in your travels so that you get where you want to be safely. Enjoy the times with your loved ones. Make wonderful memories and take lots of pictures.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Thanksgiving

I know, I know, Thanksgiving is over and done with . . . well not quite for my family. Because we are all growing with more children and more places to go we didn't get together before or on Thanksgiving, but decided December 5th would work fine. It did, and it didn't. Jim & Mandy found they had something on their calendar, my sister didn't check her calendar and it was opening day of deer hunting season and my daughter also forgot something on her calendar and wasn't able to be with us. The rest of us made it!!!

Mark & Sandie, Beth, Karsten & Jackson, Mike & Callie, myself and Ron & Glee spent a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon together. I actually got there on time! Jackson was at the door to greet me. Ron was taking a shower. Mike & Callie pulled in right after me so Jackson and I went and greeted them at the door. He's such a sweet little boy. And he loves his Uncle Mike!!! Mark and Sandie weren't far behind. It was good getting together with everyone. We really have to do that more often. I spent the weekend with Glee and never took a picture. We were just commenting on that this afternoon before I left for home. Duh!!!

Mike had a basketball game Saturday night so all decided to attend. Well, most of us. Karsten decided he better head home and work on his truck. He hopes to have it done by Christmas. And he hasn't graced the gym in Postville since he graduated. He didn't want to break his record! Mark and Sandie came with and that was nice. They didn't stay for the whole game as they were heading back to Cedar Falls yet Saturday night. Mike's game was supposed to start around 6:30, but they were just in the first period of the girls' game when we got there. They had a double, double header! JV played first, then the varsity teams. We were still home before 10, just barely!! Postville played Ed-Co. Mike has a young team but some of the players looked pretty good to me. Unfortunately they lost in an overtime game. There were some officiating calls that were pretty bad, but Mike's team just wasn't ready to play and Ed-Co was out for a win!! It was exciting, but not one of Mike's more favorable moments. They play M-F-L Mar-Mac Tuesday night and if it wasn't supposed to snow I probably would go up and watch the game. I'm afraid I might get there and not get back!! It't been a long time since I've watched high school basketball. Was fun!! I enjoyed it very much.

Jackson kept us all busy. We found out he can jump from the bleachers into someone's arm (mostly his grandparents) and has a ball doing it. He finally settled down by the 4th quarter. When we got there he was looking for Mike immediately and got really excited when he found him. Mike happened to be sitting on the stage just watching the game and as soon as Jackson spied him and got down from Papa's arms took off. He loves his Uncle Mike!! He's at such a good age right now . . . he's really fun to watch and be around. Kids are great, aren't they?

Got home around 5 or so tonight. Cold in my place. I shut down the termostats before I left. Now it'll take a little time to warm everything up. That's what blankets are for!!! I have my suitcase unpacked and put away and a bunch of Christmas gifts laying all over my bedroom floor. Guess I should start wrapping some.

I have a friend coming Monday evening to help drag all the Christmas boxes back downstairs. My kitchen will look much better when that's finished. Maybe I can talk him into bringing up my wrapping paper box!!

Sounds like snow for our part of the world. Some tonight (heard 2-3 inches) and more heading our way on Tuesday. Winter wonderland. Isn't that what everyone wants??? Not!!

The JOY Tree

This is a JOY tree

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around my place. A tradition I've done for many years is to put my Christmas tree up Thanksgiving weekend. Well, this year was no different and my tree is up! In addition to my big tree there is a JOY tree in my hallway! As I was talking to a friend of mine recently, it came up about all my Christmas ornaments and especially my JOY ornaments. I love Christmas and have many, many ornaments for my tree(s). I've got to the point where I can't even get them all on one tree. I've left a few off the last couple of years. She thought a JOY tree was a great idea. I didn't think that sounded too bad either so it became a reality Sunday afternoon.

Barb had given me her old tree a couple of years ago. I never did get it to the people I was going to and now I'm very glad I didn't. It fits so well in my little hallway (right outside my bathroom). There's about 30 ornaments on it and they all say JOY one way or the other. I'd like to add a couple new ones (and probably will), but it looks pretty good for the first time out.

I had to go out and buy some new lights on Sunday morning. And I didn't get lights all the way around, but since it's in a corner you can hardly tell the difference. Also my big tree has lights and garland all the way around, but there's a spot in the back that does not have ornaments (I think the JOY's belong there!).

A friend of mine drug all the boxes upstairs for me last Tuesday. They sat around here for a couple of days and then Wednesday afternoon (after work) I started putting the tree together. I'm thankful for friends who are willing to help me get my stuff up the stairs. Going down is not a problem (I can always tuck and roll) but bringing boxes, groceries, etc. up on some days is very hard. Don't believe the stories about the Golden Years! They just ain't true!!!!

Barb made a quick visit here on Wednesday night. She told me she would help get the Christmas stuff upstairs and put the tree together. She was very surprised (and pleasantly so, I hope) that she didn't have to do any of that. I had the tree halfway done by the time she got here. We finished putting it together and then went to bed. When she got up Thursday morning she started putting the lights on for me. She got them all up before she left for her Dad's for Thanksgiving dinner. I know I could have gotten it done, but bet it wouldn't be completed yet!!! I'm a little slow when it comes to climbing up and down on ladders!! I finished the tree on Saturday. Like I said, I'm a little slow. I did manage to get it pushed back into the corner where I want it. Learned a long time ago to put shiny cardboard underneath the base (it pushes so much easier that way).

Got a call from my son and his family on Thanksgiving Day wishing me a good one. That was cool! Made my day!! Everyone had something on for Thanksgiving Day this year so I had a TV (turkey) dinner and put up my tree. Watched some football (what else?) and did a little sleeping too! The tree is up (the big one), the JOY tree is complete and the majority of the decorations are put where I want them (or think I do). Sounds like Jim and his sisters will be able to come over tomorrow night and help drag all the empty boxes back downstairs. Sometimes it's a real pain to live on the second floor!!

My family (or those that can) are getting together this coming weekend at my sister's. I'm planning on that plus going to a basketball game that evening. Mike's team will be playing at home and since I haven't seen any of his teams play yet . . . thought this was a good time!! I'm sure we'll have a very enjoyable day together!!

I'd love to say that I'm done shopping but that just ain't true! I talked to Jim tonight and asked him what he and Mandy wanted for Christmas this year. He couldn't come up with anything. That was a bummer, but I'll think of something between then and now!!

Have a trip planned for Des Moines on Thursday. It's a Planner's Meeting. Guess I'll leave on Thursday morning and come back that evening. Makes for a long day, but if everything goes okay at the office I should be able to leave a little earlier on Friday. Get started on my sleep!!

I gave myself a sore foot putting up the tree. I stepped back and right on the end of one of the branches. It punctured my foot, bleed and is sore, but seems to be okay. I've been watching it closely and had our nurse look at it today at work. She'll continue to monitor my foot (poor woman) and if there's a problem I'll hike off to the doctor. What a dumb thing to do! Barb asked if I was wearing shoes . . . of course not . . . that's about the first thing I take off when I get home. I do, however now, wear slippers. Live and learn.

Have a great week all.

I just checked Jim & Mandy's blog. I have a darling granddaughter! Isn't she the cutest thing!!! I'm looking forward to the holidays and spending some time with my little Urbandale family. I'll be staying with Barb and enjoying her company too. Hope they all enjoy mine!!

I had company for the weekend. Glee, Beth & Jackson came Saturday to do some shopping. What fun to spend time with Jackson. He is such a sweet little boy. And so good. I know his mother will argue with me about being good but considering he rode in his car seat from home to my place, from here to the Mall and sat again in his stroller. He was really good. We stopped at the Humane Society at the Mall and looked at the dogs and cats. He got really excited when he saw the cats and called them by name -- his cat's name! But it's so much fun to watch his expressions and listen to him talk. He's growing up so fast. Oh, it was nice spending time with his mother and grandmother (Damma) too. We didn't get a lot of shopping done, but it was fun just getting out and being with other people.

I don't see my sister as much as I'd like too, but have been with her the last 3 weekends. Wow! Wonder what she's doing this next weekend. Beth & Glee went with me (or I with them) the first of the month to the craft fair in Ankeny. That was a nice weekend. Last weekend there was a big craft fair here in Dubuque and Glee came down on Friday night and we went to that on Saturday. Like I said, I've seen a lot of her lately.

I have a friend coming over tomorrow night to help bring all my Christmas stuff up from my storage closet in the basement. I'm going to just take my time and get everything together. Deadline is Monday, November 30th. To be done by then! I should be able to make that.

Work has been busy. I spent a week promoting our programs to a group of individuals that will be loosing their jobs in 2010. Pink slips have not gone out yet, but they're coming. The company is trying to do as much as possible for their employees and I'm part of the group that goes into businesses and plants when closings happen. It's kinda depressing. Makes a person thankful for what they have!! I did finally get my State reports finished on Friday and saw it on its way. I'm sure there will be some touch up that has to be done but the biggest part of it is finished. This is a short week (jeans week) at work. I'm planning on finding a home for all the lone papers laying around, making up folders and just plain cleaning out the place. We have a potluck on Wednesday and I'm leaning toward making pumpkin bars or apple crisp. Have to see how ambitious I feel on Tuesday night.

Thanksgiving will be spent putting Christmas together at my house. I bought a turkey TV dinner for Thursday. I also bought a small (3 lbs.) turkey breast. I love turkey. I still have to pick up cranberries, can't have turkey either real or TV without cranberry sauce. I have a co-worker that has no place to go on Thanksgiving either so may ask her if she'd like to join me. I can put her to work stringing lights!!!

I have so much to be thankful for. First of all I'm employed. I have a job. I can pay my bills. I have two wonderful children, a beautiful granddaughter and daughter-in-law. I have a sister and family that I love dearly. These people make my world go around. They're all very special for me, and I thank God every night when I say my prays that they are part of my life. My health is fairly good (aches and pains come and go and I'll just keep on truckin'). I live in a country that gives me my freedom to do what I want and be what I want. For all of this I am thankful. We seem to overlook Thanksgiving in this country (and it's our holiday, no other country) and go directly from Halloween to Christmas. I'm as much at fault as the next person. But I am thankful for what I have and guess I just want everyone to know that. I have friends that I'm thankful for. They keep me sane (or crazy, whatever the day provides). You get out of life what you put into it. It's just like a job -- you have to work at it to make it what you want it to be!!

To my family and friends, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember those you love. Stay safe if you're traveling and everyone come back home safe and sound. God Bless All!

Plans??

Glee & Odie had a tug-of-war!

Jim with his darling daughter!

Charlotte with her GJ!!

I was told this is a 'blue' elephant!

Are we having fun yet??

It's that time of year . . . everybody is scrambling and trying to get together with friends and family for the holidays. Doesn't seem possible that Thanksgiving will soon be here. I do the same thing every year at Thanksgiving . . . I put up my tree and decorate my house. I do so love Christmas and all the colors and music. My tree stays up longer than anyone I know too! Course sometimes that's my own fault. I just get lazy and don't take it down!!!

My sister is going to try and get as many of us together as possible for Thanksgiving December 5th. It's kinda one of those 'plans' that those that can make it will, and those that can't will try and make it next year. Mike has a basketball game the evening of the 5th so I think I'll try and attend that too. That should be fun, haven't gone to a high school game for a long time!!

Glee, Beth and I went to Ankeny November 7th to the North Pole Village Craft Fair. We used the Hotel Barb and had a very enjoyable weekend. Got some things for Christmas and had a good time too. My legs won't let me walk for a long period of time (nor my left foot) but I found times when I could sit for a minute or two and went right back at it. It's the same when I drive for longer periods of time. Getting out of the car must look pretty funny to anyone that doesn't know me. I have to get my legs to cooperate and gooooooo! Not bad enough yet that I can't go where I want, just have to take a little more time.

We spent Saturday afternoon/early evening with Jim & Charlotte. Mandy had a wedding shoot and wasn't able to be with us, but I got some nice pictures of my little Charlotte and had a nice visit with Jim. We were able to get together with the whole family on Sunday for an early lunch. Charlotte was a doll. She was a little tired and finally gave up and fell asleep in her carrier. What a sweetheart!

Work has been very busy of late. Got all my meetings in with the Thermo-Fisher Scientific group and even got my board meeting done. Now to get at the minutes and work on my state reports. State is due by Friday, November 20th. I'm looking forward to the weekend and being lazy!! I'm afraid I have some long days ahead.

Tomorrow I must get my driver's license! I've put it off forever and am down to the wire. I have until Tuesday to get it without having to take the test again. Why do I leave things go? To start with I forgot it was due and then got busy (or used that as an excuse) and now will have to do it. The driver's license office has moved so have to find it too. Getting old can be the pits!

I've been doing some Christmas shopping and working on some scrapbooks. I did one for a lady that retired from our agency this past week. I didn't think it would take as much time as it did, but it turned out quite well. We had a retirement party for her today. She's been with the agency for over 36 years. Don't think I'll make it that far. I celebrated ??? my 25th year September 28th and doubt that I'll make it beyond 29 years. Think I'll retire and then go out and find a job!! Isn't that what a lot of people do?

Christmas plans are coming along. Talked Mandy this evening. I'll be traveling to Ankeny and Urbandale for Christmas Eve this year. Mandy has invited me to spend the day (Christmas Eve day) with them. Barb will be there too, I think. I'll probably spend Christmas Day with Barb and then head home for part of the weekend. Hope the weather cooperates so that I get where I want to be!!

My side of family haven't got a date set yet to get together. Hopefully soon those plans can be made. As our families expand, so do our plans.

My Colts are on, so I best sit down and cheer them on. Hope for a victory.

The wind is blowing something fierce here! Sounds like winter out there! The leaves are certainly having a great time blowing all over the place!! But the weatherman says we might get to 46 tomorrow -- a little cool for the trick or treaters tomorrow night. Of course when you're their age the cold doesn't really bother you!!

I made a trip to Des Moines on Thursday. It wasn't the most pleasant day to be traveling. When I left it was cool but trying to clear up. As I got out onto Highway 151 there was a beautiful rainbow in front of me (and to my right) as I moved on down the road. I haven't seen a real rainbow in years. I forgot how beautiful they are. I actually thanked God as I was speeding down the road for giving me such a beautiful welcome on my gloomy Thursday morning.

I was in town for a Planners Meeting. I'm a member of the sub-group (Planners) with ICAA and was elected Chairman on Thursday. I take over my office in February. We have a meeting the first week in December again but Marla and Cheri will still chair that one. I also have a co-chair (what a wonderful idea that is). Janell is from Creston out in western Iowa. We've got the state covered for our winter meetings. Last year our December meeting was called because of a blizzard! One of the things we've done for the last few years is exchange cell phone numbers. Some of us leave pretty early in the morning of the meetings and you can catch us on the road. I know I was almost to Brooklyn last year when I got the call. So I give up my secretary job for chair. Hopefully I'll only serve a year and then the younger ones can do their thing!!

Today I had a Rapid Response meeting at 4:00 p.m. We have a business leaving Dubuque within the next 6 months and I'm a member of the team that goes in and tries to help the employees out with different options that they can use or do after the lay-off or plant closing. This plant will put about 350+ people out of work. They won't be starting the layoffs until after the first of the year, but what a bummer for the holidays. I hope that I can direct some of them to different programs that we have and help some of them. This company employs people from Wisconsin and Illinois as well as Iowa so I'll have some homework to do on community action agencies in WI and IL.

It's end of our fiscal year, so I've been busy working on final reports. I finally finished my activities report tonight. Now the fun ones start. We also will have to begin to report on our stimulus funds. Tracking some of that money and the uses of will be a challenge. The stimulus funds are wonderful but they sure cause a lot of paperwork. Sounds like New View may get a visit from the federal monitors this coming year. Maybe we'll luck out and it won't be our turn. If we do get the lucky straw, I'm not looking forward to it.

Picked up some essential groceries tonight on my way home and intent to stay here for the weekend. I've been working on two different scrapbooks and hope to gain on both of them over the weekend. Mandy and Jim have given me some great pictures on a DVD. I've got them all in date order (that took a little time) and when Walgreen's has photo specials usually take advantage of that and order some pictures. The other book I'm working on is for Beth (my niece) . Actually the book is basically about Jackson, her son. Jackson will have a baby brother in February so I best keep at this one so that it's up-to-date when the new baby comes. I enjoy working on both of these books. Mandy takes fantastic pictures of Charlotte (and Jim and Jim takes pretty good ones of Mandy and Charlotte). It's a family thing!!!

Speaking of scrapbooking, I better get at it. I don't have to get up in the morning so I can pull an all-nighter if I want.

Happy Halloween all!!

Birthday

Charlotte likes oatmeal. Can't you tell?

Just hangin' out at GJ's!!

GJ & her favorite granddaughter!!

Ta da!!

Charlotte helping me open my birthday present.

All rolled up in her quilt!!

More present opening.

She had a great time and takes beautiful pictures!

It was my birthday this past weekend and Jim, Mandy and Charlotte came to visit. Charlotte has never been to my place before so this was a new experience for her. She's such a good baby. I had a great time talking to her, holding her and just plain being around her. Come again real soon little darlin'!!

The kids got in late Friday night (or early Saturday morning) which ever way you want to put it. Charlotte woke up and wasn't real happy about going back to sleep but eventually got there. Thank goodness she slept in a little bit on Saturday morning. I think it was around 8 when she got up. She sure is a bright-eyed little thing in the a.m.

Mandy and Jim made their own breakfast. I opened my gift from Barbie. Charlotte helped!! Thanks Barb for the beautiful tops! The picture of Charlotte and I I'm wearing one of them. Everybody got cleaned up and ready to go and off we went to Galena. Galena is a great little city to visit. This past weekend was the pottery tours. It was busy! It's always hard to find a place to park but when there's something special going on, it's doubly hard. We ended up on Bench Street (typical) just up from the flood gates. Found some steps to get us all down to Main Street and started our journey for the day. Charlotte was really a good baby considering she was in her stroller a lot of the time. Daddy carried her part of the time. None of us really bought a lot but it sure was fun checking out the stores and just browsing. It would have been a little more fun if the weather would have cooperated. It was overcast and cloudy all day. Even got a little nippy toward sunset. We packed up and came home around 5:30. Fed Charlotte and then the rest of us got ready to go out for supper. Jim & Mandy took me to the Olive Garden. It's one of my favorite places to eat. I enjoyed Charlotte throughout the evening. Rented a movie (which we never did get all the way through) and got everyone settled down for the night.

Sunday morning got up early. I told the kids I'd like to take them out for breakfast so after getting everyone ready and Charlotte fed we trucked off to Perkin's. It was a typical Sunday in Dubuque. Everybody goes out to breakfast on Sunday!!! We didn't have a real long wait but Charlotte was really tired and wasn't content to sit in her seat so between Jim and Mandy she was entertained and we were able to eat.

It wasn't long and it was time for them to return home. I really enjoyed my weekend. It was so great having them here. Charlotte is a beautiful baby and I just love her to pieces!! Got a lot of pictures and spent some quality time with all of them. Hopefully they can come back again soon.

I have a meeting in Des Moines on October 29th and am hoping to connect with all of my children on that date. It always depends on what's going on at the office as to if I can go in the night before or whatever. Plans have also been made to spend the weekend of November 6, 7 and 8 in Ankeny. It's the annual North Pole Craft Fair and Glee, Beth and I are planning on attending. Mandy wasn't real sure that she wanted to go, but we're planning on doing something together on the 7th. Gotta see my little gal whenever I can. We also want to do some planning for Christmas that weekend.

Work has been extremely busy these past weeks. We're putting in a new computer system and having some problems getting it done. It's also the end of our fiscal year and the beginning of our heating season. There's always a fire to put out somewhere!! I celebrated 25 years on September 28th with the agency. That's a long time to be in one place. Plans are to retire from there some time in the future.

Did some major organizing of pictures just before Jim & Mandy came. They had to have a place to sleep so I had to clean off the futon and actually got something done. I'm in the middle of a scrapbook for Beth of Jackson. He's such a little rascal and such fun to do pictures of. He's really growing up fast!!! But I guess they all do. Faster than we would like them to.

I'm listening to the football game. Once in a while I glance over at the screen to see what the noise is all about. Good game tonight. Baseball playoffs are upon us also. Haven't really paid much attention to that sport this year. I'm a NASCAR and football fan.

I best call it a night for this time around. I got some real nice pictures of the fall colors today at my lunch. Got some of the bluffs in Dubuque. The sun was out and the pictures turned out quite well. Next time.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

The Foels Family

Jackson got a wheelbarrow and loved it!

Mike open this for me!!

Jackson loves Elmo!!

He really gets into opening his presents!

Got a wagon from Grandma & Grandpa Sass.

Blowin' out the candle!

The Elmo Cake.

We celebrated Jackson's 2nd birthday on Saturday. As you can see he loves Elmo. Beth had a special cake baked for him and it was delicious. It had peanut butter filling, just like a Reese's Pieces! Wow! Aren't we all special. We had a great supper and cake and then opened gifts.

Jackson had a ball. He got so many things he couldn't decide if he wanted to open more gifts or play with the ones he'd already opened. One of his favorites was his tractor and wagon and his fire truck. He loves pushing things around. He has his little toys (small scale) all lined up on the top of his toy chest and is constantly moving them from one side to other all lined up perfectly. I should know, he kept moving them and asking me to help reach for them across the chest.

He's such a cute little guy. He's talking and actually making sense out of most of the things he says. Once in a while you just have to agree because you just don't understand, but he's so much fun to be around it really doesn't matter. You just gotta love him.

I got to Glee & Ron's around 1:00 on Saturday. I drove in some rain and muddy roads. I just got the last dust (Glee's dust) off my car and now I definitely have Glee's mud on it. Maybe it'll rain again this week while I'm at work and nature will wash my car. Otherwise I'm really going to have to take it to the car wash!! I was so hoping for some sunshine so I could stop in Guttenberg and take some pictures of the hillsides and the beautiful fall colors, but it was just too gloomy. Maybe next weekend.

Beth had supper for all of us. We all ate well. And then it was time for Jackson to blow out the candles and open presents. He's been sick the last couple of weeks on and off and his meds seem to be bother him a bit. He was going like gangbusters right after we got there and all at once he just ran out of gas. He wanted Mom or Dad and then seemed to feel better and went right after it again.

We all got to meet Mike's girlfriend. She's a real nice young lady. She's a nurse, at University Hospitals in Iowa City, so her and Beth have something in common. Thanks Mike for introducing her to all of us. Poor girl, probably thought she was in the middle of a nut house (at times).

By the time the gifts were all open Jackson was beginning to get tired again. I bet he slept well Saturday night! Actually the rest of us did too.

I left Saturday when the Hawkeyes were leading their football game and got to see the end of it at Glee & Ron's. They pulled it off. Glad the game wasn't any longer. My sympathies to all the Cyclone fans out there. Sorry about that Barb! There's next week and we'll all yell louder!!

Slept in this morning. Ron went to church and left Glee and I home. I've been wanting to get some pictures from Glee for Jackson's books and this morning worked out well. We copied some to my memory stick and decided to email the rest. Hey Glee, they all got here and are all printable!! We made it work!! Both Glee and I learned a little something about our computers with all the fooling around we did. We fixed it, right Glee!!??? Ron???

I got home a little after 6 tonight. Brought back some great looking tomatoes. Glee had plenty so gave me some to eat. I'll enjoy them the rest of the week. I miss not being able to have a garden living in an apartment. Especially things like tomatoes and green beans. Maybe someday.

I've spent the majority of my evening copying pictures. I went out last week and bought an external drive just for the pictures. My computer is slowing down and also getting full. Once I get everything figured out, it'll be great. Didn't have any problems hooking up the drive but now have to figure out what I'm doing when I move files. It'll come, it'll come.

Back to work tomorrow. Sounds like more rain in the forecast. Oh goody!! Soup time. Fall got here awfully quick this year. Hope we still see some Indian Summer.

Take care all.

Tired of Being Sick

I am tired of being ill!!! Went to the doctor last week (Wednesday) because I thought I had streph throat. Well, it wasn't that, thank goodness, but they found a viral infection. I got a work release for today. Sooooo, after 5 days at home it was good to get out if only to go to work. Can't say I feel the greatest but it's better than it was. Not sure my spelling is correct either but hope you get my meaning. I still have a very sore throat and chest pains. I'm tired all the time, and a bit of a crank. Just ask the girls at work!!! I went ahead and apologized to 3 people this morning before I even said anything. Thought I'd get it out of the way before I did any damage!!

Unfortunately I didn't get to my aunt's 85th birthday celebration. I'm sorry Lorraine that I didn't get there. Didn't feel very good and even though (according to the doctor) I'm not contagious I felt like it. Guess this is just something I have to work out and hopefully it won't last for a real long time. I would really have liked to see Aunt Lorraine's and new place. Maybe I can get there one of these other weekends.

Work is extremely hectic right now. Our fiscal year ends tomorrow. We've lost 4 staff people in the last week and I have a board packet to get out yet this week. My State reports aren't due for another 30-days but I have to start on them. With the ARRA (stimulus) funds that we received it makes the statistics a lot of fun. My regular stats have to be separate from the ARRA stats. We have yet to receive the program to track ARRA. Wonder where that went? We're in the process of putting new computer systems in for 10 of us. They ran into a glitch last week and haven't worked it out yet. Fuel program begins Thursday and it will be a madhouse for the next few months with that program along with the everyday things that happen at a CAP agency. I feel like I'm chasing myself . . . interviews begin Thursday (I think) for a couple of the positions open. I don't mind interviewing but it always takes more time than an individual thinks it should. Lots of paperwork. But then, where would we be without it????

I can't say I'm real fond of this 'fall' weather. Isn't it a little early for all this wind and cold?? Frost warnings out for low lying areas tonight. It was 39 this morning in Dubuque. Guess I'll have to drag out some fall/winter things to wear. I wore a sweatshirt today. I've still got some problems with chills so I was fairly comfortable all day today. It's an agency shirt so I can get by with that!

Have to pick up a couple of prescriptions tomorrow night. Last day of the year to do that so that I can use my flex spending account. I also want to do a little shopping for my great nephew for his birthday present. Big party this weekend. At the present he's sick. Poor little guy. Hope he's better or there may not be a party.

Finished the creek party scrapbook. I sure had a good time working on that one. Jim & Mandy also gave me a DVD with scads of pictures of Charlotte. I'm in the process of going through them and making a decision on which ones to use. Have to either get a big memory stick or some additional memory for the computer. I'm slowly running out of room. I know that photos take a lot of space and right now I've got lots and lots of them on my drive. Maybe Jim can help me with that the next time he comes home. His mother would really appreciate that!!

Got the garbage out tonight. Need to do a few dishes yet and have supper. I best get at it. Hope all have a good week.

One down, one to go!

I've been home now for about an hour. Just got back from Ankeny. Didn't get to see my kids but did go to a workshop regarding HR matters. This morning was a little boring but the afternoon speaker was excellent. I left home around 6:00 a.m. and got over to Brenda's about 6:20 or thereabouts. She drove. We made excellent time and found the library okay. Actually, we found it accidentally. I called Barb last night and she gave me some vague directions. Good thing I was listening. I told Brenda to get off at the wrong exit -- realized it and was still able to find myself to Prairie Trail Drive (or whatever it's called). Ankeny has a beautiful library. And a very nice meeting room.

Thursday I make another trip to Des Moines proper. I have a meeting regarding the ARRA (stimulus) funds. How to track it. It's only a 3 hour meeting, but it is very important so down I go again. Hopefully I will not have to drive then either. This getting up at 5:00 in the morning is going to poop me out!! I'm too old for this stuff.

Happy Anniversary to my son and his wife (Jim & Mandy). They're celebrating 2 years today. I did remember to call each of them while in the big city. The date got here sooner than I thought.

The last couple of weeks have been very busy at work. The end of the year is coming up for me. I'm not looking forward to that. I'm hoping when I get to the office tomorrow my new computer system is complete. Got a feeling it may take them longer than they thought. I may end up back here at home to finish up my employee newsletter. Guess we'll wait and see.

Had a nice weekend. Went out for breakfast with a friend on Saturday. Good way to start the weekend. I wasn't terribly busy but got a lot accomplished. I've just about finished a 6x6 book on the Sass Creek Party. My pictures turned out real well and I had such a good time putting them together. It's a nice change working with smaller pages. Took a little getting used to but once I got going . . . .

Have some busy weekends coming up. My Aunt Lorraine will be celebrating her 85th birthday this coming Sunday. I"m planning on attending that. The following weekend is Jackson's (my great-nephew) birthday. He'll be 2 already! I haven't seen him for a couple of months and am looking forward to that. He's talking more in sentences and just being the darling little boy that he is. Hope it's a nice day for the event.

Fall is definitely here. I can't believe all the trees that are turning already and all the leaves that are already on the ground. Hope that doesn't mean a nasty winter. I can handle cold, but would prefer not to have lots of snow or ice. I'll even take snow over ice! Guess we'll all just have to wait and see.

Laundry is waiting. Take care.

Charlotte's Baptism

Jesse, Mandy, Charlotte, Jim & Barbie

Charlotte and her baptismal dress. Isn't she a doll?

Charlotte and her very proud Grandma Joy!

The happy family.

Charlotte's baptism.

Jim & Mandy had Charlotte baptized this weekend. The church is the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. It's an absolutely beautiful building and campus. Charlotte was a little doll. She was so good. It was a wonderful day and lot of both sides of the family were able to make it. Barb was one of her sponsors and very happy to take on that duty.

I drove down to Barb's on Saturday morning. There was some fog, but nothing that was too bad. It was a nice drive. Barb was at the ISU/Iowa game, so I let myself in, switched on the TV and watched the Cyclones get bombed! They really looked bad. My sympathies to Barbie.

Barb got home around 3:30 or so. She took a little nap. She really got sunburned. I was hoping to spend part of the evening with Jim, Mandy & Charlotte but they had made other plans so Barb and I went to The Waterfront for supper. It's a seafood place in Ankeny. Barb even ate fish! I saw it. I'm a witness!! It was very good. We came home and watched some football and NASCAR. Went to bed early as both of us were tired.

Sunday was a beautiful day. We went to church with the whole family. The baptismal service was after the regular church service in their Chapel. A very nice service. Eight babies were baptized. Charlotte, of course, was the cutest!

After much debating, it was decided to all eat together at the Cheesecake Factory in Jordan Creek. It was a very long lunch. I think we sat there for over 2 hours. The company was good and the food wasn't bad either. After the majority of us went back to their house and had cake and punch and watched the gift opening. Charlotte got a lot of nice gifts and hopefully many memories with all the pictures that were taken.

I have a terrible time putting pictures in my blog lately so they come first and then the narrative. Mandy has some great shots on her blog too. These are ones I either took or Barb sent them to me. Hope you all enjoy them.

I got a DVD from Jim with more pictures of Charlotte for her book I'm working on. I've got some of them on my computer. I'll probably be working on that this weekend. Jim & Mandy were coming but their plans changed so . . . mine did too. Maybe some other time.

I'm scrapping a book of our Creek Party. Got some shots from my sister and niece and one of their friends posted some on Facebook so I borrowed them too. It's really been fun putting this book together. We had such a great time. That too was a beautiful weekend.

Well, I lived through the day! Tuesday morning I stopped at my doctor's office and had blood drawn (aka blood letting) for my semi-annual check-up. Hurray!! It only took one stab at my left elbow to get the amount of blood needed. It usually takes much longer and I end up with both arms bruising. I'm impressed with Diane. She's really getting this down pat! I also drink a lot of water before I go -- helps!

Today I went back to find out the results of all the tests. I'm happy to say that my blood pressure is good (132/80) my numbers are where he wants them (I can't remember exactly what they were, but the good is good and the bad is good also). I just know that he was happy about it. The results weren't back yet on my A1C but they called me late this afternoon and told me it's 6.9. That's a good number for diabetes. I also lost a couple of pounds. Think I lost more than that but I know I pigged out this weekend. Do you ever weigh what you want?

The weather has been so beautiful lately. I could live with this all year around. Trees are starting to turn and some are even loosing their leaves. I think it's a little early for that but I don't have control over that either so can't do a thing about it. Want to get out and take some pictures of the hills one of these next weekends.

I have a board meeting tomorrow night and some finishing touches on some projects I've been working on at work to finish in the a.m. I've been working up brochures for each of our programs. It's been fun. I enjoy doing work like that. Next week I'm scheduled for a workshop in Ankeny. I think Brenda said we were leaving around 6 - 6:30 a.m. Hope to get to at least talk to Barb and Jim or maybe get to see them before we have to head back home. Work is starting to get busier -- fuel season is upon us. New computers are supposed to be coming for a lot of us. I'm getting a new laptop and really excited about that. The one I'm using now quits whenever it wants to!!

I best call it a night. MASH is on so I think I'll get my book and read and watch TV before going to bed.

Nite.

Water, water everywhere!

Today was a fun day -- NOT! I had a planners meeting in Des Moines. To start with I was hoping to take Friday off and spend some time with my families in Des Moines. Friday is Jim's birthday and Barb's is coming soon. Thought maybe we could go out for supper either Friday or Saturday and just hang around for part of the time. I want to spend some time with Charlotte. She's growing so fast! Some plans just aren't meant to be!! My boss decided that we just can't run without me being there on Friday so plans were changed and I came home.

It was the trip home that was eventful!! I drove down in rain all morning. I left here around 6:30 a.m. with the rain. It got harder as I continued west. Thank goodness I had my car checked Tuesday and some work done on it. I'm glad I didn't get stranded on the road in this kind of weather. When I got to the Public Works building it was just spitting so left my umbrella in the car. Our meeting was informative and not real lengthy! Nomination of officers is in October and I can get rid of my job as secretary of the group. I think I've been doing that for about 5 years now. I'm ready to give it up. They did, however, ask if I wanted to be chairperson. I said I would, but only if I had a co-chair. That's what we've been doing the last few years. That way one person doesn't have all the responsibility of the group. I'm sure there's others that would like the job to -- I will graciously give it to them!!!

Since I wasn't staying with the kids for the weekend I decided to skip my lunch break and drive straight home. In the rain!!! Some times it was so hard you could hardly see. Bet there's some fog tonight -- there was this afternoon. I was cruising right along and heading into Monticello when all the traffic in front of me started slowing down. Figured there was an accident or something. Just outside of Altonna a semi obviously ran off the road early this morning or during the night and they were pulling that out of the ditch when I went it -- coming home they were cleaning out the trailer and only had one lane open. That slowed everyone down. The back axles of the truck were missing so that probably was quite a ride!!

Anyway, back to Monti -- I stopped. Didn't have much choice. I could see lights flashing up ahead but nothing was happening to the line of traffic. People were pulling out of the right lane and turning around and heading back toward Anomosa. Or at least back west. Eventually we moved a car at a time. Noticed that some cars and semis were driving on the shoulder and turning up a county road just before you get to the bridge. I was following a Dubuque County car so figured they were heading back this way also. A lot of trucks headed back west. I had KHAK radio on from Cedar Rapids and they were announcing all the road closings in and around CR. Finally mentioned that the water was over the bridge just outside of Monticello. That particular creek is named Kitty Creek. Didn't know the name before but surely do now. Finally I moved into the left lane and followed a bunch of cars and semi that were taking the county road. It wasn't the best. Gravel with lots of soft spots and water running in the ditches on both sides. But at least I was moving. I was so glad I stopped for gas cuz I don't think I would have made it sitting there all that time. Basically we went around a country block and ended up back on a highway of sorts. The water was running through the underpass into Monticello but they were still driving through it!! I got back on 151 and headed home. Took Y21 (you pass Timberline Golf Course) on that highway and got back on 20 at Peosta. Was real glad to get home. I hate water.

When Harry and I lived in Platteville the trailer court we were in was evacuated because of high water. Our home was okay, the water moved our gas tank and some of the blocks under the trailer but nothing we couldn't fix. We did have to leave. One of our neighbors at the time lost their car. The water came up real fast and they didn't get it out in time. Down the creek it went. Water can certainly be scary!!

One of the other planners was mentioning that they had a basement full of water. The rain gauge had over 4 inches of newly fallen rain in it. Parts of this country are so dry and we get all this rain. Saw some hay down -- that'll be a while before that gets put up!!

I am glad to be home. I didn't come close to going into water or anything, but I know I'm glad it was still daylight when I came onto that bridge. You know what they say about water on the roadway -- turn around, don't drown!!

Gotta run. I'm hungry so think I better find something to eat. Have a good weekend!

Duh!

I couldn't think of any other title so Duh will have to do! I really haven't been doing much lately except working. But if I don't work I don't get to do anything!!

Marilyn and I have been checking out the paper on a weekly basis and looking for new places to check into. When I do find something that sounds good it's awful when you get there, or it's two stories and the renter is responsible for lawn mowing and snow removal. What a bummer! We really did have a good time last Sunday. We drove all over Dubuque and found streets we'd never been on before! I'll find something one way or the other!!

Spent the last couple of days in Cedar Rapids. We had a workshop on Financial LIteracy that was very interesting. Horizon's put it on, or rather hosted it. Our state association put the workshop on. They've just recently got back into their building as they were flooded out last year. They have a great place. The outside looks pretty awful but once you're inside it's pretty awesome! Spent some time with co-workers I'm not with very often. Parts of the two-day workshop were good, some a little boring. Sat and watched a 'scary' movie with some of them Thursday night. Has anyone out there ever watched or seen "The Strangers"? It's a little on the scary side. Ekk!! That's for my friends I watched the movie with!!

Got back Friday night around 5:00. Boy was I tired. I'll take my own bed any day. Got up this morning and did some actual cleaning. My bedroom looks pretty good for once. Now to tackle the living room and my craft den (or cell, or whatever you want to call it). I've been working on a book for Jim & Mandy about Charlotte, but have come to a point where I need some more pictures. I have a great idea on how to make up a small album with the creek party. Got some great pictures of that event. (I do get out occassionally!)

Race on tonight. I didn't even check as to who's on pole. Guess I'll just watch it and find out.

Have a great weekend!

Fantastic Party!

The newest addition to the campsite.

More wood!!

Jackson and his new friend!!

Glee readying the 'potty sign'

Campfire.

This is the employee of the month taking a nap!

The Sass Farm employee of the month with his favorite niece.

Charging up Barb's cell phone.

Golf anyone??? Barbie trying it!

Unloading the truck.

It was a great weekend for the creek party! Got a little chilly toward the end of the evening but we had a huge fire and that kept everyone warm!

I don't have any of these pictures in any kind of order but as you can see, we had a great time. I got to Glee & Ron's a little after 9 (I think). I watched Glee get some stuff ready to take down to the campsite. Barb got there around 11:30 and we loaded up the truck with the majority of the goodies. Ron followed us down later in the mule. Good thing we had a cell as we ended up calling him to bring a few things forgotten. Barb also needed to charge her cell phone and the mule works great for that!!

We went down around 1:00. It's so beautiful down there. You can sit and hear the water running over the rocks in the creek. It's so peaceful. The outdoor smells are wonderful. No traffic! Mike had his tent up but wasn't there when we first got there. Too bad we didn't know there was going to be a tent (with air mattress, etc.) because then Jim & Mandy could have came and brought Charlotte. The little ones played in the tent for a bit of the time and it certainly would have been a place for anyone to nap, etc. Maybe next time.

We had all kinds of food! We had brats and hot dogs but I noticed hamburgers and chicken on one of the grills too. I saw a lot of people I don't normally get to see. That was great!! We had a huge campfire going and as the evening got cooler we just drew up the chairs a little closer and put more wood on the fire! That was cool. The party eventually broke up just before midnight. We spent some time this morning picking up the campsite and bringing back the table, cornhole game and other odds & ends that were left when we came home. It really was a great time. I hope we can do this again -- maybe even this fall yet. It must be really pretty down there when the trees start to change!!

It was a fun weekend. Good to get away from the city and enjoy some natural outdoors!!!

More Weekend

Mommy burping Charlotte.

Jim & his daughter. This is a darling picture, but as usual, I probably had my finger over the lens so it's not a clear picture but it is cute!

My darling granddaughter!!

More Charlotte.

Charlotte with here Daddy.

I got a note from my sister wondering if I had taken any pictures of Charlotte my weekend in Des Moines. So I thought I better get these on before someone else asked the same question!! I noticed she got her picture with Charlotte on Jim & Mandy's blog!!! Actually I didn't get a lot of pictures the day of the picnic. Charlotte was being a Mommy & Daddy baby and was indoors the majority of the time. When I was around her I didn't have my camera. So, I'll just have to depend on Mandy & Jim for pictures!!

I did spend some additional time with my little family in Urbandale. On Sunday evening Barb plays ball so spent some time with them then. I did get to hold Charlotte for a bit but she decided she really did prefer her Daddy so I lost out on that one!! I'm sure she'll soon get over that phase and we can all hold her as much as we want. We had a nice visit on Sunday evening. Barb's game was forfeited (the other team didn't show up), so we left and made a quick trip out to the hotel that my conference was at. It wasn't too difficult to fine but I was glad for the guided tour!

The conference ran from Monday through Wednesday. Wednesday's finishing touch was an award luncheon for years of service to community action. Oh I forgot, this was our annual ICAA (Iowa Communtiy Action Association) Training Conference. I received my 25 year award at this luncheon. Woo Hoo! The State of Iowa gives you a piece of paper with your name and the number of years you've been on the job. They don't even give you a frame! They do, however, take your picture as you're receiving your award and in a group. I might get a copy of that, I really don't know.

Monday evening I had an additional meeting after the workshops and headed back to Barb's for supper. She had a game so I spent the evening watching TV and reading. Tuesday evening we decided to all get together and go out for supper. It's much harder for Jim & Mandy to go out right now with Charlotte, but she was a jewel and we had a nice supper at Chip's in Ankeny. We went back to Barb's and just hung out for a few hours. Mandy fed her little one and then she ended up on the floor and stayed there the majority of the evening. She really was good. Barb has a few toys and got her attention with some colored rings. With all baby's, the majority of anything she got her hands on with goes to her mouth. She's such a darling little girl. I love her so much! Wished I lived closer so that she eventually will know who her Grandma Joy is!!

You'll have to pardon my photography I seem to always have my fingers where they shouldn't be! Barb, Jim & Mandy got me a fantastic digital camera for my birthday a couple years ago and I shouldn't be able to mess anything up too much, but they can't do anything about me putting my fingers on the lens!!! I do love taking pictures, and Barbie always says when I taking some that I already have a scrapbook page in mind. (She's right, I usually do!!!)

Barb came to the award luncheon on Wednesday. That was special. I really appreciated her doing that. Jim & Mandy were unable to attend because they WORK! My boss said I should invite them, I said I did, but they WORK and there's no way they can get off for an award luncheon in the middle of the day. They used to have them in the evening - that would have been nice because then I think they would have tried to be there. They could have brought Charley and I could have shown her off. Everybody loves the pictures I have of Charlotte!

Had to share these additional pictures of my long weekend with all. I adore my family and love being able to show them off to my friends.