Snow Covered Saturday!

Tyler brought the boys over this afternoon, with the motorcycle, of course. Popo and the boys had quite a time riding in the snow. They quit just before dark, and are planning to stay overnight. Bet they'll sleep well (and early) tonight!



What a beautiful sight! We really got snow this time! It started falling Thursday night, and when it ended, we had nearly a foot of snow. School was cancelled, but the basketball game at Van Buren was not called off. I took the JV boys to Keosauqua. Would you believe that they didn't have enough snow to cover the grass! This picture was taken Saturday morning, so it's not quite as pretty as it looked on Friday.
We had planned to be in Chicago for the weekend, but at midnight last night, Amtrak called Gariann to tell her that there would be no train this morning! We were so very disappointed! Last night I made a whole bunch of little chicken salad sandwiches to take on the train, and packed our cases and a cooler full of my Diet Dew. I thought it was a joke when we got the call at 1 AM from Gariann telling us not to meet them at 5:30AM in town! So, guess what we're having for lunch today!
I just talked to Kathy on the phone, and she told me the boys are outside. Zach is riding the motorcycle and Tyler is planning to take the boys, and the neighbor kids if they come over, hooding. I hope she gets some pictures. They'll no doubt look like snowmen before they are done.
I was just thinking this morning as I look out the window, how thankful I am to live in Iowa! We have the joy of experiencing all four seasons within a two week period! Just this past Wednesday we had thunderstorms, and 67 degrees. On a couple of days prior to the thunderstorms, we enjoyed summer...temperatures in the 70's. So, around here, you just never know how to dress!
Speaking of thankful...here are five more things for which I am truly thankful:
* Electricity! Thousands of people in the Midwest today are without power because of the storm! I am so thankful that we have electricity today! We can't even get a drink of water without it, because we have to pump our water in from our well. In addition to that, without electricity, we would be cold! I am very thankful for our electricity!
* Cell phones! How on earth did we ever get along before cell phones? I don't enjoy just chit chatting on the phone, but I am very glad to have the convenience of cellular service. I can remember many times having to run hither and to, trying to find Dennis to get an urgent message to him. Now, I just press a button on the cellphone, and there he is! It's saved 100's of miles on our vehicles, I'm sure! And, I've called him several times asking him to pick up something as he goes through town, which means that I don't have to go to town! I love that!
* Mail....the United States Postal Service. I love getting mail. We've been getting Christmas cards. Illa Jean Nye sent the first one we received this year. We also hear from our friend Frances Pickering through the mail quite often. It's such a joy to go to the box and find news from a friend. It's always nice to hear from friends via the e-mail too, but there's just something about a hand-written letter that the mail carrier brings that gives me those warm fuzzies! I LOVE getting mail!
* Radio. Specifically, Christian radio. We are very fortunate to have several stations in our area where we can listen to Christian programming all day and night. I am very thankful to have Southern Gospel music playing inspirational and uplifting music, when I tune to 91.7 FM. And we have numerous other stations that have teaching programs and music throughout the day. It is wonderful to have so many options!
* Birthdays. At my age, you might think it strange that I am thankful for a birthday, but consider the alternative. Although the alternative is not something I fear, because I know where I'm going, I have to say that I'm not really wanting to leave here just yet. I hope to celebrate more birthdays with our grandchildren, great grandchildren, and children. In just a few days, I'll be celebrating 54 years! I'm thankful to have that opportunity.

Oktoberfest in Ottumwa

Last October four buses took the Central Lee marching bands to Ottumwa for Oktoberfest. It's a long parade, and then activities and lunch (brats, naturally) with a drum line competition. Bus drivers were supposed to get free meal tickets, but they ran out of tickets before we got ours. We all went and cried a big sob story, and they gave us each a brat and drink free. A short time later, we found our band leader, and he had some meal tickets! So, we ate some more! After all, bus drivers work up quite an appetite!
It's a fun trip, and we bus drivers really "let our hair down" and have a good time. We posed for this silly shot, and Kerri has been holding it over Ron's head ever since. She says she's going to send a copy to his wife, Mary.
I would have posted this back in October, but Kerri just got the film developed! Kerri is the girl sitting on Ron's lap. Ron is the one with the big smile, and Pam is to the right. That other one, well...it's me!