Spring Beauty....

Each window provides a view of loveliness! Days like today, it seems all I get done is walk from one window to another just looking out. We've had over an inch and one half of rain since we went to bed last night, with more coming. The temperature is holding around 40 degrees. Just not a day I care to spend outdoors!
Enjoy the view with me:




















































I love living here! We are indeed blessed beyond measure.

Since February...

We've enclosed our west deck and turned it into a four season "sun-room". Prior to that, the deck was practically useless. It was too hot to enjoy sitting outdoors most of the summer. The mosquitoes were to pesky to enjoy evenings on the deck. Of course, it was too cold to use in winter, and if it was raining...or snowing.... well, you get the idea. We love the new room!


We celebrated Mom and Dad's 65th anniversary on March 20. It was a beautiful day, and we grilled chicken and riblets. Almost all of our family was able to be there to help celebrate. Everyone brought a dish, and it was just a very nice day.
Dennis has kept busy hauling for us and a lot of other people. He's added several layers to our lane, so it's in pretty good shape. It should hold up well through the spring rains. We certainly hope we don't get rains like we did last year! It's actually raining here at this moment.
Farmers in the area have been busy too. Some already have their corn planted. Travis has been getting equipment ready and preparing fields, but as yet has nothing planted. It's still plenty early.
I've already mowed our lawn twice, and it's only April 15! We've also been battling the weeds. They must have grown under that blanket of snow. We certainly had a healthy crop...but they're not looking so healthy now. Hurray for herbicides!




I put out four new bluebird boxes, and am seeing bluebirds just outside the window as I type. I hope they're moving into one of the new houses. We enjoy all the birds, but are especially fond of bluebirds.








Most recent "news": We have babies! Bunnies. Yesterday I brought two bunnies home. We set up the bunny pen, complete with water bottles and food. Our dog was so excited! He really likes them...in fact, he really wants to eat them! We'll have to be very careful when the kids come to pet the bunnies. Rusty would have them in a heartbeat if given the chance.
Pictured is Wyatt with one of the CFS bunnies. I have not yet taken pictures of ours, but you'll see them soon!





Added Saturday, April 16th. Here is a picture of our bunnies. We're still working on names for them.




Summer plans include some form of "summer school" at Mar's One Room Schoolhouse, several short trips, Cardinal baseball, Camp Forest Springs, lots of home projects....mostly clean up stuff, and Little League games.
And, of course, blogging.....

Groundhog Day!

We spent a good part of the day digging out from the "blizzard of 2011". According to the local newspaper, we had 20" of snow. The county road crew is plowing through drifts as high as 7 feet! It's certainly beautiful. School was called off again for tomorrow. In fact, nearly everything in the whole area was canceled. Even some of the factories told their employees not to come to work. The news says that this storm was worse than the blizzard of '79. I believe this was the first time since we've lived here that we were unable to get out. Travis came down in his backhoe and got our lane opened up.
Even so, Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow, so spring is coming soon! I took just a few pictures today.















Dennis put out a new bale for the cows:

















And, as usual, we had lots of activity at the bird feeders.

I'm a Bird Watcher...

and the birds are flocking to our feeders today.

We had sleet and freezing rain yesterday, and a little rain during the night. The temperature was 32* this morning and has been steadily falling with light snow. I'm very content to stay inside and look out the windows.

Winter Wonderland!

Why do we hear the "winter" songs only at Christmas time? They're seasonal songs, but they are not Christmas songs. Yet, once Christmas is past, you don't hear these songs played on the radio again until the next Christmas.

Today snow is falling and it's simply beautiful! The pictures don't do it justice. The falling snow doesn't show up well in the photo, but even so, it's pretty. It's still snowing, and now the wind is picking up, shaking the snow out of the trees. It's starting to look more cold than romantic!




Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening.
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird.
Here to stay is the new bird.
He sings a love song, as we go along
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman.
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown.
He'll say, "Are you married?" We'll say, "No, man!"
"But you can do the job when you're in town."

Later on, we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid the plans that we've made
Walking in a winter wonderland.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling?
Though your nose gets a chilling.
We'll frolic and play the Eskimo way
Walking in a winter wonderland!
---Felix Bernard and Richard Smith


Yep...that's definitely a "Winter" song, and should get played at least through February! If I were a radio DJ, you can bet I'd be playing it on days like today.

Blessed Beyond Measure!

Truly, we are!
How thankful I am for my home! We saw several "homeless" folks in Chicago.
I'm thankful for my coat! We saw one who appeared to be wearing her entire wardrobe just to keep warm.
I'm thankful for laundry! It was quite obvious that some folks haven't the resources to wash their clothes.
I'm thankful that we have family who also happen to be friends.
I'm thankful for our jobs. Not everyone has one!
I'm thankful for our quiet (for the most part) rural lifestyle.
I'm thankful for more than enough to eat. Millions around the world are hungry!
I'm thankful for all we have, but most of all ---
I am thankful for God's gift, Jesus Christ....

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Would someday walk on water?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you.


Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You've kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding

Is the Great I Am

-Mark Lowry

Since the Last Entry....

We've been very busy! It's been a beautiful fall. I don't know where to begin telling what we've been doing or where we've been since September. I guess the best way to update is by listing a few of the highlights....

Almost every Sunday evening we get together with Rockholds, Mickelsons, and Travis and Gail, for fun and games....and usually some good food as well. It's always fun, with many laughs.

Dad had his second knee replacement in mid-October. He had a rough go for a few weeks, but thankfully, seems to be improving every day.

Zach and I have been practicing with the Nauvoo Orchestra for a Christmas Concert December 2. It's been challenging, and fun for me....not sure Zach would describe it as fun. We're playing clarinets.

Wyatt started violin lessons about 5 weeks ago. We go to Nauvoo every Wednesday after school for his weekly lesson. He is learning a lot, and in such a short time! We believe he has talent!

Harvest was very quick, since many fields were under water most of the summer. We're thankful for for a safe harvest, and no breakdowns!

The calves are growing. Coffee Bean, our "Jergus" (jersey angus cross) has yet to calf. We're not sure when to expect that one, so we'll just keep watching and waiting.

I'm changing bus routes. I bid on a route that is almost entirely on paved roads, and won. The route I've been driving for the past few years is almost all gravel roads, which makes keeping the bus clean nearly impossible! I will miss a lot of the kids that I've come to know, but I sure won't miss the dust!

Enjoyed seeing (and hearing) the Lesters at Crossview in Keokuk last week.

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away! We'll be enjoying turkey and all the trimmings with family at the Bonney home. Looking forward to that!

Still to come: Candlelight Carols at Moody, Dinner Theater at CFS, Circle 8, the Lesters and Chosen Ones at Quincy for my birthday!

I could go on, but should start thinking about what a tired and hungry man might like for supper.


I just wonder.....does anyone actually read this blog?

NQC 2010 ....

It's over! Already have our reservations and tickets for the 2011 NQC. Highlights later!

Monday morning..... and remembering some of the great things about NQC.

Acappella! It seemed to be a popular trend this year, and we loved it!
Booth Brothers...... there are a number of groups that could be mentioned here, but the Booth Brothers are one of our very favorites. Should also mention a new group Benton & Company. Very impressive.
Collingsworth Family! What incredible talent. Should you ever have the opportunity to see them, don't miss it! And the Crist Family....we saw them first in the Ozarks when they were just getting started.
Dennis "Swan" Swanberg..... a really funny guy!
Excellence...... extraordinary.
Freedom Hall.
Groups...... great groups like Greater Vision, Gaither Vocal Band, Gold City, Greenes and more.
Harmony! There's just nothing better than four part harmony from groups like Hoppers, HisSong, and others!
Isaacs! Again....incredible. We love the Isaacs!
Jeff & Sheri Easter. Always a favorite, and again, no disappointment!
Karen Peck and New River, Kingsmen, Kingdom Heirs, King's Herald....
LES (Beasley and Butler) They're everywhere! Of course, we can't omit Legacy Five!
Midnight Cry by the "old" Gold...... with Ivan Parker and Brian Free. And Michael English singing with the "old" Singing Americans!
Nalley House. Fine food, great service, reasonable prices. Also have to mentions the Nelons! Although they didn't sing "Walk Right Out of This Valley" we were thrilled to hear them again!
Ovations. Nearly every performance earned a standing ovation..... That's a lot of noise from more than 50,000 people. Naturally, we did our part.
Piano players! We've determined that every group has an amazing pianist! My, oh my! Kim Collingsworth, Tim Parton, Jeff Stice, Gordon Mote, to name just a few. Also, a new-to-us group we really enjoyed.... Pine Mountain Railroad! We expect to hear more from them.
Quartets. Need I say more?
Rambo family. It was almost like having Dottie back! A nice tribute to Dottie Rambo.
Sarah Palin. Patriotic, practical, and positively uplifting and encouraging. Also, we again enjoyed the little time we spent in our very comfortable rooms at Springhill Suites, just across the street from Freedom Hall.
Talleys, Triumphant, Tiranda Greene,
Uplifting, inspiring, moving, touching...... such is the norm for Southern Gospel Music. That's why we love it so much!
Vendors. Ehrler's Ice Cream-a local product and must have treat! Peach is the best! Then there's the Kentucky Grind coffee shop. We also love to peruse the exhibit booths of all the groups and businesses. This year, I purchased several CD's, but we're usually just "window" shoppers.
Whisnants, another group I've enjoyed over several years.
Xtraordinary event, extraordinary performances, extraordinary people and talent!
Yes! Yes, yes, yes.....we are going again. In fact, we have permanent tickets.....meaning that we have the same reserved seats year after year, for as long as we wish. So, yes..... we're planning to be there Sept 14-18, 2011
Zane King....a very talented keyboard player, and a wholehearted endorsement for Compassion International. Zane = Mr. Compassion!

There were a few people we missed seeing this year. Peg McKamey, for one. The McKameys were there early in the week, but we didn't arrive until late Wednesday. We also missed Brian Lester and the Lester family.
Guy Penrod..... he came last year as a soloist. We didn't see him this year.
The Hunter family, from Canada. Again, they were there.....we just didn't see them.

Well, there are a few of the highlights (and in alphabetical order, no less).

Beloved Mother, Grandmother and Sister...

Yesterday, we were deeply saddened by the sudden passing of a loved one. Teri Mickelson Cary went to meet Jesus. Knowing that she is now in the presence of the Lord is comforting, but the pain of separation is no less severe. We covet your prayers especially now. I'm including a photograph of Teri with her grandchildren and husband, Jim. It's a very sweet picture.

	Jun 20, 1957 - Aug 25, 2010
	Teri Lynn Cary, 53, of Danville died at 4:21 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington. Born June 20, 1957 in Keokuk, Iowa she was the daughter of Robert and Frances Kurtz Mickelson. On March 7, 2009 she married James “Jim” Cary in Burlington. She was previously married to Lynn Nye. Mrs. Cary was a graduate of Central Lee High School. She worked as a bank teller for Danville State Bank for the past 12 years. Teri was a member of First United Methodist Church. She loved to water ski with her boys and her grandchildren. She enjoyed cross stitch, cooking and decorating. She loved to travel and take weekend drives. She especially enjoyed time spent with her family, whom she loved very much. Teri could do anything and everything and could do it well. Survivors include her husband; Jim Cary of Danville; her children; Joe (Joy) Nye of Iowa City, Jacob (Melissa) Nye of New London, Jerad Nye of Mount Pleasant, Brad (Amy) Cary of Edwardsville, Illinois, Todd (Laura) Cary of Burlington and Suzanne (Tobias) Lunsford of Burlington; twelve grandchildren; five great grandchildren; her mother, Frances Mickelson of Argyle; one sister, Michele (Jay) Sandona of Stevens Point, WI; two brothers, Kirk (Gariann) Mickelson and Mike (Chris) Mickelson both of Argyle and; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, maternal and paternal grandparents. Friends may call after noon on Sunday, August 29th in Lunning Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The funeral service for Mrs. Cary will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 30th in Grace United Methodist Church in Burlington. The Rev. Mike Orthel will officiate. Following the funeral service the body of Mrs. Cary will be cremated. Inurnment will be in Kossuth Cemetery, Mediapolis at a later date. Memorials have been established for First United Methodist Church, Danville Fire and Rescue and Melrose Church in Argyle.

Teri Cary

Jun 20, 1957 - Aug 25, 2010

Visitation

Sunday, August 29, 2010 3:00pm - 5:00pm Lunning Chapel 2620 Mt. Pleasant St. Burlington, 52601

Services

Monday, August 30, 2010 2:00pm - Grace United Methodist Church 1100 Angular St. Burlington, 52601

As Summer Winds Down....

We have had a very busy, and extremely wet summer! Because of almost daily rain, we have not yet cut our hay. We hope to get it done soon! Also, due to the excessive rainfall, we won't have much to harvest this fall. Much of the bottom ground is still (or again) underwater.
Still, we are thankful for a bountiful sweet corn crop, lots of time spent with family, and time to relax and enjoy the wonders of creation.
Just yesterday, while doing a little weeding, I found a cute little tree frog. At least, I believe it was a tree frog. It was small, green and sitting on a leaf in the honeysuckle bush. I didn't have the camera with me at the time, and of course, later was unable to find him for a picture. I found a photo of a frog that looked just like it in our reptile book.

We enjoyed a fun filled week in northern Wisconsin at Camp Forest Springs. Many of the photos have been posted on FaceBook, so I won't post them again here.



Last week, Little T, the heifer belonging to Zach and Wyatt, gave birth to a beautiful little girl. The boys were thrilled to be here and witness the birthing process. They named their baby Candy. She's doing very well! Little T is a very good mother. The boys will sell Candy when she is weaned.

School resumes one week from tomorrow. I will again be driving the bus, and expect to also drive some activity trips. Summer went much too fast! I'm looking forward to a great school year though.

That's all for now. I'm sure there's much more I could say, but it's time for me to get out and accomplish a few chores!