September 24 - October 2, 2008

Another week is gone. Since I posted last we have been to Iowa to close on the sale of the farm and close out Bruce's mother's estate. Both went smoothly. We stayed with Bruce's Aunt and Uncle and had a fun visit. Thursday night after all the business was finished we drove to the lake. It was so nice to get down there and just relax. Friday we spent the day doing nothing much. Friday night Amy came down. A whole gang of us went to dinner at a place called the Olive Branch. Great Italian food and a fun little environment. Saturday Bruce, Amy and I joined nine others from our complex and went to the off shore boat races. A good time was had by all. Those boats are FAST. We ate and drank all day. As soon as we got back to the condo we jumped into our car and went to a new place called Shrimp Daddy's. It's about 2 miles from the condo. They serve cajun food. The jambalaya, the gumbo, the shrimp poppers and the FRIED pecan pie were all great. We knew everyone in the restaurant so we had good food and good visiting. This is the gang from sunrise ridge that went on the boat races cruise.

Aggiville is in Manhattan, KS. Lots of college kids go there. I gues one couple couple does now)

This week has flown by. Monday night we talked to our financial guy. Tuesday we went to Bev Henning's mother's visitation. Wednesday after work I baked three apple pies from scratch. I used lard for the pie crusts and they were scrumptious. Making pie crust with lard is a snap compared to using Crisco. I took two of the pies to work today and they disappeared in a flash. Tonight we went to a warehouse wine sale. Another 13 bottles of wine found their way into our trunk. YUM. Tomorrow night the daughter of my high school best friend will be staying with us. Saturday morning Bruce and I are driving to my Mom and Dad's in South Dakota. Jasmine is going to stay with the vet. Monday morning Bruce has a 9:30 appointment at Mayo Clinic. We don't know how long he will be there so we are going prepared for the week but hope he finishes in one day. I'm headed to bed! Have a great weekend.

September 1-23, 2008

My sister-in-law Lori has started a blog and has inspired me to get going again. You'll have to visit her at: http://thenewjerseygirl.blogspot.com/

September has been a busy month for us. We spent Labor Day weekend at the condo. Our friends Rob and Bev Henning visited. Bruce helped with the "golf" event at the 2nd Annual Sunrise Ridge Summer Olympics. John Dauner and Bruce went fishing for golf balls.

The kids dove into the pool for money. Kayley Taylor was smart. She went for the quarters while the rest of the kids were going for the pennies!!

Jasmine has been diagnosed the Cushing's Disease. She's totally deaf and blind now. She drinks way too much (so who doesn't). She sleeps way too much. She pees on the floor way too much but we still love her to pieces. Her belly is about bald and she probably won't live much longer so we are loving her lots now. Isn't she sweet?

She likes sleeping in our bed so sometimes she gets to take a nap there!

We went to Branson the weekend of the 6th of September. Don, Lavon, Ray, Linda, Bruce and I had a great time catching up at Shorty Small's.

Sunday morning Bruce and I went to worship service at the KOA where Don was preaching. They have an unusual welcome committee there.The next weekend Greg and Janet Nieto came for a visit. They are finally finished living in Washington, D.C. and have returned to Blair, Nebraska for retirement. They have a new addition to their family and she likes Bruce:

Friday night the tornado sirens blew for 45 minutes. I was very brave and didn't even get excited. The girls were SO proud of me. Bruce, Melissa, Amy and I went to a wine party at the home of Mark and Mary Gash. We were joined by all kinds of our good Lutheran wine drinking friends. A good time was had by all. I was the big wine buyer that night - 18 bottles. Can't wait to get started on it!

Last weekend six of my PEZ sisters joined Bruce and I at the lake for a weekend of fun and fellowship. I forgot the camera at home so I have no pictures to share. We ate, we shopped, we boated, we watched movies, we drank a little wine, we laughed, we talked and we had a great time.

We've been at the vet's office with Jasmine a lot this month. We've decided that we aren't going to make Jasmine take any medication. We purchased some drugs for her but they have the potential of making her feel really bad and neither of us has the heart to give them to her so we aren't going to do it.

Bruce has been to the doctor a few times this month as well. His blood sugar is too high again so he's back on his diet. He has another broken vertebrae in his back -that makes four. His doctor wanted him to see a specialist for the osteoporosis so he has an appointment at Mayo Clinic for October 6. He could get an appointment in Kansas City but not until the end of December. Go figure.

The company that Bruce works for lost the government contract. Bruce met with the new employer/contractor yesterday and was assured that they want him to stay on as the supervisor. He's been very busy trying to get everything straight. He is kind of excited about working for Chenega Technology Services Corporation. They have an interesting story if you want to look them up on the web. www.chenegatechnology.com

I've had a dizzier than normal month. The doctor thinks it is due to sinus infection and inflammation so I'm treating that. I've slept a lot more than normal and haven't had a whole lot of energy but I'm much better. My work is fine and dandy.

Tonight Bruce, Amy and I went to Tacos with my PEZ sisters. Amy and I did a little shopping at a jewelry party. I bought myself a little bling.

Tomorrow we are driving to Iowa. The attorney has everything set to close Bruce's mother's estate. Bruce will sign all the papers on Thursday afternoon. Another chapter in Bruce's life is coming to a close.

Now, you and I are all caught up!

Sunday, August 16 (posted on 9/15/08)

Snookie has shamed me into getting busy so tonight I decided to load a few balloon pictures. On 8/17/08 Bruce celebrated his 60th birthday with a balloon ride which a gift from the kids. Everyone thought I was going with Bruce as his "guest" but as a 30th birthday present for Alex, I sent Alex with his Dad. Everyone was shocked. About 6:00 p.m. Bruce, Alex, Joy, James, Michael, Melissa, Amy and I drove out to Johnson County Executive Airport to meet Jason Jones from Old World Balloonary for the ride. Jason was patiently waiting for us.

Alex and Bruce received their instructions and signed their lives away.

The rest of us hung around. Standing: Melissa, Rob Henning, Amy, Sharon Pierson and her grandchildren Kori and Cody; Bev Henning. Sitting Joy and James Bruce and Alex went with Jason and the balloon while the rest of us followed. The basket was unloaded at an old airstrip.

Next came the envelope.

The pilot was about ready to load the basket with his passengers.

The last passenger jumped on board. And they were off.

All too soon they landed peacefully in front of Blue Valley Middle School.

I guess Bruce had to "go".

It was time to put away the envelope.

And the basket.

Now it was time for the "first flight" ceremony. It was a great evening and one that none of us will forget.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Today we got to meet Logan and Olivia in person. Aren't they sweet?? Logan and Olivia will be 6 months old on September 10. I think they would like to spend way more time with us. What do you think. Jasmine has a friend at the lake. This young lady likes to sit on the deck and look into our bedroom at Jasmine. Jasmine didn't want to play so Mrs. Duck waited patiently! I have all kinds of pictures to blog so I'll get busy and get them posted. Don't give up on me. I promise to post this week!!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Greetings from the humidity capitol of the world!! You would think I would sweat off a few pounds in this heat but no such luck. Friday we went to Manhattan, KS for the wedding of Laurie Wilms and Jake Powell. It was a perfect wedding.

Jake is a fireman in Manhattan, KS and his dad is a fireman in Wichita, KS. The get-a-way vehicle was so fitting:

The reception was held at the Kansas State University Alumni Center and the DJ was the K-State announcer. We had a good time! Here we are with Pastor Mark and Leigh Frith, Bev and Rob Henning, Melissa and Amy.

Jim and Lisa are the very proud parents of the bride. Lisa is a planner extraordinaire!! The smiles tell the whole story. We spent the night in Manhattan and slowly made our way home on Saturday. Saturday evening we went to dinner at Jumpin' Catfish with the Rinne's, the Brandt's, Kari and Marilyn. YUM. Sunday we spent a leisurely day doing very little. We met for our Bible study at 4:00, went to 6:0o worship service and then to dinner with the Bible study gang.

Monday was Alex's 30th birthday. Bruce is twice as old as Alex this year! They are both getting OLD! We will celebrate his birthday the weekend of August 16 and 17th so we are looking forward to that. Our friends Mark and Mary Gash gave us tickets to the Royals vs Red Sox for Monday night. It was 97 when the game started and way down to 94 when it finished. It was a great game and the Royals actually won 4-3.

We had some good news from Mayo Clinic on Tuesday. Bruce's PSA was up a tiny little bit in April so they retested it the end of July. His PSA was exactly the same in July as it was in April and the doctor was very pleased with that news as were we! God blessed us yet again! We are always thankful for a good report. He will have his blood tested again in three months.

Tuesday was another retirement party at work. This one was easy for me though because the retiree and his wife bought all the food and brought it in. All we had to do was set it up and serve it. Jimmy Watkins retired with 42 years of government service!

Here's a shot of the kitchen crew: Lisa Watkins (wife of the retiree), Linda Wall, Shirley Goode, Cheryl Brewer and me. Lisa is Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist. Linda is a secretary. Shirley is the Manager of the Automation Unit. Cheryl is an Air Traffic Controller and I'm the Queen of the Office. We know how to give a party. The blond guy is my boss, Brad Schwartz. He is presenting Jimmy with his plaque and certificates. No gold watches from Uncle Sam - after all Jimmy only worked for 42 years!

Bruce, Brian and Monica Boutte. Is chocolate cake on Bruce's diet? Brian worked for Bruce before Bruce retired and Brian still works there. Monica and I have been friends for a good long time. We even made a trip to Cancun together before Bruce and I were married. Monica worked for Jimmy when she was in high school. She's a stay-at-home mom now.

My boss gave me a cash award so last night we went to Best Buy and picked out an Ipod. I have loaded a few songs on it and I'm having fun with it. As I sit here typing, Brooks and Dunn are singing in my ears. I should be sleeping but I'm having too much fun. Jasmine is not getting any better. She wet out bed Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and tonight. The medicine is not doing anything. I think our only option is dog diapers. Oh joy of joys. It's 10:45 so I better get my self to bed. Man I hate getting up in the morning!

Wednesday, July 29, 2008

Greetings from the working stiffs!! Life here seems to be moving quickly these days. We work during the day and putter around in the evening. There is something on the calendar every day for the next two weeks. This past weekend Bruce went to the lake but I stayed in town so I could attend a baby shower for Melissa's friend, Molly Murray. Wow, baby things have really changed! Friday night after work I went out with a friend from work and then spent a couple hours holding a 10 day old baby girl. I really could have taken her home with me!! She is the cutest little thing with long fingers and toes and beautiful red hair. Speaking of hair, I had quite an experience on Monday. I was helping on an interview panel. After we finished the interviews for the day the three of us on the panel were sitting in the conference room discussing the day. I had a pen in my hand and the cap to the pen in the other hand. During the conversation, I had been putting the pen in and out of the lid. I laid the pen down on the table, ran my hands through my hair (one hand on each side of my head and then both hands over my forehead and over the top of my head. For some reason I looked at my hands and they were COVERED with blue in. About the same time the other people in the room noticed that my face was blue and my hair was blue. I looked like a Smurf! Of course I had ink all over the table and all over my clothes. The good news is that I had a 4:30 appointment for a haircut and color. The hair stylist was really not impressed with my blue hair! Good news is that I love my new haircut and my new shiny blonde hair. We are enjoying the fruits and vegetables from a friend's garden. Amy has had dinner with us the last two evenings. There is nothing like a tomato right out of the garden. Bruce is trying to go to bed but Jasmine is barking because I'm not in bed with them. Guess I'll do what she wants!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Yes we are alive - just boring old working people! Since I've written last we've spent two weekends at the lake. Both of our daughters and Amy's friend Leah went with us to celebrate the 4th of July. We got in lots of skiing, tubing, and boat riding even though it was a holiday weekend. Gas prices have lessened the boat traffic. YEAH! The next weekend Bruce and I went down alone. Our friends Ken and Ginny Taylor were staying at our condo because their kids and friends were staying at their condo. We had a great time. When we got there Friday night Ginny had cocktails ready and had dinner in the oven. It was great having a wife! We played all weekend. This weekend we stayed in Kansas City as other friends were using our condo for their family. Our weekdays are always busy but nothing exciting enough to write about. Last night we went to the Plaza with Rob and Bev Henning. We strolled through the Plaza and had dinner at Houston's. Om my. The good was FANTASTIC. Undoubtedly the best ribs I've ever eaten. We walked off a tiny portion of the food we ate and were home at 10:30. Tomorrow Bruce and I are going to Ft. Worth. I'm going to learn about Federal Appropriation Law. Bruce is going to keep me company and to drive me around from shopping center to shopping center. I'm glad he is going along. Melissa is going to stay with Jasmine. Jasmine is having a few difficulties. She is getting old and requires more and more care. I've washed bedding two days in a row because of her accidents. She's taking some medicine and we are going to try to see the vet again tomorrow before we leave. We miss our "retired"life more and more every day but every day we are one day closer to returning to the good life!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Half of 2008 is gone already. Wow. that means we have only half a year left so we better get busy and make the most of it. Sunday we stopped by the motor home shed on the way from the lake back to Kansas City. When Bruce opened the door I saw that motor home and about cried. WHAT ARE WE DOING WORKING? Then he started the engine and I really did cry. Jasmine got really excited when we put her inside the RV. She just knew that this stint was finished and we were headed out on the road. We had to talk long and hard to each other about the benefits of working because we were both ready to throw in the towel and take off. I told Bruce that he had to go to the RV alone next month because I can't take it. When we got home we went to church and then went out to dinner with our friends the Hennings and the Smiths. We tried Spin Pizza. That was a big yum. Bruce has eaten there four times now and they've only been open two weeks. Too bad we don't have stock in that place. This week has been uneventful. Bruce finished his quarterly reports and I have been doing whatever it is that I do at work. Last night I tried a new place for a pedicure and a manicure. Let me just say that it was WAY too expensive. My nails look nice but not THAT nice. Tonight I got my eyebrows waxed. It's just a crime that women have to do so much to themselves just to stay looking decent. Tonight was family night and Melissa chose Pei Wei. As always I am stuffed. Now Jasmine is sleeping in her bed and Bruce is shopping at Lowe's. YIKES! What do you supposed he's buying tonight?