dawsons-roughing it smoothly

Birthday weekend of July 21, 2011

2011-07-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

John and I went out to a new restaurant for my birthday called the Cru. It was a GrandView. Wow...we loved it and now have deemed it our new favorite restaurant up here. When we got home we went over to our new neighbors, Dennis and Gail's and Dennis opened up a 35.00 bottle of wine for my birthday. Needless to say, I can't drink wine and I was pretty puny all day on Friday.

But, not to dampen the party, but Jeff and Peggi, John and I went out to Manhattan Beach to celebrate my birthday. Wow.....lucky to have so many friends. We had a nice dinner and I had a Bloody Mary, so perked back up.

Saturday night we go to Becker's to celebrate my birthday and when we get back to the cities, Jackie is throwing me a family party.

(I will probably have to join AA soon!)

Life is good.

July 15th weekend 2011 The kids and The Plant's

2011-07-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Karaoke......a family affair.. Ryan and Heather, a beautiful duet.

Go, Johnny D, go!

Heather and Kayla.

John is directing something and Matt is looking on.

Jeff can't carry a tune so he just chilled with Bella, Maddie

and their dog Homer.

Guess our singing wasn't so bad after all.

What a fun weekend. Jeff and Peggi are wandering tramps this summer since they sold their lake place this spring. They mostly stay with Peggi's mom in Nisswa, but decided to stay with us this weekend. Ryan and Heather decided to come up and bring a couple they chum with a lot, Kayla and Matt. We skied, ate, drank, sang and played games. It was a good time.

One day last week...July 2011 The Baby Eagle

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John and I were just chilling in the house on a windy, cloudy, rainy, hot, humid day, when John noticed that our neighbors were all congregating on our deck and appeared to be looking at something...low and behold a baby eagle....(although not small) was sitting on our lawn. He is definitely going to be a big bird.

4th of July 2011

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Brothers Chris and Kyle and their clan.
The kids..

We still get the Lego's out on the living room floor.

Little David makes the older kids play with him at

times. They really like it.

David on the dock.Ashley trying to read and tan.

Heather and Ryan and Jeff on the dock.

Boy, did we have some sun burnt kids...yes, we

did use sun block.

Jeff.

Chase, Connor, Amber and Lexi.

Heather and Ryan chilling to the music.

New neighbor, Gail and Connor, singing.

Left to right: Amber, Lexi, Ashley and Paige.

4th of July weekend is always the weekend that my family comes. On Friday night we had our new neighbors come over for a grill out. Gail and Dennis are from Sioux City, IA and their daughter, Paige is a very gifted guitar player and musician. Paige and my niece Ashley are both from Iowa, and they are both in show choir. Needless to say they had a lot in common and ALL the kids knew the songs Paige played on the guitar. It was really fun to see all the talent...and smiles.

We spent a lot of time in the water over the weekend the weather was wonderful.
The kids floated on rafts, played in the row boat, skied, tubed and swam. Ashley hit a milestone, she finally slalom skied. It was pretty exciting.

Jackie and Grayson at the lake

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Dinner with Jack and Jan
Peek a boo on the boat with Nana

Jackie and Grayson

I don't like this life jacket thing...

Nana and Grayson

Yum!! A boat ride and a peanut butter sandwich.

Jan and Jack Hasbrouck, our neighbors decided we would go out to dinner...there was no company yet and a free night for all of us. We went to Ivan's and had a good meal.

Jackie and Grayson arrived and we all went for a boat ride. He did fairly well in the life jacket...when John went fast he liked to walk from front to back and sometimes lost his balance.

It was a fun weekend with the little guy.

Play time with Grand kids

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Charley and Jane's legs....
Grayson and Charlie....arguing who is going to
break the dog out of the kennel.

Well you know......

Jane and I haven't been able to spend much time together since Florida...so she was babysitting

Charlie and I was babysitting Grayson, so we decided to make it a play date. Grayson and I went to Jenna and Andy's to see them and they actually played pretty well together. Charlie was all about sharing at first...then he decided to give Grayson hugs and loves. Well....Grayson wasn't too sure about that. It was really cute. They both seem to like books. Jane made an awesome rhubarb dessert so we ate while they played......good times.

Father's Day 2011

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Cousins Sydnee and Grayson

Heather and Mom

Ryan and Grayson chillin.
What cuties....sorry I cut off Grayson's mouth.....lol

Awww, Mom always gives me the best bottles.

Syd and her buddy, Bella....

Father's Day this year was at Mom and Don's.....we thought we would go for a pontoon ride, but we never made it. All the kids were there....Tony, Jeff, Jac and Ryan and also brother Kyle showed up

We just grilled out and had good conversation.

May 26, 2011 Home again.

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A good reason to come home!
Another good reason to come home.

Several NOT so good reasons

to come home....more to follow..

We arrived home safe and sound and it is always a transition to go from one home to another.

You hate leaving all the good friends in one place, but always great to get on with the friends in the other place. Confusing eh?

Yep, the ice decided to go out on our bank at the lake and did about $4,000.00 damage to our docks and bank. Gotta love mother nature. Oh well, I guess we were lucky it wasn't a tornado!

Been busy working outside and in at both houses but got them pretty up to par now. We met with yet another real estate man and re-listed our Cannon Falls house. SOME DAY it has to sell.

All is well and gearing up for Memorial Day weekend here at the lake...all the kids will be here

except maybe Tony. Should be a fun time.

Smyrna, Tn visiting Julie Barker on our way home.

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Julie and I
Ditto

Julie

We stopped in the Nashville area on our way home and I called an old friend from college and we got together. Julie and I spent the afternoon together, looking at pictures, hearing each others stories and reminiscing the old days. We then picked up John back at the campground and went by the Nissan Plant where she works...and then out to dinner for a good steak! It was so nice to see her again.

Girls night out at Kay Hughes' April 28, 2011

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My place.

The beautiful table.

Me, Kay, Kathy and Simone

Some story going on.....

Kay's friends

Cindy, Simone, Cindy...Darlene in the back.

The blow up man

We killed him. Got sick of looking at him.

Kay had this sitting on her lanai...right by the golf course

with a welcome sign. Pretty gross...don't

know the story behind where she got it.

My friend Kay Hughes has a group of 9 girls from the Cleveland area that have known each other for years. They take a girls trip every year...or at least get together. Last year they went to Arizona..because someone winters there...and this year 5 of them came to Kay's. Kay decided since our season was almost over she would have all of us that are left join them. She had a beautiful table set....and the food was awesome. We just gabbed all night and drank and ate. Finally we threw the icky blow up man in the pool. :)

Annual RiverBend Party April 5, 2011

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Neighbors, Keith and Debbie Bridges

who live in Verandah but are good friends

with Bernie Davis from RiverBend. Another

small world story.

Bob and Sandy Schuler...they run and cook all the lunches

at RiverBend during the "season".

Sandy, Sandy Brenner and Peggy Bouchard

Rick and Mike Harder

Pat, Sue, Jeff, Joyce and Donna

Our Miss Cindy....Maddie's favorite bling lady.

(She makes awesome dog collars and clothing.)

A group......

We were all telling motorhome stories.

Bob Brenner, Bernie Davis and Bob and Sandy Schuler.

I am chatting with Keith and Debbie.

Bernie...

Bernie and his neighbors...have misplaced their names....:(

I was beginning to wonder if I would get this party going ....but I did. We have had this crowd over every year since we built our house. We made so many good friends out at RiverBend that we just have to keep the connection going. It is always fun to hear all the stories they have....so we can all catch up on each others lives. A good time was had by all.

March ? 2011 Ft Myers Boat Light Parade

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Christine, Walt and Simone and Judy.

The city of Ft Myers decided to have it's 1st annual Boat Light Parade in March. Due to the

fact that I am sooo behind on my posts..I don't remember the date...(my camera date is wrong).

Anyway, because we have a slip in the Ft Myers Yacht Basin we were invited to join in the parade.

They supplied us with 200 lights..we added a few more...and there were 29 boats. Surprise, surprise we won 3rd place. It was just fun to be on the water at night and all the lights were pretty. We really didn't need another reason to party...but we had one! Lol.

First overnight in our boat March 18th-20th 2011

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Took the picture from the dingy.
Cathy and Don

My favorite place on the boat.

Harvest moon. It was awesome.

I think this was a sunset...I get confused with the pictures.

Anchored out at Cayo Costa in Pelican Bay.

Don and Cathy in the dingy.

On shore walking to the beach.

Jerry and I walking to the beach.

John and I on the beach.

Don and Cathy

John and Jerry.

It was a gorgeous day on the beach.

The two boats tied together.

Jerry and I on the bow on our trip home.

Cathy and Don in front of us on the ICW.

We rented a slip at Cabbage Key for a night.

The restaurant at Cabbage Key.

Dinner at Cabbage Key.

What a beautiful weekend for our first overnights! Don and Cathy met up with us and we anchored out together one night. Don has a dingy on his boat (we are getting one) and so we could ferry to shore to explore.

The next night we rented a slip at Cabbage Key and ate dinner there and did a little hiking.

All in all it was a great trip, everything worked wonderfully and it was very fun.

Nancy and Curt's visit and re-connecting with old friends

2011-03-26T03:59:00.000-07:00

Stuck in an elevator in a downtown hotel

in Ft Myers. Don, Cathy, Christine, Paula and

Jerry in the background.

Christine taking a pic of me...2 unknown ladies

that one's husband was not happy with us.

Don, Connie in the background and Jerry.

Don and Cathy's house in Cape Coral...check out the

view from their lanai.

Long story...We were on Don's boat and

he had 3 guns on board!!! OMG and AK 47!

Christine resting on the bow, and Cathy and I

getting down with the music at sunset!

Don and Cathy

Nancy and Curt

Nancy, Curt and Maddie.

Ok, I got these pictures in backwards order...oh well, at least I did it!

Nancy and Curt came from Illinois to visit and we had a really fun time. A friend of Nancy's,

Cathy Holmes, used to live in Dallas when Nancy did, so we met her about 20 years ago. She got divorced and now moved to Ft Myers with her new boyfriend Don. Don lives in Cape Coral, Fl and turns out he has a 42' SeaRay..Sedan Bridge. Same size as ours but configured differently (different model). So we hooked up with them at their house and went out for a cruise and Jerry and Christine also came with us. Their house has an awesome view down a canal off their lanai.

While we were on the boat....we got to talking about pirates etc...and Don said he carried 3 guns on board! So I just had to see the AK47...never saw one before. John and I, as it turns out, are probably the only people we know that don't carry on their boat or motorhome!!

One night Christine, Jerry, Nancy, Curt, Paula, Connie, Don and Cathy and John and I went downtown for the pub crawl. These restaurants were supposed to have free appetizers...but..noooo, when we got there they were always gone. So, we proceeded to drink and "crawl" and ended up on the rooftop of the Indigo Hotel with a band (DJ) and danced till midnight. On the way out of the hotel we had to take the elevator from the 12th floor ...or whatever floor, and of course we were all potted and thought it would be fun to all jump at once....well, low and behold, the elevator stopped!!!! There were 2 other couples in there we didn't know...and Nancy and Curt were not with us...they stopped in the restroom. Well, this one man was not happy with us at all, but we thought it was hilarious. We were actually stuck for about 15 min. Come to find out that elevator has done this before.....(not that we shouldn't have jumped...) Anyway, we were children that night but sure had fun!!!!

First outing on the Gulf

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The dolphins have arrived!
Just like Sea World.

What a site.

Maddie holding down the bow.

Jerry, chillin.

I wasn't too excited.

John at the helm.

John

This was out first outing. It was a beautiful day. Jerry got to check John out on all the systems and we really didn't go too far...just a couple hours. It was awesome.

Jerry arrives from Houston with new boat

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Side view
Rear view

AAnother side view.

The Galley (kitchen)

Forward stateroom

Aft stateroom.

The salon.

I came back from Minnesota and Jerry and Captain John (a guy we hired) got back with the boat that we finally found. Had to go to Houston, TX to find it...but job well done.

It is a 2001 420 AC SeaRay. We all were sooo excited and also a little anxious, because the saying "a boat is a hole into which you throw money" is kinda true. John and I feel blessed to have Jerry and Christine as partners because they have boated a lot on the gulf and in this area and also Jerry's vocation was an engine man...and knows those cummins engines inside and out and also knows how to work on them. All 4 of us start a safety and boatsmanship class on Monday the 7th. Mostly for insurance purposes, and just to learn about navigating the ocean and a lot of basics.

Happy 9th Birthday, Sydnee Jaclyn Dawson

2011-03-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

Yep, she is 9 and beautiful.
Dad, Jeff did an excellent job,
(along with a little help from Grandma Joan.)

Syd and Grayson playing ball, Grayson's rules!

Viola......Syd's new bike. Too bad there is 2 feet of

snow on the ground and she can't use it for 3 more months!

She looks good in pink tissue!

I wish Grayson would have been looking, but

they both are just too cute!

Even Sandy was tired after this party.

Sydnee was 9 Feb 25, 2011. When I went back to Minnesota for Grayson's first birthday, I was lucky that Jeff was celebrating Sydnee's birthday 5 days early so I could be a part of that

celebration too. It was a nice party and fun to have all the kids together at once. Too bad I never got a picture of them....."(

Grayson John Malloy is One today Feb. 19, 2011

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This is/was a Monkey cake. He is just trying

to figure out what to do with it.
OK, I think I can eat this.

Oh yeah...I can eat this all right!

It is sooooo good.

Grayson and mom reading a card...he was actually listening.

Uncle Jeff and Grayson

So serious.....it is such a cute face, I could just kiss him up!

Jackie and Brady got him a rocking horse.

He wasn't sure what to do....he pealed off the paper...very carefully!

Jackie had cupcakes made..they were sooo cute in her Safari theme. The baker

that made them did an awesome job making animals on each cupcake.

Here is the tiger and monkey cake.

You can get an idea of how the animals look on the

cupcakes.

Sydnee and Grayson

Uncle Ryan and Grayson.

Jeff, Syd and Brady.

I came home on Tuesday the 15th to stay a week for Grayson's first birthday that we celebrated today. We will celebrate Sydnee's 9th birthday tomorrow (if the snow doesn't stop us), up at Jeff's and I will do a post on it tomorrow.
I have been on the go since I got here. Jackie pretty much has had my life mapped out for me this week. I even babysat and painted her kitchen...she did help me however.

We had a nice party for Grayson. Jackie and Brady did an awesome job getting everything ready. They will actually have another party tomorrow for him with Brady's side of the family. They couldn't fit 40 people in their town home. LOL.

Grayson wasn't sure what all the hoopla was about, but he sure liked the cake!!! What a mess. He went directly to the tub after that mess!

Hard to believe he is already 1 year old!!!

Super Bowl Sunday

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Ryan and Heather enjoying the food.
Still eating....

Pat and Frank.

John and Walt.

Linda and Kay

Darlene, Simone and Cindy.

Kay and Dave Hughes hosted an awesome SuperBowl party. They had awesome food...too much of it but oh so good. Ryan and Heather enjoyed themselves and everyone seemed to really enjoy them.

Ryan and Heather arrive January 28, 2011

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Out at RiverBend with Jerry and Christine

for burgers on the grill.

Heather and Ryan

A day out on Barefoot beach.

Downtown Ft Myers, waiting to get into the

Morgan House for dinner.

Ryan and Heather arrived 2 days before Jackie, Grayson, Jeff, Syd and Mom left. We had quite the houseful.

Ryan and Heather enjoyed hanging out and just not going to work and sleeping in. We went out to Riverbend to have dinner at Jerry and Christine's...they never got to come to Florida when John and I stayed at RiverBend...they loved the park. Jerry gave them free reign on the golf cart. We spent one day at the beach. It was really hot and beautiful.

Ft Myers has a very large art festival every year so the 4 of us went down to enjoy the art and everything else they were selling. We ran into several friends and enjoyed the festival a lot.

We had dinner downtown afterwards.

It was a great visit with them.

Jan 26th Imaginarium Museum

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Auntie Jackie and Syd
Sydnee actually let them put this boa constrictor on her!!!!

Sting ray...and Sydnee actually touched it!

Sydnee got eaten by a shark.

So did Grayson......

Jeff, Syd, Jackie, Grayson and I went to the Imaginarium Museum in Ft Myers. It was actually not bad. They had a show with bugs, snakes etc....kids could touch them etc. They also had a big hands on area that even Grayson had fun with. Good day!

Manatee park

2011-01-27T05:52:00.001-08:00

Sydnee at Manatee Park
Grayson and Syd in front of the mural.

Mom looking on.

We went to Manatee park so they all could see the manatee's. It is soooo cool to see them in the wild. Syd thought they were cute!

Jackie, Grayson, Sydnee and Mom arrive Jan. 21, 2011

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Syd and Grayson
I'm chillin loving this warm weather.

This is interesting!!

Grayson loved Sydnee pushing him.

Oh, cousins!!!!

Just out of the pool!

Even Maddie loves to swim.

We have a real fish here.

I love Papa's remote control.

Syd and Grayson.

I love momma.

Jackie, Mom, Grayson and Sydnee arrived in Florida at 1:30 am on Jan 22...supposed to be Jan 21! By the time we got back to the house..Syd was wired and wanted to swim, so she jumped in at 2:30am. Funny!!! We didn't get to bed till 3:30 but it was so nice to have them here.

Saturday we spent swimming, swimming and more swimming. Ditto for Sunday and Monday. We also took walks to the dog park and Sydnee and Grayson loved all the different dogs.....the dogs loved them too!

Jane Bracken is here!!! Piano recital Jan. 20, 2011

2011-01-27T05:23:00.000-08:00

Look at the concentration.
Oh wow!!!

I can't believe I have such awful expressions!

Sitting around the living room and the piano.

Walt, Dick, Dave ...back of Jane, and Frank.

Simone, Linda, Darlene and Louie.

Jane arrived....very late night on Wednesday and Thursday we through a party and Jane and I played duets together. I think everyone really enjoyed it and it was awesome practice for Jane and I. Of course, when they don't play the piano they have no clue as to when we screw up. LOL.

We had about 20 people over and it was really fun.

Jane and I played tennis with the tennis group at the fitness center and she did really well. Her shoulder wasn't even sore the next day. Friday, Jane took to PT and headed to West Palm Beach to see Phoebe. They had a good time together at Lion Country and hanging out. Oh...it is fun to be a grandma. She returned here on Sunday eve....we had dinner that mom had made..chow mien hot dish...and was able to see Jackie, Grayson and Sydnee too. They had gotten in on Friday night when she was gone.

It was a great ...short...stay.

Come again, Jane.

New Years Eve 2010 Julie and Ken Brown's

2011-01-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

Julie...the hostess with the mostest...
Julie's cousin's husband Scott.

Julie and cousin Karen.

Julie, me and Karen.

Scott, Ken and John

Julie, Carol, Karen and I.

Our plan was to go to Axel's in Mendota, but true to Minnesota weather.....it started sleeting, snow....and our windshield was icing up on the drive up to Julie and Ken's. We decided to not drive into the city but to have steaks and pork chops on the grill at their house. Mutual friends, Carol and Larry Olson joined us ...as Julie's cousin Karen and her husband, Scott were here visiting for the weekend from Cedar Rapids, IA. Julie and Ken have been wanted us to meet them for a while now and it just never has worked. They also have a trucking business.

We had a wonderful time ..... got into some heated discussions about religion......what are the two subjects you are not to talk about at a party????? Religion and politics...yep, leave it to John and Scott....they dispensed with that rule. LOL

Fun was had by all....we were all tired by 10:30...so headed home....what short hitters we have become.!!!!!!

The little munchkin.

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I must have taken 4 pictures of Grayson and he closed his eyes on every one!

I finally got one normal. He is tooooo cute for me, and so precious, who would know you could

have there feelings for a grandchild?????

By the way.......He is 10 months old and finally got his first tooth...at least it is a "bud". All my friends say their grandkids have..6 maybe 7 teeth. Not Grayson!!!! Love the child.

"The very, very, cold and snowy lake"

2010-12-29T15:26:00.000-08:00

Look at the snow...and the beautiful birch.
See the little ice houses.

A sea of white.

John and I went up to the lake on Sunday after Christmas to a beautiful land of white!!!!

I want to go back to Florida!!! I love the lake but I am sooooo cold since I have been home.

La De La...right? Anyway, the pictures were pretty.

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-29T12:57:00.000-08:00

A little pool time after opening gifts.
Ryan and Heather

Jeff and Tony

The group in our "no furniture" living room.

Princess Bella

Brady and Grayson

Jeff, Tony, Ryan and Heather.

We had a nice Christmas even if there is no furniture or tree in our living room. We made out ok.....and Kyle and his kids came over and brother David and Mom and Don...we had a table full for dinner. God bless us every one.

Christmas Eve at Jackie and Brady's

2010-12-25T06:44:00.000-08:00

Our host and hostess...Jackie and Brady
Jac

Nana and Grayson

Not sure what all the hoopla is about.

I am getting a little sleepy.

Smiley Syd

Syd helping Grayson with his new walker.

Jeff and Dad

3 of the 5 Dave, me and Kyle

Like my wheels?

Uncle David trying to assemble the walker.

Uncle Kyle ended up getting it done. LOL

Great grandma and Grayson

I'm too cute.

I love cheerios.

Are we really taking more pictures?????

Papa, quit talking.

Papa, I think I missed a call.

Jac and Brady hosted their first Christmas Eve. Usually mom and Don do it, but now with the

new baby, it was nice to be able to put him in his own bed and still enjoy plenty of night.

We had a great spread of ham, buns, shrimp, meatballs, pickles, olives, chips and salsa (thanks to friend Nancy), brownies and Jackie made cheesecake in muffin tins. They were great! Fun was had by all.

Mats' Christmas Party December 18, 2010

2010-12-25T05:41:00.000-08:00

The 2 John's....B & D
A room full

Linda

Jack and Marie

Mom and Don

Don and Diane

Ryan and Kathy

Ryan and Heather

John had his company party at Axel's on Grand...downtown St Paul. It was very well attended

by most employees. He felt it was one of the better parties.

We had really good food and lots of engaging conversations all around the tables.

Friday night downtown Ft Myers at the new location of the Morgan House

2010-11-06T05:19:00.001-07:00

John and Cindy
Walt, John, Cindy and Dave

Dave and his Argentina friends...LOL

Simone and Kay

Simone, Kay and Cindy

Obviously we had a great time. The first time we have gotten together since we all got back. Simone and Walt live here all year round...I think they were glad we are back.

The Morgan House is a restaurant the moved to a new location this summer and it is really a lot nicer. There was an Art Walk Friday night, so we did dinner and then walked around and looked at the art. Some of it....most of it...was a little to OUT THERE for me. But it was fun, and we ended up back at our house for more drinks. Kay was our designated driver...bless her heart!

The continuing search for a boat..Nov 5, 2010

2010-11-06T05:08:00.000-07:00

Outside
Side view...duhh

Front viewOn the lift.

John way up top.

Jerry down in the engine checking it all out.

The Salon.

Dining table

These are pictures of the SeaRay 420. This is actually two difference boats...but they are the same boat...same year..in different cities. We like the way it is configured with 2 staterooms..one forward and one aft. We haven't made any decisions yet...Christine and Jerry are coming over for dinner on Sunday and we need to talk a lot more. It is exciting, but also a new adventure.

We will keep you posted.

On our journey. Oct. 2010

2010-10-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

Christine and I posing with "Jack" who took us

on our tour of Beaufort, SC.
An Oak tree..they call it Angel Wings...because
the branches touch the ground. Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Jerry and Christine.

A boat that we went to look at. It was the type that

we like but it was not taken very good care of.

Tooling downtown Savannah, Ga.

Both our coaches at our "campground."

Chafton's on the left and ours on the right.

We left Cannon on the 20th and headed south. We spend our first night in St Louis, MO and woke up on the 21st planning on heading to Bowling Green, KY to Christine and Jerry's when the air wouldn't come up in the coach. We had a tow truck called and on the way when John tapped on a valve and up came the air. We went immediately to Freightliner for them to see if they could fix this problem. We have had this problem arise 4 times now!!! The tech there seemed to think he fixed it...and so far we are ok. We got to Bowling Green late on Thursday...but were warmly welcomed with dinner of chili and corn bread! Jerry had a pad all made up for us and a 50 amp plug in to go with it!!!

We spent Friday letting Jerry and Christine get ready to go and Christine and I went and got our

toes and nails done. We ended up going out for dinner to a restaurant called "Toot's" and I had catfish and it was very good.

We left Bowling Green on Saturday and stopped for the night in Macon, Ga at a rest area...headed out early Sunday and drove to Savannah, Ga and have spent 3 days here. We had an appt to see a boat that didn't pan out due to the fact that the owner didn't keep up the boat. At least we knew that was the type of boat that we liked. We toured Savannah and the next day we toured Beaufort, SC...a very old town with a lot of history from the 1700's. We grilled out tonight ...salmon and steak. Tomorrow we will get up and head to Beverly Beach Florida and spend a nice long day on the ocean. All for now.

"We are leaving" dinner Tuesday Oct 19, 2010

2010-10-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

Papa and Grayson.

Jeff and Tammy

Jac and Brady

Ryan and Heather.

A very tired Grayson.

This was our last night in town and we asked the kids if they wanted to meet us for dinner.

We went to Axel's in Mendota and had a wonderful dinner. They were a little slow with the food, but is was good when it got there.

Oct 10, 2010 The family birthday celebration.

2010-10-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

The "family" birthday cake...... :)
Ryan and Heather loving up Maddie.

Ryan and Tony...home from Iraq and out of the

Army.

"The family."

4 Generations... Grayson, Jackie, me and Rose (mom).

Grayson..trying to figure us all out.

Grayson and Uncle Ryan....doesn't Grayson look happy?

We have 4 birthday's all within a week of each other and so through the years have decided to celebrate all together. Tony got out of the Army and was home in time to join us and to celebrate his birthday as well. We took a family picture of ALL of us and will probably use it for the Christmas card. (I hate my picture...but at least we are all together.)

We all had a good time and Grayson was an angel.

September 2010 Last weekend with Jeff and Peggi and Vikings game at our Jeff's

2010-10-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

We got ready to go out to eat with Jeff and Peggi and

John and Jeff showed up in the same shirt!!!! LOL Jeff changed!
We are going to miss Homer and Macie too.

Peg and I just chillin.

A smooch for the sweetie!!!

Ryan and Heather just watching the Viking game.

John and Jeff.

Heather and Ryan with Sydnee and her friend Taylor.

Syd and Taylor

Goofy girls!

Well, we had to say good bye to Jeff and Peggi for the season...they will leave for Tucson on Oct 26th and we will miss all the great dinners and company.

We then went to Jeff's to watch the Viking game.....it was fun with Syd and her friend Taylor. They were licking the brownie bowl and laughing......

Good times....

Labor Day Weekend 2010

2010-10-26T04:53:00.001-07:00

Baby GraysonJackie, Brady and Grayson

Heather and Ryan

The group.

Lauren Becker....what a character.

The eagle leaving our dock after fighting with

a very large fish.

Ryan getting a snowmobile started.

John and Ryan running the snowmobiles and filling the

gas...etc...

It has been awhile since I have updated our "goings on". I will attempt to catch up.

We were hoping that all the kids would show up on Labor Day, but as everyone knows....it is hard to get the whole family together. We took the picture on the dock hoping to use it as our

Christmas card....but since then have re-thunk that!!!

We had a great time even if it was only for a weekend.

Wednesday September 22, 2010

2010-10-03T05:48:00.001-07:00

Horrible picture, but proof that I

was there! :(
Great pic of the stadium.

Our seats were right behind home plate.

John got tickets from a customer, TDS, for two tickets in the Champion's Club. It was awesome. All the food you could eat...free wine and beer, cushy seats...I could have sat there EVERY day.

It was fun and they actually did win. It was the last win until Oct 2, 2010. What a slump.

Pelican Lake Block Party Sept. 2, 2010

2010-09-05T10:15:00.001-07:00

Karl and Evelyn Leiske

Lisa, Skylar and Bill Doerr and Bruce...Clyde Clement's brother.

Bruce, Darlene Clement and Pam, Bruce's wife.

Penny and her son.

Jeff and Peggi Plant and Chuck and Diane Lethert.

Curt and Val Austin

Peg and Jeff, Diane and Chuck.

We had our 5th Pelican lake block party on Thursday night. I think only about 18 of us showed up, but we still had a good time. We had it again at Deacon's Lodge and the food was good.

I think we waited a little long to plan it and didn't give people enough notice ..... but that is how it goes some years. I have since then talked to many that couldn't attend, and they were all sorry, but lot of life going on everywhere.

A good time was had by all.

The Chafton's from Kentucky arrive

2010-08-07T07:09:00.001-07:00

Austin...Jerry and Christine's grandson.
Yes, the old bird can still ski.

I was trying to help Austin learn to ski.

Austin loved the tube.

Look at that form!~!!!!!!

Jerry helping Austin .

Sitting around the deck...Austin and Jerry, Christine and

Nancy... and the back of my head.

We had such a good time with Jerry and Christine and Austin. Austin fished a bit and he loved tubing. He never quite made it up skiing...but gave it a good go. We had some great dinners and did a little shopping and Nancy learned a few beading tricks from Christine. I think they had

a really good time.

It's my birthday!!! July 21, 2010

2010-08-07T06:53:00.001-07:00

This was my birthday gift from Peg and Jeff.

What do you expect from a 57 year old?????

Nancy and Peggi

Me and Nancy

John and I

Peg and Jeff.

Nancy came to visit from Illinois and we had a really nice time. We shopped....beaded...quilted...and ate!!! Of course it goes without saying we drank!

For my birthday we went out to Norway Ridge for dinner with Jeff and Peggi. We always have a fun, silly time with them. It is nice that they live on the lake...within boating distance.

Peggi got me a funny thing that looks like a cat that a plant sits in...it is so cute...it's eye's glow in the sunlight. It is the first picture on top.

More friends and visitors to post so better move on.

July 8th through July 11th. 2010 Jackie and Grayson

2010-07-10T19:23:00.001-07:00

I found this floaty toy at the pool company for Grayson

and he loved it!!! He was even sticking out his tongue.
Check out those cool shades!!!

Mike, Jack, Jeff and John.

Suzanne, Peggi, Jan and I.

Mike, Jac, Grayson and Will in the back.

Jan and Suzanne.

Jack and Grayson...he is a baby lover...

Grayson on his activity mat.

It was a fun time to have Jac and Grayson here. Jackie was a little bummed that she couldn't be here over the 4th, but we made up for it this weekend. Grayson absolutely LOVES the water. He just swam around in that floaty toy for about 30 minutes or more. He was being such a ham too, sticking out his tongue.

We decided to have a few neighbors over for dinner...all wanted to eat brother Davey's fish and see the baby. Plus, we might not get another free weekend due to company and busy schedules. We sure miss not having Mike and Suzanne next door. Gets a little quiet when the kids don't show up any more. We were so used to them coming over to visit. :( Oh well, we boat down to their new house now and still see them quite often. We had a very nice dinner and the company was great!

4th of July 2010

2010-07-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Grandma Rose and 2 of her granddaughters....Amber and Ashley.
The pyramid....check out Syd on top with her broken arm
and Maddie wanted in on it too...trying to lick Jeff.!

Jeff, John, Chris, Don and Kyle.

Ryan....doing pretty well!

Lots of fun on the dock. We would wait until however was

skiing went by and tried to spray us.

Ryan being funny.

We had two days of great water volleyball. Almost everyone

was in on it. Syd and David were our ball retrievers.

What a serve!!!! LOL

The kids in the am would get up and be at their

creative best with Kinex and Legos! I couldn't

believe the things that were made before breakfast.

Look at the mess!

Syd was showing off her waterproof cast. When did they start

making them???? She got hit with a soccer ball and hairline

fractured her arm.

Lexie (Amber's friend), Sydnee and Amber.

Brother Chris and I.

Mom and Don.

Jen and Chris.

Chris and daughter, Ashley.

Kyle doing quite well himself.

Kyle rockin out to the radio on the boat.

Kids having a blast playing on the tube.

Chris, Jeff and Kyle.

All the kids in the hot tub. Connor, Lexie, Chase, Ryan,

Heather, Syd, Amber, David and Ashley.

The whole crew... 17 of us this day...and we were still missing

2 other brothers, Jackie, Brady and Grayson.

It was a blast but it was crazy. Lots of people, food, and fun. We had great weather...started out a little windy, but not humid and very warm. I think we were all very water logged by the end of the weekend. Ryan and Amber really got fried....I think that the water volleyball was so fun, that we didn't pay attention to the sunscreen. Ouch! Chris, Jen and the kids left on Tuesday, and after some serious cleaning....I took a long nap Tuesday afternoon. I am getting older!!!

What a great weekend.

Memorial Day Weekend May 2010

2010-06-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

Happy, happy Grayson.
Chillin with Papa in the hammock.

Yipee...dad is feeding me, so I can throw up on him!!

Papa and Grayson looking out over the lake.

John and Heather.

Ryan and Heather in the boat.

Ryan having a pretty good spray for the first time out.

Captain Johnny D.

I thought he biffed it here...but no, he just leans very well.

What a beautiful Memorial Day. At least it was nice on Friday and Saturday....Sunday it was pretty cloudy and turned cool. Monday, the day we drove home, of course it was nice.

We had a nice time. Jac and Grayson came up on Thursday so we had an extra day with them. Then, Ryan, Heather and Brady came up Friday night.

We grilled out on Saturday and watched a movie in the evening. Everyone got a bit of sun so was tired. Grayson did really well, Suzanne borrowed us a "tent" that we put at the end of the dock that kept him out of the sun...we also put it up on the beach out of the wind. It worked well, and let Jackie sun a little at the same time.

Kids left on Sunday to beat the traffic and have all Monday to relax.

James Howard Dawson's Celebration of Life May 22, 2010

2010-05-30T04:35:00.000-07:00

This is some of Jim's family from his 2nd marriage.

Two of his children, Tammy and Todd and his first wife

Terri and Todd's girlfriend and son.

John , Gail (Jim's wife) and Patty Dawson Schirmers and Grayson under blanket.

Jeff and Sydnee Dawson and Mark Davis on the right.

Jackie displaying the afgan Gail made for Grayson.

Syd..just chillin. Only child other than Grayson that was there.

Old high school friends of Jim's, Chap and I forget her name.

Denie Davis

John and sister Patty Schirmers and Grayson

Jeff and cousin Mark

Bobby Welch and Sharon Davis and Bobby's son.

They are cousins.

Mary Davis and Meghan Davis....Mary is Meghan's Aunt.

Guy and Danny Davis...brothers.

We made it for Jim's farewell. Gail had brought his ashes up from Arizona where he died this winter and she had a farewell/celebration of life for him. Jim wanted no service, no burial, so this is how Gail wanted to do things. It was held out in the country in Braham MN on Gail's aunt's farm. Gail was raised here in Braham and her son's live here as well.

It was fun to see old friends and family members we don't see very often.

It was a really nice time.

May 16, 2010 Grayson John Malloy's Baptism

2010-05-17T05:18:00.001-07:00

The cake was beautiful.All Malloy's. Jac, Brady, Grayson, Kelly and Joe.

Jackie, Brady and Grayson

Grayson with his God parents, Rich and Kelly Gustafson.

Jackie, Brady, Grayson with Jackie's God parents, Don

and Diane Kloster.

John and I with Grayson, Jac and Brady.

What a beautiful day to be Baptised. The service went well, never heard a peep from Grayson.

The music was beautiful....Jane on piano and Shelley on flute. After the service we had everyone back to our house for breakfast. We have a special thanks to Kelly G for her photographic skills and also for bringing 2 big crock pots of biscuits and gravy and egg bake!!!! What a girl!

It was a beautiful day.

May 1st, 2010 Sydnee's 1st Communion

2010-05-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Syd in her beautiful dress.

Syd with Grandpa and Grandma and Jackie and Grayson.

Dad and Sydnee.

We arrived home on April 30th in time to make Sydnee's 1st Communion. It was held at All Saints church in Lakeville, MN. The church is huge and beautiful. I believe someone told us that there were 300 kids having their 1st Communion and there were 3 different services to house all the people. That is big! After the service, John, Jackie, Brady, Grayson, Ryan, Heather, Syd,

Jeff, Joan and I all went to Green Mill pizza for dinner. It was a nice time to visit and catch up

on all the news. Syd looked beautiful in her dress. All the girls looked like they were miniature brides.

Nancy's arrival April 5th through April 13th.

2010-04-17T04:17:00.000-07:00

Two old friends.
Going out to dinner.

Nancy arrived the day after Easter ...two days before Jac, Brady and Grayson left. She wanted to

see the baby!! Of course she thought he was adorable.

Nancy's week went fast. We shopped most days to replace Nancy's wardrobe. She pretty much brought down an empty suitcase..with the exception of stuff she so thoughtfully brought for me.

We found new shops with the help of some of my new found friends and also replenished her bead supply so she can continue beading. The bead shop I really wanted her to see we didn't make it to. It is in Port Charlotte and we just never made the drive. Oh well, it gives us something to do the next time.

Since Nancy left, I finished 2 quilts...one for her, one for Grayson and I have Jackie and Brady's almost done. Felt good to finish a few projects before heading back to Minnesota. We are making all the arrangements to go home. Takes a while to get everyone called and services put on hold etc.

I am going to miss this house. I love it in Florida.

Easter in Ft Myers

2010-04-06T11:54:00.001-07:00

Our favorite Easter bunny.
Nana and Grayson

The Brady Malloy's

What a cutie!

Easter Sunday! I didn't have to dye eggs or do baskets but it was still fun. We all went to church and Grayson did really well. Then we went out to brunch, and after Grayson's poop fest, we were good to go. That is a really hilarious story, but maybe not to be published. Ask me about it sometime. Jackie and I laughed until we were crying.
Anyway, it was a good day for all. We talked to Jeff, Ryan and Heather and saw pictures of Syd with all her Easter goodies.

The Mucky Duck, Captiva Island, FL

2010-04-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here he is putting his feet in the sand, on

the ocean for the first time.
The sand feels good, but I am sooo sleepy.

Jackie and Brady out in front of the Mucky Duck.

We "set up camp" on the beach and tried to shade

him as much as possible. Brady getting part sun.

Jackie getting "part" sun.

Brady getting ready to hit the beach.

We decided to go to Captiva and go to the Mucky Duck. Jackie has always loved the "Mucky Duck". We hit it just right. Got to eat outside and Grayson slept most all the time we were there. We did set up camp on the beach for about a half hour and then decided we had better move from our parking space. They frown on going to the beach and taking up restaurant parking space.

We had a nice day however, and accomplished what we set out to do.

Jackie, Brady and Grayson arrive.

2010-03-30T18:04:00.001-07:00

We went to the Twins game today. Grayson's first.
Jac and Grayson

Jackie and Grayson on our way to an open house at

some friends.

Brady and Grayson "chillin".

The Malloy's

They are here!!! We really haven't done a whole lot because Grayson is so little that it is kind of hard right now. We are enjoying him and just hanging out. We did go to a Twins game today and he slept through the whole thing. He is such a good little guy. His mom wishes he would sleep a little longer at night, but he sure is even natured. Must take after his dad! :)

More pictures later....

I haven't found a hat that fits yet!!!

Sharon & Denie, Patty & Doug's visit to Florida

2010-03-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hammond Stadium in Ft Myers. Spring training

stadium for the Minnesota Twins.
Denie, Sharon, Doug and Patty at the game.

The Everglades. Just before we took a

boat ride to see alligators and the such.

Key West, down at the marina where the cruise ships

dock. Sharon and Denie took were on this ship on their cruise

to Turkey, Greece, etc...

"Blue Heaven" in Key West.

The Florida Keys

Sunrise

Doug and Sharon at the Mucky Duck Restaurant

in Captive, FL.

Patty and Sharon sitting on the beach

in Captiva..at the Mucky Duck.

We had a great time!!! The 4 of them were here for 2 weeks..and we covered a lot of ground in 2 weeks. John had a convention in Orlando and Patty and Doug had never been to Orlando, so John and the 4 of them drove the motor home up to Orlando. John set them up in an RV park and he went to the convention and the 4 of them did Disney for 3 days. They really had a good time. We then had tickets to the twins game and all 6 of us attended that. Then, because none of them had been to Key West, we all went to the Keys in the RV and stayed one night at a RV park. We shopped downtown Key West and went to dinner at Blue Heaven that night. The next day we pulled up camp and headed to the Everglades and went on an air boat ride and saw lots of alligators and birds. The tour guide was over the top with his tour info...but it was fun and none of us had done that before.

We also attended the Presbyterian church that John and I have gone to a few times and enjoyed the pastor's sermon. We went to downtown Ft Myers one night and ate outside at the French Connection Restaurant. We really had a good time.

Back tracking a bit. March 9, 2010 Boat trip on the Caloosahatchee

2010-03-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

Cherry and Peter who are from Canada, own this boat.

The also reside in RiverBend. We passed them on our

way to Ft Myers, they were returning from some trip.

It is a boat that was hand made and only 2 like it.

Downtown Cape Harbor

Rum Runners restaurant where we boated to.
Jerry and Christine
Jerry and Christine's boat...Jim and I waiting to get on.

John up on top looking out for pirates! :)

Me and Susan.

Christine with the guys.

On Tuesday the 9th Jerry and Christine invited us out on their boat to go from RiverBend to Cape Harbor...by Ft Myers. We left at 9:00 and returned at 6:00. We had a really nice time, however the day was dampered when we returned to find out that Austin had died.

Our new pet, "Snapper"

2010-03-16T06:37:00.001-07:00

Smile for the camera!!
He's thinking about going back in the water.
We're bugging him.

And he slips away....

Look what we found in our back yard the other day. We have Florida's version of a "lake" in our back yard and brother-in-law, Doug got these great pictures. We saw him once when Julie and Ken were here but he was in the water then, not on land. He is about 6' long give or take a few inches.

Austin Pendley River Bend friend

2010-03-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

Austin and Sue Pendley

We had a bittersweet end to a very fun day. We went out on the river today, about 14 of us in two different boats, and I will tell you about it next post. When we returned home, John and I left in our car to come home and Susan and Jim returned to their lot in the RV Park to find the ambulance there, reviving Austin in the lot across the way. Susan called me and when I got home she had called back to say that he didn't make it.
It once again brings back how short life can be and how your life can change in a second. John and I were out at River Bend on Sunday and Austin wasn't feeling well. John and I (especially John) sat and talked with him for about an hour.

We are very sad and our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to Sue and their boys.

Grandma's favorite pictures

2010-02-28T04:08:00.001-08:00

He's all squishy and blotchy but

so cuddly and sweet.
Sydnee's 8th birthday

Cousin Amber and Grayson

Who said being a grandma wasn't hard work?

Jackie's godmother, Diane Kloster

Great grandma Rose, and Grayson

Oh, to sleep like a baby.

Bella and Grayson, Bella is trying to adjust and share.

Yesterday I had a shower with my girlfiends at Jackie's house so everyone could see the baby. I was so busy I didn't take one picture!!!!! Attendee's were: Julie Brown, Arlene Stein, Caren Otterness, Shelle Mixiel, Holly Mahnke, Diane Kloster, Jodi Iverson, Mom, Amber and me. Several friends were MIA on vacation. We had a brunch and just talked and opened her gifts. It was pretty low key but fun to see everyone.

Today I will go to Jackie's with another friend that just got home from Vegas and then on Monday I will fly back to Florida to see my poor husband that has been keeping the home fires going....more to be said on that subject when I get back. Stay tuned.

Syndee's real birth date at her choir concert at school.

2010-02-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

On the risers.

Smiling for the photo op.

After work on Thursday the 25th, Ryan and Heather and I met Jeff at Eastview Elementary School for Sydnee's 2nd Grade concert. Here are the songs that they sang....and I might add....they did an excellent job!

The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room

Mr. Rabbit

Baby Beluga

Leatherwing Bat

Hakuna Matata

We All Sing with the Same Voice

The Great Outdoors

It was very cute and very short and sweet.

Sydnee's 8th birthday February 25, 2010 (Celebrated on Feb. 24th)

2010-02-27T06:18:00.001-08:00

Blowing out the "8" crooked candles.

Cousin time with David and Amber and Grayson

Amber and Grayson.

Syd and David...can you believe that David was 8 on

Jan. 17th and look at the height difference.

Uncle Jeff and Grayson.

Took us a while to convince Syd to hold

Grayson, but once she did she was pretty happy.

More candle blowing.

Syd giving dad the "business" about something.

We decided to celebrate Sydnee's birthday on the 24th instead of the 25th because she had a choir concert on her birthday at school, plus her mom wants to celebrate on her birthday. We had a good time. Kyle and David and Amber also joined us...as did Heather and Ryan. We had a spaghetti dinner and opened gifts...Sydnee is in love with the "Justice" store and peace signs so we accommodated her wants. :)

It's a boy!!!

2010-02-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

And I introduce you to "Grayson John Malloy"

Born at 11:21pm on Feb. 19, 2010

9'1'' 21'' long, 13 1/2" head

And the process begins. Laboring on her own with

the ball.

This was our favorite nurse "Megan".
Grandma and Grandpa Malloy

Even could talk on the phone...at this stage...

Brady, ready for surgery.

Jackie, at the end before the c-section.

Brady and Grayson right after the birth.

He hasn't even been bathed yet.

Picture taken through the nursery window.

Oops...duplicate.

Jackie, the first time she could hold her baby.

Grandma Kelly Malloy

Grandma Kathy

Great-grandma Rose

Uncle Ryan and Heather

Jackie and her special package.

Linda Horn visiting and knowing she will be holding

her own grandchild within a few weeks.

Ken and Julie Brown

Mom and baby.

Great Uncle Kyle and Grayson.

What a ride!! It all started on Tuesday the 16th. Jackie's due date. The Dr. said she was 80% effaced and dilated to 1. Said he wouldn't be surprised if she had the baby over the weekend...but if she didn't, they would induce her on Monday the 22nd. So, being as I was in Florida I decided that I would fly home on Thursday the 18th. Jackie went to work that day and I flew in at 3:30pm...she picked me up at the airport and I spent the night at her house. She woke me up at 2:30pm in labor and contractions about 2 min apart for the last 1/2 hour. The hospital said to take a warm bath, drink a lot of water and lay on her left side. She did that, and still had contractions 2 min apart...so they hospital said.." Come on in." Brady took her to the hospital and I laid in bed with Bella, the dog,until Brady called to say she was admitted because her water was leaking and she was dilated to 2cm. So I arrived at 7:30am and her contractions were still 2 min apart and now she was dilated to 3. Wow, she was making progress now! At 10:30 she was dilated to 4cm so she opted for them to put in the epidural. Contractions were still about 2 min apart, but every time they checked her she never was past 4 cm. At 7:30 pm they started the pitocin and just kept cranking it up to see if they could get any more movement. Then Jackie got behind the pain meds because they were making her nauseated so now she is having quite significant back labor. At 10:30pm she was still at 4cm and exhausted and they said the baby just wasn't coming down. So at 11:00, it was decided to do a c-section. Brady got his scrubs on and they wheeled Jackie down to the OR. We,

Kelly, Joe, Mandi and Ali (Brady's sisters) and Alicia (Jackie's friend and her maid of honor) all waiting right outside the OR door hallway for Brady to bring up the baby. We were so shocked that it was a boy....and a 9'1'' boy!!! I swore that is was a girl, but what a beautiful boy.

Jackie was so sure it would be short, hairy and fat....too funny...he is blondish, long and not too hairy. (The Malloys always have lots of hair.)

Jackie was wheeled up shortly after and we didn't touch the baby until she had a chance to.

Anyway, I finally got home at 1:30am...had to call Grandpa John and Uncle Ryan and then fell (literally) into bed.
If you click on Jackie's link on this page she will eventually have her blog updated with different pictures. However, her computer is upstairs and she isn't to climb stairs for a while. We'll see...

February 14, 2010 Valentines Day

2010-02-15T02:41:00.000-08:00

No pictures to post, but we have some sad news. John's brother, James Howard Mark Dawson, passed away today. We got the message about 7:17 pm est. He had suffered a major heart attack and they were going to go in surgically and try to put stents in the arteries that he had had a bypass in in 1986. He went into respiratory arrest and they couldn't operate. He wanted no life support so they kept him on morphine and he passed fairly quickly. He wanted his body donated for research and then to be cremated. He requested no burial service, so when Gail (his wife) comes home this summer we will honor him in some way...to be determined. He was 73 years old.

RiverBend Party Februrary 10, 2010

2010-02-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

Austin and Sue
Crazy lady, Susan

I think Peggy was wondering what Susan was doing.

Gabbing.......

Jerry, Christine, Peggy, Susan and Ryan

Bob in the background with Peggy, Christine and Susan in the foreground.

Heather, Jerry, Christine and Peg.

Gathering around the piano for a little music.

Austin and Sue, Sandy and Cindy with her back to us.

John Reed, me Jim and Bev

Bob and Peggy

Bev, Jim and Susan

Heather and Ryan, Jerry and Christine.

Most of the gang...having a sing along.

Mike

Peggy

Goofball Susan! (and a duplicate)

She should have been in the theatre.

Now, this is relaxing...

I must have been playing...and they were actually

listening...

Oops...another duplicate.

As you see, we really had a fun party. Lots of outstanding food, as always, and we really had a good time around the piano. John Reed was entertaining us with his Elvis impression. I was glad that they all got to meet Heather and Ryan. Everyone thought they were awesome.

Fun was had by all.

Ryan and Heather arrive on Feb 6, 2010

2010-02-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

They found they pool...

This was their first day here. Not overly warm..70 but it was sunny.

More to come.

Julie and Ken Brown come to visit Jan. 28 thru Feb. 6

2010-02-08T14:46:00.001-08:00

The "family" picture by the pool. This was going home

day for Ken and Julie and Brodie.
Jim and Ken after a couple margarita's at the
local Mexican restaurant.

Dick and Peggy.

Christine and Jerry.....what was she saying?????

Wonder if Susan really believes whatever Jim is

saying??

"Juan" our waiter....felt sorry for me for being married

to John....the two of them were soooo funny.

The group of us.

Ken in the car....I believe he was bored and Julie and I

were embarrassed every time a big truck came by and looked

in the car window at him! What a goof!

What a couple!!!

Julie looks good...but who is the one with the plates???

Ken making fun of the bar stools we brought from Cannon

and how they are too short for our counter top.

Now they are both making fun......don't they look like they

are smelling the counter??

These were just fun pictures we took around the house. We actually kept busy, even if the weather wasn't really HOT. I won't complain about the weather because even when it is all said and done it is warmer than Minnesota. We had a really fun time but I did want the weather to be a little sunnier.

Thank you dinner at Jane and Rollie's

2010-02-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

Quilt I made for the United Way Auction

Me, Mary Jane and Charlie

I was asked to make a quilt for the silent auction for the United Way. It turned out really well, but it wasn't finished when the auction was held, so no one got the true jest of it. I didn't have time to get it done and quilted...in two weeks....close but not quite. Anyway, Jane Cooper who headed up the auction had this party at her house to thank those of us who contributed. These are two people that we have met while here in the Verandah.

Visit from the Ricci's Monday Jan 18, 2010

2010-01-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

The whole gang. Left to Right: Kim, Ron,Ella, Dom,

Brittany, Ruth and Ed.

The girls.

Ella and Kim

For all the years we frequented Sanibel, Ruth and Ed and their kids have become great friends. Their weeks staying in Sanibel always coincided with ours. Our kids played with theirs etc...

We have gotten together at our lake place, their lake place and at Kim and Ron's in Rice Lake for Ella's graduation from High School. They also came to Minnesota for Jackie's wedding.

So, it turned out that Ron and Kim and Dominick were coming for this week and Brittany who already graduated from U W Madison was visiting here sister in Sarasota where Ella is attending the Ringling Art School. So they all came over for dinner and laughs! It was so good to see them.

Ed had hunting land between Rice Lake and Lac Couturier (sp) so this past year or so they built a log home on the land. We will try to go there this summer to visit. It is always great to see them.

The next morning after they went back out to Sanibel, Kim scyped us...so we had another short visit.

Saturday Jan. 16, 2010 Manatee Park

2010-01-16T10:16:00.000-08:00

All the flat spots are manatee's.
Mom, dad and baby? I think it's the dad...but for sure
the mom and baby...maybe it's an aunt.

An alligator...unfortunately it isn't real. I couldn't find

any to photograph so took the fake one.

We live just down the road from Manatee Park. I have been wanting to go there...forever!!! So, today I dropped in with the camera. The camera can't really capture how awesome these mammals are. The deal is: The gulf water if 54, the Caloosahatchee is 64 I think, and this channel that comes off the power plant is 70. When the water is lower than 68 the manatee come into the rivers to get warm. The power plant uses water from the Caloosahatchee in the power process. The excess hot water is poured into this canal and the canal is attached to the Orange River, which runs into the Caloosahatchee also. So the manatees swim up river to this channel to get warm. The Orange River is about 2 blocks from our house and we can kayak from here to Manatee Bay...and beyond.

It was really fun to see so many animals in such a small area. There were a lot of baby's too.

Oh well, my excitement for the day.

Peggy's "Big" birthday

2010-01-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

Christine and Jerry
Birthday girl, Peggy and Dick

Christine, Peggy, Susan and I at PF Changs for lunch.

Christine, Peggy and Susan.

Little late in writing this blog....but this happened last Sunday the 10th. Peggy had her 65th birthday. She wasn't overly excited either. Us girls decided to take her out to lunch and shop for the afternoon. We then met at Susan and Jim's later for cake and ice cream, then we went to a show out at RiverBend. It was an Irish guy that sang and he was really good. Fun day.

December 27th 2009

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No pictures today, but thought I would tell you what we did. I went over to Jackie's this am and spent all day with her. When she and Brady moved in, they just threw things in cupboards. She wanted me to help her re-organize all her kitchen cupboards....and we did!!!
My friend Julie had hip re-placement surgery a week ago Wednesday, so wasn't ready to go out and party. I decided we would go up to their house and bring the food and cook them dinner! So John and I made them chili, cornbread, salad and pie! It was a good dinner and the conversation was even better. They too are coming to Florida the end of January.
.
On a sadder note...my girlfriend Nancy lost her mother at 6:00 pm Christmas eve day......not a place anyone wants to be. However, her mom did it up right...90 years old, lived in her own home, did her own garden, canned, baked...totally was on her own.....she cracked her hip on Sept 14 and had surgery to pin it...well she developed an infection....and it is a long story, but from there developed MSRA..(I believe I have it right)..it is worse than a staff infection, and she just couldn't fight it. Our hearts go out to Nancy and her brother, but we thank God for such a wonderful life Betty was able to live.

December 26th 2009 Patty and Doug's

2009-12-27T19:25:00.001-08:00

Doug
Denie

Sharon and Patty

Sharon

I don't know about all of you, but on Christmas day it is a barrage of phone calls from siblings and relative saying Merry Christmas. Well, on one of the conversations, Patty and Doug and I decided we should get together. They were going to Sharon and Denie's Christmas day so I told them to check with them and see if we should get together the next day (Dec 27th). They called later that night to say...."Come to our house on Saturday!" So we did!!!! We even did a small tour of Robinsdale and drove by John's house where he grew up by Sanborn Park. We got to Patty and Doug's around 1:30 and got home that night at 10:00 pm. It was a great visit.

They even planned their trip to Ft Myers to visit us in March.!!

It was a great time.

Christmas Day in Cannon Falls, Mn December 25, 2009

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A Pandora box.......from 3 of the kids to me.
Yep, they went to Jared!!!!!

Brady, Ryan and Heather

Jeff and Jackie

Amber and Kyle

Christmas Day and of the 4 children, they were all here except Tony who is in Iraq. John and I only arrived last Friday and because of all the hustle and bustle..we didn't bother to get a big tree. Yep, we were a little scroogeish. (Mostly me, not John.) Edina Realty gave us a 1'1/2" live tree, so we made a little shrine for it and put the gifts around it. It was fine...a little low keyed but what the heck! We didn't get to see Sydnee because there are just too many families and not enough time. Josh is home in Bismarck for vacation, but will go back to Ft Lenardwood in the next day or so. Too hard to get to Bismarck and Mpls. We had a nice visit with everyone...Jackie wouldn't let me take her picture. Thinks she is too fat etc....I think she looks cute! I think everyone had a good time.

Christmas Eve at Grandma Rose's

2009-12-27T19:02:00.001-08:00

Heather and Don...kicking back.
The dining table.

Brother Dave and me.

Don

Mom

Christmas Eve was at mom and Don's. Jac and Brady, Heather and Ryan, Kyle, Amber and David. brother David, John and I. We had a wonderful t-bone steak dinner. It was delicious. After dinner and great conversation, we opened presents with Grandma and Grandpa. The kids left and John and I stayed and solved all the family and world problems with mom and Don. It was a great time.

Christmas Eve at Grandma Rose

2009-12-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve Day December 24, 2009

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IT SNOWED!!!!View from outside our front door.
Yes, it is piling up!

Ryan is trying to shovel!

Christmas eve day and we got snow all night! I think after all is said and done we got like 12-16 inches. I will have to watch the news to know or sure. Unfortunately, it was really heavy and wet. Not fluffy and easy to shovel.

December 16, 2009 Catching up.

2009-12-16T16:20:00.000-08:00

The lawn all decorated at the Burroughs House in Ft Myers.

Inside the Burroughs house.

Coming up the porch of the Burroughs House.

View from accross the street

Langsfor-Kingston House

The art museum downtown.

Tuesday the 15th we went out to Captiva Island
to the Mucky Duck and took our Christmas card picture.

The Mucky Duck

Beautiful Captiva

More beach. It always reminds John and I when

we spent a whole month here when Ryan was just

3 months and Jackie was 4.

The Mucky Duck from the ocean view.

Neighbor Donna at their house for dinner.

Donna's husband , Tom.

John and Donna getting into the wine!!

I am trying to get caught up on my blogging. We were so busy getting the house organized and somewhat decorated that not much else new happened. We are slowly meeting people and learning the ropes around here. We actually got our first dinner invite by our neighbors Donna and Tom. We had a delicious dinner and spent the evening talking and learning about each others lives. We then reciprocated last weekend and had them here for dinner. After dinner we played a card game called "Phase 10". We laughed so hard, yes, I wet my pants!!! Tom was pretty funny!!!

Just the other day John and I drove out to Sanibel-Captiva for the afternoon. We ate lunch at the Mucky Duck and took our Christmas card picture on the beach in front of a Christmas tree.

The island really hasn't changed since we have been going there in 1981. They have replaced a lot of trees due to hurricane damage but basically it is the same. Kind of refreshing to know that some things don't change.

Tonight we went to downtown Ft Myers in the River District and had dinner outside and then toured the Burroughs and Langford-Kingston homes. They are two beautiful old homes that have been preserved and are part of the historical homes now. The city decorates them for the Christmas season and you can tour them both for $5.00. They were very pretty.

Historically they were friends of Mr. Edison, Mr. Ford, and Mr. Firestone.

We leave for home in two days. We are excited to see our family and friends. Will post Christmas pictures later.

Thanksgiving Day November 26, 2009

2009-11-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

Dick, Peggy, Christine, Jerry, John and me
John carving "the bird".

The table is set.

Girls against guys playing sharades.

John acting out?????what????

Jim trying to get the guys to guess.

Thanksgiving day in Florida was beautiful but it definitely was a little cooler than it has been. We actually had a full day of rain on Wednesday and after the rain left we are now having a little cooler weather. 70's...I know you all are crying.

We had the Chafton's and the Bouchard's over for Thanksgiving dinner. The Lockwoods would have come but Susan just had to go home to Bowling Green, Ky to see her grand kids.

We had a fabulous meal...too much food, but some really good "southern" recipes!

Finished off the dinner with a pumpkin and a key lime pie.

After dinner we played a game called Phase 10. It was pretty fun! Can't remember if I won or if Christine did....I think we had one too many drinks.

All is well, but we did miss our family. Sounds like they all did just fine without us.

Drove up to Port Charlotte to a bead shop today. Ran into a bunch of the girls from RiverBend Motorcoach Resort.

We will be going home on Dec 18 and returning on Jan 6. The house is now livable and ready for company.

We have moved in! After 1 week...Nov.4, 2009

2009-11-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

The front....yep looks the same. Didn't really want to

upload this picture.
Family room. Doesn't this furniture look familiar?

Breakfast nook looking into the living room.

Side view..didn't mean to upload this one either.

Dining room. This picture doesn't really do the room justice.

I am not the best picture taker.

John's office and den.

What a process! We originally planned to leave Minnesota on Thursday the 22nd. The day after the movers were there. So, Thursday am we get up early and go out to start up the coach and wouldn't you know, our old problem of "no air in the air bags" is back. You can't drive with the coach down...you can but you bounce all over. So we called Siewarts towing, they had helped us before with this problem, but because there were so many accidents on Hwy 52 that am they couldn't seem to get to us as quickly as we wanted. Mom called and suggested that we go down to Filmor and see if they could help because they have the same freightliner trucks that we have on the RV. They looked at it and our air bag was totally destroyed! So, they called around to get a part and wouldn't you know there weren't ANY in Minnesota but they did have one in Chicago. We had our office in Chicago pick up the part and put it on our truck to Minnesota in the am. John met the truck at 0600 Friday, brought the part back to Cannon and Filmor had the part on and we were on the road by 0745 Friday am. So, now we really have 3 long days of driving because we have to be ready for the moving truck first thing on Monday am. We drove all day and went to Paducah, Ky the first night. On the road, our back TV in the bedroom decided to pop off the wall and onto the bed and night stand. Luckily it didn't break and John got it re-mounted, but the picture is pink and green.!!!! The joys of an RV.
Saturday am we were on the road before light. Headed for Jennings, Fl. Just a side bar, but Fred Neumann an old employee and friend of ours, volunteered to drive our car down for us. He was going to stop in Joplin, MO and visit an old Viet Nam pal of his for a few days the head to Florida and spend a couple days with us. Well, on Sat. am at 1030, Fred called to say that his father in law had passed and he needed to get to Lubbock, TX to be with his wife and for the funeral. After many phone calls back and forth Fred decided to dead head to Jennings, FL to meet up with us Sunday am and then I would drive him to the Tampa airport so he could fly out to Texas. He was there at 0530 Sunday am....but very tired. (He had just had hernia surgery 3 weeks prior, so I am sure he wasn't 100%) Bottom line is we got him to Tampa, and we got the coach and 2 vehicles to Ft Myers. (John towed the one.)

Our friends from Kentucky (two different couples) both have lots in RiverBend where we stayed last year. Susan and Jim were on the way to RiverBend via Texas, but weren't going to arrived for a few days yet, so we stayed on their lot until they got there. It was nice because we could live in it for the first few days until the house was livable.

Monday Oct, 26th, our furniture came from Minnesota, so did Comcast, the Security Co etc...

We got all those boxes unpacked that day. Tuesday the 27th the furniture that we purchased came from the furniture store and also the pool co, lawn service, bug sprayer etc...

Got all that moved in and Wed. I went shopping. I mean power shopping. We got the necessities, but will be a while before I would say the house is complete. No paintings yet, bedspreads, rugs...lot of colors to pick etc.

We are fairly settled and pretty organized...ready for company!!! We even had Susan and Jim over for dinner and christened our gas grill out on the lanai.

(Forgot to tell you that the morning that Fred met us in Jennings, John was wiping down the shower stall in the RV and moved one of the doors just right and the whole thing shattered all over everywhere! We just can't seem to do anything without a lot of drama!)

Now we are going to take the RV out of RiverBend and to the shop to get those things fixed, then put it in storage until we take a trip around here.

I will try for better pictures later .

Our move to Florida Friday Oct. 23, 2009

2009-10-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

No pictures, but thought I would give a run down on what is going on. Our movers came on Wednesday to get what we were shipping to Florida and the plan was to leave on Thursday so we could have 3-4 days to get there leisurely. Thursday am John went out to start the coach and warm everything up, and the air in the front of the coach would not come up. There are airbags in the front that deflate and then inflate when the coach is started. If they don't come up, it is a terribly rough ride and the wheels can't turn very well. Needless to say we were in a quandary. We called Sewards Garage thinking that we would either put a coupling on the coach and drive up to Freightliner in Inver Grove...or be towed up there. Freightliner said they would get us in right away. We waited and waited...finally Sewards called and said there were so many accidents on Hwy 52 that that took priority. Meanwhile, mom called and she suggested that John go down to Filmor Trucking (in our front yard) and see if they could help. They have a maintenance shop and have Freighliner trucks. So he did and they really helped us. However, the part we needed was no where to be found in Minnesota, but they did find one in the Chicago area. We had our office in Chicago pick up the part and put it on our truck to Mpls on Thursday night. John met the truck at the office at 0600 on Friday am and ran the part back down to Filmor and they put the part in in 25 min and we were on the road by 0745!!! Needless to say we now had to make better time due to the fact that we have to been in Ft Myers by Sunday because Monday am there are a lot of people going to be at the new house, including the moving truck from Cannon! We drove to Paducah, Ky Friday night, got up at 5:30 and on the road by 6:30 Saturday am.....heading for Jennings, Fl tonight, if not further.
To sidebar...a good friend of ours offered to drive our Cadillac down to Ft Myers for us. He was going to go to Joplin, Mo to visit a friend a couple days then drive into Ft Myers and stay with us a couple days. We received a phone call from him this am that his wife's dad just died in Lubbock, Tx and he needed to go there. After numerous calls and talking out the logistics, Fred decided to deadhead to Ft Myers today and get there tomorrow and fly out of Ft Myers to meet Debbie in Dallas and then catch a commuter jet into Lubbock Sunday night. We are keeping in touch via phone with Fred and will let you know how it all turns out.
There is nothing boring in our lives!!!!....and nothing is every easy.

Sharon's birthday and Jackie's baby shower on the Dawson side. Oct. 4, 2009

2009-10-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Quilt I finished for Sharon's 75th birthday.

Mother Jackie

L to R Jennifer, Jennie and Shonna and Amber

L to R Same as above but add in Nicole on the left.

Kalli and Sheryl

Kathy Jo, Kim and Nicole

Linda, Tiffany, Jean, Monica and Kalli

Jennie, Amber, Ashley, Heather and Rose

We had a wonderful brunch at John's sister Sharon. Sharon and Patty put on the shower and it was a lot of fun. Jackie got a lot of really nice things to start her off on the baby collection. Jackie's' cousin Nicole announced that she too is pregnant. Her and Jac got married within weeks of each other.

Sharon's birthday was Sept 21st, but her and Denie were on an awesome cruise from Denmark to Greece and didn't get home until Friday the 2nd! I had worked on this quilt on and off for a year...made it for her cabin.

All in all it was a great day.

2009-10-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

Well the new house in Fort Myers is complete and we are getting ready to move in. John went down and closed on September 28Th. Went through the final punch list so there is blue tape in the photos where they need to do some touch up. The furniture that we bought in Florida along with the shutters and luminettes will be installed the week of October 19Th. We are gathering our belongings from Cannon Falls and they will be moved down on October 21st. Because the house in Cannon is still not sold, it is hard to decide what to take and not take. We will leave in the motor home on the 22ND and arrive at River Bend Motor home Park on Sunday the 26Th. We will reside there until the furniture arrives from Cannon around the 29Th and then move in and spend the winter trying to finish the remaining decorating. It will be a busy month and a fun winter tying everything together. The house turned out fantastic and we are very excited to enjoy living in it.

And we say good-bye to Kate

2009-08-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

Kate in her usual comfy position on the back of the couch.

Well, it happened. On Friday Aug. 21, 2009 we had to put Kate to sleep. She had lymphoma and took a turn for the worse. It was very hard and very sad. I don't think either one of us has been that affected by the loss of a dog. She will be missed.

Days at the lake and Florida house update Aug 2009

2009-08-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

Ben Becker tying on a lure on his fishing pole.
Will Becker with his cheesy smile. Love those 8 year old smiles

Mike and Suzanne Becker....

Lauren Becker playing a rock star.

Danny, Mary, Kim and Guy Davis. They surprised

us with a lovely visit.

Mandi, Mindi, Kelly, Jac, Brit, Bethany and Bobbie. Girls weekend

at the lake.

Jackie doing pictures.

Outdoor fireplace on the lanai.

Looking into the kitchen.

Yeah!!! We got pavers!

Wow, it has been busy. Had quite a bit of company and lots of great lake time with the neighbors. Seems we're always eating together and pooling the resources! It is very fun.

Jackie came to the lake with 6 of her girlfriends. They all had a good time. Lot of baby talk tho....seems there was only 1 that wasn't married! And most of them has at least one child!! Yes, I am getting old.

John took a short trip to Florida for 3 days. These are some of the newest pictures. They are telling him we should be closing around Oct 28th or so. The scramble to get in and move begins soon.

All for now. Will update more as we go.

New House

2009-07-28T20:24:00.001-07:00

Dining room

Family Room
Front of house.

Well, here are a few new pictures of the Florida house. Yes, it's coming along. Sometimes I wish we were there...but the builder is really good about sending us weekly pictures.

I will put more on later.

Master bathroom...tub

Julie and Ken,.....Helen and Anissa

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The 4 of us, Julie, Ken, John and I.

Out on the boat ...John in the middle of his "girls".

Brodie also joined us.
Anissa, (Helen's great niece) and Maddie and Kate.

Ken

Julio!

What a week! Ken had the week off so Julie, Brodie and Ken came to the lake. They had a chance for a couple days alone and also got to visit Ken's uncle down the road from us. We had a pretty decent weather week...a couple cloudy days where we shopped and read! Helen and her grand niece came for an overnight. Anissa loved the dogs..and also neighbor Lauren. Suzanne took her tubing and they had a ball! They only stayed overnight because Helen was going to Camp Foley to visit Anissa's brothers who were there at camp.

Julie, Ken, John, Mike and I went out to dinner to Iven's on Saturday night...we were missing Suzanne..but she took the kids to Ely to visit her parents. Summer's are so short, it's hard to fit everything in.

Our camera's battery went dead and we forgot the charger so we are missing a few pictures...Ken might have more I can add later.

The Bracken bunch...minus a few.

2009-07-28T20:07:00.001-07:00

Jane and I...concentrating on our "duets".Ok...so I screwed up!!!

John, Chuck, me and Jane....oops...there is Maddie too!

Jane and Chuck came to visit us for a weekend. Jane came early because she was up in the Alexandria area with her book club. Chuck came on Sat. am....with boat in tow! The weather was really horrible...we read, played duets, shopped, and had lovely steaks on the grill provided by Chuck and Jane. Chuck did go fishing...but didn't have a lot of luck. Of course on Sunday when it was time to leave.....voila...it was sunny! Typical.! :)

The highlight for me was playing the piano. It is so fun to sit and play with someone that can read music so beautifully. We even serenaded the neighbors for awhile on Saturday night.

Our dear 4 legged friend Kate

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Not too many dogs get to drool on John's T-bird.
Kate's favorite place.

Our special Scottie.

We found out two weeks ago that Kate had lymphoma. We have consulted with our vet and have decided not to do chemo for many reasons. We are, however, doing prednisone and she is responding fairly well. We will probably have her through the summer but I don't expect much more than that. We are sad but have truly enjoyed every minute of her...even the porcupine incident, her late nights out in the woods and her aloof attitude.

Great visit with a life long friend.

2009-07-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Nancy and I
Nancy, me and Quincy..Nancy's dog.

Nancy and I have been friends since 1975.....we had a bout where we were on the outs for 9 years and have managed to put it all back together. We stopped in Illinois where she lives now on our way back from Florida this spring and now she came to visit us at the lake. We had a great visit...and managed to get pretty caught up in 7 days. She will be back the end of August so will have more time to "talk". It was fun that she could see Sharon, Denie, Patty and Doug and also Holly and Carol and Tom. Timing is everything!!!! Maddie loved Quincy....Kate....not so much!

The sisters! At least 2 of them.

2009-07-28T19:43:00.001-07:00

Sharon, Denie, John and I, Patty and Doug.

Sharon, John and Patty

The 6 of us.

Nancy, Denie and John

Nancy, Sharon, Patty and Denie.

Finally! John and Patty mended fences and came up to the lake with Sharon and Denie. We had such a good time coming off a terrible week before. Sharon's oldest son, Jeff died on July 1st so it was good to get together to try to keep their spirits up. It was a very sad funeral, but Jeff really gave it his all and really suffered for a lot of years through lung cancer, chronic pancreatitis, Ostergenisis Imperfecta, Diabetes...just a LOT to overcome, but we were proud of him for getting this far and seeing all his children married and he also saw many grandchildren. Kathy Jo's life will be empty but she is grateful for the time she had with her "soul-mate".