I took a half day Friday and drove up to MN. I got into town in time to eat some yummy broccoli with peanut sauce that Brian made. We had time to kill before Mom and Dad got in, so we went and saw Watchmen. I didn't know anything about the graphic novel or the story. Deffinitely different. Kinda crazy.
Saturday, we had brunch with two of Brian's friends at Hell's Kitchen. It was good food and good company. I saw several bald eagles on my way up Friday, so we decided to see if we could see some Saturday afternoon. We drove down to the National Eagle Center in Waubasha, MN. It was a nice drive. Mom and Dad both got to see bald eagles, which I don't think they had before.
One of my favorite things so far this weekend has been Mom commenting about the snow on the ground and the river being frozen over. Pousson's can tend to read aloud the signs we see on the side of the road. When you are out in the country and there aren't any signs to read, Mom would randomly comment about all the snow. :) I forget that it's normal for me and Brian but totally foreign for TX.
Showing posts with label midwest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label midwest. Show all posts
16 March 2009
16 January 2009
Feeling much better
So, I am 2 days completely free of hives, and feeling a whole lot better. I went out for dinner and then to a winery with some girlfriends tonight. I haven't laughed that much since coming back from Houston.
Miner was a good boy and we ran around the backyard until it was too cold to breathe. How sick is it that I am getting excited that it should be up to about 22 degrees tomorrow. I mean, that's a 49 degree swing in temp...so it's a big deal!
Miner was a good boy and we ran around the backyard until it was too cold to breathe. How sick is it that I am getting excited that it should be up to about 22 degrees tomorrow. I mean, that's a 49 degree swing in temp...so it's a big deal!
16 December 2008
Frikkin Snow!
I think we got about 4 inches of snow today. I drove in it WAY more than I really wanted to.
I leave for Houston tomorrow afternoon. As if things couldn't get any worse, I woke up this morning to a 58-degree house. The furnace would kick on, but the blower wasn't working. David came over after I left and pulled the cover off, put it back on and it started working. By the time I got home, the house was at 62-degrees and the blower had quit working again. I pulled the cover off, put it back on and it started back up again. I have a furnace guy on his way tonight to take a look at it. I don't want pipes freezing while I am gone because the damn blower keeps going out.
I leave for Houston tomorrow afternoon. As if things couldn't get any worse, I woke up this morning to a 58-degree house. The furnace would kick on, but the blower wasn't working. David came over after I left and pulled the cover off, put it back on and it started working. By the time I got home, the house was at 62-degrees and the blower had quit working again. I pulled the cover off, put it back on and it started back up again. I have a furnace guy on his way tonight to take a look at it. I don't want pipes freezing while I am gone because the damn blower keeps going out.
10 December 2008
nice snowfall
It rained Monday off and on, into yesterday morning. Yesterday around noon, the rain changed to snow. It wasn't that bad here in Davenport, I think we maybe got an inch.
One of the things I like best about the snow is I can see animal prints in it. This gives me an idea of what Miner is sniffing at. I am fairly certain that there is a rabbit living in the drain tile that comes out of the retaining wall. There were little bunny prints right in front of the opening last night.
One of the things I like best about the snow is I can see animal prints in it. This gives me an idea of what Miner is sniffing at. I am fairly certain that there is a rabbit living in the drain tile that comes out of the retaining wall. There were little bunny prints right in front of the opening last night.
24 November 2008
Damn Sinuses
It's 4 AM and I can't sleep. This is mostly due to the fact that I can only breathe through my mouth and have to keep blowing my nose. It was nice and warm Sunday. By 'nice' and 'warm' I mean in the upper 40's to low 50's. I spent a couple hours outside raking leaves. That probably didn't help my sinuses, but I didn't think it would make them worse!
26 October 2008
Blustery Day
Is that a word? Blustery? Anyway, it's super windy here and there is a chance of snow tonight. I pulled the last of the green tomatoes off the vine and cut the plants down. It's too windy to mess with raking leaves, so that will have to wait for another day.
There's a pile of dirt and rocks on the concrete next to the garage. It's left over from the flower bed building. A friend gave me a 5 gallon bucket full of irises that her neighbor divided. 2 or 3 months ago, I planted the ones that looked good and healthy and tossed the rest on the pile. This morning, I noticed that there were about 6 or 8 of them that had sprouted up. So I pulled them out of the junk pile and planted them. Who knew a pile of dirt, rocks and dead house plants sitting on a concrete slab was a fertile environment for bearded irises. We'll see how they survive this winter. Worst that could happen is they don't make it...but they were free, so no huge loss.
There's a pile of dirt and rocks on the concrete next to the garage. It's left over from the flower bed building. A friend gave me a 5 gallon bucket full of irises that her neighbor divided. 2 or 3 months ago, I planted the ones that looked good and healthy and tossed the rest on the pile. This morning, I noticed that there were about 6 or 8 of them that had sprouted up. So I pulled them out of the junk pile and planted them. Who knew a pile of dirt, rocks and dead house plants sitting on a concrete slab was a fertile environment for bearded irises. We'll see how they survive this winter. Worst that could happen is they don't make it...but they were free, so no huge loss.
19 October 2008
Fall is Here
As much as I hate winter in the midwest, I LOVE fall (and spring, too). Summer was strange. Rainy, so it screwed up the timing on vegetable gardening. It's been cool, then warm, then cool again. Amazingly, the $0.40 geraniums I bought from Km@rt are looking awesome.
And the front door is all dressed up for fall, too. (Note my reflection - I've started wearing overalls when working in the yard. An homage to Grandpa.)
Finally, a photo of the massive entertainment center that took over our basement for at least a month. I think David did a great job, but then, I am biased.
And the front door is all dressed up for fall, too. (Note my reflection - I've started wearing overalls when working in the yard. An homage to Grandpa.)
Finally, a photo of the massive entertainment center that took over our basement for at least a month. I think David did a great job, but then, I am biased.
28 September 2008
Country Music with No Big Papi
Last night we went to the reception for my friend Robert and his wife Lisa. They got married on the 3rd in Hawaii and had their 'Quad-Cities' party last night. It was outside at Bass Street Landing in Moline. Very nice, and nice weather, too. They had a DJ and played several country-western songs. Made me wish I had my Daddy or someone else who would dance with me for at least one of them.
Fall is here. We've had a few warm days, some flowers didn't get watered while I was trveling...so I am going to buy some garden mums today to spruce up the front porch for the fall. It's nice and cool this morning.
Fall is here. We've had a few warm days, some flowers didn't get watered while I was trveling...so I am going to buy some garden mums today to spruce up the front porch for the fall. It's nice and cool this morning.
07 September 2008
1/2 Iron Man
My brother, Brian is officially half an iron man. Friday, Davis and I drove up to MN
to camp and see my brother race in the Square Lake 1/2 Iron Man Triathlon. We camped at William O'Brien State Park on the St. Croix river.
It was C. O. L. D. Friday night, Saturday morning and again this morning as well. We borrowed an air mattress (yes, I am selling out...it's car camping, not backpacking) from Shawna. Friday night, I must have not screwed the cap on correctly that covers the place where you attach the pump. At about 2 AM, the mattress was mostly deflated. So, I blew it back up Saturday evening and must have managed to get that cap on correctly. I slept quite nicely and according to David, I snored...so I must have been comfortable.
Miner had fun of course. There were hunting dog trials in the area this weekend, too. So he had plenty of chances to get worked up about other dogs. We all three still have issues with him and other dogs. I met a guy who works in a different division of Deere who does dog training on the side...I think I might ask him about helping us with Miner. Here's a shot of Miner and David chilling in the back of the Tundra. Note: David had to pick Miner up to get him in there...
So, Brian got up at 5 this morning and was packing his stuff up when I woke up and realized a) I needed to go to the bathroom and b) Brian didn't have a flashlight. So, I gave him my headlamp, helped him dismantle the tent from hell (that we used to own and gave to him) and sent him on his way. David and I wound up sleeping until 7:30, made coffee, broke camp and drove to Square Lake, thinking we'd get to see Brian make his first loop on the bike ride (it was two, 27-mile loops). And we did.
We knew Brian had a blue bike, but didn't know helmet color or what his unitard looked like...so every time we saw a blue bike rounding the corner with a rider about B's size, I got ready. David decided that he would yell, "Way to go, Poo Poo" which is what Brian's law school friends called him. I thought for sure he'd know it was us, then. So we took his picture, and headed back home. He called us later to tell us how he did (he finished, which I think was all he really wanted to do) and said he had seen us.
So, that was our weekend. I am off to bathe the dog and give him his flea and tick treatment...he spent a lot of time in the tall weeds.
to camp and see my brother race in the Square Lake 1/2 Iron Man Triathlon. We camped at William O'Brien State Park on the St. Croix river.
It was C. O. L. D. Friday night, Saturday morning and again this morning as well. We borrowed an air mattress (yes, I am selling out...it's car camping, not backpacking) from Shawna. Friday night, I must have not screwed the cap on correctly that covers the place where you attach the pump. At about 2 AM, the mattress was mostly deflated. So, I blew it back up Saturday evening and must have managed to get that cap on correctly. I slept quite nicely and according to David, I snored...so I must have been comfortable.
Miner had fun of course. There were hunting dog trials in the area this weekend, too. So he had plenty of chances to get worked up about other dogs. We all three still have issues with him and other dogs. I met a guy who works in a different division of Deere who does dog training on the side...I think I might ask him about helping us with Miner. Here's a shot of Miner and David chilling in the back of the Tundra. Note: David had to pick Miner up to get him in there...
So, Brian got up at 5 this morning and was packing his stuff up when I woke up and realized a) I needed to go to the bathroom and b) Brian didn't have a flashlight. So, I gave him my headlamp, helped him dismantle the tent from hell (that we used to own and gave to him) and sent him on his way. David and I wound up sleeping until 7:30, made coffee, broke camp and drove to Square Lake, thinking we'd get to see Brian make his first loop on the bike ride (it was two, 27-mile loops). And we did.
We knew Brian had a blue bike, but didn't know helmet color or what his unitard looked like...so every time we saw a blue bike rounding the corner with a rider about B's size, I got ready. David decided that he would yell, "Way to go, Poo Poo" which is what Brian's law school friends called him. I thought for sure he'd know it was us, then. So we took his picture, and headed back home. He called us later to tell us how he did (he finished, which I think was all he really wanted to do) and said he had seen us.
So, that was our weekend. I am off to bathe the dog and give him his flea and tick treatment...he spent a lot of time in the tall weeds.
24 August 2008
Finally feeling better...
...antibiotics are a wonderful thing.
The weather this weekend started off humid and nasty and wound up beautiful. David did a long ride yesterday and went out again this morning. Yesterday, I had brunch with Shawna and Marcy, hit the farmers market for some home-made jam and scored a great pair of pants for $20 at Marshalls on the way home. Last night, we bought a new comforter for the bed. Now I need to work on getting some artwork up on the walls in our bedroom.
While David is out on his ride this morning, Miner and I drove up to Scott County Park and hiked for about an hour and a half. It was nice. When we got home, I planted the two hostas I bought yesterday at the farmers market and did some weeding. Now, I'm just relaxing in the shade on the deck. Today is the kind of day that makes me love living in the Midwest.
The weather this weekend started off humid and nasty and wound up beautiful. David did a long ride yesterday and went out again this morning. Yesterday, I had brunch with Shawna and Marcy, hit the farmers market for some home-made jam and scored a great pair of pants for $20 at Marshalls on the way home. Last night, we bought a new comforter for the bed. Now I need to work on getting some artwork up on the walls in our bedroom.
While David is out on his ride this morning, Miner and I drove up to Scott County Park and hiked for about an hour and a half. It was nice. When we got home, I planted the two hostas I bought yesterday at the farmers market and did some weeding. Now, I'm just relaxing in the shade on the deck. Today is the kind of day that makes me love living in the Midwest.
16 August 2008
1st party
We had our first party out on the deck last night. It was a great evening. Very nice for August, it was in the 70's! We had a bunch of friends and neighbors over for s'mores and drinks. We can fit a lot of people on that thing! As usual, I didn't have the camera, so sorry, no pictures.
Funny things from the evening:
- Chad was doing magic tricks with marshmallows
- Our neighbor's 4 year old got chocolate marshmallow all over her face
- Miner decided he wanted to try and "hump" the 4 year old and has been labeled a pedophile.
Funny things from the evening:
- Chad was doing magic tricks with marshmallows
- Our neighbor's 4 year old got chocolate marshmallow all over her face
- Miner decided he wanted to try and "hump" the 4 year old and has been labeled a pedophile.
10 August 2008
Fun Filled Weekend
This was SUCH a fun weekend. Friday night, we had dinner with David's parents and our nieces - Amanda (11) and Avery (3). Then we all went and saw the fireworks for Tug Fest in LeClaire, IA. After we got back late, David took Miner for a walk on the river at 11:30 PM. They got home around 1:00 AM. Miner was pooped all Saturday morning.
Saturday afternoon, Amanda and Avery came over. They spent the night with us Saturday night. Avery and I colored in coloring books outside while Amanda and David finished screwing down all the deck boards. Then we made cheesy dip and chips for a snack before going to play putt-putt golf. That was fun. Avery did really well. She wouldn't play the holes that had water, because she didn't want her ball to get wet. The rest of us landed the ball in the water at least 2 or 3 times. We had tacos for dinner then lit a fire in the fire pit and made s'mores. The fire pit is still one of Miner's favorite things.
Avery has always been a little leery of Miner. He's never bothered her, she's just a bit afraid of him. So, early on Saturday, she would scoot way out of the way whenever he would come near her. By Saturday evening, she had warmed up to him and would be sure to let you know, "I touched him! I toucht-ed Miner!" She was so proud that she patted him on the head. Still, she and Amanda slept on the floor of my office so she could shut the door and keep Miner out. By Sunday morning, she and Miner were best friends. By the way, I made the French toast from America's Test Kitchen for breakfast. SO GOOD!
We dropped the girls back off at Craig and Nancy's and picked up a garden tiller. I tilled up the nasty clay mess that was at the top of the retaining wall. Then tossed a bunch of clods of dirt and clay that wouldn't break up, added some top soil, transplanted a hosta that needed help and spread 9 bags of mulch. It turned out nice. I know you've been waiting for it, so here they are - the photos of the finished product:
Saturday afternoon, Amanda and Avery came over. They spent the night with us Saturday night. Avery and I colored in coloring books outside while Amanda and David finished screwing down all the deck boards. Then we made cheesy dip and chips for a snack before going to play putt-putt golf. That was fun. Avery did really well. She wouldn't play the holes that had water, because she didn't want her ball to get wet. The rest of us landed the ball in the water at least 2 or 3 times. We had tacos for dinner then lit a fire in the fire pit and made s'mores. The fire pit is still one of Miner's favorite things.
Avery has always been a little leery of Miner. He's never bothered her, she's just a bit afraid of him. So, early on Saturday, she would scoot way out of the way whenever he would come near her. By Saturday evening, she had warmed up to him and would be sure to let you know, "I touched him! I toucht-ed Miner!" She was so proud that she patted him on the head. Still, she and Amanda slept on the floor of my office so she could shut the door and keep Miner out. By Sunday morning, she and Miner were best friends. By the way, I made the French toast from America's Test Kitchen for breakfast. SO GOOD!
We dropped the girls back off at Craig and Nancy's and picked up a garden tiller. I tilled up the nasty clay mess that was at the top of the retaining wall. Then tossed a bunch of clods of dirt and clay that wouldn't break up, added some top soil, transplanted a hosta that needed help and spread 9 bags of mulch. It turned out nice. I know you've been waiting for it, so here they are - the photos of the finished product:
28 July 2008
Phase 2: In Progress
David started on the deck Saturday while I was having lunch with some friends. That lasted a lot longer than I thought, so he didn't have much help. Sunday, David's Dad Craig came and helped us. We got about 1/2 the deck boards on. When you start putting deck boards on, you find where things are out of whack that need to be straightened...which is why we didn't get as far as we would have liked. Plus it was WAY hot. Now, I know Holly will trump me with 100 degree temps and way more humidity. Like I've said before, I am a wimp now that I live in the midwest. So we called it quits at 5 PM. We might have been better off to take a siesta in the hot part of the day and then finish up...but oh, well. Craig is coming to help David this afternoon. You will get pictures when it's done and you will like it!
26 May 2008
Memorial Day Weekend Projects
Here's what we did for the long weekend. In 3 stages, I removed this pile of rock from the front and side flowerbeds. In my estimation, it was about 30 wheelbarrow trips from the front yard to the back, half of which David did for me.
Getting rid of that stuff let me put in 3 Asiatic Lilies and one more purple Coral Bells, 4 bags of top soil plus most of the dirt pile left over from widening the parking pad and 8 bags of cypress mulch. The end result is quite nice if I do say so myself.
David hung the ledger boards for the deck in the back yard. Hopefully the weather will hold this week and the retaining wall guy will be able to start tomorrow.
I also picked up this cute bug made out of a glass insulator (like from old power lines) at the farmer's market.
Getting rid of that stuff let me put in 3 Asiatic Lilies and one more purple Coral Bells, 4 bags of top soil plus most of the dirt pile left over from widening the parking pad and 8 bags of cypress mulch. The end result is quite nice if I do say so myself.
David hung the ledger boards for the deck in the back yard. Hopefully the weather will hold this week and the retaining wall guy will be able to start tomorrow.I also picked up this cute bug made out of a glass insulator (like from old power lines) at the farmer's market.
22 May 2008
too damn busy
It's still spring and I love it. It's cool enough in the morning and night for a jacket and has been nice and sunny. Last weekend we got the garden in. Already, some radishes are sprouting. I am hoping one of the three yellow pear tomatoes that I planted from seed will take.
Other than that, I have been SO busy at work and just exhausted, so that's why no posts for such a long time. We start prep for the deck and retaining wall this weekend, so there will be plenty of pictures to share.
Other than that, I have been SO busy at work and just exhausted, so that's why no posts for such a long time. We start prep for the deck and retaining wall this weekend, so there will be plenty of pictures to share.
03 May 2008
Spring? What spring?
High of about 50 for today. Tonight's low is supposed to be in the mid 30's. WTF?!? It's really windy and means that much longer before I can get a garden in.
Miner got a new toy last night. It's a stuffed duck that quacks. He loves it. This morning, when I let him out, he took it with him. It's like a kid with his blankie.
23 down, 77 to go. My usual instructor wasn't there today. The sub was ok, but it meant no PT class today. Ah, well.
Miner got a new toy last night. It's a stuffed duck that quacks. He loves it. This morning, when I let him out, he took it with him. It's like a kid with his blankie.
23 down, 77 to go. My usual instructor wasn't there today. The sub was ok, but it meant no PT class today. Ah, well.
19 April 2008
17 April 2008
It's official...
...Spring is here! My daffodils bloomed Tuesday. The grass is all green (except the dead spots from the Round-up incident) and the birds are so noisy in the morning. We took the dog to the county part near the house to swim. He didn't want to jump off the dock. We tried, and he whined and fussed about wanting to get the stick we threw in, but he just wouldn't jump.
We should have good weather this weekend. So, I'll take some pictures and post them.
We should have good weather this weekend. So, I'll take some pictures and post them.
27 March 2008
Eh...
Pretty interesting day at work today. I got to tour our Davenport factory. I haven't been on that factory floor since 2004. I love factory tours.
When I got back to my office I had to messages. One that I am going to help fill in for a co-worker who is having surgery. Neat opportunity for me to learn a different job (one that I'd like eventually). The other was from University of Iowa. They are accepting me 'conditionally' on account of my low score on the GMAT (see 'frikin idiot post). Well, I won't start classes in the summer because of the fill in at work, but I likely will be able to start in the fall.
I am excited about the opportunity at work. Means I get to travel to VA and WV a few times.
Oh, and it snowed today! It's like 5 days short of being April and we're getting snow?!
When I got back to my office I had to messages. One that I am going to help fill in for a co-worker who is having surgery. Neat opportunity for me to learn a different job (one that I'd like eventually). The other was from University of Iowa. They are accepting me 'conditionally' on account of my low score on the GMAT (see 'frikin idiot post). Well, I won't start classes in the summer because of the fill in at work, but I likely will be able to start in the fall.
I am excited about the opportunity at work. Means I get to travel to VA and WV a few times.
Oh, and it snowed today! It's like 5 days short of being April and we're getting snow?!
18 February 2008
What do you call a rainbow...
...that is caused by frozen clouds and snow? A snow-bow? I saw one this morning and again on the way home. David says they are called sun dogs. Which must be true, because they were vertical, just like the wikipedia photo.
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