Too Pooped to Post...almost

It was a great day and Keri's help was pivotal to say the least. She prepared a  5 star feast for us. I sure appreciate having her in my bag of tricks. We had 15 J.I.G's and one guest in attendance. Everyone had a seat at a table. The conversation was lively as it always is when we gather. There were requests for Keri's recipes if she was willing to share and she is, so I will get them posted asap...but not tonight.
Here are a few shots I took today. Not many of people. I start having a good time and forget to take pictures!

First social event

First social event is coming up next Saturday. I have invited the J.I.G's women for lunch. My cooking angel Keri is preparing the food and that takes away much of the pressure. I love it because I will be able to relax and enjoy my friends in our mostly completed house. I have spent the past couple of days deciding where I want pictures and paintings with the input of fellow J.I.G.'s member Sue Durlam Lucht. Today with the help
of Butch I have been hanging artwork and artifacts and for now I think I am DONE. I also ordered a pleated shade for the west window because we were having sun issues late in the day. Denise Van, another J.I.G.'s friend told me about www.selectblinds.com. What a great site it is and very easy to navigate for made to order blinds and for custom made blinds the price is super as well.
Butch is about half done with the garage but it looks 100% better. Cleaned up and organized. I may be able to get back to making bracelets sometime soon.

One hobby I have continued and that is photography so here are some shots I have taken lately.

 My friend Colleen is a Stacker of Rocks...no, really! She has even had people pay her to stack rocks. These are rocks Jason had collected so she stacked them. As you can see it is definitely an art form. She usually goes to collect rocks at the river if someone wants some in their yard or flower garden. Sounds like fun to me.

The 2013 front view of the house.

Is it starting to look lived in?

 During the RAGBRAI week I saw this fellow camping early one morning. I must say he picked a very good spot. I almost didn't see him. He was in the skateboarding enclosure.

 Another Bee Balm picture. I love this little lavender flower that looks like fireworks.

More Weekend Photos

A young cowboy polishing his skills

The Leo's meet

Me and little Leo

Jason and the kids!

There is a new playground a block from us and the playground connoisseurs in the family say it is top notch. 

Ethan

Nicole feeds Leo

Our delicious supper-typically Iowa- Sweet Corn and Iowa Chops! Thanks to Laura and Jason.

A Comparison of Brooker golf swings

From Gary:

I put the video in Movie Maker where I cut to just the swing and slowed it down. See the results on Youtube

http://youtu.be/Es7X5mqjjFg

Spinach Dip Recipe

Spinach Dip Recipe

Ingredients needed:
1 10 oz container of frozen chopped spinach – defrost and squeeze out all the juice

1-2 5 oz cans of sliced water chestnuts – dice into small pieces

1 8 oz container of 1% cottage cheese – blend with a handheld blender or in a traditional blender until smooth and creamy and add
1 packet ranch dressing
After completing the above tasks, mix well, eat, and enjoy!

Missouri Family Vacation in Iowa

Now you know why I have not had any blog entries. Been very busy and very tired when not busy. Butch and I have been resting up today and not doing much of anything. I have many pictures to go through, tweak and decide to keep or discard.
The Missouri kids- minus Brad as he had to work- arrived on Friday evening and we gathered at Jason and Laura's in Boone. Always a good time when we all get together. And Ethan and his mom Nicole were there too adding to the fun. The little ones keep us all entertained and busy!

These kids, Elise, Ethan and Jason all move so fast it is hard to get a picture that is not blurry. Ethan was on the phone with his imaginary friend "Operator".

On Saturday morning we toured the Boone Fire Station mainly because Mike was working and then the whole family could visit with him. The little ones did not want the trucks started up as none of them like loud noises.

Laura, Ethan and Elise look over one of the high dollar fire trucks.

The pole is no longer in use. Considered too dangerous as the newest fireman do not get trained in its proper use.

 No way would they shake this guys hand! But Laura did.

An Iowa Farm Tractor at the Boone County Fair

Jason has become a bit too bulky

The coolest dude at the fair- 3 month old Leo Teeter

Nicole after her sno-cone

Elise and Ethan in the bouncy room

Butch tries to show off his bulk.

More next time...