We're Back!

We went to Missouri over the weekend to help...and watch...Elise celebrate her 3rd birthday. A good time was had by all!

 Elise's friend Sarah gave her a new couch and she was happy to share with her brother.

 Listening to the birthday song

 Baby Leo

Mom and cousin Chloe help with presents

Elise the clown putting her new jammies on her head.

Nana Susan with baby Leo

Elise loves her new wheels!

 Giving cousin Chloe a push.

                                                            Baby Leo...and Me

To give you a bit of insight into our Elise: She was eating breakfast and sharing a glass of fruit punch with her Papa Gary. She discovered a new taste sensation that she enjoyed. She filled her mouth with scrambled egg and then added a sip of fruit punch. She continued doing this until her eggs were gone. That girl is always thinking....

Stop and look at Tulips

We are what some might say caught up today. Yesterday we moseyed on down to Atlantic for a haircut and dental appts. We visited and had lunch with friends Bill and Bev Gunderson and then later on Butch played golf with Randy Clark while Sherri and I caught up on our lives, enjoying supper at our favorite Chinese restaurant. It was yummy and still our number one favorite Chinese restaurant. Everything is made fresh by authentic Chinese people and not the same cookie cutter stuff you get in most Chinese restaurants.

And then today Butch finished a cabinet that covers the electrical box in the breezeway. It is reusing a cabinet that was in the original kitchen. It makes the breezeway a bit neater. I cleaned a few areas and stashed a few things under the bed and in the new bench. Most of what is stashed away is in a temporary home just so it isn't underfoot while the rest of the project gets finished. So now we really are down to waiting for the cabinets and trim etc. They should be here next week if all goes as planned.

At Sherri's house: Sherri does daycare so her house is always a bit chaotic with many things happening all at the same time. My life seems very calm after spending an afternoon there. But it is always entertaining as well and I have had the best part (from afar) of watching many of her kids grow.
Here are a couple of pictures of Olivia who is a drop dead gorgeous little girl who loves ballet.

  and then there is Braley (sp?) who is two and we know it well. She wanted her mama and was not about to be happy till she got her. She did enjoy getting her picture taken .

Some of this weeks projects

The bench

Privacy doors for stool area


The washer and dryer

 The bed...I have taken a nap on it and I love it! It is firm which is our choice for a bed. Purchased from Overstock.com: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Select-Luxury-Reversible-Medium-Firm-10-inch-Queen-size-Foam-Mattress/6378792/product.html?CID=208011
Our experience with this bed and the ordering of it from Overstock has been top notch. Everything they stated has proven to be true. Could not be happier with this purchase and we plan to order a second one for the motorhome.

Making a bed

This is the making of a bed...I wanted an RV type bed to maximize our storage. You can see how much storage we gained from this plan.

 In the making of this bed the platform needed to be turned twice. Leo helped us with this but on the 2nd turning it did not go well and Leo fell hurting his back and getting several scrapes. After being checked medically he is okay but hurting a bit.

...and unleashing the beast!

These photos were taken in stages. Total time from when Butch is unrolling the mattress to the last photo is about 30 minutes. They say full expansion takes 24 hours.

Update from the weekend

We are coming right along. We have the washer and dryer in place and ready to run. The bench is built and needs some paint and a shelf to be completely done. The bed is about half done and we have hopes of finishing it today. Butch has installed one of the pocket doors in the closet and it needs some touch up paint.
Yesterday was another Lowes run to Ames to pick up a few needed items to finish the bed.
I checked on the status of the cabinets and counter tops and it looks like it will be another week yet. Not of big concern as long as we have all these other projects to keep us busy.
Yesterday we stopped at WalMart in Boone to pick up a few grocery items. A man in the store spotted a friend of his buying strawberries. He hollered at him and said," I bought some of those yesterday and they were great! Sure cannot beat the price!" They were $1 a box and the box was huge. I had not noticed them before but then I picked some up and he was right. They are very good!

And now a paint tip gleaned from Facebook:

REVIVE your old paintbrushes and STOP WASTING MONEY!!! Before you buy new paintbrushes this year, check this out. Soak old paintbrushes in VINEGAR for 30 minutes. GOOD AS NEW! Soak them in water with fabric softener and paint won’t dry on the brushes. LIKE this and SHARE other paintbrush tips.

Leo Teeter at 3 weeks

His mama says he slept through the night last night!

Two Ingredient Cookies

From my friend Janette Irwin

OK guys this one is so SIMPLE even the most baking challenged person can make them. And talk about GOOD FOR YOU TOO!!!!!!!

TWO (yes that's it) INGREDIENT COOK...IES

Ingredients

2 large bananas (can be a few days old for easier mashing)
1 cup quick-cooking oats
Mix-ins of your choice (I used dark chocolate chips and a pinch of cinnamon)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mash the bananas in a medium bowl. Add the oats and whichever mix-ins you choose (the Burlap Bag recommends a handful of dark chocolate chips, crushed walnut pieces, cinnamon or raisins - I chose dark chocolate chips and cinnamon) and mix.
3. Shape into balls with your hands and place on a baking pan covered with parchment paper (I used parchment instead of greasing the pan). Press down into a disc shape if desired.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes (mine were done after 12).
5. Enjoy!
Yield: 12-16 cookies
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes 

Progress

We are making progress right along. I am taking pictures as we go but I am a ways from getting the totally finished pictures. For instance yesterday and the day before we worked on the bench ( to cover the water meter) and the platform bed (designed like an RV bed). The bench needs some paint and a false floor yet. And the bed needs some pieces glued and others painted before we can release the beast otherwise known as the mattress in a box. The storage space under the bed is huge!! I love it!
There are a couple of items we need help with but most things we can handle ourselves. We need help turning over some plywood so pieces on the underside can be glued. Also need some muscle to help stack the dryer on the washer. I looked to see where we stood with cabinets and counter top etc being delivered and it is a little further out than I thought. We do have plenty to keep us busy until cabinet delivery however.

The beast in a box.(queen sized reversible mattress)

The weather has been perfect for doing indoor stuff..

From Roland Iowa on KCCI news

When you gotta mow, you gotta mow!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=p5MooatkiFk

Ugly

Yesterday we went to Exira IA for the second funeral of the week. The mother of our good friend Bev Bro Gunderson of Atlantic IA passed away. After attending the services we made our way to Waukee IA to pick up parts and make a Menards run. Lots of travel miles but we were listening to a good book (Orphan Train) so the miles passed quickly.
 On our way home we stopped at HyVee in Perry IA and from what I saw, Fareway in Jefferson has nothing to fear when HyVee comes to Jefferson. The prices were VERY high in comparison. Every item seemed higher and some so high it was shocking. Dove dark chocolate candy Fareway $3.58 HyVee $4.79.

Another shock happened this morning as I looked out my tiny motorhome window. Snow and lots of it and more on the way

Below: This was taken from inside the house

As was this shot

My poor tulips have had quite a time of it this Spring

Tuesday...

I hit the ground running this morning and decided to do the painting in the breezeway. I had to quit at 1:00 to get ready for my doctors appointment. She took a couple of samples from my upper arm. It didn't take long and I was soon back home and painting. Among other odds and ends of paint I painted the cement floor and put a fresh coat on the front steps. So now I will not know if my arm is hurting from painting or getting sliced. It actually doesn't hurt at all. My back does though!
Butch mowed and burned some yard waste and then started measuring out another project- the bench. We have plenty to keep us busy till the cabinets arrive. Exciting time though!!

More of Monday and some of today

Butch told me the obituary for Eloise was not easy to read so I changed it. When I put obituaries and other things on the blog most of the time I copy and paste and sometimes it just doesn't work too well.
I did take a few pictures yesterday and I have a new one of our very grownup Elise But I will need to get it scanned before you can see it. I did and here they are.

And now we have the baby Leo. I made his acquaintance yesterday afternoon. He is such a calm and contented babe and I was so lucky to get to hold him throughout the service. When he opens his eyes which he does frequently he is very bright and alert following sounds all over the room.. He seems to have a pretty good concept of his surroundings for a guy who is only two weeks old.

When his mom makes a smooching noise he frowns. He does not like that sound! He frowned every time she did it

 These are pictures of some of the windows in The First Presbyterian Church in Savannah MO

Monday, Monday

Butch and I drove to Savannah MO to attend the funeral of Eloise Tuck who is the mother of our daughter-in-law Susan Tuck Brooker.

 Eloise M. (Graff) Tuck

 Eloise M. Tuck 1923-2013 Eloise Mildred (Graff) Tuck, 90, Savannah, Missouri passed from this life Friday, April 26, 2013 at Crown Care Center Nursing Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. She was born March 26, 1923 at 801 W. Market St., Savannah, Missouri, to the late Erle B. and Mildred B. (Burns) Graff. There were three older children, Robert, Eliza Agnes, and Erle Edwin Graff all preceded her in death. Eloise married Tom Hornby in 1947 and a daughter Elizabeth “Beth” was born in 1950. Tom preceded her in death in 1954 from Hodgkins Disease, and Beth preceded her in death in 1969. On February 7, 1957 in Savannah, Missouri she married Frankie “Frank” James Tuck, Jr. and he preceded her in death on December 20, 2007. From this marriage a daughter Susan was born in 1961. Eloise attended school in Savannah and graduated in 1941. She studied piano in St. Joseph with Alice Fern Lyn and Huldah Nichols. Eloise was a member of the first Presbyterian Church since 1935, and served as Deacon for many years, also was pianist and organist for over 50 years. She was an active member of Student Faculty Musical Club in St. Joseph. Eloise taught Sunday School and Bible School. On January 16, 2005 Eloise was Ordained Elder, and she served several years on the Church nominating committee, and was very active in many other ways. Survivors: daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Gary Brooker, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; granddaughter, Amanda and husband, Bradley Teeter, and two great grandchildren, Elise and Leo Teeter, all of East Lynne, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life: 1:30 PM, Monday, April 29, 2013 at Breit - Hawkins Funeral Home, Savannah, Missouri. Interment in Savannah, Missouri Cemetery. Public visitation and family receiving one hour prior to service. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, Savannah, Missouri

Almost too busy to tell you!

Saturday, I walked over to the auction but didn't see anything that captured my attention so I came home to watch Bill and Butch work. They checked all the connections and fussed with the water heater, cleaning it out and getting it filled. The air conditioner gave them fits and there may be a new one in our future but it is working okay for now. The house is so efficiently insulated we may not need it much. That is my hope anyway as I am not crazy about air conditioning. I would much rather have the windows open.
Later on Saturday we went to Leo and Keri's for supper and our great family cook, Miss Keri herself, with some assistance from Leo fixed us a fine feast. We had steaks, cheesy potatoes, fruit salad and Pecan pie for dessert. I had contributed a mock potato salad. It was great being with family and enjoying good food and conversation.
Butch and Bill were looking over our new kitchen faucet and Bill noticed a flaw in the pipe. So they called the company and in so doing they requested a picture of the flaw, so I took it and sent it and we received a reply right away that they were sending a new one. We were so fortunate to have Bill notice that and in so doing preventing us from problems and delay in the future. I notice and appreciate these small miracles. Here is the picture I sent to the company. Are you able to see the flaw?

Jefferson has two weeks in a year where you can set things on the curb and the city will pick them up for you. I think this is a great service and more cities should do it. One of the weeks is in April and the other is in October. I told Butch the other day I wanted a swing like Our Peggy has in Texas, Only I wanted a small one, a two seater. So on Saturday I look out the window and there is a swing being placed on the curb across the street! I rush over and take a quick peek and came back for Butch and Bill to carry it home for me. You must be in a hurry when spotting these treasures as people will curb shop all day long looking for treasures.

Here is a picture of my new swing.

It needs a little TLC and I plan to take the top piece off as we have plenty of shade in our backyard. Also I think it will be perfect in our pergola we will be building in our future. It is in good shape and rides really nice! A great find and the price was free.

Today I went for my walk and the guys went golfing. After I came home I cleaned  out a flower bed. I have a few more to do but first I have to buy a rake

Bill's daughter Barb came from her home in Waukee IA to play golf with the guys and then we all went back to Leo and Keri's for yet another culinary treat. I have to thank Bill so profoundly for his expertise. When a person shares their knowledge of their lifework with you it is priceless. So Thanks a bunch, Bill. And then we must thank Keri for her culinary talents and Leo too for his help and hospitality. It was a truly great weekend.