One of the Greatest Christmas Joys

I must say that today I got to experience one of the greatest Christmas Joys. The gift of giving to those who would not have Christmas otherwise. Our favorite motorcycle group sponsored a family for Christmas. Dennis and I, and the Green's went with the worker to deliver Christmas. We sponsored a family of 7 and we had three huge tubs of gifts to haul up 2 flights of stairs and they decided to open them in front of us. They also allowed us to take pictures. One of our members gave a beautiful Porcelain doll for the 4 year old little girl. If you could have seen her eyes, when she opened that doll, ohh my! So many times a 4 year old doesn't appreciate something of this nature, but she handled it like it would break. Her eyes were so big, it was unexplainable. She hugged this baby, and carefully placed her in a special place on the couch. She opened her other things and loved each one, she kept telling us thank you and she took her colors and colorbooks and sat down and colored, staying inside the lines. Oh my, she did a beautiful job! Every member loved things, the babies loved the things we got them, by their smiles and trying to play with them and going towards the toys. The adults kept saying Thank You with so much meaning, it was like...just saying Thank you, it was from their heart. To see these people and how much they appreciated everything we took to them, was truly a great gift of Christmas to me. It will definately be something I am sure we will continue to do. Isn't that part of the meaning of the season?

I am so thankful I can give things to my family and we are not in their position. We cut back this year, and we feel very good about those gifts we are giving, even with the cutting back. We are really looking forward to the "time" together and the sharing between us this year. I feel so fortunate.

Its Winter

Well, you can definately tell it is winter in Iowa. Ice and snow. Dennis had to plow last night, poor guy was up and off to work by 11 pm and then to regular job by 4 AM and hopefully will be home by 3-4 today. The guy needs sleep. We didn't go to the Honda Riders Dinner last night because he found out how early he would have to get up and so decided he needed sleep. Said he almost fell asleep driving to Panora. YIKES! Hate to think about that.

My week is most awesome, as of now, I have lost 55 pounds. I am so happy. I wanted 5 more by Christmas, but that probably is not going to happen, however, it will happen in time. Just the fact the weight is still coming off is the best.

I am not looking forward to the 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice that we are to expect tomorrow. That is just uncalled for, guess we need a long talk with the weather man. Snow, I suppose, cold I supposed, no ice...

I am thinking I am actually going to get to bake something this year for Christmas. I hope so, I miss doing that.

I am so thankful, however, for having all the seasons we get to enjoy in Iowa. I wish they were not so severe sometimes, but the change in seasons is usually pretty and I have a part of me that does enjoy them. I don't think I would want to be somewhere that doesn't have a change at all. I miss riding the motorcycle in the winter, however, if we just didn't have all this ice and some of the snow we still could ride! LOL

Well, tonight will make the Christmas Cards and hopefully finish cleaning up our office/scrapbooking room.

Christmas Shopping

Well, really am feeling good about this year. I have had so much trouble getting around for so many years shopping has been a huge chore. Dennis and I shopped for about 4 hours yesterday and today I went with Louise for about 3 hours and it is done. Got great prices on things, got things I wanted and didn't spend tons. Kept in a budget, and all wrapping is done. I have 2 gift cards to pick up and one other thing, then all done. I am usually rushing to wrap when people are on there way to our home for Christmas. This year its done, I can enjoy wrapped gifts under the tree, and just enjoy. I won't be rushing. The days before Christmas I can enjoy, taking them off and don't have to hustle and bustle and have the stress. I am now truly looking forward to Christmas! It will be such a fun time this year.

Dennis and I went to a candy store inValley Junction yesterday cause I needed specific flavors of jelly belly's for something I am making. Well can you believe that they are $7.59 per pound. I am guessing we went to the wrong place!

Dennis got a big cushion that is supposed to be a doggie bed for Max, well, Max is on the love seat and the cats have taken over the cushion. It is so cute!

Well, I am so thankful for what I have been given health wise this year. The fact that I shopped for 2 days and wrapped all and am not over come with serious pain is such a blessing. I can't believe that I can do so much that I wasn't able to do for several years.

The Ups and Downs of Christmas

Why is it that we feel Christmas must be so commercial? What is the real reason for the season? Tonight, I have just spent several hours working on something for a family our motorcycle group is sponsoring. How wonderful it was to have my "stash". I think what I did tonight with my dear friend Louise, was probably the best gift we could give. We were able to obtain some pictures that were taken of the family and they have not seen them yet. I used my wonderful photo printer and we printed several and then we put them into frames that we got for the family. One of their requests were for picture frames. The pictures were not the correct sizes to be for 5 x 7 or 8 x 10, etc. So, when they printed we figured we would be matting them. Well, instead of matting, we used ribbon, stickers, and other embellishements and we embellished the pictures in most cases, in one case we embellished the frame. We did 8 of these. They turned out, well, in our opinion, beautiful. I know if someone had done these for me, I would definately cry for joy. They were so personalized for the family from what they were wearing and what we know of them. I can't wait until delivery day and see their faces. To me...this was a huge part of Christmas, doing something for others. Something from the heart.

I know I am looking so forward to the weekend. Tomorrow is only Thursday and I really wish it were Friday. I need to sleep in! LOL I know we have two different Christmas party/dinners on Saturday night for two different motorcycle groups. These are always fun, just food and companionship, sharing stories of things we did through the year. I think we are going to end up at the BMW dinner at Chuck's Restaurant. That place in itself brings back memories! I know we will enjoy either one, but I am pretty certain thats where we will go.

Today I am thankful for Dennis, and the things he does for me and how he has shown me so much more. How he is so wonderful about all things in my family. How he gets along so well with the boys father, Jim. He respects him as their father and him being a part of our life. It is so wonderful that I was so able to find someone that has never asked me to change and is so supportive of what I do and has always tried to help me in so many ways. He gives himself to protect our country, so far being state side always. He takes his job very seriously and I know that with people like him we can have our freedom that we so enjoy. I hope that everyone can have someone that special in their lives.

Winter wasn't so bad

Well, we didn't get hit with as much snow and ice as we thought we would. Here in Des Moines we only ended up with 1.3 inches of snow after the ice. I think they said there was about 1/8 inch of ice. My only problem was that the silly doors on my car froze shut. Thankfully my neighbor was getting ready to leave when I was going to start my car and he came down and pulled it open. Thanks John! Travel to work wasn't bad at all. Walking wasn't even bad underfoot when I got there. However, you would have thought some of the other drivers were here for the first time from Florida or something. They drove like idiots. I am surprised there weren't more accidents today than there were.

I felt really proud today. A student that used to be a student aide for me was in working on something for a class. Before she left she stopped at my desk and asked if I had lost a lot of weight. OMigosh, it felt so good. YES! 50 pounds! Long way to go, but it is happening! I can't stop! Tricia, you will never know how good that felt for you to say that. I do notice cause my jeans are 3 sizes smaller and other clothes 2 sizes, but it really felt good for someone else to notice again. It might be what I needed to get past my plateu for now.

Sometimes we get to feeling like our lives are not good. Like we don't have what we should, like things are always bad. I hear students say this all the time. They are so down on themselves. I share with them, I have been there. I know the feeling they are sharing. I tell them to find anything in the morning when they get up...anything and realize the positive from that one little thing. Soon life is more positives than negatives. Something positive might be that they had a bed to sleelp in, a blanket to cover up with, or they can see the sun when it comes up in the morning. I had a student share with me that they are doing this, something different every day and they said it is making things easier, they realize not everyone is against them, and they do have lots to be thankful for. So, leading up to my item of thankfulness for the day...

Today I am thankful that I was able to walk into the building at work on my own. I remember 4 years ago being told that I probably wouldn't walk much longer. I cried and Dennis gave me thoughts to remember, keep pushing and keep talking to new doctors. Today, I walked into the building on my own and was only in very minimal pain. That feels so glorious! What a great feeling! Without being able to walk, I probably would not be able to enjoy riding the motorcycle with Dennis, which is a true love.

Christmas is close, I still need to get about everything, but only buying for the boys and Tina. Not sure what yet, but we will see.

Winter is arriving

Well, I fell backwards and haven't posted for a while. Thanksgiving weekend, the wifi in the hotel wasn't working very well and then life was too busy, or so it seemed. This is really something I want to try to keep up.

Work has been tough. Lots of special issues and I always feel bad for those that are struggling. However, when I leave and go home at night, I know I have truly been needed. That is a very good feeling in itself.

Thanksgiving in Iowa City was a fun time. All the boys were there. Dennis' dad looked really good and that was a surprise after he had been so sick this summer. Very pleased to see him look like he did. He seems pretty cozy in his motor home and seems pleased with it. It was great to see all the brothers and Stephanie looked so cute pregnant. There will be a new great neice come January. I am so happy for her.

Dennis' National Guard Christmas Party went very well, considering I wasn't real excited about it. It was much better than last year. We brought side dishes, food was better and the company was better. We set with his Sgt Major and his wife and they ride motorcycles, so we had great conversation. It was a short party, and so he got to leave early and that was nice also.

Looks like we are headed for real winter tonight. I am cringing cause my blazer is not running properly, so I will be taking the taurus and I just don't like it on crappy roads. LOL...not as much control with it for some reason. Oh well, I will make it and life will be ok. Dennis went to Chris' tonight and they worked for several hours, but now his heater is working. Thank goodness. Life is getting better! They are saying possibly more ice than snow and that doesn't make me feel good at all. I worry a lot about Mike cause he walks to and from the studio to home and he works so late at the studio. I hope he wears lots of warm things. College life is that way I guess.

I think I am going to start listing one thing every day that I am greatful for...

Tonight I am greatful to have the two wonderful boys I have been blessed with. I could never ask for more. I am so greatful to have them.

What a Day

I don't know if it is the weather, or what might be going on, but we sure had a crazy day at work/school today. Seems the kids were very tense and fights were breaking out everywhere. We were in the halls during all passing times today, Everyone! There were other "issues" that the admisitrators were dealing with all day. It just seemed all the kids were on edge. Thankfully we made it. The end of the day came and kids were headed home for four days and hopefully by Monday they will all be in a better mood. It is one of those days, that when it is over, you KNOW you were NEEDED. That gives you a mixed emotion, but its why I work where I do.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I am really looking forward to tomorrow and Friday. Mike will be home and we will get to spend some time together for a change. I miss him so much, but if he is going to do what he wants, he needs to stay in Ames and concentrate on his education. I don't think I ever realized just what his career was going to be like in getting the education. Its tough, but Mike loves it and is going to do fine.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, you can eat a lot, and enjoy all those you love - family and friends.

Aunt JoAnn's Pumpkin Bread

This is THE best Pumpkin Bread ever and Michael craves it! Thanks to Jo Ann, I have it once again. It was lost, but now is found! You guessed it, I will be baking some maybe tonight!

3 1/3 Cups Flour
2 Teaspoons Soda
1 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Nutmeg
3 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Oil
4 Eggs
2/3 Cups Water
2 Cups Pumpkin
Sift dry ingridents, including suar into bowl. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients. Mix until smooth. Divide into 3 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 about one hour. Cool slightley and turn onto racks to finish cooling.

Getting OLDER

Well, today was my 52nd birthday. Man that number seems so old. They say you are only as old as you feel, and this year I can truly say I do not feel my age. That would be the first in many years. Yesterday a friend invited us to his lodge and bought our breakfast. They just happen to have a craft show "yippee". I actually bought a couple Christmas Presents there! While there the Green's walked in and how nice that was. They are special people! Anyway, they were headed to Garvis to look at a bike, where I found one that I liked, for a beginner bike anyway. It is priced really reasonable, and definately not out of the question as yet. Later they came and picked us up and we went headed to Perry to Jeff and Sally's, but Louise and I decided we really wanted to hit Pamida before going to Jeff and Sally's. Good thing! I found a bed in a bag for Mike, and he said it was "just what he wanted" and I picked up a couple other things I needed. Then to Jeff and Sally's, and they tagged along to pick up the Busch's (yes, all motorcycle family members). Busch's live in Beaver which is right near Ogden. WOW, the snow in that area...good 3 inches, but it was very icey and slick. Got the Busch's and on to Jefferson for dinner. (hmm how many miles for dinner was this?) Oh well, lots of fun. Then back to Busch's as Judy did her handiwork making cherry crisp, brownies and homemade ice cream. YUM. The guys went to the shed to check out some motorcycle stuff and the gals ended in the living room just talking girl talk. Finally about 11 pm we were leaving there, Oh my the FOG! Couldn't see but about 3 feet in front...we made it to Ames and dropped off Mike's bedding. After leaving Ames the fog seemed to get a little better and closer to Des Moines, the roads were clear and no more fog. Finally to bed about 1 AM and I am usually there by 10 pm. This morning up and went to Prole for Breakfast then back home and out came the motorcycle. We rode the motorcycle and followed Green's to look at my boss' bike. Well, Louise is now the owner of that one! Its beautiful! GO LOUISE! Then grocery shopping, did a little more christmas stuff and back home. Then over to Green's so Dennis could help Ernie and Louise fixed dinner. Oh, that was really nice! So, a great day! Mike texted me several times telling me happy birthday. Wonder if he realizes how good it made me feel. Dennis' nephew posted on my facebook page to tell me happy birthday, which was so nice. WOW! I couldn't feel any better. I guess its now back to work for three days. Looking forward to the whole time of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving here with my boys and then to Iowa City and thanksgiving with the Irvin's. All the boys will be there and that is special. Its going to be a great week.

Can you believe I have been posting pretty regular for a week on here??!! Kim should be in shock!

Finally Friday

Well, Friday is finally here, and I am sure glad. Hoping to sleep in just a little in the morning. Lots planned for the weekend, yet I have no idea what Dennis' plans are so mine might get changed. I know we are going to another GWTA chapter's meeting in the afternoon on Saturday and then going to Jefferson for dinner and hoping they will have a band. That could be quite drive home, but glad we are not the ones driving...Thanks Ernie!

I really want to finish cleaning out the spare bedroom. I got a great start on it Wednesday night. Also need to get my scrap table and my desk cleaned off. I have been working on my medical receipts for the year and what a mess I have right now!

I might try to get some of my Christmas stuff out/ready to set up. Next weekend, I will only have "some" time on Friday before we take off to Iowa City, and I want it up and done.

Sand and the Stone

I received this and I just have to share this.


Sand & Stone

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE! AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM. AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE: 'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE' THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?' THE FRIEND REPLIED: 'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY. BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT' LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON,

AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM.

A DAY TO LOVE THEM,

BUT THEN AN ENTIRE LIFETIME TO FORGET THEM. SEND THIS TO THE PEOPLE YOU'LL NEVER FORGET.

I JUST DID.

TAKE THE TIME TO LIVE! DO NOT VALUE THE THINGS YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE,
BUT VALUE WHO YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE!

'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'

Quite the day. Had a good day at work. Since I am wearing my hair curly, several are saying things, but the funniest thing, I was walking down the hall during passing time, going back to my office and some kids behind me started messing with my hair and saying something about the curls. It was so funny. I couldn't believe it. Kids...they are good people.

I didn't get much accomplished at home, well, nothing accomplished at home. We did go to the Honda Riders Cycle Club meeting tonight and had several good laughs. I guess I am going to be the one setting up their winter meeting locations. We elected Frank Adams as our President for this year. He was going to be the President last year, but then he was deployed. He is now back and retired from the National Guard. We are happy to have him back.

Tomorrow night we are going to go help Ernie and Louise again and hopefully they can put his Mom's house behind him. It should be ready to put up for sale after tomorrow night. He is rather sad, which I understand. They need the rest and peace of having it sold.

Mike called tonight, oh it is always good to hear from him! He finished an application process for the Rome trip and started the process for financial aid. Praying hard that he can get some aid. He also found out that he can do his masters in Finland or somewhere and he is really wanting to do that. If he goes there it will only take one year, where here it will take 3 years and he will get more of what he needs over seas. Oh man...our babies grow up too fast. Looking forward to seeing him soon!

Can you believe this? I have blogged every single day since SAturday maybe? Kinda boring blogs, but oh well. I did it!

Oh, I did accomplish one thing. I have started the process of ordering state maps from every state in the US. I want 6 of each and want them quick! If you read this and are from somewhere besides Iowa, please let me know if you can get some of your state maps. I don't want the Rand McNally ones, I want the ones published by the States Department of Transportation. I found out that South Dakota not only has a regular state map, but they have a separate "Motorcycle Map!" They told me it has special roads that motorcyclists seem to love...oh yea! TWISTIES!

Well, not a productive day for me, other than going to work. Dennis had a productive day. Got home and WOW he is actually purging and getting rid of a bunch of stuff...thankkkkk goodness! Tonight, just kinda veggin out. Need to get some things ready to mail, but other than that, won't probably do much. I reflected a lot about the weekend and how I have found some family on my Mom's side through facebook. I hope we can keep in touch. I am going to start making my list for Christmas shopping, not sure what to do for some yet. I hate giving money, but that is one thing Rich wants cause he wants to buy a hydrolic jack for motorcycles. Mike just needs clothes and money for school projects and to save for summer classes in Rome..yes, Rome! YIKES they say that is gonna cost somewhere between $12,000 and $15,000! That one scares me! Dennis and I won't be doing anything, we have ours and he is still looking to get us knew phones. So, then we have his parents. What to get them? I don't know, that is always hard. This year its worse! Guess I am going to ask for a list, but won't probably get much on it. I have our gifts for the family exchange, we get things and don't mark on them and then we can steel. This is more for fun than anything. Its a good time. Also trying to decide, do I bake cookies this year? Well, I have lost 50 pounds and if I bake certain ones, I WILL eat them, so maybe not. I love frosted sugar cookies and I love Aunt Judy's spritz cookies (i got the recipe from her, so they are still hers). I just better not.

We had a fun day today. Didn't do a lot. Went to breakfast with many friends from the GWTA group at Gabby's in Prole. We had a lot of Laughter. Lots of talk about planning some fun rides for 2009. Dennis was going to get our bike out, however, frost on the hill to get it up from the garage prevented that. Then we just were not at home. We went over and helped Ernie and Louise on Ernie's Mom's house, then Dennis had to go check out the new toys of cellular phones. Every two years around Christmas he has to get us new phones...well, phones or toys, something like that.

I have been working on some end of year insurance things I need to send in and getting caught up on things so when Jan 1 comes I will be ready to get taxes figured. I need to get those things done quickly cause need to file FAFSA for Mike by mid February. If filed well before March 1 then he is eligible for more scholarships. Those have really helped every year. Thankfully he does well enough to earn some. Iowa State is a very expensive school. On the news they say that kids that go there have the highest loans..uggg. Well, it is in the list of top schools for his field and that is a good thing. He loves what he is doing, and that makes it even better. He isn't one to change fields, this is a desire since he was a small child.

Bad thing, I wanted to work on vacation pictures and Pam's scrapbook and didn't touch either one. Oh well, I guess there is tomorrow night. I think we have a home night tomorrow night..YEAH! We are not home much, and sometimes I like it...I get to cook, but still haven't found the Clean Up person. LOL...so I am still doin dishes.

We have Thanksgiving figured out, having it in Rich and Tina's garage. Yup, Garage. Its heated and we will have a good time. Mike will probably be playing some music for us and that will just be awesome. Then on Saturday Dennis and I will take off for Iowa City to see all the boys and his parents for Thanksgiving. Dan and Jill and the girls will come in from Ohio and Dale is coming in from New Orleans. Sure wish the girls could come, but they are not able. This will make it so their Mom and Dad will at least have all their kids together. With his Dad's health, that is a very good thing.

Well, gonna try to keep doing this daily. I hope to be blogging tomorrow and think of some more things to blog on. Here is praying that Vickie and K are doing well in their new home tonight.

I said I would "try" to blog more. I am having a good time learning stuff on facebook and connecting with family I thought were lost. Its great. I want my boys to know their family. I didn't get any work done today on any of my photo's, and boy do I need to. When you take over 500 pictures on a one week vacation...umm, that's a lot of pictures to sort out, even if they are digital.

Dennis and I have been super lazy today. His back and my shoulder are really bugging us...guess the weather is playing games with my shoulder, but that is part of life. I did manage
to get a few things sorted in the kitchen and some things rearranged in the living room, thinking about Christmas decorations while I am doing this so its done. I am hoping to get those put out on Friday after Thanksgiving. Dennis has to work that day, and I think Mike and I are gonna do the Christmas stuff together. Will be fun.

We just had dinner with one motorcycle group tonight. Tomorrow, guess we are going to Prole for breakfast with another group. Dennis is talking we might be riding YEAH! Need to dig out my warm stuff, could be chilly, but should be dry. I am looking forward to a brisk ride!

Trying to think about what goals I want to accomplish tomorrow..hmm, find Mom's Zucchini bread recipe and my Aunt JoAnn's pumpkin bread recipe. Mike is begging for that pumpkin bread and I couldn't find it last time I looked. The zucchini I want to make and take to work for gifts this year. Made Salsa for all last year, this year, I have lots of zucchini grated and in the freezer, so gonna do that I think.

I also really hope to either go through vacation pictures, or work on Pam's book that we are making her from our Memorial trip. We will see..I also want to get some pictures on my blog and my facebook page. Time will tell...are there any good movies on tomorrow?

I'm Back

It seems like forever since I have posted. It was 7-8 months ago. Lots of changes have happeneds since then, everything is for the better. I decided I need to work on my blog, I have just started a facebook page, but I really want to keep my blog. I just need to discipline myself to doing this. The last few months have brought many positive things in my life. Life is so much better for me health wise since I last posted. I am able to walk much better, my pain is under a better control, not perfect, but much better. I have lost 50 pounds and need to keep losing. My kids are doing wonderful, Dennis and I have had lots of great things happen. We have had a few Eye openers also. Dennis' parents were both evacuated in June due to the floods of 2008. His Mom had no damage, but his father lost everything he ever owned. It is so sad. During that time his dad started having severe breathing problems and ended up in intensive care at the veteran's hospital in Iowa City. We flooded at home, we were at a motorcycle rally in Nebraska City, NE and were called home with a basement full of water, storm sewer back up. Water was in the drum of my dryer...YIKES...Dennis and Ernie worked for two days and were going to load all the junk on a trailer on Sunday. Sunday came and we had more rain, and yes, we flooded AGAIN! Dennis was at wits end. Thank goodness for good friends that help keep our heads on straight. We could never thank the Green family for all the work they did to help us, and to Mike who was here helping with everything. We still don't have the basement back in order, but it will some day. Dennis' dad is now living in a motor home on his property. He seems ok with that, but had to start over, and all his memories are just gone. So sad.

Well, enough on this post, so much more to share and pictures to load. Be watching, you will see what our year has consisted of, fun, sad and great.

Snow Again???!!!!

I just can't believe it is snowing AGAIN! I am so sick of snow. Tomorrow is Easter and I just want to think about spring.

We did get out and ride the new motorcycle for a while today, and just love the new (to us) bike! We have been trying to decide between used and new and "were" down to between a two tone ugly green 1999 and a brand new bike, but it wouldn't have some of the things we wanted because they are no longer standard. Our 1996 Gold Wing that we purchased is a 1500 SE came standard with the CB and some other things. This bike's past owner put the taller windshield, 56 lights around the back of the bike, ring of fire in the front tire, the kuryakin flag pole on the trunk the lighted spoiler, and the trunk rack and more on this bike. We still need to add the hitch, a pan under neath to help with wind and a fork brace. We have already added the arm rests. This bike also has a seat that might have been built with my back in mind. It is a special gel seat..love it!

We managed to get out and ride a bit on Saturday, it was chilly but oh so fun! We rode with another couple that have a 1997 the same color. They sure looked sharp sitting together!
Well, its Easter and we have no plans, other than we are meeting some motorcycling friends for breakfast. The boys are both buys, Mike with a project for school and Rich getting the car ready for next weekend, which I think is inspection cause the first figure 8 race is on the 5th of April.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter Holiday!

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Well, finally get to try to work tomorrow, still not great...geez!

Last night we went to the BMW Motorcycle group dinner, and had a good time, it was at Tumea and Sons, a great Italian Restaurant here in Des Moines. Saw one of the counselors from work, he and his wife were so kind. Once I get home, however, I am zapped, my system is definately far from being built up.

Dennis finished the first segment of AT today, poor guy he has been working for 14 days and now going to work 5 more before he finally gets a day off. He is fighting a cold and cough too. He has to be drained.

Last night at the dinner I overheard him talking to some folks about biting the bullett and getting another motorcycle. He won't get rid of the Kaw, but wants another one. The Kaw just needs a lot of work right now, but since they don't make them anymore, it is something he wants to keep and it really is a nice motorcycle. I know he isn't telling me cause I will get all excited (gee imagine that) and start asking, or as he would say, "nagging or bugging" him. I am going to have to be good and just sit back for the ride. Riding season is fast approaching and I know he will be itching to ride also.

Well, I am going to work hard at trying to stay at work all week. I hope I can do this, I just exhaust so quickly. I am gonna be watching blogs, and start stalking!

TGIF

Well, I ended up off all week, thats just crazy. More breathing treatments and meds, but today I feel alive. I am craving Pepper Potato Soup from Nana's and Dennis said we would go there tonight, oh yes! Through this I keep craving spicey stuff...Graziano's sausage, this soup. Hmmm.

Wow, the nicest emails from people I work with, they are such great people and so caring. I really want to be back and the kids I miss too. Monday starts a new semester and it will be crazy all week with schedule issues, etc.

Wednesday starts Lighten Up Iowa. Oh, I really am going to work on this. Our team is a group of people that will be so supportive. Being sick has given me a kick start and I am feeling pretty confident right now. Lets see how it goes.

Thanks Kim, you reminded me I did complete my scrapbook page goal for 2007, I actually went over by 2 pages. 106 pages in a year...sure doesn't seem like many. I have my goal of 104 again, but gosh, I sure wish I could get more done. I am really like this craft robo and maybe it will give me a little more push with the fun things I can create.

I joined a camping yahoo group, gee thanks vickie...lol..and think it is really getting me in the mood to camp and RIDE. I can't wait for spring. Only downfall is our motorcycle is a little sick right now. I am hoping Dennis and our neighbor can start working on it and maybe get it so it can make it another year or two. Its really a great bike, just needs a few things fixed, guess that is what happens when you ride it more than you drive your car in a year. Looking forward to some fun trips, plans are Billings, Montana, however, not sure. A friend moved to Tennessee and he sent us pictures...oh man, it might be Tennessee here we come! Check out the view from his front window. What beautiful riding, that is of the Holston Mountain Range in Tenneessee...i gotta go, then ride the tail of the dragon!

Another Day Home

Well, another day, still home sick. I am definately better than I was on Monday, thankfully. I am really hoping to go to work tomorrow, at least a 1/2 day. I might get worn out. Pnemonia is not fun. It isn't fun being home and not feeling like doing anything either. All these pictures I want to scrap and I need to upload pictures. I want to get pictures on my blog. I actually cooked something for dinner last night...well, tossed into a crock pot anything I found in the fridge. It worked, it wasn't bad. I have a meal planned so I will cook tonight. I had a horrible evening last night, but the night itself was good, good sleep. See improvement! Was pleasantly surprised last night found CARS on one of the free movie channels, and the 8 Below was on. Saw part of 8 Below the other day. CARS seemed to be made out such a kids movie, but that movie is deep, it really has a message for all of us. Being a motorcycle rider that message was really easy to see. We take the back roads, the county roads to see "real" america in our heart. We hate the interestate and only take it when we must be from point A to point B in a hurry. The movie to me is about taking time to smell the roses, take the back roads and see what wonderful things are there here in America. I LOVE IT!

Well, I am going to try to do a few things, see how it goes. I want to do dishes and pick up some things in the living room. HOpefully when I go to sign in next time, I can remember my sign in information. Uggg...too many user names and passwords. I try to keep them the same, but it doesn't always work. I am getting old and my memory is working less.

The 16th is drawing near - Lighten Up Iowa begins and I am on a team at work. Oh Yes, Life changing event I hope. I will definetly need support, but with 10 on a team, and we work so close, I think it can be done!

Thanks for reading and responding to my blog, thinking this could be fun.

Caucus Day

Another day home sick. Gosh I wish this stuff would go away. Today is the big Caucus Day for Iowa. Hopefully after today the phones will quiet down. I can't believe how often the phone rings for these candidates. I wish they had never moved Iowa so early. Just to early for me to make my decision so guess that is a good thing since there is no way I could make it to a caucus.

Trying to think of my hopes for 2008. I know I want to be healthier and that obviously will mean I must loose weight. I also want to get more of these pictures and other memories documented. I need to discipline myself to doing these things and to keeping the house in better order. I would like to do some decorating, but not sure about that happening at this time. I know Dennis is wanting to spend more time with his family and the past year we didn't see them very much at all. I talked to him and we are going to look at some one day trips instead of whole weekends. I wouldn't mind an evening trip, but he isn't going for that at all! He is going to have a full year with being Chapter Director of our motorcycle group and looking like he is going to take the instructor course for Motorcycle Safety and be teaching with the guard and maybe at DMACC too. That will be awesome for him. He will be very good at this. Sometimes he is too critical of himself.

Well, I am thinking I have been on the puter long enough and it is time to get some more rest in. I just got to get over this. Motorcycle Christmas Party is on SAturday, I want to feel good! However, he is sniffling and coughing this AM, that isn't good!

2008

Well, 2008 has started and someways good someways not so good. I was supposed to go back to work today, but no, had to be sick, and will not be able to go again tomorrow. I really was wanting to save my sick leave. I ended up laying around nearly all day. No productivity :(

Mike left to go back to school and I am always sad when that time comes. He was here for about 1/2 of the time and stayed with his brother 1/2 the time. I loved what he said, tho, when I told him I missed seeing him. He said that he and his brother got to catch up on so much. I am guessing it was harder for Rich to see him go than I then. They maybe 5 years apart, but the distance is dwindling fast. That is so fun to watch them both grow and share together so many things. That is a dream I wanted, to have a sibling to share with. I have a sibling, but like Mom said before she passed, when something happened to her, I would probably not see or hear from my brother. Dang, Mom was normally right, but I hoped to prove her wrong. I just couldn't do it. I can't control my brother's ways. He has always been distant from the family since I can remember. I am so glad my boys are not that way. They are close.

I had a rather productive scrapbook year. Well, not like many others, I did manage to meet my goal and go over a couple pages. 106 for the year. I am going to set my goal for 104 again (2 pages per week) and I really want to surpass that. I mean, what do I do? I take 200 pictures in a weekend on the motorcycle, I am getting farther behind everytime I snap the camera! With keeping my desk and scrap table organized, i hope i can do that.

Well, lets see if I can get this built to be interesting for others to read about my crzy life and have something that I can refer to for scrapping memories.