ENOUGH!!!!

I've had enough of the winter roads. We made a recuse trip to Iron Belt (bet you don't know where that is) this morning. Terry got her wish for snow.
I'm just about all packed, the kitchen is the last. Tonight will be leftovers and the rest will go in the garbage. Weather going south looks good for Tuesday, Wednesday could be a problem, hopefully we get through to good roads. The weather in the south hasn't been the best. My next post should be in a no snow area.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth.

Christmas Humor

Votive Candle Table

H1N1

I debated with myself about getting the H1N1 vaccination. We had our regular flu shot and I knew we weren't in the high demographic for getting the swine flu. Thursday morning we were working at the church and I learned they were giving the shots over at the school and it was just too convenient for both of us, so we are now among the vaccinated.

Happy Birthday to #1, #2 & #3

To Theresa my first born, to Kyle my #2 Grandson and Troy my #3 Son-In-Law, I hope you have a terrific day.

Snow Day

-11 degrees this morning

I always hope that this cold weather doesn't come in until after we leave for the south, but that was just wishful thinking. I miss my walks, my Leslie Sansung exercise video has gotten boring, she is just too cheery.
I am sewing a Christmas table runner for a birthday present for a friend. Howard is making a table for the votive candles at church. He said he wasn't going to do it, but the new priest is very convincing. He needed a project.
The Christmas presents are bought and delivered, Christmas cards are mailed, I had my Christmas cookie exchange yesterday, I'm leaving them in the garage so I don't see them. I LOVE cookies.
I need to get on the phone to transfer minutes to my new phone, this will be the 4th day I've talked to India. Everyday they tell me it's done, guess what, it isn't.

Family Christmas Celebration

We had a fun Christmas celebration at Debby's this weekend. We went in the ditch on the way to Wisconsin Rapids, but got out with no problem. It makes me look forward to going south, away from the bad winter roads. We ate too much, because the food was great (way too many desserts). We had another weekend of games with the grandkids. I know I'm getting old when Caleb is quicker than I am. It is just so much fun playing with them, especially Kyle who entertains us all.
We made it home by dark. Today I'm trying to get Christmas cards started. Snow is supposed to be coming in. I should get my cross country skis out, but it's really cold.

Christmas Tree Dilemma

This years Christmas tree (looks alot like last years tree). I bought a small tree a couple of years ago, but it just didn't do it. I broke down and bought new LED lights, which means I don't have to spend hours replacing all those little lights that have burned out, I threw out about 10 old strands of lights. I need to throw out the old ornaments and replace the tree skirt and buy all new ornaments. I do have to get a new tree topper, I just can't find one I like. The angels all are so cheap looking. What I really want is the Sawarski chrystal tree I saw in Melbourne.

Time to Shop

It's that time of year, as we are doing family Christmas next weedend, I guess we have to go shopping tomorrow. We had a good time in Hayward on Friday shopping, with Terry, Bill, Debby and Beth. We did the Winter Wonderland craft show at the school on Sat. It was a good weekend, we shopped and ate alot. The guys watched football and fished. Kyle got a 40" muskie Thanksgiving night. We played alot of Mexican Train. Howard made stilts for the kids, that was an interesting experience for them. We had good weather, but have snow on the ground today.

Happy Turkey Day

Last Day of Quilting for the Year

We made about 148 quilts this year for the veterans, and shelters. It's always such a good feeling to pile them all up at the end of the season.
We made about $1500 on our turkey dinner Saturday night, for our first one in 10 years we were pleased. The food was terrific.
Can you believe this weather, when I got home from quilting I see the better half is gone, guess where? He keeps thinking everyday is going to be his last day to golf, who knew he'd be golfing in late November.
I'm trying to finish up on my last minute shopping, I only have a couple of things yet to get. We have Homespun Holidays this Saturday at the school, that usually brings a big crowd to town.

At Home Day

I can't believe I'm so happy to be home today. I've been trying to fight off this virus all week, hopefully it's getting better. We had two funerals this week. Margaret's yesterday and Francis Livernash's in Siegel on Thursday. I need to get some pies baked today. Terry and family and Debby and family are coming for Thanksgiving, Jen and family are going to Coleman, she's just happy they are both at home. We are doing a turkey dinner at church on Saturday, that I will work at. Monday is our last week of quilting, I've missed alot of Mondays, but they still got 120 quilts made. Most are going to the veterans. Still need to do some Christmas shopping, hopefully I can get some ideas over Thanksgiving. Deer season starts tomorrow, that brings so many memories of when we were kids. It sure is nice that the weather has been staying decent, hope it lasts another month, that's just wishful thinking.

Good Bye Good Friend

I will miss you. Margaret Ann was 89, she was planning her 90th birthday party in June, the mind was willing, but the body gave out on her. She was in good spirits until the end. She was in church on Sunday for pot luck. We have some great memories.

Happy Birthday Andy #11

Sorry About That

Ignore the previous post picture of the strawberry sundae. He was not happy about that picture, he says it looks like he was drunk. I was just doing the sundae. Pam the tour guide looks worse.

Just Desserts

Back Home Again

22 days, 2 countries, 8 plane flights, 1 helicoper ride, 6 boat rides, 9 hotels, 2 trains, many buses and trams and approximately 19,000 miles, we arrived home today. Unpacking and sorting everything out.
What a surprise to have such a beautiful day. It should be a good night for a football game. Good luck Cole and Kyle.
This Christmas tree was by Sawarski Crystals, it was 3 stories high, the decorations are all made of crystals, the base of the tree was all crystal. It was too large to get it all in, I just got the 3rd floor version.

Last Day

Our Last night in Austrailia, have to repack tonight, because I overweight and not just in my luggage. These are pictures of snorkling on the great barrier reef, our helicoper ride over the reef, the harbor bridge in Sydney and the Sydney opera house. Mama Mia was fun last night. We'll be home in a few days.

Sydney Opera House

Did the tour of the opera house today, with lunch at the skytower. Tonight we are going to see the play of Mama Mia. Tomorrow we do Sydney Harbour tour. This is a huge city, and it's difficult to get around. Last night we went to Hurricanes down at the wharf for ribs, they were fantastic.
Good luck Cole and Kyle, we might be home in time.

Flying to Sydney

We see that the Packers lost, always seem to get our sporting news. The weather is getting really hot, it's a fly day, catch up in Sydney

The Great Barrier Reef

I had a few minutes before we go for dinner with Carol and Larry so I ran down to Global Gossip, but forgot my camera, so no pictures of the reef. We snorkeled, and did the helicoper ride. It is absolutely beautiful, the colors and the fish. I bought the pictures of us swimming with this huge blue fish. The coral colors and fish are just fantastic. We lost quite a few passengers to seasickness, but we both did fine. Howard did get to golf a couple of days ago in Cairns, (they don't pronounce the r's here). He had a couple of days in New Zealand when he wasn't feeling well, we finally figured out that he had gotten dehydrated. We filled him full of liquids and in a couple of days he was back to normal. One lady is going to the doctor tonight, she's either got strep or broncitis. This is a real vacation place, it's so much fun watching the people. We ran into 3 flight attendants from Virgin Air last night that were feeling no pain, luckily we are flying out tomorrow with Quantas. On to Sydney for our last city.

Cairns, Austrailia

Happy Halloween, although we are on Nov. 1st. We did the tropical rain forest today, the train and the skylift. Tomorrow is the Great Barrier Reef. We are in the tropics now and it's warm, but have been having showers which keep it from being hot.

Melbourne Austrailia

Look who finally showed up at Christchurch, Carol and Larry. We've been too busy to get to the internet the last couple of days and tomorrow we fly to Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef. Ate and drank our way around Melbourne on an old train today. We saw the little penguins last night on Phillips Island, a terrific experience. Great pictures Terry on the boys at their game.

A day in Christchurch

Today we did a city tour, a morning tea, and afternoon in the gardens and a catheral tour. We had a sandwich at the local pub and spent an hour discussing football with an Englishman. Tomorrow we fly to Sydney. The latest on the Tohms, is that they are flying in tomorrow and going to Sydney with us, that was a surprise. It really paid off buying the insurance for them. Hope everything is going well at home and that the snow is melted before we get there. We got the football scores off the internet and I also checked to see how Cole and Kyle did.

On the road to Christchurch

Arrived in Christchurch today for 2 night stay. Today we visited Mount Cook, visited a sheep ranch and had an English tea. Tomorrow Howard hopes to go golfing if it doesn't rain. I am going to sightsee and do some shopping.

Milford Sound

Still in Queenstown today, tomorrow we will travel to Christchurch. Yesterday was spent going to Milford Sound. It has been cool, but sunny. Troy, we went to the bungy jump this morning. We didn't do it, but saw others do it. I hear there is snow at home. Did I do snapfish so my pictures can be viewed? This morning we had breakfast at a bird sanctuary. We saw kiwi birds. I think the Thoms are going home, they missed enough of the trip, that it's probably for the best.

Queenstown, NZ

flew into Queenstown this afternoon. We will be on Milford Sound all day tomorrow. I think I am going to be able to download some pictures.
Yesterday we were in Roatora. We did the Agrodome for sheep shearing demo. I got to be on stage to feed the lambs. At night we went to a Moari festival for dinner and a show. Howard got to be on stage for the warrior dance. The food has been wonderful. There was alot of hot springs in Roatora,last night 3 of us went in the natural mineral springs bath. It was kind of smelly. We saw alot of geotherma electricity generated. I'm going to try to download the rest of my pictures to snapfish.com

Taupo NZ

We spent the day at a dairy farm with a wonderful lunch, and this afternoon we went to the Glowworm caves. Tonight we are staying at Taupo, we just finished this wonderful dinner. I had pavlova for dessert. The weather has been in the 60's and windy. I took pictures, but don't have my cord for downloading, it must be in my room and if I leave the computer someone else is going to take it, maybe tomorrow. The bad news is that Larry Tohm is in the hospital in Auckland. He got a blood clot in his groin and was operated on today. He can't fly home until it is taken care of. They hope to rejoin the trip in a few days if they can, if not they will fly home. I felt so bad this morning leaving her to deal with it alone, but the tour people have been wonderful and have taken care of all her expenses. Tomorrow is a cruise on Lake Taupo.
I'm too full to go to bed and it's too dark to go for a walk, maybe I'll do the weight room. Jen I took dessert pictures just for you.

Auckland

We made it to Auckland NZ this morning at 7:30a.m. the flight didn't seem too bad, it was 14 hours out of LA. To our surprise Larry and Carol Tohm from Wisconsin Rapids are on the tour also. I was afaid Howard was going to be the only man, but there are 7 of them. One guy wants to arrange for a golf outing one day. Our hotel is a suite with 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and dining area. We did the city tour today and got in our hotel at 2:00, so we showered and then we're walking around the city trying to find our way back to our hotel when I spotted the internet cafe. The keyboard is in Chinese. Hopefully at the next hotel I'll be able to download some pictures. It's been showery today with temps in the mid 60's. I'll update when I get a chance.

First Adventure

We reached the hotel in Mpls this afternoon at about 4:00, the Big H had several football games to watch so I decided to go down to the pool. The water was frigid, so I thought I'd work out in the exercise room, because I knew I was going to be doing alot of sitting the next several days. While I was on the tread mill a young latino with shaved head and baggy pants with 3 little kids came down to the pool, but he didn't have his key to get into the pool, so I got off the treadmill and swiped mine for him. He didn't last very long and they left. After I finished my workout I left and was walking down the hall. Who do you think was handcuffed and spreadeagled in the hallway with 2 officers of the law patting him down. I couldn't get past them, so I just waited and watched. They had a drug dog with them. He told him he was from Hayward. They took him in the squad car and left with him.

Off We Go, Into the Wild Blue Yonder

Packed and repacked and ready to go. What we forgot, is being left behind. We'll be in Mpls tonight and fly to LA tomorrow morning. I'm hoping for hotel internet to post information and pictures. I will at least be able to check my e-mail. We will be home on the 7th of Nov., hopefully in good shape. It's an "Adventure".
Everybody stay healthy, and Cole get your head healed up, hopefully no one get Swine Flu.

Packing up, Cleaning Up

I think we are pretty well packed up. The Tour Guide called last night and it seems we have all bases covered. Things can go wrong, planes can be delayed, bags can get lost, but I think we can deal with it. My biggest problem was money. Travelers checks are now being conterfited so often that the banks are no longer taking them or selling them. A preloaded cash card has so many charges on it, that it isn't economical. I no longer had my password on my debit card, but I got that corrected. I did get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. I hope cash works. I'm really looking forward to getting some greenstone (jade). I have to double check that The Big H doesn't take his new Swiss Army Knife with him.
Today is cleaning and washing day.
I sure won't miss this cold October weather.

That 4 Letter Word

Come on, this is only the 10th of October. It looks like a long cold winter, well for those who stay here. I have a good stay at home day with alot of things to do. We will go pack up the church rummage sale at noon, but that won't take long. The ND is off today, so the big H will go with me.

Where are they coming from?

I have spent a huge amount of my time this morning sucking up flys. There must me a million of them. Where are they coming from? I feel I'm living in a horror movie.
This is the week of our semi-annual church rummage sale, set-up tomorrow and sale starts Friday. I'm working Friday in the kitchen. It's always interesting to go through everything. It seems what I buy one year, I take back the next. Thanks to Jen I have a good contribution this year.

Frost on the Pumpkin

It really got cool last night. We brought in all the garden decorations, swings, dock, boat lift and boat. It's early, but our schedule is going to be busy. There are alot of green tomatoes, but we did get a few red ones, finally.
Our tickets were in the mail when we got home, so everything is finalized. We need to get our flu shots this week.
Saturday is Cranberryfest at Stone Lake, that's always a good time if the weather is nice. Next week is our church rummage sale. This is the quilt I helped make for the raffle. This is how we pay for our supplies to make the quilts.

Home Again, Too

We're home, and unpacked. I don't have any terrific pictures to show, but the child survived (it must have been the cookies). I finally got to pick a couple of tomatoes when we got home.
We enjoyed the time with Caleb, Jen's pictures and especially her Swiss chocolate. It was nice to be somewhere close to shopping, but also fast food. It's diet time now.
Nice homecoming pictures, Terry, what's the chicky doing on Cole's knee.

Winding down

Caleb fell asleep in front of the tv at 5:30p.m., I knew he was tired. The parents are due home tomorrow and the kid is all in one piece. He has developed a cough the last couple of days, that's probably why he's so tired. We made it through in good shape, forgot his glasses one day, forgot his milk one day and his snack one day. I did some shopping, thanks to Kohl's special sales, got a haircut, the Big H got a few rounds of golf in and came back with a new club, that he just had to have. I finished a quilted table runner and bound my quilt. I even stayed up to 10 p.m. last night.
Jen has Skype, so Caleb got to talk to them just about every day. It was nice to talk to them face to face. I think they had a terrific time, now it back to the real world.
It didn't freeze up north, so maybe I'll have some tomatoes when we get home.

Milwaukee Update

I've been too busy to post pictures, but c-man is next door playing with the neighbor, so I'll take time to post a few pictures. I would show pictures of swimming lessons this morning, but it didn't happen, he said "maybe next year". Today we went to Cedarburg for their fall fest. There were just too many people and the two guys weren't interested in crafts. I would have had a great day by myself, there were alot of great looking desserts.

A Day at Home

This has been such a busy week, it seems I ran all week. Today I cleaned my house, washed clothes, and baked an apple pie. I have most of our things packed for the trip to Milwaukee. I have to have alot of things to keep me busy for 2 weeks. Tomorrow we are going to Pittsville for a funeral and Monday is quilting in the morning and a movie and pizza in the afternoon and evening. We will be leaving early Tuesday morning. Everything had to be picked up in the yard and the garden will end, we probably will have frost before we get back. I finally picked a couple of tomatoes.
The Big "H" has started college football, he is on his second game and I'm not sure he's going to survive it. Oh, such language.

Visit to Margaret and birthdays

We went to visit Margaret this morning. She has been getting homebound health care, so she isn't getting out anymore. She is planning her 90th birthday party next June. She told her Dr. that his job is to keep her alive until then. I thought she looked good. We wanted to take her lunch, but she said she doesn't eat much anymore. She just wanted cookies.
Tomorrow is my brother Jerry's 75th Birthday, we will be going to Sally's tomorrow. She is having a get together there for him. I'm making Grandma Frost's angel food cake. I hope it turns out.

Quilt Class

I spent all day at a quilt class learning to do free-motion quilting. The most important thing I learned, is that I need a new sewing machine. My one and only sewing machine is a 1970 Elna, that has definately paid for itself years ago. I learned feathering, meandering, how to write my name, cross hatching and line quilting. I'm anxious to try a project, but maybe on a new machine.

Sisters

Birthday Present

This is my Birthday present from my sweetheart. It's a 1890 Singer treadle with all the accessories and owners manual.

Eric's Family

A fun day fishing with Eric's family. We depleted the lake of quite a few fish.

August Birthdays

For Sale

# 4 Jersey, excellent condition, enjoyed many good times. A Viking, unbelievable.

Check is in the Mail

Final payment for the trip was made today, the reservations for our winter are made, Jen's Germany, Italy and Switzerland plans are made, so we know when we,re staying in Milwaukee, the garden is so far behind, that I don't have to feel guilty about taking care of that. It's my birthday month to make reservations for Red Hats and Birthday Club, and that is all done. Eric and family will be coming for the weekend, but that should be easy if the weather stays warm. The kids are looking forward to fishing.
I made zucchini "bread" today, although why it's a bread when it has so much sugar in it, is beyond me. I'm making it to give away, because I have to stay away from that kind of thing until I get my diet back on track. I had to purchase zucchini, which is really strange, usually at this time I'm trying to find someone to give it to.
Anola has given Jen directions to finding the Salzmann homestead in Switzerland, it should be interesting to see if she gets to it. Anola would be thrilled if she gets any pictures. If Jen gets near it with her new camera, she will get alot of pictures.

Happy Birthday to my most special person

More Family Fun

A nice family picture, too bad Tim had to work.