Gary, Larry, Benj and I drove out to the Merced College after dinner tonight to view the Field of Honor, the front lawn full of American flags in honor of our Veterans. It is a beautiful sight - with lights on - and there will be a special ceremony on Veterans Day at 10 a.m. The fellow who brainstormed the idea just passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. He was in the Rotary Club and had helped develop several Fields of Honor in other places = even other countries. It is beautiful! Must drive by in the daytime as well, Gary says he thinks it is more impressive in the daytime.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Beautiful Fall Weather. . .finally!!
After a very hot and long summer, our fall weather has finally arrived! The high was only 73 degrees today! Yesterday the wind came up, clouds came in and north and south of us had some rain but we only had a sprinkle. The dust was really bad so closed up the windows! We had our Young Life Annual Fall Roundup and it was scheduled to be outside at someone's home, so at 12:15 yesterday the decision was made to move it to Gateway Community Church which was a very wise decision!
It was very well planned, the western atmosphere was very attractive, the food was delicious, the testimonies from the students and their changed lives since they accepted Christ in their lives, all was very impressive. More and more kids are getting involved so after sending 17 kids to camp last year, 79 this year, this next summer could see 150 easily. So fundraising is a big challenge and the Annual Golf tournament is next Friday out at Stevinson Ranch.
We're enjoying a few hostellers a few nights a week - our annual inspection is coming up this Thursday so all is going well.
It was very well planned, the western atmosphere was very attractive, the food was delicious, the testimonies from the students and their changed lives since they accepted Christ in their lives, all was very impressive. More and more kids are getting involved so after sending 17 kids to camp last year, 79 this year, this next summer could see 150 easily. So fundraising is a big challenge and the Annual Golf tournament is next Friday out at Stevinson Ranch.
We're enjoying a few hostellers a few nights a week - our annual inspection is coming up this Thursday so all is going well.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Home Sweet Home!
After driving almost ALL of the 5000 miles on our trip, it does feel mighty good to be home again! We thoroughly enjoyed the Sorge reunion & 100th anniversary of Gurley, the small town near the Sorge farm where Larry grew up, and also celebrating their high school - was very well planned and fun! Larry saw people he hadn't seen for many years and they had such good food - a 30 minutes church service on Sunday put on by the Christian motorcycle club - amazing!! Following a sausage gravy & biscuit plus fruit cup brunch - lots of hard work went into it! Everyone really enjoyed it!
Then on to visit Larry's roommate in business school in Lincoln, Mel Abels, who was also in our wedding and we hadn't seen him in 57 years! They wouldn't have known each other but had a great lunch with them and nice visit in Kearney. Then on to Seward to visit my brother Bud & wife Elaine - we helped him celebrate his 88th birthday - my brother Don & wife Gladys, and their four girls all came - + a son in law, and my sister's two = Terry and Sandy plus her husband Mick. Bud & Elaine's daughter & son in law who did an excellent job of barbecuing brats and hamburgers, and granddaughter Julie & husband John and their daughter Sadie Elizabeth, who is Bud & Elaine's first great grandchild. What fun she is! She loves to dance so whenever she hears music she starts her little jig routine - so funny and she laughs too!
She's ready to walk but always hold on to something with one hand! She'll take off one of these days! Then the next day a Vrana Cousins reunion on my Dad's side - always fun to get together - and many thanks to Cousin Pat Grimes who pulls it altogether plus puts out a Cousins newsletter monthly! Then on to Wisconsin to spend a few days with Mark & Dena - Larry helped Mark with brakes on his pick up truck. I enjoyed some crocheting and reading - helping Dena a little bit - she is such a gourmet cook! What fabulous meals she put together - always made a big amount so they could freeze the leftovers for their next truck trip. Then on to Montana - took #90 so was different scenery - not much traffic and some pretty scenery. Very hot in Billings - 101 and on to Craig where Thomas had thought he would work in the fly shop - but a very desolate place - only a restaurant and 3 fly fishing places - no grocery store or gas station and the Missouri river right across the road - so many people putting in rafts and kayaks - many not putting on their life jackets - pulling them behind them in another raft - no one policing the place - so very glad Thomas and Jim didn't stay there. Housing as promised and was not to be had - we didn't see any places to live and I know they advertise lodges at a very expensive rate for their foreign fly fishermen. It's 40 miles from any gas station or grocery store - wouldn't be nice in the winter and very boring in the summer. Came on home and always amazed at the beauty coming over Donner Pass into California - we don't appreciate it like we should.
The weather here had been extremely hot while we were gone and it cooled down twenty degrees the day we came home - amazing! Since I did most of the driving, I slept until 8:30 the next morning. I'm having trouble with my right ear being plugged up - the different elevations - I've tried ear drops, peroxide, white vinegar and will call the ENT Dr. in the morning to see if I can get in. It's wonderful to see family and friends - not sure about driving 5000 miles again - may decide to fly next time and rent a car - would certainly make a difference time-wise! Benji was a great little traveler - he learned to jump in the back seat into his bed when it got hot with the sun hitting him in the front seat! He was so glad to see Gary and vice versa - they really love each other! Back in the swing of things - Larry's back working on the Habitat House - I shared a picture of the one in Seward with our Habitat board last night - and I worked at the hospital this afternoon - doing water aerobics again three days a week for an hour, and meeting with my high school student volunteers at the hospital next Tuesday - meeting with a group from church to begin a Family Night starting in Sept once a week for the whole family - will take lots of planning and organization but we're excited about doing it. My brothers and I on Bud's birthday 625th.
After driving almost ALL of the 5000 miles on our trip, it does feel mighty good to be home again! We thoroughly enjoyed the Sorge reunion & 100th anniversary of Gurley, the small town near the Sorge farm where Larry grew up, and also celebrating their high school - was very well planned and fun! Larry saw people he hadn't seen for many years and they had such good food - a 30 minutes church service on Sunday put on by the Christian motorcycle club - amazing!! Following a sausage gravy & biscuit plus fruit cup brunch - lots of hard work went into it! Everyone really enjoyed it!
Then on to visit Larry's roommate in business school in Lincoln, Mel Abels, who was also in our wedding and we hadn't seen him in 57 years! They wouldn't have known each other but had a great lunch with them and nice visit in Kearney. Then on to Seward to visit my brother Bud & wife Elaine - we helped him celebrate his 88th birthday - my brother Don & wife Gladys, and their four girls all came - + a son in law, and my sister's two = Terry and Sandy plus her husband Mick. Bud & Elaine's daughter & son in law who did an excellent job of barbecuing brats and hamburgers, and granddaughter Julie & husband John and their daughter Sadie Elizabeth, who is Bud & Elaine's first great grandchild. What fun she is! She loves to dance so whenever she hears music she starts her little jig routine - so funny and she laughs too!
She's ready to walk but always hold on to something with one hand! She'll take off one of these days! Then the next day a Vrana Cousins reunion on my Dad's side - always fun to get together - and many thanks to Cousin Pat Grimes who pulls it altogether plus puts out a Cousins newsletter monthly! Then on to Wisconsin to spend a few days with Mark & Dena - Larry helped Mark with brakes on his pick up truck. I enjoyed some crocheting and reading - helping Dena a little bit - she is such a gourmet cook! What fabulous meals she put together - always made a big amount so they could freeze the leftovers for their next truck trip. Then on to Montana - took #90 so was different scenery - not much traffic and some pretty scenery. Very hot in Billings - 101 and on to Craig where Thomas had thought he would work in the fly shop - but a very desolate place - only a restaurant and 3 fly fishing places - no grocery store or gas station and the Missouri river right across the road - so many people putting in rafts and kayaks - many not putting on their life jackets - pulling them behind them in another raft - no one policing the place - so very glad Thomas and Jim didn't stay there. Housing as promised and was not to be had - we didn't see any places to live and I know they advertise lodges at a very expensive rate for their foreign fly fishermen. It's 40 miles from any gas station or grocery store - wouldn't be nice in the winter and very boring in the summer. Came on home and always amazed at the beauty coming over Donner Pass into California - we don't appreciate it like we should.
The weather here had been extremely hot while we were gone and it cooled down twenty degrees the day we came home - amazing! Since I did most of the driving, I slept until 8:30 the next morning. I'm having trouble with my right ear being plugged up - the different elevations - I've tried ear drops, peroxide, white vinegar and will call the ENT Dr. in the morning to see if I can get in. It's wonderful to see family and friends - not sure about driving 5000 miles again - may decide to fly next time and rent a car - would certainly make a difference time-wise! Benji was a great little traveler - he learned to jump in the back seat into his bed when it got hot with the sun hitting him in the front seat! He was so glad to see Gary and vice versa - they really love each other! Back in the swing of things - Larry's back working on the Habitat House - I shared a picture of the one in Seward with our Habitat board last night - and I worked at the hospital this afternoon - doing water aerobics again three days a week for an hour, and meeting with my high school student volunteers at the hospital next Tuesday - meeting with a group from church to begin a Family Night starting in Sept once a week for the whole family - will take lots of planning and organization but we're excited about doing it. My brothers and I on Bud's birthday 625th.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Our 57th anniversary celebration after worship Sunday, June 9, 2013
Family Celebration for Philip's 19th birthday
Family Celebration for Philip's 19th birthday
Sunday, June 9, 2013
What fun we had! Delicious beef tri tip smoked by Gary, grilled chicken breasts barbecued by Larry, I baked small Yukon gold potatoes, delicious sweet corn from Modesto, and to top it off, Tuxedo Chocolate mousse cake from Costco - it was great!
So much fun that we planned a swim party at Gary's next Saturday to celebrate Father's Day! We're in front of Philip's new car but you can't see it for all the people!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
What fun we had! Delicious beef tri tip smoked by Gary, grilled chicken breasts barbecued by Larry, I baked small Yukon gold potatoes, delicious sweet corn from Modesto, and to top it off, Tuxedo Chocolate mousse cake from Costco - it was great!
So much fun that we planned a swim party at Gary's next Saturday to celebrate Father's Day! We're in front of Philip's new car but you can't see it for all the people!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Mother's Day 2013
We celebrated Mother's Day last evening up at Julie & Jim's house in Modesto. What a feast! Philip came home for Mother's Day and cooked up some wonderful beans - close to Calico Beans (Elaine's recipe) but a little different - very good! Along with fresh corn on the cob, scalloped potatoes, grilled chicken, fresh grilled green beans with fresh garlic, broccoli, mac & cheese, and grilled New York Steaks that I brought to celebrate Thomas' new job in Craig, Montana for the Headhunters Fly Shop We also had the famous chocolate Yum Yum dessert & I baked a Scandanavian Almond cake in a special pan a lady from church gave me. Thomas and Jim will leave Wednesday to go up and he'll fly home for Graduation to walk with his classmates for his Master's at Stanislaus University in Turlock. He is in seventh heaven since he is such an avid fly fisherman, professional photographer and has his degree in business administration. They were very interested in all of his many talents! We plan to stop and see him on our way home this summer when we take the north route home.
Then after attending three church services - our choir sang for the two, then my HMong Sunday School kids sang for their service - Sunday school and checking on high school students at the hospital I came home to a surprise - Gary had my favorite glazed donuts waiting for me on the table from my favorite donut shop! We did see Mark &Dena for about a half hour the other day on their way through and they gave me a padded book cover & glasses holder to match the purse from Vera Bradley they gave me for my birthday! So what a great day! It was the hottest day so far as it hit 99 according to our thermometer, Fresno had 102 - too hot too soon!! So ran our AC yesterday afternoon and again this afternoon. Hopefully will be able to shut it off and open windows once the sun goes down. Gary enjoyed a couple dips in his pool for the first time today - his version of air conditioning!
We celebrated Mother's Day last evening up at Julie & Jim's house in Modesto. What a feast! Philip came home for Mother's Day and cooked up some wonderful beans - close to Calico Beans (Elaine's recipe) but a little different - very good! Along with fresh corn on the cob, scalloped potatoes, grilled chicken, fresh grilled green beans with fresh garlic, broccoli, mac & cheese, and grilled New York Steaks that I brought to celebrate Thomas' new job in Craig, Montana for the Headhunters Fly Shop We also had the famous chocolate Yum Yum dessert & I baked a Scandanavian Almond cake in a special pan a lady from church gave me. Thomas and Jim will leave Wednesday to go up and he'll fly home for Graduation to walk with his classmates for his Master's at Stanislaus University in Turlock. He is in seventh heaven since he is such an avid fly fisherman, professional photographer and has his degree in business administration. They were very interested in all of his many talents! We plan to stop and see him on our way home this summer when we take the north route home.
Then after attending three church services - our choir sang for the two, then my HMong Sunday School kids sang for their service - Sunday school and checking on high school students at the hospital I came home to a surprise - Gary had my favorite glazed donuts waiting for me on the table from my favorite donut shop! We did see Mark &Dena for about a half hour the other day on their way through and they gave me a padded book cover & glasses holder to match the purse from Vera Bradley they gave me for my birthday! So what a great day! It was the hottest day so far as it hit 99 according to our thermometer, Fresno had 102 - too hot too soon!! So ran our AC yesterday afternoon and again this afternoon. Hopefully will be able to shut it off and open windows once the sun goes down. Gary enjoyed a couple dips in his pool for the first time today - his version of air conditioning!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
A good report for Gary, his PSA count was.7 so that is very good news! He still isn't feeling as good as he had hoped - has a few good days, then a few foggy days so will check with the Dr. again Thursday to make sure his medications are what they should be. We keep hoping that the good days will overtake the foggy days so he can concentrate on getting back to work. Only God knows his future so have put it in His hands!
It doesn't seem possible that school is nearly over for the year, we only have four weeks including this week of our Exploration Bible Club at lunch time with the middle schoolers. I'm going to be asking some volunteers to join me to see if they would be interested in helping next year. I believe once they see what a difference they can make in the lives of these kids - they'll be hooked to do it - just like I am!
Cool weather has come in for a couple days - a sprinkle of rain just enough to mess up my car during the night, but still have clouds even though the sun did peek through for a couple hours this afternoon. The forecast calls for warmer temps by the end of the week.
Larry is so excited now we have four green tomatoes coming on so have high hopes of some homegrown fresh tomatoes this summer! The cucumbers are growing, also the green pepper, so anxious to see how they do.
It doesn't seem possible that school is nearly over for the year, we only have four weeks including this week of our Exploration Bible Club at lunch time with the middle schoolers. I'm going to be asking some volunteers to join me to see if they would be interested in helping next year. I believe once they see what a difference they can make in the lives of these kids - they'll be hooked to do it - just like I am!
Cool weather has come in for a couple days - a sprinkle of rain just enough to mess up my car during the night, but still have clouds even though the sun did peek through for a couple hours this afternoon. The forecast calls for warmer temps by the end of the week.
Larry is so excited now we have four green tomatoes coming on so have high hopes of some homegrown fresh tomatoes this summer! The cucumbers are growing, also the green pepper, so anxious to see how they do.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
A beautiful spring evening in our backyard - Spring has sprung!
Roses blooming, lilacs on their last, peonies opening up those many buds, diancahtus (Pinks) blooming their hearts out - very pleasant. My favorite rose is the tree rose - Brandy - beautiful buds, long stems, apricot color - opens up into a huge blossom. Sterling silver is very pretty this year, more blossoms than usual, and of course, the Peace is always a favorite. The red, yellow, pink and white are pretty too - love those roses! Planted a couple more peonies, a Meyer lemon tree, three small calla lilies of different colors, and went to the college garden sale yesterday and picked up two cucumbers, one green pepper, a couple zinnias and something that looks like silvery leaves - can't remember the name of it. I don't think it what I thought it was but I like the variety of color.
Happy Spring to everyone!
My first day of wearing shorts & a tank top - sandals and I'm sure was close to 80 degrees!
Roses blooming, lilacs on their last, peonies opening up those many buds, diancahtus (Pinks) blooming their hearts out - very pleasant. My favorite rose is the tree rose - Brandy - beautiful buds, long stems, apricot color - opens up into a huge blossom. Sterling silver is very pretty this year, more blossoms than usual, and of course, the Peace is always a favorite. The red, yellow, pink and white are pretty too - love those roses! Planted a couple more peonies, a Meyer lemon tree, three small calla lilies of different colors, and went to the college garden sale yesterday and picked up two cucumbers, one green pepper, a couple zinnias and something that looks like silvery leaves - can't remember the name of it. I don't think it what I thought it was but I like the variety of color.
Happy Spring to everyone!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Spring took a detour - but knit & crochet class made the day!
Just when we thought Spring was here, we get a cold front and wind so Larry has a fire going in the fireplace again tonight and it really feels good! It is supposed to be in the 40's tonight instead of the usual 50's. Amazing what 10 degrees difference feels like!
We had a great generational class at church tonight teaching women and young ladies how to do basic knitting, crochet curly scarves, or do the knit Sashay curly scarves - 13 people came - we had three of us as teachers! What fun we had! Will do another one next Tuesday night for newcomers or if anyone needs help!
We had a great generational class at church tonight teaching women and young ladies how to do basic knitting, crochet curly scarves, or do the knit Sashay curly scarves - 13 people came - we had three of us as teachers! What fun we had! Will do another one next Tuesday night for newcomers or if anyone needs help!
Iris and lilacs from our backyard - what a beautiful aroma!!
This was my class for the Sashay curly scarves. I'm finishing up a purple one! The younger generation really caught on quickly - as I told them, I had to watch the YOUTUBE three times to figure it out, and I think I took mine out three times before I finally got it right! Now I love making them! We're teaching a group again next week - more of the Hmong ladies & younger girls.
Basic knitting class. This young lady had wanted to learn to knit for a long time and now had one of the master knitters sharing her expertise!
Our champion crochet master here teaching these gals how to make a curly scarf in 30 minutes! It's too easy to be true!!! I couldn't believe it!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Beautiful spring day!
The daffodils, quince are in full bloom so spring has finally sprung! We are still getting some brisk evenings and mornings but at least the frost seems to have disappeared! It is supposed to be in the 70's by this weekend!
After I finished our Bible Club at Rivera School, I picked up Gary and took him with me to get him out of the house. We filled my car with gas, went into Costco to get some bacon bits, dried fruit- prunes, apricots and blueberries for me to snack on, some chocolate covered pomogrante goodies for Gary plus his supply of Dr. Pepper.We enjoyed some free samples and one of our retired cafeteria cooks at one of the schools was giving out samples of salmon burgers and were they ever good! So picked up a package and that will be our dinner Thursday night with fresh asparagus and a baked sweet potato. We are trying very hard to eat healthy, tonight we had barbecued chicken legs & thighs plus Chinese chicken salad. I also picked up a salad that is new and has broccoli, brussel sprous, cabbage, kale, chicory, dried cranberires, roasted pumpkin seeds, and a Poppyseed dressing. Our cafeteria cook friend says it is delicious so will have it with our salmon patties.Anxious to try it.
Gary's anxious for his upcoming prostate cancer surgery so will try to get him out of the house every day - he does eat dinner with us every night so that helps but needs to get out during the day too.
After I finished our Bible Club at Rivera School, I picked up Gary and took him with me to get him out of the house. We filled my car with gas, went into Costco to get some bacon bits, dried fruit- prunes, apricots and blueberries for me to snack on, some chocolate covered pomogrante goodies for Gary plus his supply of Dr. Pepper.We enjoyed some free samples and one of our retired cafeteria cooks at one of the schools was giving out samples of salmon burgers and were they ever good! So picked up a package and that will be our dinner Thursday night with fresh asparagus and a baked sweet potato. We are trying very hard to eat healthy, tonight we had barbecued chicken legs & thighs plus Chinese chicken salad. I also picked up a salad that is new and has broccoli, brussel sprous, cabbage, kale, chicory, dried cranberires, roasted pumpkin seeds, and a Poppyseed dressing. Our cafeteria cook friend says it is delicious so will have it with our salmon patties.Anxious to try it.
Gary's anxious for his upcoming prostate cancer surgery so will try to get him out of the house every day - he does eat dinner with us every night so that helps but needs to get out during the day too.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Julie & my birthday celebration this evening with delicious pizza from our favorite Pizza Villa!! I made the desserts - yum yum chocolate plus a lemon one and of course, an angel food cake! That was always our official birthday cake that Mom made for us so had to have one! We had a great time - missed Mark & Dena and Emily & Elena - always hard to get everyone together so appreciate those who do come! We talked about our 2016 planned trip to take the WHOLE FAMILY to ALASKA for our 60th anniversary~! They're all looking forward to it!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Dwarf Orange Tree 2012
Several years ago after no oranges, Larry determined he would cut down this tree unless it produced oranges. Lo and behold! The following season and every season since it has been producing - and this year he counted 50 oranges! For a dwarf tree this was a bountiful crop! With temps forecasted to be in the 20's for the next several nights, we picked all the oranges today and are storing them in crates in the garage where it is cooler. He had the tree covered with a light on it at night for several nights waiting for the oranges to attain their juicest flavor! So here is the results! We're checking on orange jelly, orange preserves and of course, we love orange marmalade!
Several years ago after no oranges, Larry determined he would cut down this tree unless it produced oranges. Lo and behold! The following season and every season since it has been producing - and this year he counted 50 oranges! For a dwarf tree this was a bountiful crop! With temps forecasted to be in the 20's for the next several nights, we picked all the oranges today and are storing them in crates in the garage where it is cooler. He had the tree covered with a light on it at night for several nights waiting for the oranges to attain their juicest flavor! So here is the results! We're checking on orange jelly, orange preserves and of course, we love orange marmalade!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Postive Report at Stanford for Gary
What great news as we heard the surgeon, Dr. Stenberg, view the MRI pictures and tell us how everything looks really good! Gary had some questions and the Dr. explained them all reminding all of us that his surgery was just Nov. 6th so realize that when you cut into your head it does take 6-12 months to completely heal. So that was very positive and the best news ever! He expects complete recovery! So now as Gary continues his physical therapy for balance, and learns to sleep with his sleep machine -it seems very possible that he can return to work by the first part of February with limitations. He is really looking forward to it. God is so GOOD! We each take so much for granted and now realize how very much we have to be thankful for! Thank God each day for all your blessings - make a list of them!
What great news as we heard the surgeon, Dr. Stenberg, view the MRI pictures and tell us how everything looks really good! Gary had some questions and the Dr. explained them all reminding all of us that his surgery was just Nov. 6th so realize that when you cut into your head it does take 6-12 months to completely heal. So that was very positive and the best news ever! He expects complete recovery! So now as Gary continues his physical therapy for balance, and learns to sleep with his sleep machine -it seems very possible that he can return to work by the first part of February with limitations. He is really looking forward to it. God is so GOOD! We each take so much for granted and now realize how very much we have to be thankful for! Thank God each day for all your blessings - make a list of them!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Enjoying a bit of the past. . . .
Old Fasioned Potato ricer & Mrs. Smith's deep dish frozen apple pie
When looking in the back of the kitchen cabinets I found the old fashioned potato ricer that we bought at an antique store several years ago. So I got it out, boiled potatoes for dinner and surprised Gary & Larry with riced potatoes! Gary had never seen anything like it so was real amazed! It works just like I remembered it - so enjoyed them along with leftover roast beef with the gravy & added onions like Mom used to make.
Then when we got the ads for the week, I noticed an ad for Mrs. Smith's deep dish frozen apple pie and I remembered how Bud said that was the best apple pie and one they liked to keep in the freezer for a nice dessert if someone dropped in.So I went downtown and bought a couple - baked one tonight and it really is good! I added some sugar/cinnamon on top as he said Elaine did and it is the closest to homemade I've ever eaten! They were on sale for $4.99 at our local canned Food Warehouse.
When looking in the back of the kitchen cabinets I found the old fashioned potato ricer that we bought at an antique store several years ago. So I got it out, boiled potatoes for dinner and surprised Gary & Larry with riced potatoes! Gary had never seen anything like it so was real amazed! It works just like I remembered it - so enjoyed them along with leftover roast beef with the gravy & added onions like Mom used to make.
Then when we got the ads for the week, I noticed an ad for Mrs. Smith's deep dish frozen apple pie and I remembered how Bud said that was the best apple pie and one they liked to keep in the freezer for a nice dessert if someone dropped in.So I went downtown and bought a couple - baked one tonight and it really is good! I added some sugar/cinnamon on top as he said Elaine did and it is the closest to homemade I've ever eaten! They were on sale for $4.99 at our local canned Food Warehouse.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)