Nebraska Sandhills

It's nice that I enjoy the drive between Rapid City and Ogallala. I took a few pictures of the scenery on my return trip earlier this month. I like to imagine what it must have been like to travel via wagon train...we are so lucky to have paved roads today!

Now these are some pretty cool sandhills!

This photo does not do them justice...but on the horizon is Jail House and Court House...wonder what early travelers were thinking?

The row of trees run along the Platte River edge.

I really love my Nebraska!!!

Snow...snow...snow...

I've always loved winter scenes and Alaska provided beautiful vistas. Unfortunately I didn't carry a camera...however I had my cell phone and was able to get a beautiful picture of the ski run area (including shot of moon) at Girdwood AK enroute to the Run5 Restaurant.

I also noticed the difference between an Alaskan hoar frost (following snow flurries)

and an early morning frost near Kearney Nebraska

Alike, but different...

"Sister" Joyce

When somebody you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

Joyce A. (Nootz) Haley
Born August 22, 1934
Died December 19, 2010

North to Alaska

Just a few photos from our trip to Alaska for Lyndsay's graduation.

But first...the Schmidt tree...complete with Trent, Pati, Avalen and Judi.

Pati and I dined on Quizno's sandwiches at the Minneapolis Airport...yum-yum!

Lyndsay and Pati visiting at "Humpy's" after our arrival at Anchorage. It was our first opportunity to have fresh fish!!! Delicious by the way.

Graduation day...Lyndsay, Pati, Debi and Maddy...

Congratulations Lyndsay Elizabeth Bain!!!

Larry and his siblings...

Larry is the youngest of seven. This photo was taken on one of the many fall treks to Nebraska City orchards for the purchase of their infamous apples. (Obviously this is an older photo as Larry has a full head of blond hair!!!)

BR Lois, Dick, Virginia, Ray, and Larry
FR Jean, Mom, and Joyce

Our First Christmas Program of the season...

Attended Cooper's first Christmas program last night. He had on a long-sleeved onesie advertising his first Christmas with a pair of striped britches. There was also a little "Santa" hat...but you don't wear that when inside a building.

Unfortunately the classroom teachers had other ideas as to what each infant would wear. Cooper was decked out as a "Candy Cane" ... isn't he a sweetie?

I'm one of three...

This was then...

Debi, Judi and Terry

and

This is now...Herbie & BJ's Legacy...

Terry, Judi and Debi

Dinner time...

They hear the cat food pop-top and they are underfoot. This looks like we never feed them!

Left to right: Samantha, Bonkers and Little Bit (and of course Larry)

Water ...

Returning from Ogallala this week-end we did a drive-thru for lunch. Restaurant sat on a branch of the Platte River. Believe it or not this picture reminds me of trips with the sisters on the Mississippi River. Rather relaxing...

Happy Birthday Mom

Today my mother would have been 84 years young. She left us much to early ... I think of her every day and miss her terribly.

Mother and Me
Spring/Summer 1948

Ms. Bonkers

For the past few weeks we have had a feline house guest. I'd like to say she belongs to daughter Lisa and her family...however I believe Ms. B believes the Carpenter family belongs to her! She's a 14 year old "tortie" with a 'tude. She has stayed with us several times...the longest being the year the kids lived in D.C. Ms. B is a "night owl", prowling during the night with her "mournful" cry.

The girls appear to know which food bowl is theirs...however occasionally they will sneak from another bowl -- gotcha!!!

Yum-yum!!!

Two Weeks with Sisties

Got to spend the past two weeks with my sisters. While we didn't do any extensive traveling this year we did get to visit, sew, and fabric shop in the Rapid City area. Got to meet the newest member of our extended family, Trent - Pati's husband, and his daughter Avalen. Nothing like family...

Avalen the "Bumble Bee" and Trent

First Official Road Trip

My first road adventure following surgery was a trip to Rapid City SD to be with youngest sister Judi. Sister Debi arrived in Omaha on Saturday (10/23) to spend a few weeks with her "sisties". She was able to meet Mr. Cooper on Sunday and we had a nice dinner with the rest of the Carpenter's. Debi and I left PDale on Monday heading to RC via an overnight stop in Ogallala with Michelle and family.

We arrived in RC on Tuesday mid-afternoon. A real interesting trip. A slow moving cold front with 30-50 mph winds makes driving a little more challenging. AND with Debi driving it makes it all that more exciting! Yesterday the winds ranged in 50-70 mph in areas around RC, the day was overcast, and we even had a few snow flurries. Today promises to be a better day...Mr. Sun is shining brightly!!!

Our plan today is to do a little sewing on quilt projects, a little fabric shopping and just enjoying the nice weather Mother Nature is providing today.

2001 Ford Mustang Convertible

I really loved this car!

Each convertible top proved to be a tighter, better fit. The Mustang was so easy to lower, no zipping of rear window or loosening interior roof. It had a 6-CD changer, leather seats, remote entry and was all power (including drivers seat). It was a sweet ride.

But as retirement loomed on the horizon I wanted something I would be able to travel great distances in...practicality won again...darn it!!!

Indian Summer

Once again Mother Nature has not disappointed us. This River Birch is in our front yard. While this photo does not do it justice - leaves are a beautiful bright gold. We are blessed with the same colors each fall. With temps forecasted for next week these leaves will soon drop.

Red Convertible obsession...

Larry and I have had many rides during our 42 years of marriage. I'd like to say that all of them were "sweet"...but when you become a parent safety becomes a major concern. When we married he drove the 67 GTX and I had a 64 Plymouth Belvidere. When finances become tight we sold mine but kept the cool car. It was pre-Michelle that we purchased a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 as a second car. I blame that little ride for my obsession with red convertibles (with white tops).


Again, these are not our photos. I think we spent about $200 for her in the late 60's. She had glass packs...a prerequisite in our early years.


I remember purchasing a second '57 for parts. I swear this is the same car...that sat in our driveway for months while Lars worked on the convertible.

Michelle loved riding with the top down...blew her little blond curls all over the place. Again, we loved the Ford, but it was starting to need more attention "repair wise" than we had time or funds for. We traded for a Chevy pick-up we had moved to Waverly, and Larry wanted something a little more reliable to get to and from work with.

Years later (after we had moved to Pleasant Dale) we learned from a neighbor that our 57 Ford was found in a storage barn in Emerald and that he (the neighbor) had refurbished/rebuilt it and it was on the road again!

We have owned a total of four convertibles, all red and with the exception of the Mustang (hers was "camel") all had white tops. '57 Ford Fairlane 500, '84 Pontiac Sunbird, Chrysler LeBaron and the '01 Ford Mustang. I dream of one day owning a 60's era red VW...but that will only be a dream...for now anyway!

There's nothing like hitting the road with the top down on a warm sunny day with the wind blowing through your hair. I miss it yes but I have grand kids now so it's time to act like an adult...again!!!

1967 Plymouth GTX

Before we were married Larry purchased a 1967 Plymouth GTX. It was a special order and I had input to the color. Red with a black vinyl top. It was a 440 Magnum, four speed posi-traction, with bucket seats, leather interior, chrome wheels, extra wide tires on rear, with exhaust cut outs and glass packs. One real sweet ride!!!



These are not our photos, but are as close to what we once owned.

This little beauty took us on our honeymoon to California in February 1968. When we learned in early 1970 that we were expecting our first child, Michelle, we chose to sell using funds to purchase our first home. Sometimes being a grown-up can be so difficult! We loved that car...but it was time to "move on".

Oh, and we did purchase a "replacement" car...a 1957 Ford Fairlane convertible...red with white top. But, that's for another post...

College Football...Alas...

Alas my Nebraska Cornhuskers fell flat losing to Texas 13 to 20. If they had only caught all of those passes can you imagine the score?

But, alas, the Wisconsin Badgers were successful in bumping off #1 Ohio...


So a "Big Red" did win yesterday. I do believe Nebraska's first away game will be visiting Wisconsin in Madison next October. I would love to be in that sea of red!!!

A Restful Nights Sleep...

Last night was the first night in five weeks that I got to sleep in my own bed. I have been somewhat hesitant to attempt the spiral staircase as you have to poise yourself differently when climbing than when doing a straight flight.


And while I wish these images were ours they aren't, they represent what I imagine our place looking in my minds eye --- fresh and clean!

So in closing...

Our Montana Family...

A Beautiful Family

(Melissa, Esmé and Mitch)

Our Youngest...

Youngest daughter Melissa and her daughter Esmé.

Have you ever???

Gosh darn we've been blessed ... twice!!!

Noah (8 years old) with little bro Cooper (1 day short of 7 weeks old)

Go Big Red!!!

Oh, how I love my Nebraska Cornhuskers!!! Last night's football game was fun to watch.

"They're Baaaack"...

I believe HHBB would be pleased too!

I'm looking forward to next year when I am able to attend all of their home games.

Wake Up Call...sort of

First thing I saw this morning when I woke up.

Little Bit was snoozing on my chest!

My "temporary" Master Suite

It's been nearly a month since I have slept in our upstairs bedroom. Have to tell you I'm beginning to miss our queen-sized bed!!! Must mean that I am "on the mend".

For the time being, our living room has been my "master suite". Our twin sized sofa sleeper was converted (with additional twin sized mattress for more heighth and padding) to become my sleep pod.


We recently replaced my rocker/recliner with a "lift chair". It's all electric and with the help of a six way remote will operate to rise, lower, back only, leg only...you name it...it can do it! It is a real beauty...makes getting up and down much easier on the new hip. I have begun sleeping in the new chair at night - which allows Larry to sleep in twin bed. (He had been sleeping in old recliner each night to be near me, in the event I needed assistance!) Please note to left of picture, Larry extended the lower step to accommodate my walker, enabling me to move from living room to rest of lower level with minimal difficulty.


Residing on the first floor allows me more mobility to kitchen, dining, bathroom, straight stairway to accessible shower (yes I need assistance) and of course a big screen t.v. (complete with swing out arm) and cable access (and yes, I love my HGTV)!!!


Am I becoming spoiled? No, not really...I'm becoming bored with this arrangement and am really looking forward to driving, managing stairs and yes...running the vacuum.

Favorite Teacher...

Everyone has a favorite teacher. Mine was Mrs. Gladys Atkins, my 5th AND 6th grade teacher at Saratoga Elementary School (in the late 50's).

Last month I saw her obituary in the newspaper and was somewhat saddened. She was 88 years old, which was so hard to imagine, favorite teachers don't age do they?

I remember Mrs. Atkins as a loving, caring individual. She showed true patience when dealing with her young charges. I don't think I ever saw her upset or angry. She was the kind of a teacher you never wanted to disappoint.

I always felt safe in her presence, she gave me a warm fuzzy feeling just being in the room. I had and still have a great deal of respect for Mrs. Atkins. I hope that she knows how many life's she touched in her lifetime.

Thank you Mrs. Gladys Atkins.

"Bathing Beauties"

We have now entered "Indian Summer". Mother Nature is giving us 80's one day, 70's the next. Yesterday afternoon we were sitting on screened in deck, what a beautiful day, comfortable temps, sunshine abound. Looked down to see the "kitties" catching some rays.

"Samantha"

"Little Bit"

We've had the cats for about 7-8 years, coming to live with us when Little Bit was still a "kitten". Samantha is the mother and Little Bit is from her second litter. They are really a joy to have around, and provide cheap entertainment.

My New "Ride"

During recuperation I have been using a 2-wheeled walker with glides and a footed cane. Walker is a beautiful Denver Bronco blue and had a little "fanny" type pack on top bar for all my little goodies. It gets me from point A to point B just fine. You could say I am a styling grandma.

Word to the wise...never leave your "wheels" unattended in an unsavory neighborhood. Little did I know that my walker would fall victim in our own living room.
He's pimped my ride! This isn't the best photograph, but Larry has added a basket - replacing fanny type pack. He has also installed my "grabber-picker up thingy" and the "pokey thingy, they can be seen mounted on outside of front legs. He's getting ready to start back to work and didn't want to leave me stranded with no way to transport items from room to room. In all fairness I did know he was wanting to do this, he let me select the basket.

Just when I thought I had overcome the first floor obstacles I now have a "wider carriage" and need to accommodate through doorways -- especially bathroom door -- not good to miscalculate that width when in a hurry!!!

Nothing like a "fine wine"

Having the opportunity to use the motorized chairs when shopping really has its advantages. When in check out line at Target I found this...

A bottle of wine bottled and vinted by Middle Sister in Santa Rosa, California. This particular "blend" is a California Cabernet Sauvignon which they have labeled as the "Mischief Maker".

Definition on back label reads: "Have you ever dated brothers? Worn leather pants to a wedding? Paired white wine with red meat? Then you must might be a mischief maker. You keep us up after bedtime on a school night. You change your hair color like most people change their socks. You make lifes more complicated, but less boring. You'll be in the stories we tell our grandchildren. You love trouble. And we love you."

This also describes my "middle sister" ... Dubber Ann ... Think I'll save this bottle and have it with sisties when together this fall ... now to find some fine stemware!!!

Moral Support

Today was a BIG day for me...doctor's appointment to have staples removed. I can tell I was healing as I was "itchy", felt like a big old bear needing to back up to a tree for back rub. Very tempting to want to scratch...

Cooper was able to set my head straight, he gave me a very good "pep talk" as only a three and a half old week infant can.

He sent a text first thing this morning to say "Hello Grandma" and to blow me a little raspberry.
Mommy reminded him that I was having my staples removed this afternoon and he just wanted to remind me to be brave...that it may only hurt for a short time. He thought if I made a little fist it wouldn't be as uncomfortable.
In closing he gave me a little fist bump and said he was rooting for a good appointment. He's one smart little boy, as I did have a good appointment.

Got to sit in waiting room for about 45 minutes-which was extremely boring. Once in exam room my visit went rather quickly. Staples were removed, incision had healed nicely. I am no longer required to wrap myself in cling wrap to take a shower-area can now be exposed to water. Only need to wear compression hose on left leg, continue with therapy and return in 3 weeks for next appointment which will include an x-ray.

There will be one more appointment after that and that will be it. I will continue to use walker as I am most comfortable with it. I plan on taking my time with recovery and therapy, which translates to living room master suite...I'm not yet ready to maneuver the spiral staircase.

Grandma-care

Larry was able to take a full week off work following my hip replacement. Gave us the time needed to see how I can maneuver the first level unassisted. He has been a very attentive caregiver and I am so glad he has been with me through all of this.

This week he has been working from home and after my Thursday appointment will probably go back into work next week. Yesterday he was needed at work for meetings, so rather than me being home alone he asked daughter Lisa to come out and keep me company. Of course Lisa doesn't go anywhere without her new best bud "Cooper Dean" so it was really a great day. While he may look alot like his big bro' Noah...he is his "own man".


He's absolutely beautiful isn't he? Gosh look at Grandma's grey hair and "facial creases"!