Jake...

Spent a little time in Ogallala this week. Upon arrival at Michelle's it was time to take Jake into town for his haircut.

Jake has always been successful in convincing parents and stylist to just "trim"...getting an almost haircut. This visit was going to be quite different for him...



As you can see he has quite a head of hair! When he was younger Michelle was always able to give him a buzz cut. Somewhere between then and yesterday the haircut/style changed! See his beautiful smile? You can almost see his beautiful blue eyes...



There was alot of conversation regarding haircut. He actually seemed quite pleased with end results. I have to tell you, when he stood up I swear he was taller than when he sat down. I think the shorter style makes him look more mature!

Goll-darn he's a good looking kid!

Beth...

Made a quick trip out to Ogallala to watch granddaughter, Bethany, play in softball tournament. This will be the last year she will be eligible to play BECAUSE there are no leagues offered for girls 16-18! Weird huh? We traveled to Oshkosh where Ogallala faced Chappelle. Beth played 3rd base...must say she is very athletic. Caught a foul fly, had a 3 base hit AND sacrificed herself at first for a runner in. Ogallala won 10-0 (10 run rule). The girls are now 13 and 2. Tournaments continue tonight...but I came home because we are hosting the 4th and need to get home front organized.

Quilt for "grand-campervan"

While quilt-shop-hopping with my sisters last summer I found the perfect fabric for what was to become a quilt border. It was embellished with camping VW "van" images...and a quilt was born!

It is a simple block quilt with no block fabric duplication and fabrics that complimented the personalities of the owners.



The quilt backing was a "map" of the old Route 66 road. Perfect for a family that loves to explore in a 1973 VW camper named Ludwig and resides in Missoula Montana with our youngest daughter and her family.



May the quilt keep his occupants warm on those cooler camping nights.

Sherman County Reservoir

The first camp out of the season was Mother's Day week-end at Sherman County Reservoir at the Trade Winds Marina Campground. Par for the course, it was a cooler week-end with forecast of 25-30 mph winds for Sunday. It was a first for the Van Clan with the pop-up camper. Larry and I rented a "cabin" with all of the amenities...bathroom, kitchenette and ability to sleep four. It was actually a modular type structure (single wide trailer style) with 3-4 units per structure. Originally the boat was to make the trip...winds altered that. In spite of cooler temps it was a nice time. The lake was beautiful and it was calm enough on Saturday to do some fishing. So, we rented a "party barge", climbed on board and headed out for some catch and release/eat! There we were out in the middle of the lake 4 adults, 2 adult-sized "children" and the chocolate labs...it was great!


Cabin sites faced a lake inlet. Of course Jake was quick to walk the shore line and found a rope swing. If it had been a little warmer I am sure he would have donned some swim trunks and gone for a quick "rope swim"!



Saturday evening was calm enough we were able to build a bonfire. Beth kept a pretty good eye on the fire for us...and as you can see it was a very nice looking fire...well constructed...and pleasing to the eye!



DO NOT even ask how the fire was extinquished before retiring for the night. I will only say that Jake was there...need you know more?

BJ's Hideaway

First of June we purchased a travel trailer. Finding decent weather and a week-end to camp-out is a real challenge with all of the inclement weather we have had. We've taken it out twice. First trip out was just Lars and I getting the feel. Second week-end was with Carpenter family, two nights with some fishing mixed in. So far, so good. Both outings have allowed us to see what is still needed.



"Master Suite" includes a queen sized bed w/storage below (accessible form outside as well), two closets with drawer space. It is towards the front of trailer.



The booth and sofa both make into beds. Allowing the camper to accommodate eight. While they are said to sleep 2 each...it is a more comfortable 1 each depending upon size of person!


Kitchen area is really nice. Three burner stove, small oven, microwave, double sink and refrigerator/freezer. Quite a step up from the pop-up camper...



Bunk beds! With grandkids...this is a very nice feature! So far Noah likes the fact that he can be in top bunk at far end reading and he won't be disturbed by adult chatter...there is even a privacy curtain when he is "dressing" or "resting".



It even has a bathroom! As one "matures" it is a necessity to be close to a "facility". Now I won't need to walk across a darkened campground to get to the park facilities...I have my own! I even put in a nightlight so I won't get lost...


Love the fact that it is a slider...allows for more "moving around room" on the inside. Didn't think we would like it...but it's very nice amenity to have!


She even has a name! I've named her after my mother..."BJ's Hideaway"! Love you mom!

Unusual rainy month...

There has been alot of "moisture" this month. All areas of the state seem to have been affected. This is worse than spring thaw...no where for water to go but over river banks, etc. Clean up will be a mess. Bridges out, railroad trussles down, roads washed out. Personal property damage will be something else. There are advantages to home on a high hill...first hand viewing of a tornado approaching...and chance of river flooding - minimal - unless it's a 40-day curse.

A spring day...

It's beautiful this morning. Temps will probably be in mid 70's and partly cloudy. Had a 2.25" rainfall two nights ago so will not need to water until this week-end. New tree plantings are looking good. Hostas, butterfly bush and other perennial plantings have survived yet another hot and dry Nebraska summer.