Emily and Colin

Homework is not always a happy time. Emily did not want to be tied down doing homework instead of playing Candy Land with me. Legs are all you can see while she was fussing about too many pages to do. Colin finally decided no one was going to do it for him... so... might as well get to it. Dad sitting over him might have had a little something to do with his change of attitude.



Then supper outside on the 'patio' (Steaks on the grill, yum) and fun in the pool. Darn! sure wish I would have remembered to pack that swimming suit. I really do hate to try on clothes in the stores, and I have 2 perfectly good swim suits at home in my drawer. grrrrrrr!!!!!



The kids have more fun playing with the pool cleaning hose then all the floaty pool toys.

Bender won't jump into the pool, but sure wanted the ball that Don accidentally threw into the water while playing fetch. It was fun to watch how Bender brought the ball over to him. He used his paw to pull the water toward him until the ball finally followed the water over to the side. He is 1 1/2 years old and a lot of company for Don and me while everyone is gone to work and school.

Florida Verses Ionia

HA! Miami 77 degrees, Ionia 9. Before I headed out for Miami I repaired a seat for one of Fred's snowmobiles in time for him to take it on a group trip to Minnesota for a few days. By repaired, I mean completely rebuilt it.

I spent 2 days in Atlanta on my way South, with my Aunt Susie and cousins Glenda, Nancy, and Gary and their families. Mary Jo was unable to come over, so I talked to her on the phone. I took my camera in the houses, lay it down, and forgot all about taking photos. Perhaps because I was so excited about going through Aunt Susie's boxes of old photos... but... aarrgggg!! How could I have forgotten to use the camera to take new photos?!!!


This morning in Miami I looked out at the pool, thinking, as long as no one is around... but in my haste to pack I forgot my swim suit. grrrrr !! Don is in hog heaven. Jeff gave Cindy cable TV with 1000 channels to choose from. I do not know when they ever have the time to watch TV but Don will certainly get their money's worth while he is here. He complains about the time I spend on the computer and internet.. and I reminded him that he stares at a screen(TV) much more then I do(computer). They are both a screen, so what's the difference?!!

Philippine Missionaries

We felt blessed to have the Bannning family choose to spend a couple days at our bed and breakfast for their winter break. We really enjoyed learning about the Philippines where they were missionaries as their children grew up. Daughter Mary Beth continues as a Missionary in the Philippines. When Darrell described a honey from bees using cocoa blossoms I knew I had to try to find a Philippine grocery store in Miami Florida next week, to purchase a jar. I NEED to taste it.

Thank you Bob, Elaine, Darrell and Mary Beth .. it is almost as though we visited the Philippines without leaving Iowa. I really enjoy our bed and breakfast guests because we learn so much from them.

Big Red

Big Red is Don's pickup. Don used to sit in the corner in his wing back chair and thumb through a special magazine. He would turn the magazine sideways to stare at the center fold. I would slip over to see what he found so attractive in that magazine. There was Big Red. A shiny red 1 ton 4 door dually pickup. Big Red resides in our machine shed, now, and is invited on many vacations.

Big Red was taken to Colorado by son, Fred, and daughter-in-law, Michelle last summer. I will have to admit, he does give a very fine ride. You sit up high and the seat adjusts to what ever you find comfortable. We each have a control for heat and cold (that sure eliminated arguments).And many plug-ins for computers, gps, and other necessary electronics. He's all shined up and ready to be packed for the trip to Miami Florida to visit grandchildren Emily and Colin. God willing and the creek don't rise too high, we will begin our journey Saturday morning.

Must face Feb. reality

Okay, I will stop day dreaming and show you what looking out my front door really is. It will be a while before my flowers will be blooming! The ice is finally melting, and weather forecast is a thunderstorm by Wednesday. You all can thank me for bringing in the warmer weather, because no matter when I plan my little Florida get-a-way, the weather in Iowa gets warmer. We are driving 'Big Red' starting Friday, to Southern Florida to see our grandchildren. It usually takes 3 days to drive there, but I am planning on stopping in Atlanta to see my Aunt on the way down. That will probably add a day or so to the trip. We are not taking the camper this year, since we only have 3 weeks we can spare to be gone. This will be the first time Donya will be in charge of hosting and cooking for bed and breakfast guests. She is such a good cook, I know she will do a super job. I haven't started to pack my suitcase, yet. And I have work at the shop to complete ... oh! how will I ever find the time to get everything done?!!

Dandylion recipe

I am so tired of winter. It came in October and has tried to freeze us to death for the past 4 months, and it isn't through with us yet. I decided to share a photo of the flowers that will be blooming by my front door if spring decides to come. Tomorrow is ground hog day, so that means about 6 more weeks to spring. I listened to the gardeners on WHO radio at work today. Sure gives you spring fever. I am so anxious for something fresh from the yard, the dandylions are in danger of being eaten as soon as they get the nerve to poke their yellow heads out. I like to dip the flowers in a thin pancake batter, then fry them. Add light sprinkle of salt..yum!(Do not sop them with water before you dip them in the batter, just knock the ants out and check for other critters, though it would not hurt you if you happen to eat one.) The young greens are great as a salad, or they can be cooked like spinach. If you have enough patience to dig out enough crowns, steam them, lightly salt and pepper and add a little butter. Oh! I can hardly wait. A word of caution.. do not harvest dandylions where they might have been sprayed. Not healthy to eat any of that poisen. I have my dear husband convinced his life is in danger if he gets near our lawn with weed killer. I use many of the 'weeds' growing in the grass. Some as herbal remedies, other for food. Enjoy the Dandylion Recipe.