Pederson Quest

February 10, 2012 Ready for Valentines Day

2012-02-11T07:21:00.001-08:00

I have some valentines items, and our marvelous Ines, found more for the bathroom!

Peaches also has a very cute, Valentine's Day collar.

February 4-5, 2012 Laid back weekend

2012-02-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

Lots of puppies, Lots of snuggle.

Pierre takes up, most of MaryJane's bed.

MaryJane painting, and on the trampoline.

These are Karl's vocab word lists. He has had some essays, where he had to use some of these words. Spreading them out, made it easier to choose some words.

Grant painting, Karl with puppies.

Karl had debate Friday night late, and MaryJane had skating on Saturday. That is all we did that was "organized" for the weekend. Lush Burger with Grant, and VI with Uncle Bill and Grandma, Then, of course, SUPER BOWL. Girl Scout cookies were also delivered today...great timing!

Brentley has also been visiting this week.

February 3, 2012 Spay Day

2012-02-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Peaches was spayed today. She was at the vet most of the day. She is getting lots of TLC and recouperating at home.

January 24-28, 2012 Fun UP north

2012-01-29T07:05:00.001-08:00

I worked in Burnsville this week. Tuesday, I was able to see both Natalie and Marie, play hockey. Friday, was Michael's basketball game. I visited much much more, and realized I hardly took any pictures. Thanks to everyone who shared time with me!

January 2012 School Stuff

2012-01-29T07:02:00.000-08:00

MaryJane is working on a project for Latin. She and her partern, decided to make a game. It is like this on one side (note the Roman numerals) and the other side is a checkerboard design. MaryJane even cut the wood, and sanded the edges, before painting.

For art class, they are to make "something creative" to give away for Valentines Day. MaryJane did a "mini painting" and Grant is doing a clay sculpture.

I also got a new valance for the family room. I had ordered extra fabric, when I got the chairs and pillows. It was finally time to use it!

January 19, 2012 Pinnacle Peak

2012-01-20T05:16:00.000-08:00

Karl and I went to Pinnacle Peak today. We went up to the viewing platform (about a mile).The park has a very firm closing time (5:45 right now) and we made it out with 13 minutes to spare. Signs warned that violators would be locked in, and fined. The days are getting longer, so it should be easier to comply.

January 12, 2012 Professional Pictures

2012-01-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

For my Christmas gift, the kids agreed to some professional pictures.

Here are a sampling.

January 8, 2012 Sunday stuff

2012-01-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

Full moon, rising over the mountains.

Grant and I went to Comicon today. It was the first time we have managed to go to one, and it will likely be the last. Get this: too many comic books ! :)

The citrus are ripe, juicy, and delicious.

MaryJane thought Peaches looked adorable in this "parka".

January 6, 2012 Peaches Graduates

2012-01-06T19:49:00.001-08:00

Peaches was very shaggy when she got home. I kept her hair long, so she would keep warm up in Cave Creek, at school. She and Pippi both got a "fluff and buff" tonight, and look marvelous.

I decided I wanted to help with making some prayer shawls, for a church in Wisconsin. However, MaryJane decided she really wants me to make a blanket for her. The prayer shawls might have to wait a bit.

Karl is at his first debate tonight. I wanted to go, but apparently there are not any spectators there. It is hard to just wait to hear how it is going...

Last night, MaryJane worked at the "Future Firebirds Night" at school. She helped to man the booth for the Latin CLub. It is the night that the 8th graders come and learn about the high school . It is very hard to believe it was a year ago that we were doing the same thing!

January 4, 2012 License Plates

2012-01-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

I mentioned this several years ago, when I noticed how many DIFFERENT license plates are available in the state of Arizona. Today, I was renewing my plates on line, and got the this list. there are 29 available! I am cheap and going with the "standard" one.

Arizona Agriculture
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Centennial
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Highways
Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation

Boy Scouts of Arizona
Channel 8 PBS
Character Education
Child Abuse Prevention
Choose Life
Collegiate - Arizona State University

Collegiate - Northern Arizona University
Collegiate - University of Arizona
Environmental
Families of Fallen Police Officers
Gold Star Family
Golden Rule

Hunger Relief
Masonic Fraternity
Military Support/Freedom
Navajo Nation
Pet Friendly/Spay and Neuter
Phoenix Suns

Pink Ribbon/Cancer Awareness
San Carlos Apache Tribe
Transplantation Awareness (Organ Donor)
University of Phoenix
White Mountain Apache Tribe

January 1, 2012 New Years Day

2012-01-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

MaryJane made a beautiful cake, and chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.
Our neighbors had an open house, and we watched the Cardinal's game for awhile (win in OT)
Dinner was at the Princess Hotel.
What a great birthday!

This tree changed colors. Grant was patient enough to wait and pose for two colors.

December 31, 2011 New Years' Eve

2011-12-31T10:11:00.000-08:00

Pippi is showing off the 2012 glasses. They look cute on the tree, since the Christmas stuff is down.

Grant and MaryJane oblige and pose for a 2012 picture.

Yesterday, I was scheduled to pick up Peaches from her doggie school. When I got there, they took me into the room with one way glass, where I could watch her perform. I got the summary before the performance. She has quite an "attitude". Hmmmm. Kind of a way to say she is naughty. I wanted so much to take her home with me. The kids were expecting her, and were excited to say hello. (She was gone for two weeks, after all!)

After the trainers tried the "transition" (from them to me) it became apparent that she truly was not ready for me. She is staying another week.

Shamefully, I had to report to the kids, that "Peaches did not graduate". It would be longer. We will hope for a better behavior next week.

On a happy note, Paul had his heart "shocked" on Friday, due to A-Fib. It went right back into rhythm, after just one attempt. What a relief!

December 30, 2011 Birthday treats at work

2011-12-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

What a nice surprise...birthday treats at work!

December 25, 2011 Christmas Day

2011-12-26T17:19:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day evening was at Bob and Betsy's.
The kids played "Kemp" cards again, and the evening ended, with making hockey mittens.

The day began at the farm, with Grandpa RB. Karl and I got the grand tour.

The heated, enclosed, four-wheeler, is marvelous!

December 24, 2011 Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T20:10:00.000-08:00

We had a great meal, gifts, and then played "Minute to Win it"

We seem to compare heights every year.

December 23, 2011 Woodbury and Hastings

2011-12-23T21:06:00.001-08:00

We also had time in Hastings, to visit with Tom and Gigi.
Tom announced his upcoming retirement, at the end of January.

The kids enjoyed some shopping and an overnight with Grandma and Grandpa.

We said good bye to Spirit Lake, again, for awhile.

We saw this gal driving, in her elf costume, and with her elf ears on. We had alot of giggles from this one.

December 21, 2011 More Wisconsin Times

2011-12-21T20:31:00.000-08:00

We had a delicious supper at Jensens.

Our lunch at the Deli was very festive, Karl made a snowflake from ketchup, and Grant bought gingerbread men at the bakery. We were able to share gingerbread men with jim and Phyliss Meyer, Patty Swenson, Kathy Lupo, and Roberta Plum.

Decmber 20, 2011 Frederic, WI

2011-12-21T07:20:00.003-08:00

Ava's first UNO game.

Orla made a beautiful cake for Anna's 21st birthday. Ava liked Grants guys.

Cousin fun times. Just had to mention, Michael had to duck in the doorway, in the cabin.

December 19, 2011 Los Noches de los Luminarias

2011-12-19T19:11:00.001-08:00

The Botanical Garden had a special display of luminarias, all through the garden.

December 18, 2011 Cardinals Win Again

2011-12-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

The Cardinals won again, this time in overtime. It was cold and rainy, outside, but not bad inside, with the roof closed. The game went into overtime, and the Cards won.

December 15, 2011 Winter Walk

2011-12-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

The weather has cooled down so much, it is almost chilly. It is very comfortable for walking. MaryJane and Peaches posed by a saguaro.

We openned presents, before leaving for MN and WI.

Grant wore his festive tie.

December 11, 2012 Cardinals Football

2011-12-11T18:00:00.001-08:00

It was a glorious day for a footgame game. With 67 degrees at gametime, the roof was retracted, to the open position. The Cardinals played the San Francisco 69-ers and won!

it was a dramatic game, during the whole event.

December 2-3, 2011 Lights and Beading

2011-12-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

We have the Christmas tree up, and some beading done for gifts.

MaryJane also colored her hair, a shade of red.

November 28, 2011 Christmas Lights

2011-11-29T05:08:00.001-08:00

What a gorgeous day for putting up our Christmas lights! it was about 74 degrees, after school.

November 27, 2011 Apache Junction, AZ

2011-11-27T19:42:00.001-08:00

Apache Junction is at the foot of the Superstition Mountains. We checked out the Supersitition Mountain Museum, and had lunch at the Lost Dutchman Mining Camp Restaurant.

November 24, 2011 Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:40:00.001-08:00

Peaches is ready for some turkey.

November 22, 2011 Ice Skating

2011-11-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

MaryJane is taking skating lessons. Her coach is Jill.

November 18, 2011 Thespian Festival and more

2011-11-19T16:57:00.000-08:00

Karl attended the Thespian Festival at the Phoenix Convention Center for two days. He had a "Drama Llama" shirt to wear. They got to see the "Occupy Phoenix" group, up close and personal.

MaryJane has been working on the Rubiks Cube for a few days. She has solved it several times.

Grant had a hankering for potatoes, so he spent some time in the kitchen.

11-11-11 Ohio Visit

2011-11-12T04:35:00.001-08:00

We had a great visit with Jim, Jean, Jody, and Kennedy, in Ohio.

November 10, 2011 Gustavus Gals

2011-11-10T09:59:00.001-08:00

Jane, Linda, Deb, and Jill at Lcky 13's. in Bloomington.

November 5, 2011 Football Banquet

2011-11-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

All of the players sat together. The centerpieces were "grass" and helmets with balloons tied to them, in Chaparral colors.

Brad, Karl, Anthony all played touch football together, at Copper Ridge.

Karl with most of the coaches.

November 4, 2011 MaryJane's Art

2011-11-04T09:38:00.001-07:00

The art assignment was to chose a magazine picture, cut off the hair, paste to paper, and create your own "wild hair". This was MaryJane's finished project. She said she was inspired by Medusa, and made each strand a snake.

This was outside of the "Elephant Bar" after dinner with Grandma and Grandpa, Bill and Jill.

November 1, 2011 Grant's Costume

2011-11-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Grant tried on his costume, and wanted to show it off. He wanted to be a Romulan for almost a year. He had very specific instructions for Mom, and it came out well. He was thrilled with the results.

October 31, 2011 Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T06:20:00.001-07:00

For Halloween, Grant wanted to be a Romulan from Star Trek. MaryJane was a flapper, and Karl went with the Chewbacca costume, again. As the night went on, MaryJane added a cape, and became Red Riding Hood, then added a basket and Peaches, and became Dorothy and Toto. Karl ditched the hot Chewbacca costume, and went with a cooler toga.

October 28, 2011 Pink Out

2011-10-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

Last regular season Varsity Footbal game, was a "pink out" The Student Council sold the pink shirts as a breast cancer fund raiser. Mom was on the snack bar schedule, and had a fun night too. The game was touted as the best of the season, and was televised on Fox Sports as the "High School Game of the Week". Chaparral beat Saguaro 65-0. Saguaro kept back some of their best players, knowing they would be in the playoffs next week. Interesting tactic, but it made for a boring game. The snack bar was crazy, and MJ helped during the second half. She was a huge help, and had fun too.

October 26, 2011 Last Football vs. Saguaro

2011-10-26T21:09:00.001-07:00

At the end of the first quarter, the score was 41-0. Saguaro was supposed to be the toughest game of the season. My favorite call of the game, was "Tackle by Karl Pederson, for a loss. The Wild Cats are now 4th and about Avondale". (a far east suburb) Classic!

MaryJane helped hand out cookies after the game. She worked on her homework, in the stands.

October 22, 2011 Ice Skating

2011-10-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Ice Skating at the Ice Den

October 20, 2011 Football vs. Horizon

2011-10-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

This was the most competetive game so far, this season. Chaparral won! 28-14.

October 2011 More reunion pics

2011-10-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me these, later. This is Paul and me, on the stairs of the pressbox. Paul handled the ground control radio for the fly by.

October 18, 2011 Swans in Wisconsin

2011-10-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

This incredible photo is from my neighbor, Kathy. I have a swan decoy on the beach, (It is supposed to keep the geese off the beach, but I like how it looks, too.)

The real swans are on the lake, on a rainy October day, in Wisconsin. Kathy reports this is her first sighting of them, this fall. About 5 years ago, the kids and I helped with banding some young swans, near our house in Frederic. It was a fun, crazy, and muddy experience.

October 15-16, 2011

2011-10-16T18:29:00.001-07:00

The weekend at the end of fall break, was pretty lazy. MaryJane started on sewing a dress. Grant played some computer games. We had a trip to Grant's favorite comic store, and went to Turf Paradise for the afternoon horse races.

October 12, 2011 Football vs. Shadow Mountain

2011-10-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

Chaparral wins against Shadow Mountain 47-7
The BEST part of the game was Karl's first touchdown, He recovered a fumble and took it in!

October 7, 2011 Appley Valley Soccer

2011-10-07T04:57:00.000-07:00

Marie's last soccer game of the season, was in Burnsville.

October 4, 2011 Chaparral vs. Mesquite

2011-10-05T14:25:00.001-07:00

Karl is number 79.

WOW, no pictures from Mom, for this game. I rained so hard, it was crazy. There was lightening in the area, so the game was delayed for a bit, too. After 2 hours, we were only at half time! Anyway, it cleared up by the end of the game. Chaparral came away with another win!~
(Something like 48-2) All pictures are purchased from the professional photographer!

October 3, 2011 The view in Wisconsin

2011-10-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous fall picture of my cabin, was supplied by my neighbor. Thanks Kathy! The picture of my bench was just a few days later, after a strong wind.

Here are the kids, sporting their new Gustavus T-shirts.

September 30-Oct. 1, 2011 Gustavus Weekend

2011-10-02T10:13:00.001-07:00

It was homecoming weekend at Gustavus. It was also the kick off of the sesquicentenial year.

Banners were all over campus.

Friday afternoon, the festivities began. I was able to visit Nick, at his house off campus. I also met most of his roommates. Then, up to campus to meet up with my former roomie, Paula. she flew in from Connecticut, and we had not seen each other for 28 years. It was marvelous.

There was a hospitality event in the Student Union. Those from our class who were there, gathered and greeted. We went to the gala event in Lund Center next. It was beautiful, and I was seated with Paul and Sue. The evening ended with classmates, in Mankato.

Waylon and Michael and their families, came for the "Prospective Athletes" Tour.

It would be fun to have some more Frederic guys at GAC.

There was then a fly-by during the football game. My brother, Paul, was the ground control guys for the planes. We watched the planes come in from the press box. What a view!

At half time of the football game, our class did a FLASH MOB. SO much fun!

These are some buddies from my freshman year.

I also caught up with Jack at the game.

Saturday night was another class party, at the hotel in Mankato. The whole group is pictured to the left, and our "Co-Ed CF" group to the right.

September 27, 2011 Football at Notre Dame

2011-09-28T06:12:00.001-07:00

Another win for the Chaparral Firebirds. Tonight's game was 58-0.

September 23, 2011 Peaches' First Haircut

2011-09-23T20:14:00.001-07:00

Peaches got her first "puppy cut" today. She posed so nicely afterwards, it was like she was showing off. She charmed all of the groomers at Petsmart, and was a very good girl!

September 21, 2011 Football vs. McClintock

2011-09-21T21:51:00.000-07:00

Awesome game for Karl. He had two sacks, a tackle behind the line of scrimmage, and a fumble recovery, Win for the Firebirds 58-8

September 17-18 2011 Hair and Trampoline

2011-09-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

The trampoline is new for the kids' birthday. All three are enjoying it.

MaryJane got her purple streak refreshed, and added the pink streak. She also got her ears pierced again (for the second time).

September 14, 2011 Freshman Football

2011-09-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Wednesday night game was only 91 degrees at game time-nice! Karl played both ways, during this game. The final score was 62-0 (Chap won!) There was not alot of playing time for the defense. He also played on the special team for extra points.

The other picture, was Karl's first sack. It was taken my a professional photographer (I paid for it, so thought I could use it.)

Mom was "cookie mom" this game. MaryJane helped hand out cookies after the game.

September 13, 2011 15th Birthday

2011-09-13T19:49:00.001-07:00

Supper at Lush Burger for the birthday.

September 12, 2011 Random Stuff

2011-09-12T16:26:00.001-07:00

Just some random pictures from the past few days.

Grant mowing the grass.

MaryJane and Pippi

Our Queen of Sheba competition:Peaches

Peaches looking extra cute.

Our Queen on Sheba competition: Pippi

Some especially delicious and photogenic watermelon.

September 6, 2011 Gigi

2011-09-06T19:51:00.001-07:00

September 4, 2011 Roofing!

2011-09-05T19:39:00.001-07:00

Roofing at The Tesch house

September 3, 2011 New family for LeBron

2011-09-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

Jackie and Sue love their new puppy.

MaryJane with LeBron and with Pippi. They really are the same color.

LeBron and Peaches have been really good buddies, since they have been the only two puppies. We also wanted a "Family Picture" with Mama Pippi, Daddy Brently, and their babies.

August 30, 2011 Evil Genius

2011-08-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Grant has been wrapping a few birthday presents (only 2 weeks away!) and has been quite devious in his wrapping. He is disgusing the gifts so well, that MaryJane called Grant, and "evil genius". I will not add details, until after their birthday.

August 27, 2011 Go Dog Go

2011-08-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

Remember the Dr. Seuss book, "Go Dog Go:? One Wet Dog. One Dry Dog.

Peaches saw Mom swimming, and jumped in too. OOPS.

Yesterday was another record temperature. "The hottest August day in History ~ 117"

August 24, 2011 First Freshman Football Game

2011-08-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

Two of the biggest fans :)

Karl had his first football game, on Wednesday night. There were excessive heat warnings, so the game time was pushed back to 7:00. Temperature at game time was down to 114 (from a high of 116). Karl played quite a bit, and did great. Unfortunately, it was a loss. The game was at Centennial High School in Peoria.

Karl is number 79.

ALSO the kids' bus caught on fire, on Tuesday. They were not in any danger, but the police and fire departments both arrived. HOT weather caused the AC to catch fire. Photo credit to MaryJane on her cell phone.

LASTLY, this is my blog post number 500. AMAZING. Thanks to all who look at this; I love sharing our adventures. It takes alot less space than photo albums :)

August 23, 2011 More puppy stuff

2011-08-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

Peaches shows off her curly tail. The duo are good buddies.

This is LaBron who might be "Dickens" soon. I got a new bed for the puppies, and Mama Pippi

liked it even better. It was a tight squeeze with all three in it.

August 21, 2011 Black Out Football Game

2011-08-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

The first varsity football game, was an invitational game, against a school called Bishop Gorman, from the Las Vegas area. The game was held at the satdium where the Arizona Cardinals play, and was televised on Fox Sports. There was a "black out" for the game, so we all managed to wear our black, and go with the crowd. Football is a BIG deal at Chaparral.

MaryJane saw this tiny "Princess" outfit, and had to get it for Peaches.

August 12, 2011 Puppy Update

2011-08-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

The puppies are beginning to move on to their new homes. Pearl is now with Mikette, and Marshmallow is now with Ines. The kids posed for a picture with the threesome.

MaryJane found a crown from one of her dolls, so everyone had to try it on.

Grant and MaryJane have some pupply snuggle time.

August 10, 2011 Crazy Cactus

2011-08-10T06:52:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was amazed that this cactus had 5 blossoms. Yesterday and today, it had more than 20 each day. They still only last one day, but are amazing while they bloom. I also noticed that the neighbor's cactus was also blooming. It is just not mine, but all of this variety, in the area.

August 8, 2011 First Day of High School

2011-08-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

First Day of school, 2011. Freshman in high school!

August 6, 2011 Puppy Play~Purple~Kitchen Party

2011-08-07T09:00:00.001-07:00

We had one of the "everyone cooks" type of breakfasts. I thought to grab the camera!

MaryJane had her hair trimmed, touched up, and added a streak of purple. Fun for first day of school!

The puppies love to lick, and chew, whenever given the chance.

We block them in, during play time, but they are climbing easily.

August 4, 2011 Freshman Orientation

2011-08-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

Today, the kids got their schedules, ID cards with pictures, PE uniforms, locker assignments, and all of their textbooks. It was a fun day!

August 3, 2011 Puppies are 6 weeks old

2011-08-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

The puppies are now 6 weeks old. They all got collars this week. They are really teething now, and chewing on most anything. They are eating a bit more puppy food.
L-R Pearl, Peaches, LaBron, and Marshmallow.

July 28, 2011 Blossoms and other stuff

2011-07-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

The puppies are 4.5 weeks in this picture. They started on "puppy gruel" this week.

I have only seen the blossoms on this cactus, during May, before. Today, this cactus had FIVE. We have had so much rain, I think they "woke up". Gorgeous, but sad that they only bloom for one day.

July 20, 2011 Happy One Month Puppies

2011-07-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Pierre loves the puppies too.

Yeah, I know it has only been a few days since I posted pictures, but the puppies are SO cute.

July 17 2011 Puppies 3.5 weeks

2011-07-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

Grant is holding the girls, and Karl is holding the boys. The names the kids chose are beginning to stick. The girls are Pearl and Peaches (keeping with the "p" theme). The boys are LaBron (Karl says the puppy is small and white, an opposite of the big and black basektball player). Grant chose Marshmellow, because he is small and fluffy.

July 15, 2011 Loon Watching

2011-07-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

After a crazy morning of rain, it was a beautiful evening.

We saw many loons, and got very close to them. Thanks to Aubree for helping with the loon close ups!

July 10 2011 Puppy Update

2011-07-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

The puppies are now 2 and a half weeks old. Their eyes are open, and they are moving around alot. Pippi can still move them back to their kennel, very quickly.

July 2011 Back in Arizona~and the Haboob

2011-07-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

We all felt good to be back in our AZ house.

Grant enjoyed wearing his graduation suit, and Karl ready for football conditioning.

We had a crazy dust storm (haboob) this week. We were out buying Karl's cleats, and the storm started. The visibility was similar to a blizzard. Then, it started raining. It was just a few huge drops, so it was like it was raining mud. Cars that were out were distinctively muddy and polka dotted. Even the natives said they have never seen a storm like that before. The pool had crazy patterns from the cleaner, in the heavy dust, too.

July 4, 2011 Happy 4th of July

2011-07-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

We spent part of the 4th in Prior Lake. We did our "traditional" water balloons during the parade. Late afternoon, we flew back to Phoenix. We really missed MaryJane. She is riding back with Pippi and puppies.

July 2, 2011 Puppy update

2011-07-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

The puppies are now 10 days old. They still have not opened their eyes. Their noses are really dark. The kids have chosen names for them all, now. The girls are Pearl and Peaches. The boys are LaBron and Marshmellow. Not sure if the names will stay with them, but fun for now.

July 1, 2011 The Storm

2011-07-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

A huge storm blew through Burnett County, Friday evening. Power went out in a large area (including the restaurant where we were eating). our power stayed out for over 24 hours. Trees were down, and the drive home was tricky. We have one large branch on the garage, and several smaller ones, just around the yard. Tesches had a huge tree in their driveway. Thanks for their hospitality and help with the trees!

The neighborhood was alive with people coming out to help each other. Our marvelous neighbors even flipped our dock back over, while we were gone. THANKS!

June 29, 2011 Flashmob Practice at the Muddy Pig

2011-06-29T20:37:00.001-07:00

I have a reunion coming up, this fall. Again, the planning for the reunion, has been SO much fun. One of the committee members, thought we should do a flashmob dance, at the reunion. We have had a few social events, leading up to the reunion, too. At the social, we had a practice for the flashmob. There was a vacant lot, behind The Muddy Pig, in St. Paul. Our choregrapher brought her car into the lot, cranked the music, and we practiced right there. Neighbors were very entertained!

June 27, 2011 The puppies are five days old

2011-06-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

The puppies are growing! Their noses are starting to get dark (they were very light pink when they were born). Their eyes are not open yet.

June 26, 2011 Wonders of Wisconsin

2011-06-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

In a 24 hour period, I saw along the roadside, the above black bear, a huge racoon, a vivid skunk, leatherback and painted turtles, and of course, several deer. (All alive, no road kill.) Photo credit to Brenda, who was in the car with me.

On the lake, I saw two loon groups, including their baby, a couple of eagles, and a beaver dam. The wildlife is much different than in Arizona.

The lush green landscape is maintained by much rain. There are layers of shimmering, glistening, undulating, green.

June 24, 2011 Puppy Pictures

2011-06-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

Pippi is such a great mother.

June 22, 2011 Pippi's Puppies

2011-06-23T04:50:00.001-07:00

Pippi's puppies arrived today. They were born in the late afternoon and early evening. She had FOUR. There are two boys and two girls. One is tucked into her leg, in this picture.

The peonies are blooming now, too.

June 17-19, 2011 Frederic Family Days

2011-06-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed the Queen pageant too.

These baby racoons were not sure which way to go.

They were right downtown.

The pork dinner at the fire hall is a favorite stop during the weekend.

We like to support the fire department.

This unicorn, and the zoo group, were so cute, too.

The kiddie parade was adorable, as always.

Anna, Leah, Norah, and Tarah's kids were the royal wedding party.

June 17, 2011 More Tubing and Turtles

2011-06-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

We had several trips back and forth to town today. These turtles were out,
all around the lake. We even had one, in our driveway, trying to make a nest.

And another day for tubing.

June 10, 2011 Biking to Birchwood Beach

2011-06-10T19:09:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed our neighbor's flowers too. Birchwood Beach is about a mile and a half from the cabin, so it is a three mile round trip.

We found this robin's egg shell, near the new garage.

Karl wanted Grant to do something, so he submitted to being tied to a tree. Grant was using yarn, so there was not too much danger of Karl truly being trapped there.

June 9, 2011 King Tut at Science Museum

2011-06-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

The kids saw the King Tut at the Science Museum, with Grandma D and Grandpa Gay.
They all did their names (cartouche) in hieroglyphics

June 7, 2011 Early Morning Drive

2011-06-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

My early morning drives into work are usually not too exciting. However, today, I saw a gorgeous batch of orange poppies along County Line Road, and a pair of swans, on Freedom Lake. All of this was in my first 10 miles....nice way to start the day!

June 6-7 Ninety Seven Degrees in MN/WI

2011-06-07T09:36:00.003-07:00

In the evening, Grant and Mom went for a bike ride. We saw the last of the lilacs, and some peak irises.

Dayton fed the sunfish before we went tubing.

Yikes! The temperatures are more like Arizona temperatures. We went tubing, to keep us cool!

June Hanging out in MN/WI

2011-06-07T09:36:00.001-07:00

MaryJane enjoyed the finished part of the garage.

June 4, 2011 Soul Daddy

2011-06-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

We were in the cities, so we could visit Grandpa RB, in the hospital. Karl watched a show called, "America's Best New Restaurant". The winner was Soul Daddy. They were financed, with a place in the Mall of America. We checked it out, and really enjoyed the ribs, and cornbread waffles, with honey butter.

June 1, 2011 Boys Braces off

2011-06-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

The boys both got their braces off today. They were on for almost two years.

Looking GOOD

May 31, 2011 Birthday and Baseball

2011-06-01T05:14:00.001-07:00

This was a birthday lunch for Grandpa Larry. George and Ruth were there, to celebrate too!

Michael also had his last baseball game. We found out it was the last "Frederic" game, too, because next year, it will be "Luck-Frederic" baseball.

This was also the day that Grandpa RB fell and hit his head, and the day that Lily had her second litter of puppies.

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-06-01T05:13:00.000-07:00

We had lots of company over the weekend, and had lots of fun.

One thing I wanted to remember, is when we were sitting on the pontoon boat (not moving, just tied up) There was an osprey and an eagle, and they were both circling, fishing over the neighbor's dock. It an aerial battle for the fish. The eagle was victorious.

May 28, 2011 Wisconsin!

2011-05-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

Visit from Isabelle and Mya

Lilies of the Valley are still blooming. This is one of Mom's favorites.
We were obviously gone for quite some time. It was long enough that we had a bird's next right next to the front door.

May 26, 2011 Grandpa RB's birthday

2011-05-27T05:34:00.001-07:00

It was Grandpa RB's birthday, so we had supper at our house. There was a game of Crazy Eights afterwards.

May 2011 More Graduation Pictures

2011-05-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

Karl's speech went well too.

One of the dad's is a photographer, and kindly did these great shots of each kid, receiving their "promotion" certificate. Mom also went a bit crazy, doing a PowerPoint slideshow, of 450 pictures, all sent in by parents of students. Fun project, though!

May 24, 2011 8th Grade "Graduation"

2011-05-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

MaryJane, standing for honor roll recognition. Karl, during his speech.

The cactus in the front of the house, was bursting with blooms.

May 22, 2011 The Lazy B

2011-05-23T05:57:00.001-07:00

Bill and Jill have finished their new stables. They call it " The Lazy B" or "The B" for short.

It has capacity for 8 horses, but will start with Jill's 2.

May 19, 2011 Yearbook and More Blooms

2011-05-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

Today was the day to hand out yearbooks. Karl and MaryJane had to wear their yearbook shirts, and be ready for a busy day.

We have so many beautiful bounteous blossoms in the backyard.

These are two favorites from the neighborhood.

May 11, 2011 All City Track Meet

2011-05-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

This was the final track meet of the season. It is called the "All City Meet" and includes all of the middle schools in Scottsdale. It was held at the kids' soon to be, high school. The weather also was nice. We ended the season, not having any meets at over 100 degrees.

Waiting for a turn at shot put.

May 8, 2011 Mother's Day

2011-05-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

We had a great Mother's Day brunch at The Good Egg, with Steve and Brenda.