yard work beginings

June- doings

Dad And Ginny came up for Keiths ordination- I didn't expect to see them since I had to work. SURPRISE
They stayed in town and wanted to take me to breakfast. Then after breakfast we hit the yard. Filled in the pond, pulled ivy off the house and weeded the fence line- They stayed over night and then we did a little more in the morning before the rain started- I hope to finish this project later this month as it looks like rain all week!

here are some pics of the action!

I hope they know how much the help was appreciated and how special it was to get dirty with them!

WHen I get this done I will post more! If the rain stops! Hopefully I can get it done before family reunionon the 30th!

Well here is PAtti in Central Park- We wa;led over ten miles that day and only saw a smart of the city! There is another park two blocks to the west of PAtti's place called Riverside- which is totally awsome this is a fantastic place to ride bicycles. I hope to do that next time I visit and by that time patti will know most of the kewl trails and best picnic spots!

Here is one of the few pictures of us together... We are at the Sea air and space museum on the aircraft carrier INTREPID. That was reallly fun it was fleet week and we saw the Iwogima dock. A kind greman lady helped us take this one.

We walked a ton- which is normal for here.. five miles today  and 10 yesterday, Looks like rain tonight. hae two more days... May post more touristy stuff when I get home.

HERE WE have PAtti in her apartment. Note the Welcome sign. Hope all feel that way when they enter here. Felt like home to me!

alone again- unaturally

So the house is fiercly quiet.Not because there is not sound but because you are gone. The stereo is playing peacful music and I am playing with the idea of a nice hot bubble bath. I can do anything. No one else to consider. At times this is frightening.

One can only facebook for so long before the farming and cooking and status updates become mundane.

Weight watchers tonight and Mom tomorrow I am wondering what else life has to offer? Is anyone out there?

Hillbilly hell

Pattiis going for a 2nd interview with a promising new job.I am trying to be very supportive-but..It'sin New York!!! For this hilbilly its a bit scary-I am not talking upstate new york = but manhatten!

The killer will be that she may end up there and me still in Independence, Mo. for a few years!

I really wish everything that should happen will- We have been praying about it and so far she is looking at this with much excitment and anxious anticipation. If she goes I will of course try and help with arrangments and all that will have to happen.

I really have been made aware of how much I depend on her. Working nights I don'tget to see many people and most of the time she is my world. Without her here I am afraid I will be alone even more- but if this is where she needs to be I will encourage and support her.
'She will be gone Thursday and Friday for the training interview- and if all goes well She will need to be in NY in MAY.

will keep you all posted- Di

Spirits of those gone at Christmas

I miss some family and friends so much this time of year- Many others do as well- I wrote a poem that made me cherish instead of mourn. Hope you enjoy and Merry Christmas to all, Diana-

Dedicated to Alan, Grandma, Uncle Vic, J.D. and soo many more:


Oh, how I remember,
those past Decembers,
Like the warming embers
of cozy firelight.

The games we would play,
the feel of the day
And your special way,
that made it all right.

With food over flowing
and the tree softly glowing,
The unspoken knowing,
from friendships above.

The presents we shared,
the way that you cared,
Made each one aware,
of Holidays love.

And we miss you this year,
but still feel you near.
Celebrating with cheer,
I romp in the snow.

With choruses of Noel,
Surprisingly I can tell,
Your spirit does well,
to uplift my soul.

Seasons Spirit

I have heard the rantings of Christian's who complain Christ is missing from Christmas- Where'd he go ? He's still the focus of mine. And the Christmas celebration on December 25th has always been his birthday to me and my family and will always remain so. No business or policy can take him from us.But then lets get real-

 I work in a very disversified office- We have a Jewish young man- a Muslim and some I am not sure have a belief system- But getting to discuss this with them helped all of us I think- I learned so much and I even got to share more of the Christ story when I was asked, "So then, what exactly is Easter?" - Great time for dialogue. With that after the conversation, I was inspired to do even more research the following poem is the result of this: Also look up more on these- its fasinating!  Holidays- I did Nov. through new year! I know there are more too...

  Seasons Spirit 
The times they are a changin' for country and neighborhood.
Let's strive to see each other and, to help be understood.
With Thanksgiving starts a season, that's a fitting way to be.
For each of us choose to create beliefs and history. 

Christ is in my Christmas, as well as in my heart.
And with hope and in that spirit, I pause here to impart.
Release the smug injustice, just try and take a while,
Listen to other stories, learn the lessons, share a smile.

The miracles of Hanukkah, when lamps near empty lay,
The menorah celebrates the time it burned for eight more days
A childs game, the Driedel comes from Jewish days of old.
Hiding devout from danger distracting twirls the past unfolds.

Kwanzaa we must not forget, though religious it is not
With groups of sevens it entails much wisdom to be taught.
The principles and symbols celebrated in this time
Should be practiced by everyone in spite of culture binds!

Winter Solstice is celebrated, in so many varied ways,
From as far back as we began to stare at stars ablaze.
Reminding all as seasons change and each year comes to end,
To warmly celebrate when gathering with family and friends.

No matter what you may believe, or how you choose to live.
It's not about what you might take, but what your heart can give!
So whatever be your reason, that you celebrate this year,
May you find my Greeting, of your Holiday, sincere!

If I caused you to wonder, at anything you did find,
Cherish each and every person, in this Season, so sublime.

Nov 2nd Dads Birthday visit

Well We finally got to go down and see Dad and Ginny!- Got some pictures and had a relaxing calm vacation- Even with taking the doggies! they didn't make a mess or anything- the first night Pami was a bit excited and had some trouble breathing!- Needs to loose some wieght like her mama!

We took a day trip to go and look at the Extreme Home makeover house that was built down by Willard, Missouri. Sure looks different when its not on TV!

 We had a lovely trip and Dad got to play with his new GPS.
We also stopped at an old mill and bridge.

We were back home on Tueday night and to work on Wed. But we are looking forward to returning in December before Christmas.

More From Chicago

There were so many pictures from our latest vacation so here are more... The Buckingam fountain- Sky lines- and the tallest building ever completed by a female architech- looked like waves the way the balconies were on each floor-loved it!- We did make a side trip to Super Dawg- and ate Chicago hotdogs. No big Woop... but good.

And I can't find the pictures of fireworks we saw at the Pier (probably on Pattis phone!)

I guess this country girlreally  likes the city life. So much to do! We will go back!

Hi from Chi town!

Well its about time I updated this with Chicago trip details.
We finally got to go on a vacation just the two of us without it being a tag along for Patti's job!- We had been to Chicago with friends before but this time It was all about us! We deciced to do things we had always wanted to and the week just flew by!

 Arriving the first day we werwe so pleased with our hotel The Sheraton So close to everything and fancy shmasy!We walked to the Millineum park and stopped at the cultural center- WOW! There is the largest ever tiffany dome inside!

Then we Walked to the Navy Pier the first night and took a boat cruise.

The Tribune building was only a block away and I loved finding landmarks from all over and a Missouri (Injun Joes Cave!) rock. Patti found a Panama one too. And there was even a piece of the Twin Towers from 911.this area was fantastic the art- the architecture and the peopleall along this stretch of the magnificent mile- was a fun eveninng stroll.

 So on the second day we did some excersise!- We went on what was supposed to be a 7-8 mile Bicycle tour. We saw the city like no tourists usually do- some great insights and the traffic was even nice. I was frightened at first riding on the street but in Chicago they actually give bikes the right of way! and the group ranged from an older retired couple to a young twenties couple with a toddler. The church we stopped t St. Michaels (I THINK) was awsome. and we got some great pictures there. Also some of my favorites taken this trip were of both of us by the tour guide EVAN - We rarely get both of us in a picture.

I was a little kid again- (like when am I not?) and got to ride the Ferris wheel at the Navy Pier and go to American Girl Doll store!

Patti loved the bus tour to China town- downtown and  the Art Institute- Shes such  a grown up - haha.

All in all we left wanting to return soon- I wonder what the holidays are like in CHi Town?

Been busy!

So, I have been lax in my blogging- sorry folks, for anyone who's reading. We have had an eventful year so far! Traveling thus far to SanDiego- Las Vegas- and now Chicago! Will post pics soon- we took so many I have to weed through a lot!

The latest news Patti- rode in the Aids Bicycle challenge this year Sat the 12th along with over 300 others and raised twice what they did last year! She was also co-chair for the 33 mile leg. It is heartwarming that in this economy people are willing to help charities.

We both have started walking with a group from sparkspeople.com- the INDEPENDENCE team, at least once a week more when possible.
This is a fantastic website (FREE) for anyone who wants to be healthier. They have a wonderful support system with easy to navigate pages. Also its like a facebook atmosphere you get a page- blogs etc. the fun thing is the game aspect where you even recieve points for interating with others, spinning the wheel, and reading informative articles. I have met so many new people. For someone who works nights its a wonderful way to have people involved again in my life!-haha

So far I have lost 3 pounds... I plan to get down to 150- or less is my goal.

Anyway- I have discovered, facebook and sparkspeople, mafia wars, and walking and am having a great time, will try and post more often- Hi KATIE!- luv, Diana