Skiing backdrop

This was the backdrop against which I skied the other day...wow...

Playoff Sunday

Like many people, we geared up to watch the Packer-Bear game last week...but I'm afraid we weren't very welcoming to our Bear fan friends...sorry Mike...

A quick visit to the old hometown..

Kristin only had half a day today, so Frank guarded Ben while Kristin and I took a quick ride to Sheboygan.  We visited the high school...

Tried to find Mr McKnight...

And had a little visit with Mom before she went out.  She is planning for her trip and does an excellent job informing her house sitter of the care her plants require!  No wonder her plants so look so great!

Things to do during a blizzard

 

Take your daughter to the mall so she can get more holes in her head...

 Build a bunny to give to your sick husband

Enjoy!

The mighty Mississippi

This is where I woke up this morning...(Mom, you would have HATED this bridge!)  Cars sort of share the bridge with the trains...I actually crossed the bridge at the same time as one this morning!

I finished my trip with one last wonderful hike along the Mississippi then drove home while listening to "This I Believe", a gift book from Christmas.  I feel so refreshed and rested...ahhh...

Who knew?

Who could have known that in the backwoods of Missouri I could experience such remarkable terrain?  So many wonderful natural features and on such a beautiful day!

The mountaintops of Arkansas

Who knew there were such wonderful mountains in Arkansas?  I climbed a couple, then refreshed with some down-home BBQ, okra and turnip greens served up by some sweet talking southerners.  I could get used to this...

Beautiful bluffs

It wasn't really planned, but this trip has kept me alongside the mighty Mississippi almost the entire time.  I love this river and the bluffs that rim it so much of the time...

Southern comfort

It is January, so I am taking my annual January trip.  A road trip seemed in order because of our new purchase, so I planned to head south to the Smokies again like last year.  But due to an ice and snow storm in those mountains, I headed south and west toward Missouri rather than south and east toward Tennessee.  It's still a bit snowy, but warmer, and beautiful!  So beautiful that I have forgotten to take pictures.  Here's my lame attempt, but I'll try to be more diligent in the next few days!

Happy hot-tubbers!

Aren't they cute?!

It must be winter...

It must be winter when we get our kicks by messing with Frank...

One dumb, but lucky mouse

The mice have figured out that we (I should say Frank!) is firmly committed to feeding our local wildlife during these cold winter months.  But there can be a problem for hungry mice who dive in to the bucket without making plans for getting back out!  Lucky for this one that I was feeling compassionate...

Magic bullet loved by all...

Kristin was inspired by Debbie to eat healthier during our last visit, so she asked for a magic bullet this year for Christmas.  It arrived today and we put it straight to work!  We loved our healthy dinner, and the cat has decided that the magic bullet bag is his new bed!  Come on over anytime for a healthy smoothie or a not-so-healthy raspberry shake!

The new car!

Happy New Car Day!

Okay, I know I am going nuts about this new car thing, but it represents a new sort of freedom for me...this is the first time in many years I haven't had to decide on a car based on transporting Ben.  (Clint helped us!)  This is a car that I chose...thanks for sharing in the joy with me!  I'll probably be traveling to see you all soon!

One final holiday

My mom is back from her holiday visit with Debbie in Virginia, so she and Jim were able to come over for a sort of New Year's/Christmas combination celebration.  We ate, and laughed and guided the Packers to a victory! 

We also exchanged a few thoughtful gifts...I am especially thankful for the focus our family as able to put on our combined charitable gift this year...thank you all so much for your generous contributions!

Goodbye and hello...

For many years, the kids and I have been associated with our minivan...especially this last one...we have eaten in it, slept in it, traveled the country in all directions...it has been a wonderful van...195,000 miles!

But today, Frank negotiated us up to something new...check it out!