Our Godson Pete and his wife Tessa had a baby girl yesterday. Her name is Mackenzie Grace and she is a darling! We were awaiting news yesterday as we knew Tessa was scheduled for a c-section. Late in the afternoon, pictures of the new arrival were posted on Facebook.
This morning, we got a text from Pete asking if we wanted to come and visit? Of course, we did! Early this afternoon, we headed to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake. After a stop to pick up some pink roses for the baby, we went up the second floor. Baby Mackenzie was sleeping in her Mommy's arms with her proud Daddy by her side. Fortunately, I got to hold Mackenzie and get my baby fix in. You forget how tiny babies are when they are brand new. Even though she weighed nine pounds, Mackenzie is so little! And so cute!
Such a fun visit! We made a stop at Staples to pick up an accordion folder for the 2016 ranch paperwork, then headed for home. But not before we picked up a couple of DQ ice cream sandwiches and a butterscotch latte for Forry at Starbucks.
We had awoken this morning to another inch of very wet snow on the ground. About noon, the sun came out and it was actually warm. The quail were out scratching in the snow when I got up, trying to see if there were wheat kernels under all that snow. It was warm enough this afternoon that that top layer of new snow has pretty much melted off, leaving the icy layers behind.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Quiet Day
Oh, it felt so good to sleep in this morning. It's been a busy weekend and we had been up early too many days in a row. We pretty much stayed home today, so still have no idea what was going on last night next door.
I finished up the ranch books today and finally got a response on how to look at the bank statements for our personal account. Seems I have to do it on my laptop -- you can't access it from the mobile account on the iPad! so tomorrow I'll start on that project.
I finished off another one of the five gallon buckets of wheat scraps this morning. Seems like we have more and more quail coming in all the time. They seem to get pretty excited when they find any of the little scraps of grass that are finally beginning to show through the snow and ice. They are still very jumpy though. Rightfully so, as we saw a Northern Harrier circling around for quite some time.
Forry has been working on the electrical connections with the plug-in by the bathroom sink. It's been inoperative since we blew the inverter late last Fall. I'll be very happy when he figures it out. I miss having that outlet!
I did get a load of laundry done - and the dishes from the weekend
I finished up the ranch books today and finally got a response on how to look at the bank statements for our personal account. Seems I have to do it on my laptop -- you can't access it from the mobile account on the iPad! so tomorrow I'll start on that project.
I finished off another one of the five gallon buckets of wheat scraps this morning. Seems like we have more and more quail coming in all the time. They seem to get pretty excited when they find any of the little scraps of grass that are finally beginning to show through the snow and ice. They are still very jumpy though. Rightfully so, as we saw a Northern Harrier circling around for quite some time.
Forry has been working on the electrical connections with the plug-in by the bathroom sink. It's been inoperative since we blew the inverter late last Fall. I'll be very happy when he figures it out. I miss having that outlet!
I did get a load of laundry done - and the dishes from the weekend
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Sabbath Day
It was hard getting up this morning, but we persevered and made it to church in plenty of time. We have been enjoying having Keith Schaeffer as a guest speaker since Pastor Matthew left. He's had some interesting life experiences and preaches some good sermons.
I had a chance after church to have a good visit with Randy about the plans for his Dad's (our friend Vic) Memorial Service which will be held in March. It was great to visit with Randy and catch up.
We did stop at Dairy Queen on the way home for ice cream sandwiches. That's getting to be a bad habit!
I recorded this morning's 15/15 Bucking Battle in Sacramento so that we could watch it when we got home. Then later this evening, we are watching the regular PBR show from there.
But the big show is right outside. So far, there are three ambulances, a fire truck and a sheriff's rig parked on the road behind us with all their lights flashing. There is a lot of traffic in and out of the neighbor's large shed up there, but we have no idea what is going on! I suppose we'll find out in the morning...
I had a chance after church to have a good visit with Randy about the plans for his Dad's (our friend Vic) Memorial Service which will be held in March. It was great to visit with Randy and catch up.
We did stop at Dairy Queen on the way home for ice cream sandwiches. That's getting to be a bad habit!
I recorded this morning's 15/15 Bucking Battle in Sacramento so that we could watch it when we got home. Then later this evening, we are watching the regular PBR show from there.
But the big show is right outside. So far, there are three ambulances, a fire truck and a sheriff's rig parked on the road behind us with all their lights flashing. There is a lot of traffic in and out of the neighbor's large shed up there, but we have no idea what is going on! I suppose we'll find out in the morning...
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Early Day
We had to be at Menno by 9 AM this morning for the Annual Meeting. That made for an early up in order to be out of the house by 8. It was not easy.
Fortunately, Head Deacon Dennis runs a taut meeting. Without a pastor, even the budget discussion was short. We were done shortly after 10:30.
We made arrangements to have lunch with Dennis and Kay at Michael's Bistro in Moses Lake. We were there around 11:30, so we were able to be served quickly as it was pretty empty. That didn't last long. By the time we finished, the place was packed. The food was really good. Forry had a Reuben, I had a steak salad, Dennis had a burger and Kay had a sandwich, soup and salad trio.
We made a quick stop at Safeway to gas up and get a box of coffee for our Keurig. Once again, the store was packed. It doesn't seem to matter when you go there, it is always busy.
Brother Pat called me from Yuma where he is overseeing the digging of carrot roots that will be transported to the Columbia Basin and replanted in the spring to produce carrot seed. Pat had to give me a bad time about having to wear a sweatshirt yesterday because it was windy... I told him that it was too bad he missed the snow here!
Fortunately, Head Deacon Dennis runs a taut meeting. Without a pastor, even the budget discussion was short. We were done shortly after 10:30.
We made arrangements to have lunch with Dennis and Kay at Michael's Bistro in Moses Lake. We were there around 11:30, so we were able to be served quickly as it was pretty empty. That didn't last long. By the time we finished, the place was packed. The food was really good. Forry had a Reuben, I had a steak salad, Dennis had a burger and Kay had a sandwich, soup and salad trio.
We made a quick stop at Safeway to gas up and get a box of coffee for our Keurig. Once again, the store was packed. It doesn't seem to matter when you go there, it is always busy.
Brother Pat called me from Yuma where he is overseeing the digging of carrot roots that will be transported to the Columbia Basin and replanted in the spring to produce carrot seed. Pat had to give me a bad time about having to wear a sweatshirt yesterday because it was windy... I told him that it was too bad he missed the snow here!
Friday, January 27, 2017
More Snow!
Shortly after I got up this morning, I looked out the window and it was snowing again! I know it wasn't snowing earlier and it didn't need to be snowing then. Fortunately, it didn't last terribly long and it was warm enough so that it didn't stick to the ground.
One of the maintenance fellows came around with the tractor this morning. He had the big shovel filled with coarse sand. He proceeded to take a scoop shovel and spread several shovelfuls all around the car and the pathway. After the way everyone was slipping and sliding at the potluck last night, I think management must have gotten a bit nervous.
I spent a good share of the afternoon working on the ranch books. In the process, I found some paperwork that we hadn't signed and sent back to the Farm Services Agency. I called them to make sure I hadn't done it electronically, but no such luck. So we got it all signed, then Forry took the envelope on up to the mail box. He said it was a lot easier getting out to the car with the sand there.
One of the maintenance fellows came around with the tractor this morning. He had the big shovel filled with coarse sand. He proceeded to take a scoop shovel and spread several shovelfuls all around the car and the pathway. After the way everyone was slipping and sliding at the potluck last night, I think management must have gotten a bit nervous.
I spent a good share of the afternoon working on the ranch books. In the process, I found some paperwork that we hadn't signed and sent back to the Farm Services Agency. I called them to make sure I hadn't done it electronically, but no such luck. So we got it all signed, then Forry took the envelope on up to the mail box. He said it was a lot easier getting out to the car with the sand there.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Sun Desert Day
I did get myself organized today and went over to the Clubhouse this morning and joined the ladies for coffee (I spaced it last week!). In contrast to what I had heard about the last couple of weeks, there was a good turnout. I think everyone has cabin fever. I usually walk over, it's not that far. But is just too icy! It's barely possible to get to Toad II after one of the maintenance crew shoveled away some of the ice from the path to the doors at our place. Then, once I drove to the Clubhouse, I had to hang on to the car, trying to crunch the ice as I walked until I got to the sidewalk. It's treacherous out there!
Like the Bible Study meeting I was at last night, everyone seemed pleased to see each other and to share their holiday stories. Unfortunately, many had been sick with flu and bronchitis and there had been a couple of surgeries as well.
Today is the fourth Thursday of the month, so there was the monthly park potluck this evening. We debated briefly about going, but have committed ourselves to being friendly, so went. There was a fairly decent turnout, about twenty some people. As usual, there was some really good food, including homemade lemon meringue pies that the Park Manager made.
We drove back home afterwards admiring the glistening sheet of icy snow under the lights. Today continued the pattern of temperatures slightly above freezing during the day, melting some of snow, then again dropping below freezing after sunset. I know that this slow thawing is very good for both the farmers and those who would be affected by flooding. But, I sure am getting tired of the ice!
Like the Bible Study meeting I was at last night, everyone seemed pleased to see each other and to share their holiday stories. Unfortunately, many had been sick with flu and bronchitis and there had been a couple of surgeries as well.
Today is the fourth Thursday of the month, so there was the monthly park potluck this evening. We debated briefly about going, but have committed ourselves to being friendly, so went. There was a fairly decent turnout, about twenty some people. As usual, there was some really good food, including homemade lemon meringue pies that the Park Manager made.
We drove back home afterwards admiring the glistening sheet of icy snow under the lights. Today continued the pattern of temperatures slightly above freezing during the day, melting some of snow, then again dropping below freezing after sunset. I know that this slow thawing is very good for both the farmers and those who would be affected by flooding. But, I sure am getting tired of the ice!
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Another Busy Day
We had to be in Moses Lake by one o'clock this afternoon for Forry's dentist appointment. This is the third chipped tooth he's had in the past year or so. They fixed it. Our dental hygienist Niece Becky has gotten him some special toothpaste that is supposed to help keep that from happening - hope it helps.
From the dentist office, we went to the grocery store for a long delayed shopping expedition. Hopefully, I now have more than enough foodstuffs and meat to keep us happy during the next snow storm - or two.
The next stop was at Starbucks. We both figured we needed a reward for what we had accomplished so far. Forry's been drinking peppermint mochas. I tried their newest latte - a cascara one. The barista said it wasn't as sweet as the ones with flavored syrups. She was right, and it was very good.
From there to Denny's for an early dinner. Forry loves their pancakes. I had somewhat spoiled my dinner at Starbucks, so ordered a plate of spaghetti without meatballs.
Last stop was Monroe House where our Ladie's Bible Study meets. We've been meeting there so that Dorothy and Malinda and Marge can easily attend. It makes it easier for me as well as it's another twenty miles on out to the church. Because of the holidays and the very bad drifting and ice, we haven't met since before Christmas. So there was a great deal of sharing. It was good.
From the dentist office, we went to the grocery store for a long delayed shopping expedition. Hopefully, I now have more than enough foodstuffs and meat to keep us happy during the next snow storm - or two.
The next stop was at Starbucks. We both figured we needed a reward for what we had accomplished so far. Forry's been drinking peppermint mochas. I tried their newest latte - a cascara one. The barista said it wasn't as sweet as the ones with flavored syrups. She was right, and it was very good.
From there to Denny's for an early dinner. Forry loves their pancakes. I had somewhat spoiled my dinner at Starbucks, so ordered a plate of spaghetti without meatballs.
Last stop was Monroe House where our Ladie's Bible Study meets. We've been meeting there so that Dorothy and Malinda and Marge can easily attend. It makes it easier for me as well as it's another twenty miles on out to the church. Because of the holidays and the very bad drifting and ice, we haven't met since before Christmas. So there was a great deal of sharing. It was good.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Still Slick!
I left the Annual Report that was distributed in church Sunday in the car. Forry went out to get it shortly after noon. He came back in shaking his head about how slick it was outside. There was sort of a path around the car as well as out to the bird feeder. Those paths of beaten down snow are now solid ice - and they have a layer of water on them from the melting that went on this morning. The temperature for the last couple days has been in the high thirties, going back to below freezing at night. The snow pack is slowly getting less, but not measurably so.
It was back to the books again this morning. I got three more months done. That makes half the year finished! Also managed to get two more loads of laundry done. After doing the cleaning protocol on my Splendide washer/dryer last week, it is surprising how quickly it dries now.
It was back to the books again this morning. I got three more months done. That makes half the year finished! Also managed to get two more loads of laundry done. After doing the cleaning protocol on my Splendide washer/dryer last week, it is surprising how quickly it dries now.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Monday Is a Work Day!
I don't know quite how it happened, but I actually got a bit ambitious today. I finally got started on the ranch books. It took a bit to get back in the swing of Quickbooks, but I ended up getting three months done. I stripped the sheets off the bed and got them washed (it takes two loads - a sheet and a pillowcase in each - in my little Splendide washer/dryer.). I filled the bird feeder - finally finishing off the bag they don't like so well - and scattered wheat for the quail. I went on-line and ordered prescriptions for Forry. I even made mini-meatloaves and baked sweet potatoes for dinner. I still have to put clean sheets on the bed. It's been a busy day.
There were lots of birds at the feeder this morning and the quail were out in force. Then all of a sudden this afternoon, they ALL disappeared! And there wasn't a bird to be seen for over an hour. We could see a blackbird or two in the trees way over on the far edge of the park, but that was it. After a long time, they gradually started coming back, but they were extremely jumpy. All we can figure out is there must have been another hawk somewhere in the trees behind us that we couldn't see.
It was overcast all day today with a temperature up to 38 degrees. We didn't get any more precipitation and it continues to slowly melt. It's still slick out there!
There were lots of birds at the feeder this morning and the quail were out in force. Then all of a sudden this afternoon, they ALL disappeared! And there wasn't a bird to be seen for over an hour. We could see a blackbird or two in the trees way over on the far edge of the park, but that was it. After a long time, they gradually started coming back, but they were extremely jumpy. All we can figure out is there must have been another hawk somewhere in the trees behind us that we couldn't see.
It was overcast all day today with a temperature up to 38 degrees. We didn't get any more precipitation and it continues to slowly melt. It's still slick out there!
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Late Start
Staying up late to watch Saturday Night Live makes it tough to get going on Sunday mornings. And for some reason it was especially hard this morning. In my messed up brain, I was thinking we were a half hour away from Menno. But that's only how long it takes to get to Moses Lake. It's another twenty miles out to church! So we were late this morning. I hate being late!
Earl, one of our church friends, approached us after church and informed us he was taking us out to lunch in Moses Lake with him. We have occasionally had lunch after church with him before, but usually in Ritzville with Colleen and Dennis. Earl, who will be ninety this coming June, is a delight to visit with. We ate and talked and then visited some more. I think it was almost four by the time we got home.
It was raining this morning when we left for church and it was raining hard while we were having lunch in Moses Lake. The temperature was hovering around 36-37 degrees, but it once again dropped below freezing when the sun set. Hopefully, this will keep the thawing of all this saturated snow slow and it will soak in rather than just run off. But, the forecast still calls for more snow...
Earl, one of our church friends, approached us after church and informed us he was taking us out to lunch in Moses Lake with him. We have occasionally had lunch after church with him before, but usually in Ritzville with Colleen and Dennis. Earl, who will be ninety this coming June, is a delight to visit with. We ate and talked and then visited some more. I think it was almost four by the time we got home.
It was raining this morning when we left for church and it was raining hard while we were having lunch in Moses Lake. The temperature was hovering around 36-37 degrees, but it once again dropped below freezing when the sun set. Hopefully, this will keep the thawing of all this saturated snow slow and it will soak in rather than just run off. But, the forecast still calls for more snow...
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