We're all fine

I know most of you know about the weather we have been having. We have found out that almost everyone we know are all okay. We talked to friends in Hazelton and their house got minor damage, but their out buildings are all gone and their neighbor had most things distroyed.
Heard that our friend in Parkersburg was on the other end of town. Still trying to find out about a few we know that lived in Parkersburg. We hope that we can help out when they let people go in to help with clean up.
Good news from this week end. Lisa and I, and Steve and Gina and family went to Kelly and Tony's renewal vows this week end. We had a lot of fun. I think Kelly was more nervous than the first time. No worries Kel, Kel. Gina did a whole retro back to the 80's service, that had to be translated. It was funny and I think Kelly liked the whole thing.
We did get Lisa on skate that night. Yes, I did say skates. It took three guys around her, but we did it. All in all it was a good week end and we all had fun at the rink. Congrats Kelly and Tony!
Other than that Casey and I are still working like everybody else. We both really do enjoy our jobs. For me it is nice not having to make any of the decisions. I just do my job and go home. Oh yeah, the regular pay check is nice. I haven't had one of those for a really long time.
Casey is really enjoying his job too. He already got a raise after 30 day revue. I was put in for one too. He enjoys all the people he is working with. Even the ladies. He says they are great gals to work with. He worked with women years ago in a factory and it wasn't, shall we say, an experience he wanted to repeat. These gals are good. His boss is a woman and he likes her.
Not much else, just waiting for the weather to get to some what normal for this time of the year.
Please remember all the ones that are dealing with a lot of destruction here and in other states.
We are all Americans and like a family we will deal with this too and help each other out at what ever needs done. God Bless Us All.

Our Bowling in Chicago

Well, we had an eventful trip. Started out just like any other trip. Had all the things we where going to need. Day wasn't bad for traveling, a little chilly, no rain, happy about that. We get closer to Chicago and Gina ask, "Do you know where the hotel is, Casey?" Casey booked the hotel. Answer, "I left the info at home." We don't know where the hotel was. We kinda know from the bowling alley. Fortunately we know where the bowling alley is. We thought.
Chicago is full of toll ways, right. You can not get off where ever you want, right. Needless to say we found our way to O'Hare. Casey keeps saying to Steve just keep going while we are driving thru the terminals. We saw a lot of limo's. He was right, we just kept driving and we came out of O'Hare. He had done the same thing years ago when he was trying to find a show. He knew where we where, but none of us did. We did then find the bowling alley and then the hotel. Casey won't be in charge of hotel info from now on.
Other that being in places we have never been before we had a great week end. Now Gina can say that she has been in some new places, again. Gina knew we where never leaving O'Hare.
Oh, yeah the bowling tournament. We got there when the place opened, had to wait, but it finally started. They did a few things different, but over all it was the same. New people where there. We only recognized a couple other teams. One was the team we bowled against last year the last time. Didn't like them, the only ones we didn't like. Didn't bowl them either. We didn't do as well as last year but we still had fun. Gina and I did good in the sweeper before the tournament started. I got 5th and Gina won the highest handicap. Sorry boys it was a girl week end. Over all we came in 16th out of 40 teams. We where happy. We just didn't want to embarrass ourselves.
We did some shopping and had good food otherwise it was a good week end.

Just an update

Hi, Just wanted to let everyone know what was going on. Yes, Casey and I are one of the regular people. We both have our new jobs and so far we both like them. To the surprise of most our families. I think it is a surprise to both of us too. Casey says he does really like driving only a few minutes to get to work. After all those years of driving 60 miles to work and home again for 35 years. Maybe he is getting older. No, I don't think so, and neither does he. At least he doesn't act it. That's my husband or child, which ever fits at the time.
I do really like my job too. I only work a few hours a day. I get to see a lot of people that I didn't see much. When you work from home you don't see a lot of other people. I don't have to make the decisions and all the headaches. Someone else gets that job. I just do my job and like it. I know it is kind of a surprise for me too.
Last week end I went on my first bus shop hop. Thats a quilting shopping trip for those of you who don't know what that is. We had 44 women on one, new, bus going to quilt shops. For a quilter it is heaven. We stopped at 5 different shops from the twin cities to Ames, IA. At every shop they had food. I don't think I have ate so many different times in one day. We did three our first day then stayed in Owatona, MN for the night and then went to Ames, IA and back to Webster City, IA. We started in Webster City. We played a bunch of fun games and met some great gals. I'm ready for another one.
Oh yeah, we are leaving for Chicago this week end and told the guys we are stopping at some shops. Our own little shop hop. Steve's driving. They get their bowling in too. We'll all be happy. We are doing the Storm Mixed team tournament in Elk Grove. We took 2nd place last year. I am usually glad if I just don't embarrass myself.
That's all for now. Oh yeah, we have had a bunch of rain. Yes, water in the basement, but not much. The drain took care of it. Cats are not happy.
I am posting the quilt I did for Jenna, my niece in Texas. I made one for her folks to give to her for her birthday. She has it now so I can post it. Happy Birthday Jenna.

More work news

Casey just got a call yesterday and he starts at Norby's Farm and Fleet. We have been waiting for that for a while. The gas prices have just been killing us. He won't know what to do just driving a few miles to work. He starts on Sunday for his first day.
Casey and the team he bowls with for State Tournament went to Council Bluffs this past week end. I don't know just how well they did. I know some struggled at both places.
We got to have a baby to play with all week end. Nathan Sealmans baby, Noah, came a long. He reminded me of my boys. He was a good baby. Lots of smiles and laughs. He likes my faces I make. I did have to talk to him and let him know that I would tell him how to keep his parents guessing. He can not be good all the time. They might want to have a dozen more and then his baby sister or brother will come a long and shock them. We all know how that works.
I have a quilt shop hop coming up in a week or so. I get to take a bus trip with other quilters for an overnighter. Nice having someone else do the driving.
My work is going well. I am learning how things go. I feel like I mess everybody up all the time. If I get the hang of all the discounts, I might feel like I am not messing up everything.
That's all for now. Will let you know how the State Seniors Bowling for Casey comes out.

A lot is happening.

I am finally getting something posted. I am just waiting for Casey to get something cut for me. That is why I have some time. A lot has happened.
We went to Spencer for a craft show and it was really, really, really bad. Get the picture. There where no people to show up. We had more people last year, the first year. The weather wasn't bad either. May not be doing shows any more. At least the way we have. Let you know more later.
Casey got a part time job in Waterloo working for a locksmith. They say that he is a natural at picking locks. I told him that it is good that he does this now and not when he was younger. That could have gotten him in trouble. He didn't say anything. I think he might agree.
Many will not believe this, but I decided to get a job on the way home from the show on Sunday night. Went to Subway Monday afternoon and got hired on Wednesday. My first day was Thursday. They work fast. I think I am going to like it. They keep asking me if I have any questions, about 1,000 of them, but it will take awhile to figure out which ones to ask. I only work part time and am happy with that. Didn't want a full time job. No, there isn't anything wrong. A lot of people are surprise about it. I just want a little extra and something to keep me sane. Sitting around the house is not my idea of fun. This way I can buy more material for quilting. I like to stay in the public. 30 years of doing shows, you meet a lot of people. I like that. The same thing all the time isn't for me.
Well, I'm off for my retreat of Quilt Till You Wilt. I intend to do that.

"Tagged...."

I don't know what I'm doing, but I will give it a try.
I guess I have been tagged.

HERE'S HOW YOU PLAY. ONCE YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED YOU HAVE TO WRITE A BLOG OF TEN WEIRD, RANDOM THINGS, FACTS OR HABITS ABOUT YOURSELF. AT THE END, YOU CHOOSE FIVE PEOPLE TO BE TAGGED, LISTING THEIR NAMES AND WHY YOU CHOOSE THEM TO BE TAGGED. DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE THEM A COMMENT 'YOU'RE IT' AND TO READ YOUR BLOG. YOU CAN'T TAG THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU. SINCE YOU CAN'T TAG THAT PERSON BACK, LET HIM OR HER KNOW WHEN YOU'VE POSTED YOU BLOG SO HE OR SHE CAN READ YOUR ANSWERS.
Val.
1. The colors at my wedding where blue and green. After my wedding I think that three or four family members had the same colors at their weddings.
2. I always wanted to be a cheerleader.
3. My dream for being married and working was always to work with my husband and traveling the country. WOW, I guess I did get that dream. It feels good living my dream.
4. I thought I always wanted to dance in front of an audience. Thank you clogging.
5. After I was married I detasseled with a bunch of teens. Some of the boys found a snake and where scaring the girls. I needed to walk back to the bus-by the boys and snake. I am very scared of snakes. I told myself that if I flinched I would be dead meat. I was proud of myself and did not flinch once. After I got to the bus I thought I would faint.
6. I was very shy and quiet when I was in school. There might be help for Nick yet.
7. I have the habit of counting things when I drive by myself. Cans on the side of the road, quilt blocks on barns, just anything that makes time go faster.
8. I almost didn't get my drivers license. My mom made me get it.
9. When I was in 2nd grade, in Eldora, I am not sure what happened, but for some reason I ended up wetting myself in class. I mean a puddle under my chair. Everybody knew what happened. All I remember is I went to the nurse and said I wanted to got home and walk all the way to my grandma's house. Not really something I want to remember.
10. I do not like meeting new people. But I am trying to get over that one. My confindense is coming.
We'll see what Casey comes up with.
Andrea...I want to see if you have any more. Knowing you, you do.
Steve....I know there are a lot of things a mom doesn't know.
Vic... Give us info.
Nick...Join the fun.
That's all I have

Crazy time.

I know I have not posted for awhile. A couple of things have been going on. I have been busy with a lot of sewing events lately. At the end of the month I had our Spring Sew in Grundy at the comm. center. We have a Spring and Fall Sew each year. It is just a chance to get our projects done that either we need to get done or just want to get done. I had was able to get a lot done. I worked on a large quilt for someone, no Cory and Shelly it wasn't yours yet.
After that week end I got the distinct pleasure of getting the crude that everyone else is or has gotten. Spent the entire week last week sleeping, coughing, and feeling just plain miserable. Still have drainage and coughing, but at least I feel more normal.
Last week was a sad one for us. Lisa's roommate Verina died. We all new it was just a matter of time and we all know that she is so much better now and can have all she wants to eat. Verina's family was so good to Lisa. They all think of her as part of their family now. They all appreciated how good Lisa took care of Verina for these two years. It was so wonderful to see how much they cared for each other. Thank you Folkerts' family for your love and care for Lisa in your time of sorrow.
This week I started to get back to normal. I had signed up for two classes at Hawkeye. They where both for sewing. One was Thread Thrills and Fabric Fondling and the other Machine Quilting. They where both all day classes. Boy, what a way to get back to normal. If anybody wants to learn about sewing or have sewn, but want to learn about all the threads and fabrics that are out there and what or when to use them you want to take this class. This is not your homeec class. Man what an eye opener. The machine quilting also showed me what my machine can do for me and how to use it to it's capability. I also learned you don't need an expensive machine to do this. I'm all excited about sewing again.
That is all I got for now. Enjoy the warm weather while we have it.

Here we are again.

As you all know we have had another one of those snow events. Aren't we just the luckest people around? I know that we have had to have done something really -------is it good? No, I think we must have done something really ---bad. I just wish I knew what it is so we can quit doing it. I can not remember having so many things canceled before. Either we are real sissys or we have been getting some bad weather. Darn that global warming thing. Casey made the comment this summer that he was really tired of mowing so much. We had to mow all summer no down time in August like normal. He said the other day that he was not going to complain about mowing again, because he would rather mow than shovel.
We have been staying very busy, and no not all just shoveling snow. Casey started a new job a couple of weeks ago. He always wanted to get a part time job after John Deere. He found one in Waterloo and a locksmith place. He really likes the people and is learning a bunch of neat things. He says it is different every day and only works for 5 hours a day. I like it because I am able to get some things done with him gone. I don't know why it works that when he is here, I don't get near as much done. We're both happy this way. I guess it is so many years of him working 2nd shift and being gone at night. I do like him home at night even tho we both have a lot of things we do at night. The trick has been watching things we both like on TV. I have had my way for a long time. I have had to learn not to watch so many reality shows. Casey hates most of them. But I have caught him watching and commenting on some.
We have been doing a lot of bowling. When the weather cooperates. I got my singles and doubles for state done. We had to reschedule the team, because of, guess what, the weather. This week is City tournament and a 8 pin tournament in Eldora. Will let you know how we do. This is a team event. We will be with Gina, Bob and Doreen Getting, and Casey and I. Should be interesting.
Last Friday we went to the dance at Electric Park. A lot of people where there. Lisa had a lot of fun. Vic brought her some really nice flowers. Everybody wanted to know "What's going on". Vic brought them for Valentines Day. Also that night Lisa saw a guy she thought she would like to meet. Her and I went to the rest room and on the way back I asked her if she wanted to meet him? After some coaxing we introduced ourselves and said if he would like to dance that Lisa would like to slow dance with her. He came over later and they had their first dance. I told her that life was too short and grab life by the horns and go for it. He came back later for another one. We will see what happens at the next dance. The boy has some moves on the dance floor. I wish I could move like that.
Well, I will say by from the fridge northern region of Iowa.

Yes, we made it.

Well, we made it through another snow event, that is what they are calling snow storms now. I just call it a lot of snow to shovel. Thank goodness for snowblowers. We got enough of the not so white stuff piling up I am not sure where anymore is going to be put. We have probably 3 ft piles along the alley. And just think, we only have what----5 weeks left. Isn't that what that darn groundhog said. Thanks furry little critter. This is Iowa just waiting for the next big event to happen.

AGAIN, SNOW

I for one would like to know what we here in Iowa have done! We must have really made someone mad at us. Here we go again. It is currently snowing again. I for one am a person who doesn't mind some snow and cold in the winter. I am not sure if it is just old age or what, but enough is enough. I don't like the whole ice thing. I am very tired of that. I am not sure what to believe for this time, seeing how the weather guys haven't gotten many of these things right so far this year. We have a chance of getting anywhere from flurries{doesn't look like that is going to happen} to a foot of snow. Oh Yeah! Well here we go again. Will let you know what we end up with.

$100,000.00

I don't know about you all, but wouldn't that have been a nice surprise. In case you have not heard about this let me enlighten you. Somewhere in Iowa a man came in to a restruant and told the couple to right out the check for whatever they wanted so they put $100,000.00. The check cleared. Please someone ask me. Thought you might like this in case you haven't heard it yet.

We all did good

We got the results of the Traer Tournament. Steve and Val got first in the doubles and Casey and Gina got 6th. In the Singles part of it Val got first and Casey got third, Steve just finished out of the pay. Sorry Gina, next time. The main thing is we all had a lot of fun. I think the next one is State for both Val and Casey and City tourn. then off to Chicago for the Mixed doubles.

Traer Tournament

Just wanted to let you all know how things went at Traer. Val wants to take those lanes home with her. This is why. We bowled 4 games, doubles. Val and Steve partnered and Casey and Gina partnered. This is a pairing we haven't done yet. There where two other couples there bowling with us. One was Bob and Doreen Getting. Bob is on Steve's Wed. night men's team, Bob and Casey have paired for State Bowling. He also bowls with Gina on a Sunday night mix team. Doreen has bowled for both Val and Gina on Sunday night mixed. So we all had a lot of fun. The other couple was a local pair. They where very nice too and we all had fun.
Val finally beat everybody. As Casey says " Val did good." We all did good. But Val did beyond her norm. We did 4 games and threw out the worst. Val threw out a 200 game. Yes, I did say 200. Games were Val-209-295- 200-248-; Casey-216-278-205-211; Steve-267-194-220-232; Gina-127-154-232-186. Yes, you are seeing a 295, I choked on the last ball. Didn't do anything right. We won't know until Monday when everyone is done bowling how we came out. I will let you know then.

Casey's okay

Thought I would let you know how Casey came out at the dr.'s today. He got an okay and looks like every thing is going good. He just needs to keep track of the acid reflux to see if it still bothers him. Go back in a month to let the doctor know how that is going. I hope we don't see a doctor until then.
I would also like to thank Ken, brother-in-law, for the snow removal the last two days. Hope we don't have so much of that either. Again, thanks Ken.

Rita's Funeral

Just talked to Linda and the services are on Thursday morning 10:30 with family being able to be there at 9:00 am., at the Murdock Funeral Home, same as Larry's. They are having a time of lunch after at Rita's after service.

Great night at bowling

Even though Casey could not bowl last night I had a great night. I got my second ever game over 200. I bowled an amazing for me 210. Early in the season I got a
201, just made it. I am no where near the other ones, but at least I am improving.
We probably won't hear about this happening again any time soon. Thanks for letting my brag a little.

Bye Rita

I just got a call from my cousin Linda Husiman in Reinbeck and she told me that her sister Rita Mullholland died in her sleep last night. Sunday Jan. 19th. Don't know much yet. Should find out more tomorrow after they make the arrangements.
Rita was my attendant when I got married. She lived with us my last year of high school. She was a very hard working gal. Raised her 3 grandkids from the time they where born. I'll miss our calls a lot. I'll put a picture of her up.

Casey's Surgery

Well, we finally found out what was wrong. Casey started to have a lot of pain. Took him to the doctor and a week later he had his Gallbladder out. He had it out on Tuesday Jan. 15th. He is doing fine, but doesn't like the way the meds make him feel. Of course, the first thing he asked the Doc. is "When can I go bowling?". Doctor told him when he feels like it. Right now he is looking at the 23rd. Now he is just trying to find out what he can eat. With his heartburn being so bad for awhile he is not sure what he wants to eat. Surprise, he is taking it slow. Hopefully we are done for a long while.

Our Interest

We have many interest that we partake in.
Casey's main interest as of now is bowling in leagues and doing as many tournaments as possible. One of his goals is to either have as high an average as his son, Steve, or beat him as often as possible. That means getting his name on the board as often as possible.
We both are bowling at least twice a week. Casey on Wednesday night Men's, Val on Monday night women's and both of us on Sunday night mixed leagues. Val finally got her name on the board for her first 200 game ever.
We also like to go camping whenever possible. We hope that now Casey has retired, we can camp a little more than in the past. We are looking forward to some new places.
Val likes to go clogging. She has been clogging for over 10 years. WOW didn't realise it had been that long. Still likes to kick her heels. Learning new dances is still the best.
Val has renewed her love of quilting again. Her and Gina have joined a local group of quilters called the Knot Sew Perfect Piecers { KSPP}. We meet once a month to share what we have done, that is always the best part, exchange things we have found to help with our quilting, and share lessons on new and different techniques. They are a great group of gals.
Of course we are still doing the craft shows. We have started making a new thing. It is a wooden quilt block that can be hun outside. We may be trying to do some quilt shows this year.
We have applied and got into our first one. See our group on "Shows". It will list all the shows and I will have pictures for the wood quilt blocks
I think you best thing to do is to be with and visit family. To us that is still our first priority.