Entrance to the back forty....yes, really there is a back forty (well, actually it is about 100) Thought this was just a nice shot.

Another page of life from the Farm....

Yes, I'm going to dedicate another page this evening to life on the Voparil Farm, these are a few more shots of the pictures I took yesterday afternoon. I really do love to take pictures, but until now really didn't have a way to show them to anyone, so aren't you lucky!!!!! I have to warn you, you may not like to subject matter as much as I do, but, what can I say......It's my damn Blog page...so there!!!
Today was the annual Cedar County Historical Society picnic. I don't mean to be cruel, but, why is it if you put on a post card, that is sent out to the entire membership, that the picnic starts at 12:00 noon.......the parking lot begins to fill up at 10:30!! I am ashamed to say this, but when I looked out the front door at 10:45 and 3 old folks were out there with the walkers........I.......(oh I am so ashamed) I left the door locked until 11:15 pretending that I didn't see them. Please god forgive me! When I did finally break down at 11:15 and open the door....they said "Oh, I think we a just a bit early, is it ok if we come in? Oh, yes please do!!!!! Anyway, we had a lovely picnic and a great turnout. I am glad to say this is the last picnic I have to host..I am hanging up my Presidential position this Dec. NOOOO Mr. Jeff Kaufmann, you cannot talk me into another year!!!!!
Best get to my claims, I have blown them off all weekend until now. Kurtis is in lying down with the beginnings of a migraine headache. I feel so bad for him when this happens, sure wish I knew what brought it on!! (Oh, could it be a alergic reaction to too many guns???? Now stop that that is just cruel!!

Until next time.....MOM

Wasn't it so nice that Mr. Swallowtail hung around a couple of moments and allowed me to shoot his picture....He was resting on a mulberry tree in the fence line.

Just messing around trying different hots, blending the background back and bringing the front forward..kind of a nice effect (No lack of junk to take pictures of on this farm. Just for your information, that is a old Model T frame in the background. No doubt a Voparil heirloom..

I shot this with my 300mm zoom lens so dont know if y0u can make it out, but there are about 30 Turkeys down by the pond....I wanted to shout out to them "Run for your lives!!! Haven't you heard Kurtis works at Scheels now!!!!!!

Dog Days of Summer on the Farm.......

I dedicate my blog this evening to a wonderful lazy afternoon in late July on the Voparil farm. I took time out of my usual list of chores to pick up my camera and do some shooting in the back forty. It was just one of those nice summer days, about 89 degrees or so, but a brisk breeze that made it actually quite tolerable. I took about 60 or 70 shots, but will share just a few and maybe a few more in the days to come.
I really have to stop and realize sometimes that I really am fortunate to live in what I would call the "heartland" of this country. I am very happy for that.
I took my trusty lawn tractor and drove around the pastures looking for a photogenic moment to present itself. As you can see from a couple of shots, our farm is very rustic. I like it that way, and for photographic reasons it lends itself well.
Hope you enjoy the photos....Until next time....MOM

Sorry, should of put this one with the cattle. For those of you who grew up on a farm and walked around cattle yards, you will understand this, if you didn't just giggle anyway, It'll make me feel better............

Here he is folks, farmer turned career man with his best buddy Maggie...get the look on her face..I just see she doesn't like this job shit either!!! Scratch my tummy....more more more!

I call this one "The retired Couple"

My dear little farmer racking his straw. I really do enjoy this career much more than the other....Oh, I digress.

For some reason the herd seems to have split into two different groups..apparently someone "Uddered" something insulting and all has not been forgiven as yet.

Resting under the old shade tree, about 89 degrees, locust singing and flies biting.

I finally managed to get the elusive Maggie to smile for the camera. I had to promise here two more snacks from the greenhouse and that I would never take her to that awfule male Corgi in West Branch ever again!! (I had my fingers crossed when I agreed!)

Its Friday Evening and all is well in Rural Solon........

Here I sit in my favorite little corner of the couch, just a dim light eminating from the t.v. as Kurtis watches "Farming with Oxen" on the RFD TV channel...and all is good. The gentle hum of the fan is relaxing, it is a pretty nice cool evening and nice to not have the air conditioning running. I anxiously await Kurtis to say something romantic to me, like "Gee Dear it is so nice to be sharing this beautiful evening with you, or, I missed you so much today Dear while at work.
Well, that would be nice but instead, here is how the conversation is going....."Guess what Dear, I made my goal for August!! $12,700.00!! I sold two two guns today, $300.00 worth of knives, hunting clothes and just about anything else you could need to blast the life out of anything that moves!! Dont, get me wrong, I am very proud of Kurtis, but he is a man driven....and nothing seems to be backing him off! He actually got a big handshake and congratulations from the main manager today for being such a quick learner and finishing off the month within the top sales category for the part-timers. I'm afraid this new career change is not going to pass soon. If it wasn't for the fact that he is so cute in his little outfit and having such a good time I would be upset.....so I guess I'll just have to go with the flow!
I did go into Scheels today at noon to have lunch with Kurtis..I anxiously awaited for him to get his break and to join me at the Panda express chinese food bar at the mall (no not quite HuHot is it!!) but, thats ok, I waited..and waited..and waited. Finally, here he comes...whats that? Oh, he doesn't seem to be alone......oh, he has one of his work buddies with him..for lunch?? Well, so much for our little rondeveous...Here dear, meet Josh Yoder. Well, it was still a nice lunch...and guess what, I now know Josh Yoder.
So, here we sit nice and quiet and I am enjoying our quiet time, and the next two days are ours to enjoy.....well, kinda. I made the mistake of asking my honey what he had planned for the next two days......it goes something like this......Well, I have to rake the hay across the creek, rake the straw across the road and bale both fields. That should take till Sunday afternoon or so. Oh, thats nice, so glad I asked.
Guess I'll catch up on all the chores I'v been putting off.....cleaning house, wash , etc....
I love you Kurtis....I really do, but I want my farmer back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until next time......MOM

A HARD CHOICE TO MAKE

Lets see, should I: 1) Go switch the wash?
2) Go load the dishwasher?
3) Clean up Kurtis stack of "gun" magazines or..........
4) Update my Blog?? Oh, ok I'll do no 4. Lucky you!!
As usual, I really dont have any paticular news today. I was a very bad little girl, I took "0" claims today. Yeash, count em....ZERO! I decided I needed a small break, been hitting it pretty hard ya know. I had so many things planned today to get done..and although I did do some of my list I definately failed at others. Oh well, I would be shocked if I actually accomplised too much. The big item on the list was to have a electrician come and re-wire my dishwasher to prevent any further fires, and we did get that done. I think there may come a time when we have to re-wire this whole house, what a scary thought.
I also took time today to drive over the sharpless auction to look at a little entreupreneur adventure...but luckily after sizing up the crowd, choking a couple of times on the extreme level of body odor filtrating through the group..I left. I was interested in.......are you ready for this? A full fledged "wiener wagon!!" One of these days I'm gonna make the plunge..I still intend to have a little food wagon that I sell wieners and such out of on weekends.....yep, thats the plan.
But, between the body odor and the real threat of running into my ex-husband I decided to leave before it sold. Probably a good move on my part.
As for the rest of the day, pretty uneventful. Just came in from hacking my way through a couple of rows in the garden. How amazing how nothing can grow without water....except lambs quarters (for you non-gardeners out there this is a big 6 ft tall horrible weed). I think I will beg Kurtis to run the tiller down the rows and save my temperment. Gardening isnt meant to be spend cussing and swearing at the end of a lethal weapon (the hoe)
Well that is about it for today, its off now to do the rest of the items listed at the top... Damn!
Until next time.....MOM

This is the silly little bay window, really the only reason I ordered this camper. I can take a few of my little plants along to make a more "feel of home" atmosphere......This is shown over the kitchen sink, but ours will actually be over the dining room table.

The kitchen. This area will be well stocked...come on over and enjoy the goodies!!

This is the living room area, which is in the back with a window behind. The fireplace really doesnt burn wood, that could be kind of bad, it is electric more for looks than anything.

This is the outside of the camper. See the little bay window at the back, it will actually be on the side over the dining room table on the one I ordered.

Still a little POOPED

Still recovering from my big weekend with the younger generation (I guess there were a couple older Young(s) there too, that I hung out with) But, it usually does take me a couple of days to get back on track..staying up until 1 a.m. is only about a once a year event for me.
I really don't have much of anything to report today, so I thought I would take a moment an post a couple of pictures of the camper I ordered (Here ya go Shirley) This isn't actually pictures of what I have coming, but are from the brochures that Jayco puts out. It kind of gives you an idea anyway. I'm hoping this inspires all to run out and get something to camp in...the more the merrier!! Although I won't get this in time to do any camping this fall, I am sure looking forward to next spring!! I have to do some searching now to find just the right set of silly little lites to hang from the awning....the tackier and stupid looking, the better. If I was really clever, I would make some out of styrofoam and tacky glue.....oh, yeah, just the right look of red-neck!
Like Larry the cable man would say......GIT R DONE!!!

Just one final photo. Can you guess what my brothers do for a living? I was in charge of small town business beautification week in West Branch...definately first prize, don't you think?

Juat a little shot of the birthday girl.....just laying back and enjoying her day of honor! Kind of looks like a young version of Rachel Welch, don't you think? Oh crap, this generation probably doesn't even know who that is!

Now, tell me Veronica, isn't this just darling. Little Harley enjoying her afternoon at the beach (Sorry about the boob shot) Say, would someone mind getting me a Martini on the Rocks with a twist of that damn squirrels neck!

Oh boy, I gotta tell you I am really pooped out from my big weekend in Des Moines celebrating your birthday, Jessica. The first matter of businesss however, has got to be a great big "THANK YOU!!!!" to Shirley and Larry Young. You, by all measures, go above and beyond in your understanding and graciousness with allowing the neighbors to take over your private and beautiful pool for the weekend!! As the mother who lives a safe and quiet (sometimes) 2 hours away......you guys are fabulous!! Jessica and Rob, make sure you let them know!!
It was, even for a "older person" a great party! Way to go Rob, hats off to you too for your planning and charming decorating...I truly love you for loving my daughter!! I was wonderful to get to spend the weekend with my two girls and their best friends (rather he is a husband or a fiance, they should always above all esle, be your best friend)
I really enjoyed meeting your friends too, you have some nice ones. I think even the dogs are probably resting well now after their socialization lessons and wild game hunting (sorry Mr. Squirrel, you may be the only one that had a bad weekend, although I think I did see that little squirrel middle finger go out a couple of times to those noisy dogs.)
I think I may rest now for a little while, and wait for my Kurtis to come back home, I missed him very much over the weekend.
Oh, and thanks Rob for the great sleeping accomodations....next time please sober up a bit before you make up my bed....thank god that thing had an electric pump on it....I would of been purple in the face and died of asfixiation (sp?) blowing on that son of a bitch all night to keep it inflated!!!! Haaa just kidding!
Until next time...MOM

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Jessica,

Happy Birthday to you! (Spose you could Fed Ex some of the leftovers to me tomorrow?)

I just read your blog Jessica about being 24...and I have to admit, I would feel really sorry for you, but for every year you turn older....I just become more and more of a senior citizen! Yes, I have secretly hidden my AARP card in my wallet..it's not my fault! Kurtis got it for me, you see the old bag wife automatically qualifies when the way to anxious husband signs up for it when he turns 50..Yeah, sure, drag me down to the old folks club kicking and screaming! I was further humiliated when the other day we were at the eye doctor getting Kurts new glass's and he wittingly asked the receptionist "Do you give discounts for AARP members?? As I slid down behind the counter and in-between the womens legs with embarassment, she promptly replies "Oh, yes, if you are a AARP Member you get almost half off!!!! May I say, we have just created a monster!! Kurtis was filled with glee and so proud of his cleverness!!! As I calmly pulled myself back to my feet, brushing off the cob webs, Kurtis says "See dear, aren't you glad we are AARP members?? Yes, dear, just thrilled to death, please pass the prune juice!!
On a lighter subject, I am very much looking forward to coming to Des Moines for the annual Jessica Young birthday blowout party! I will be spending Friday preparing my assigned dish's to tote to the gala. Still have to go out and get that "special" little gift. Looking forward to just hanging out and catching up on the news with my two favorite little girls and their significant others. I want to spend as much time doing this as possible before the mind begins to go (like is hasn't already)
Well, best get back to work invoicing those poor little customers for plumbing services rendered. I have a treat for everyone coming soon. A photograph showing just how proud I am of my position here with Lynchs Plumbing of West Branch...but it will take a day or so to prepare it. Until next time Love MOM

I guess this is as good of time as any to make a note here on my blog page. I think the Blogger that these kids thought would never keep it up....or maybe wouldn't be too sharp about how to use it....is um....probably proving them WRONG! Ha! See, the ole lady still has it (it is failing quickly but she she "has" it. Anyway, it is Sunday, about 6p.m. and easily 100 degrees outside. I had Kurtis pull my camper out of the storage shed so I could clean it out today....so we did that at 7 this morning before it got too hot. I'll work on that project tomorrow.
I decided to post a picture of the pond going in at Father Benda's log home. It appears it is going to be much larger and deeper than first thought, which is cool. He has great plans of putting all kinds of fish in there (the edible kind of course) I heard him today asking Kurtis what would be the best way to get sand down there, for a beach. I could just tell by the glisten in Kurts eyes how excited he was about it. I believe there was mention of a railroad ties and a stiarway leading back up to the log home, again more glisten in the eyes showed up. Sounds like such a fun project to embark on, especially when the thermometer has crept its way over 100! Hmmm, maybe best left to the cool days of fall, and dial 1-800-BUILD ME A Beach!
We ran to Sams club today (Father was out of Beef Eaters Gin) and had a nice lunch at Carlos O'Kelly's. It was nice having my husband back, even for a day.
Till next time....keep cool MOM

Father Benda's pond in progress. Will be about 200 yards across and 14 feet deep. Already has a paddle boat on order. Yipee!!

Diversion - Diversion - Diversion, I need a Diverson, so I guess I will update my blog. Kurtis is watching the Big Joe Polka Show, and I can hardly take it. Is it just me or does every Polka sound exactly like the last one? Yes, I think so.
Not anything too exciting today, mainly I just caught up my claims...so tomorrow I have free and hope Kurtis and I can do something kind of nice, since he is actually off. We are going to get the camper out of the storage shed, so I can spend the next couple of days cleaning out . The dealer is going to come and get it Wednesday morning..Kurt and I had some really good times in there.....oh my, better leave out the details..dont want to make anyone jeleous.
Lets see, went over to Father Benda's tonight and took some pictures of his pond in progress. The Creese brothers are doing the dirt work now, probably will take about a week and he will have his "Little bit of heaven lake, as he calls it. I did some straightening up at the house and took the garbage out. Not bad enough having my place to clean, but have to tidy up over there about once a month or so (You know batchelors, can be a bit messy) I dont mind, he truly appreciates it.
Did all my watering again tonight, cant believe we still havent gotten any rain. Everything is really dry and looks like crap.
Well, thats about it....as ususal Love MOM

Well, what do you think of my new look? I couldnt stand the awful pink any longer...it reminded me of what Kotex boxes used to look like when I was in high school. I still remember when we had the little talk in jr high about becoming a woman, and the instructor had to Kotex boxes there, I guess she thought we needed a visual to understand what she was talking about. Hmm, must be one of those phobia's we all have to live with in our adult-hood. Oh well, besides I thought this template more represented a logo for someone talking about farm life. I think those are apple trees in the back (kind of hard to tell, maybe they are dope plants, who knows, I will chose to think of the as apple trees)
Not much new since my last update..my hives are not improving yet....just scratched open another one on my are...this really does suck!
Speaking of farm life did I mention yet that we are having the worst year I have ever seen for mosquitos? I was just out trying to water my garden and had to give up or become a sucking sacrifice. The only thing I can figure out is since there is no water or standing water for them to live in, when they see something that just might contain H2O, they attack -full bore ahead!! So, I came back inside.
Well about time for my little Scheels super salesman to call. Untill next time..Love MOM

Thursday July 14, 2005....and I am in a delimma. I finally broke down yesterday and went to the Dr. No, I dont have a cold, or sore throat, or cough, or broken leg or even PMS!! No, that would be way too simple.....what I have is a stupid, irritating case of the HIVES! Yes, I look like someones idea of a joke to pull on a middle aged, somewhat overweight stressed mother. I have just about itched myself into a frenzy! It was bad enough when the charming little bumps and red blotches were all over my stomach and arm, but now, since that wasn't humiliating enough, they have moved to.....yeah, you got it.....my face! No, I'm not going to post a picture even though it would no doubt provide a fair amount of humor to those observing it.
Anyway, I'm sure I will live. I have a nice prescription that should take care of the problem, even though so far all I can tell it has done is make me fall asleep with an upset stomach.
But, on the good news side, I have officially ordered my Camper from Thompson and Sons in Davenport. They are coming on Wednesday to pick up my big boy camper, so I have to work this weekend cleaning it out and getting it ready...should be fun in the 90 some degree weather.....oh, wait,,,,,it does have central air! Cool! Cant wait for the other one to come in, but it will be awhile, this is a new model for 2006 and they only do them on certain months...more on that later.
It is so dry here, I am just bummed out. My garden looks awful, everything is turning brown. I worked so hard to put in around 600 glad bulbs this spring,,,and let me tell you, they are far from glad.
Well, that is it for now....kind of a slow week...back to my scratching.........Love mom

I call this one "Kurts big-gun" Pretty impressive huh? Just a photo from our day at the state house in Des Moines visiting Jeff Kaufmann. Doesnt this look like an ad from CQ Magazine, or maybe Gentlemens Gentleman? Gee I miss my Kurtie, sure wish he would come home.

Now, hows this for a good looking group of folks! Ground breaking day at CCHS new museum site. The wind was so strong, it had John Whitmers beard blown back..but note good ole Keith's hat stays right in place!

Its 10:30 at night, and I just finally got finished with todays Claims. Kind of my fault I guess, as I decided to let my great little husband Kurtis buy me supper at HuHot tonight before he went to work (Monday nights are sales training night from 7p.m. to 10) I think he has already had enough training.....I think they are creating a monster! He was very anxious tonight because he talked some Area Manager into letting him be trained in the fishing department too, as some of his buddies want to come in and buy $2-300.00 fishing poles, and yes, they want to buy them from Kurtis. Way to go sport!!
Not much news tonight..sure enjoying having my newer computer in my office to work on.....helps with my poor sight to have the large monitor. Old age is sure a bitch!!
Well, the big guy should be showing up soon, so will sign off as usual.....Love MOM

I am so excited!!!! Kurtis and I sat down last night, and after much thought and deliberation.....I decided (we) decided what camper to get. I am going to bite the bullet and order a new Jayco Designer. I cant wait....everyone get ready!! I have already packed in a new supply of weiner forks, pie irons, weinie cookers (yes, there is a difference from the weinee forks) and hambugar grillers!!!! Ordering this baby with my special little greenhouse window too, after all cant go away and camp without taking just a little bit of my favorite blooming flowers with me! Some of the neat options that I have picked includes an electric awning system (no longer any four letter words to get the damn thing out and locked in place), a complete home entertainment system (home theatre), a fireplace, 4 slides....etc. I cant wait! Unfortunately, it will be awhile before it comes in, but what the heck.
Well, just finished all my claims for the day....oh and big news! I actually got my computer all moved out of Jessica's bedroom and set up in my office!! It really is very nice, especially now that I can process at DSL speed, its almost like having a new job. (that might be stretching it just a little)
Now, over to clean up Jessicas room (sorry old computer has to go there for awhile, till I get everything loaded off of it from the historical society)
Until next time love mom

Its 7 pm Saturday night, and what I will call Blog time. Yep, 7 pm on a Saturday night and what am I doing? Sitting here on a chair with a laption in my lap, Blogging...all alone. Yes, you guessed it, Kurtis is at work. No doubt the apple of his boss's eye again, conversing about magnums, barrels, scopes, calibers and all that macho gun and hunting stuff.
Kind of a busy day today. Got up at 6:45 this morning to frost my brownies and take them as treats to the Garden Club Flower Show. I had to be there by 7:30 to help check in all the horticulture exhibits. I really do enjoy this garden club, but it is very difficult when you are still working and not retired to watch all these ladies and their creations come in, and to know I hardly had time to drag out the hose and water my stuff a couple of times a week.
Unfortunately I didnt take any exhibits this year, but after observing alot of the entries, I had things much nicer at home that I didnt bring. Oh, well, next year will be here before I know it.
Then, off to Walmart to get Kurts and my prescriptions (Dont giggle, it isnt nice to make fun of old people).
Washed my car and then came home (of course, by the time I drove up our road it was just as dusty again)
Now in the thrust of doing my favorite chore....cleaning house. I have Kurtis putting a new shelf above my computer upstairs in my office, so he has that whole area torn to pieces. I dont know how to break it to him, but the shelf is about twice as long as it needs to be. I'll just have to be gentle I guess. (Of course, that is what I am famous for, being gentle.)
Well, back to my cleaning job, and Emeril on the food chanel is just about done with his hawaiian version of BBQ chicken, so until next time.....Love you, MOM

A very sad day today for our friends over in London England. I am so glad Marsha made it home, only about a week and a half before this tragedy. And, yes like Jessica said, there will be a special prayer tonight for these poor folks and their family members who they have lost. I dont know if there is anywhere better on this globe to live, than in good old rural Iowa. Lets hope we never have to deal with this type of horror in our live times. Hope you enjoy my new pictures I posted...was just feeling a little silly. Also, its not that I dont have a good picture of Maggie to post......or at least that I havent tried. She is, well can I say, a bit of a "bitch" when it comes to the camera. I have several good shots of her ass as she is slipping back under the porch to avoid the big scary oh so dangerous lens when I point it at her. She is a great dog, dont get me wrong, but sometimes just incredibly stupid!!! The scooby snacks didnt even lure her out!!!

Till next time...MOM

This is little Miss Monet. She really does live a very happy life here on the farm..you can see here she is guarding my flower pots. By the way, she didnt even like the turtle.

I'm really feeling bad I dont have a nice picture of Maggie to post. So, for now I will just put up Kurtis truck. Sorry girl. I think I will take a picture of Maggie in my car, then I think I will have it all?? Right? Oops, still havent got any horse pictures....this could just go on forever!!

I decided to do a nature page tonite. This is Kurtis with a box turtle we rescued from the highway (arent we just the best tree-huggers) Kurtis looks stoned here doesn't he? Really, he isn't he was just hungry we were headed to Carlos O'Kelly's.

OK, here it is approximately 4 days since my last blog...I think enough has gone on in my life that maybe I can write a paragraph or two....I was not kidding when I said I live a pretty, well no, actually a VERY sedentary life here on the farm.
So, did I have a great 4th of July weekend..the answer is well, not really. To be quite honest it bordered on being a sucky weekend. Yes, it is true. My husband who was once my confident, best pal and tag along, has found a new life at Scheels All Sports. Yes, I am very proud of him, but volunteering to work on Fourth of July weekend, I firmly believe was way over the top! He says he is trying to impress the boss....well, thats just fine, but I think just agreeing to not fart in public qualifies as impressing the boss.....screw giving up a holiday weekend!! OK, now I feel much better. So since he was working, yeah, you guessed it, I worked too. Claims, Claims, claims...I hope these poor sick, ailing and surgically challenged imps appreciate that I worked all weekend to get their claims paid.
So, Tueday it was back to the grind of working....but just when I was finishing doing statements at the Lynchs plumbing, the overwhelming urge hit me to go camper shopping! ( I wonder if there is a medication to address that problem) But before I tell about that, I should report kind of a sad tragedy that bestowed upon my brother Steve.
Shortly after arriving to Lynch's plumbing Steve called me in the office and wanted the phone number for the local Vets office, so I gave it to him. Seems he was going to call there to see if anyone had picked up a stray dog. The night before when returning home after going to see fireworks, Steve, Cindy and the boys noticed their dog, Toby was missing. Well, after spending most of the night looking for him, they didnt locate him. The next morning the search pursued, but Steve had to take Cindy to the hospital for a surgery she had schedule a week or two ago. In the meantime, I decide to take a trip to Des Moines....when I come on the West Branch - I-80 on ramp, about 100 yards down the highway, I spot Toby, but unfortunately it was too late for him. He was dead laying along the interstate. Now, what do I do?? Ryan is working, Steve is at the hospital with Cindy...etc. So, I decide to call Wayne and let him get ahold of Ryan. To make a long story short (which I failed miserably at doing) Ryan retried Toby and buried him.....very sad.
In the meantime, I arrive at the outskirts of Des Moines.....and begin my trek to Garys Trailer sales (sounds like a line out of a Jeff Foxworthy skit doesnt it?)but, of course I run into construction and get somewhat lost. Thankfully Jennifer directs me back on track. I looked at several campers,,,,,but alas did not make the final decision yet...Gee and if I did that would I still be able to enjoy the chase of finding the exact model I want.....?
Wednesday was a busy one, started out doing my claims..then at 11:30 Ginny Parish from Seabury came to install my VPN network so I can do claims on the DSL network. Now, I need to get busy and move the newer computer into my office and the old one out!! Then I will finally have things the way I want. The DSL sure makes my claims screen fast,,,,,have to love that!
Now, Im going to share a very personal portion of my life with you.......yeah, you got me started on this, now youll have to suffer with the details. Ok, here it is...I almost considered having a very brief and lustful affair with another man today........sorry Kurtis, but I cant believe it but I found myself almost overcome with lust for another man!!!!!! Yep, Dr. Jack Sherry....my new podiatrist!! In case you're not aware...(and havent had the pleasure of listening to me bitch for 2 years about my aching and painful ankles) I have a terrible time with my feet. Well, I have met a miracle man! The sad thing about this, Kurtis, is that you sent me to him, you see he does Kurtis feet too ( Hopefully he doesnt excite Kurtis like he did me) I truly believe after only a 20 minute office visit, this man has found what is wrong with my ankles. Yes......shitty cheap shoes! Yes, Jessica, the new balance shoes suck! Of course, It could also be because I bought the cheapest version of them there is...he did actully tell me this! But, a couple of inserts later and a new pair of shoes ($90.00 of course) and I think I am already walking better.
Seriously, Kurtis is still the main man for me, but when Dr. Sherry had my two little tootsies in his hands and so caringly removed my nastty little calases (sp) I had a moment of true weakness.
I think that about covers it, just sitting here now waiting for my sweetheart to come home from his precious, little job. Yep, bet he sold another muzzleloader tonight! You know, if he sells like 12 of these deer shooting, pheasant splatering, turkey blasters he gets one free!!!! Hows that for a deal you cant pass by!! Until next time.....signed Lovingly Your MOM

Well, here it is the second edition of Farm Living blog from Solon Iowa. I had quite a busy day today on the farm. It is Sunday, so the first thing I should talk about is going to Mass this morning, right? Well, no. I hate to say it but I actually over slept and it was too late when I woke up to get my but dressed and to church on time....so like any good Catholic, I skipped it. I promose, I will say some extra prayers next week.
So, I got up and did some of my usual chores around the house....Kurtis went off to work and then I made some Lemon Lush to take to Chuck's 4th of July party. Marsha (my sister) came over and we caught up on the news. She just got home from three weeks in jolly ole england.
About 5;00 went over to Chucks party....nice crowd and alot of good food. Chuck is a real mistro on the BBQ. Lots of experience doing catering for Rujica's food locker. Of course you have to listen to the constant serenade of dirty jokes and Solon red neck one liners from Chuck and all his Solon buddies.....lots of fun though.
Back home around 7 or so. Tummy full of good food. sitting on the couch, and updating this silly Blog...how cool is that.
Looks like its going to rain outside, that would sure be nice since my garden is looking very distressed from lack of rain.
Lets see, cant think of anything else too exciting, so will sign off for the evening.
Hope you are all having a nice fourth of July weekend.

Love MOM

Here they are...my two little angels. They look so innocent don't they....ohhh don't be fooled. Love you both!! MOM

Here he is....the love of my life. The man who can do it all! I love you dear. All decked out on Jessicas wedding day. Oct 9 2004.

Welcome to my sanitarium. The whole world is perfect when I am in this greenhouse. Thanks to my wonderful husband Kurtis for building this....yes, I know, there are 3000 screws in here! I truly love it!

You know, every mother waits and is patient for the day they proudly send their daughters off to fend for themselves in the big world. You hope you have done everything that is required to give them the skills, and knowledge to cope with real world situations and challenges.....you think you have covered all bases and now....you job is done. Time to sit back and relax, enjoy the peace and freedom you have worked so hard to earn........then.......it comes.......the computer age!!! Yes, I worked in the computer field for 28 years of my life...and was very content to leave that in the dust behind me.....but NO!!, my daughters can't allow that.....Here I am like so many other trapped and humiliated mothers, having to expose their once private lives all over the internet like some perverted psycho! But, you know us mothers, no way can we say no to the little darlings.....so here I sit on a beautiful Saturday morning, at a stupid computer doing what I am once again "Told" to do!
Well, what can I say, I may actually find it to be entertaining (uh, yeah) and it is a nice way to bore my kids with my personal life (hey this is starting to sound even better) So, here I go.
I would like to start out by establishing one known fact..the information and articles you find here are not going to be earth shaking, state of the art, headline busting or even remotely exciting information. I live a very sedentary and rewarding life here on our rural Cedar county farm. I enjoy horses, my greenhouse, gardening and since my husband Kurtis decided to get a job in town (he also farms) I have become very close to and dependent on my fearless overweight Corgi Maggie. My schedule is pretty set. I get up and go to work in West Branch to do the bookeeping for Lynch's Plumbing (my brothers). At noon I head home to have lunch with my wonderful husband Kurtis, then up to my office to process Medical Claims for a company called Marsh Advantage America. The rest of the day is MINE!
I guess I should introduce my best friend and husband Kurtis. Kurtis and I met when he was 36. A bonified dedicated batchelor that didnt have a clue what was about to be dropped on him. A middle aged women with two young hormonel daughters! One day a quiet live alone batchelor, about a year later 2 women invade your home and take over. Now, the way I explain this event is that Kurtis had to be holding out for all those years for just the right women to come along and knock his socks off. I like to think that it was a refined skill that I posessed. The kids were just a bonus!!! Anyway, it has all worked out and Kurtis and I have been together now for almost 15 years. We are best of friends, share like hobbies and are happy for every day we spend together. Kurtis farms about 480 acres of great Iowa farmland, raises beef cattle and we have Percheron horses. As of late, Kurtis took a part-time job at Scheels All Sports in the Coral Ridge mall in Iowa City. Must to my disapointment he seems to absolutely love the job. He is in the sporting and hunting section and has become a star performer! I am so proud (yeah right!) But, if Kurtis is happy than I am happy (guess I'll have to continue being nice to the damn dog)
Now, to my wonderful daughters who got me in this situation to begin with! I'll start with Jessica, the instigator! Jessica lives with her new husband Rob in Des Moines and works for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Last fall we had the pleasure of watching my youngest little girl walk down the aisle and turn her life over to the man she has chosen to spend the rest of her life with. I have to tell you, I think she did an excellent job in the selection process and we all love Rob. They have a charming home, two spoiled dogs and live right next door to the in-laws (and I might mention "patient" in-laws) Kurtis and I are so happy for her.
My oldest daughter is Jennifer. Jennifer too lives in Des Moines and works in an insurance
office selling insurance. Hmmm, I work with insurance, Jessica works with insurance and Jennifer works with insurance....suppose it was something in the womb? Anyway, Jennifer is in the process of planning a wedding in the upcoming year to her new fiance Tom. I'm a very lucky mom, I am getting to witness both of my precious daughters beginning their lives on the right track. We are looking forward to the big day. Jennifer also has pets but the are cats, three of them I believe.
So, this is a bit of a sampling of the life I live here in Iowa. I consider myself very lucky and try to enjoy each and every day to the max (except on those days I am up to my nose in pre-menapause hormones) There....I said it, the whole world can know now!! One those days, it would be nice if you could all say a small prayer for Kurtis.....he usually ends up taking the brunt of the abuse.
Until next time...... Love to all, MOM