The Chanute Naval Base Museum was spectacular. This is one of the many planes they have stored in the hanger. The main runway was right down through the middle of the show and small planes were landing all day..kind of a contrast from the antique farm machinery.

Well folks, here is the proof...Yep that is me (yeah, the fat one!) chating with Max Armstrong and he is signing my T-Shirt. He was just as nice in person as I thought he would be! Of course, I suspect he enjoyed meeting such a good lookin' women too...............

Everyone at the show had a mode of transportation to ride on (Kurtis and I rented a golf cart..yeah, laugh, but it was great!) I kind of thought to myself when I seen these three ole fellas riding around...you suppose this could be Steve, Wayne and Larry in about 20 years!! That may be Dale in the back there looking the grounds over.

DID YOU MISS ME??????

Would you think I was lying if I said I missed all of you?? Well, I actually did, but being away even if for only a few days was very nice. We had a wonderful time at the big HALF CENTURY OF PROGRESS SHOW. I will post a few pictures over the next week or so, and for some of you it will probably bore you too death (Jessica and Jennifer), but what the heck...
We had very nice weather the whole time we were in Illinois, the last day however, it creeped up to about 92 degrees with humidity to match, so we headed home. We stopped over in Galesburg Illinois to do some Antique shopping, and Kurtis got to go to a gun shop he has read about in one (of his many) gun catalogs. Neither of us spent much money, and actually came home with room in the car for more things......hard to believe isn't it!
The big highlight of the show had to be my getting to meet the most famous (well, at least to me) Max Armstrong. I got to talk to him and have him sign a T-shirt for me (oh yes, I have a picture sealing the moment)
There were tons of tractors and farm equipment, Kurtis was in his element. I don't hesitate to remind him just how lucky he is to have married a female that actually enjoys this stuff, has to be a rarity don't you think? Or, maybe it is that I am just a bit odd.....but that's ok.
We also really enjoyed touring the Chanute Air Force Base, where this show took place. The museum was just spectacular!! I have to admit, I actually found myself getting very emotional viewing what these young men and women did for this country and what they endured. Really sad to see such a spectacular facility deteriorating since 1993 when the government closed it down. I think it covers close to 2000 acres in Rantoul. I can imagine it was quite a blow to the town when things were shut down.
So, here we are back and ready to happily return to work tomorrow (well, at least Kurtis is), and life goes on. So for now, here are some pictures to enjoy and until next time, Max, I'll just have to be content seeing you again on RFD TV. MOM

Zero hour.....last of the packing in progress..

Yep, just finishing up the final packing before we embark on our big trip to Rantoul Illinois.....Max Armstrong hang on..I'm on my way!!
Lets see.....pills all packed......check
Video Camera packed (For Kurtis)......check
My camera packed .......check
Finally figured out which motel we booked........check
Golf Cart rented (oh, how embarassing).............check
Kurtis diabetes insulin and needles packed........check
Cooler with water and some snacks packed (doesnt this kind of sound like Margaurite and Ralph Zousel) .......check
and last and not least,......my laptop, just in case I can find a wireless network somewhere and update my Blog so you wonderful people wont miss a single day of my "Extreme exciting life!"......check
So, off we go! Oh, I almost forgot to mention the new CD's I bought so we can listen to tunes on the way...especially my kids will be so impressed with my selections.....Lets see, John Denvers all time country hits, and the soundtrack from West Side Story (a jump back to a time when I was in Jr. High and fell in love with the leader of the SHARKS street gang) and the soundtrack from CHICAGO (Kurts favorite because of the song "You be good to MAMA", and a new CD from Josh Groban. Now, who wouldn't be swept at the opportunity to be crusing along in my little explorer, "You be good to MAMA" cranking on the CD and Kurtis telling his latest adventure selling a gun to a mental patient that escaped from the nursing home in Iowa City! Ah, life is good!!!! Until next time.....I'm on vacation.....MOM

Yep, just a shot from the vacation spot of North America......Orlando drop dead!

I just had to put this one out here for Steve...His favorite RFD TV show "The Big Joe Polka Show!!" Now doesnt this look like a have a good time fella!! I hear there are even fancy dancy artist's out there that enjoy a good polka or two!! (OK, I confess, I really do hate Polka, but I tolerate it because I married a Bohemie)

Yep, this is my favorite cooking show on RFD TV..Johnny Nix Campfire Cafe...ohh doggie, the things this old southern boy can cookup...Just wait till I get that Camper and a good fire pit goin' You'all gotta come over for some good viddles. (may he rest in peace, Jed Clampett)

NOW ENTERING VACATION MODE!!

As of this morning I am considering myself on vacation!! Even though I still have wash, cleaning the house and packing on the list to be done...somehow it just feels different knowing I don't have to head upstairs and face the daily illness's of claims processing. Yeah, for the next 5 days I don't give a damn if your hospital or doctor gets paid..so take that!!
Just a little update on Maggie.....she is currently pouting under the porch and refuses to come out..no, it isn't because I took her to the vet for a.....oh, I can't say it....a, a, abortion, but it is because I have put the dreaded invisible fence collar back on. She hates that thing, and I guess for good reason. The neighbors dog is back again and I'm afraid it isnt leaving without some encouragement, so Kurtis has his orders (I'll leave the details up to your imagination). I'm not normally violent (really I'm not!) but this dog has pushed his luck..he beat Maggie up the other day, so now she walks with a limp too, although it is hard to tell when she won't come out from under the porch...she will eventually, just has to get brave it guess.
Well, Kurtis and I are off soon to RANTOUL, Illinois. Yep, the vacation spot of Northern America. This is a show called the Half Century of Progress, and if you watch RFD TV at all, you are well familiar with it..if you don't watch RFD TV, well, you are just losing out! It offers high quality viewing with shows such as Big Joe Polka Show and Johnny Nix Campfire Cooking...see what you're missing??? Anyway, we are looking forward to the show and I just got off the phone reserving a golf cart to use to get around.....ok stop snickering!!! I have a heel spur that I have not managed to get any better, so its old folks procedures from here on out. Cant you just see us..maybe we should pack a little lunch in a cooler..and strap on a couple of fannie packs before we mount our cart...oh the visual is overwhelming!!
So, until next time (probably Sunday or Monday) take care......MOM

The Joys of Gardening in August....

Lets see, its Friday afternoon and here is what I still want to get doen this afternoon. 1) All my claims...so I dont have to work this weekend (fat chance) 2.) Gather all my onions and put them in the shed to dry. 3.) Pick the tomatoes and god willing can them. 4.) Pick the apricots and make apricot jam (see photo below) 5.) Dig some potatoes (thanks to Adam I have two varieties and am anxious to see which did better in this now famous Iowa drought) 6.) Run the weed trimmer and clean up my Strawberry bed (guess it is obvious if I need a weed trimmer how I kept ahead of the weeds this year) 7.) Water all my containers AGAIN! 8.) Mow the yead. Well, lets see, that is about it for today, them tomorrow........Oh, screw it, Im going to go take a nap!!!! Until next time....MOM

Lets see..Its about 98 degrees outside, the apricots are nice and plump, the humidy is just awful...sounds like a nice day to make apricot jam....please stop by and have some. I may have a stroke and die of heat exhaustion, but it will be worth it!

Just thought this was kind of a charming picture of Kurt seeding under the old cottonwood tree. I can hear the whine of the seeder chain and the locust in the cottonwood. I usually got the job of riding in the wagon and loading the seed hopper so I guess I got lucky this time.

This is Father Benda's new Brittany "Molly" I snapped this of her in her kennel out at the log home. Looks happy doesn't she? (yeah right)

No, this isn't a shot out of a 1963 farm catalog..This is Kurtis seeding prarie grass's and wildflowers on Father Benda's pond ground yesterday. I dont know, but I think that wagon looks better with a team of horses in front of it..

For those of you that know our friend Boyd Castro from Hilo Hawaii, this is a picture he emailed me on the last day of his Ukulele class..yeah he sent me a whole series of the class showing him making this from a chunk of wood through the finished product...pretty nice huh? Although he emailed me today he doesnt have a clue how to play it...but that is the next class..

A little of this and a little of that.....

I said in my earlier blog I would post a couple of pictures I took yesterday, so I will do that. Today is one of those days that after working this morning I am having a high degree of trouble getting motivated to work this afternoon, so instead of doing my claims, here I am posting pictures....thats ok, I'll work later... MOM

YES, I SWEAR..I AM PRO-LIFE!!

I try to be a good catholic, go to church regularly and I AM pro-life (for the most part) but, yesterday I took my poor little Maggie to the Vet for a puppy abort shot...oh, the shame of it all! I definately think this falls under the "if the pregnancy is a life threatening situation" clause. A corgi attempting to deliveer rottweiler cross puppies seems destined for disaster. So, we walked hand and hand (paw) together into Dr. O'Donnells office with heads hung low and took the cure so to speak. Maggie was a big hit rolling over to allow as much tummy scratching as possible. So now we have a clean bill of health, a current rabies shot, distemper and no sign of ear mites.....all is well again..until the next six month call of nature arrives! But, we are still confined to the greenhouse at night.
In addition to the vet trip yesterday our day was a hectic one! Kurtis spent the day discing, then harrowing, planting, then harrowing again the entire area around Father Benda's pond. We seeded it in Iowa Prarie mix and wildflowers. If the rains cooperate it should be beautiful, if not, well, it was a good effort and the button weeds can have it back. I was out taking some pictures and will post them later. Then, we assisted Father in hosting the Mechanicsville Knights of Columbus meeting at his log home. We were told there would be about 20 people, but about 45 turned out......luckily we weren't in charge of anything but having some tables set up, they brought a big grill and did Steaks, baked potatoes and salad for everyone. It was a beautiful evening and almost 11:00 before they all left. Until next time.....MOM

Knock, Knock, Knock, Kurtis! Sharon! Are you in there??

Just about to walk out the door Monday morning to go to work and a knock comes to the front door.. someone shouts Kurtis, Sharon are you in there!! Its our neighbor Rob Glick and he is obviously excited about something! Kurtis runs to the window where he is shouting in (Yes, I admit it, we werent quite dressed yet) "I have kind of a emergency, there is a big dog down the road and he has your little dog trapped down in a road culvert!" AAAAh.....so you've had enough, I think, and you are now hiding in a road culvert!! True love has obviously passed in the night! So, we jump in the truck and scoot down the road..Maggie immediately upon seeing Kurts truck squirts out of the culver, runs to the door and tries climbing in ( too short of couse but nice try) She has thrown all pride to the side and exhibits pure "Take me the hell home!!!!!" So, the story has a happy ending, Maggie is back home.......locked in the greenhouse for the time being. We go to the Vet tomorrow morning for the famous "morning after" injection. The fleeting lover was a 80lb black lab/rottweiler cross.....no, I don't think so!!
As far as the weekend went, it was a pretty good one. Unfortunately, I spent most all of Saturday looking for the little tyrant, but I guess that was ok. Sunday, Kurtis and I headed to Des Moines for a big day at the Iowa State Fair. I would like anyone out there that says fairs are a dying breed, to take the time to attend the Iowa State Fair on a sunny 78 degree Sunday and see what they find!!! I have never quite seen anything like it!! The crowds were unbelievable! To see anything you had to stand in line forever!! Congratulations to Jessica for winning a bottle of Cookies BBQ seasoning. We were having lunch at the Cattlemens pavillion were "Mark Pearson" of the famed "Power Lunch" Agriculture program on WMT was interviewing Speed Henderson, owner of Cookies BBQ sauce. The question was thrown out "Who can tell me the hometown of Cookies BBQ sauce", and without so much of a split second hesitation Jessica shouts "Wall Lake Iowa!!" and won herself the prize! Needless, to say I was quite surprised of her knowledge in this regard ???
So we did have a nice time, but the crowds really messed up seeing as much as I normally like too, and made us very late by the time we wrestled our way out of there..never again on a Sunday..and this bone spur has got to go!!! I was exhausted by the time we headed home at 7.
Until next time....MOM

OH WHOE'S ME....

It is now amost 9:00 and no sign of the missing canine. I can't decide if I am just furious at the little mut for forsaking our friendship for some testosterone driven male, or heartbroke because I thought she liked us most....or at least the treats in the greenhouse. Well, I am making up some missing doggie signs for Kurtis to place in the neighbors mailboxes tomorrow morning as he does chores. I don't know how the search for the Holladay girl in Aruba is going, but as you can see I have bigger problems!! (I know, that is a disqusting thing to say)
So, other than this dilema, all is well. Kurtis is held up in the bedroom with the beginnings of a Migraine headache. He had a extremely busy day at work and got a low blood sugar episode about 10:00 a.m. and hasn't felt good since. I keep warning him he can't just blow off meals if he's going to be under the gun (no pun intended there) and has to make sure he has access to something if he gets in trouble. I hope he gets better soon..I hate those headaches, it is really not a very pretty picture.
Well, back to my sign making...Oh, Maggie you little shit..I hope you're having a good time!!

Until next time,......MOM

OH WHERE OH WHERE HAS MY LITTLE DOG GONE..OH WHERE OH WHERE CAN SHE BE???

Nice little song huh? But, I'm afraid the reality of the situation is that Maggie is out Whoring around with some male dog that came by and swept her off her feet (or paws). I spent two hours this morning driving around and talking to my neighbors looking for her. Gee, let's see, we put in invisible fence to keep her off the roads, but I didn't consider the "slut" syndrome!! I should of gotten her spayed, but kind of held out a hope to have her bred. Gee, I wonder what a Corgi and Rottweiler cross would look like. In my very detailed detective work, I can see that a rather LARGE dog was visiting here, he left his tracks all over my garden and yard. I hope the bastard gets one hell of a crotch cramp when he bends down to do the short legged wonder!
Im mad at her, but do hope she comes to her senses and comes home....then it will be a quick trip to Doc Byer for some much needed surgery. Oh, the embarassment of it all!!
Looking forward to my trip to Des Moines tomorrow, I not only get to spend the day with my "sales crazed" husband, but look forward to seeing my two little girls too (and their guys). We are planning a nice day at the fair......hmmmm corn dogs. I may even try the new craze, a deep fried snickers.....my idea about 10 years ago, ya know!! Jessica can vouch for me on this one!! Oh, I can hear the sound of the loud speaker in the air.....come on ladies and gentlemen step right up here and have a look at these knives, they never need sharpening!!! Pots and Pans the like you have never seen!! Am I the only one that likes to go to the fair and listen to these obnoxious loud vendors selling their wares.....probably, I confess to even enjouing info-mercials on cable. One things for sure, I will surely walk out of there with newly cleaned and polised glasses..that guys is alway there. Then it is off to the Agriculture building to inspect this years crop of vegetables from the garden...oh boy, peppers, onions, green beans, etc etc. You girls are surely lucky to have a mother that really hits the bright spots!!
Well, I best finish up my claims so I can have a free mind of guilt while carrousing through the displays tomorrow..and I suppose I should go check of Miss Maggie the slut has returned home.....gees, I already have enough to worry about with my husbands new found obsession...did I mention he got a special sales award yesterday for going beyond the call of duty when selling a shotgun??? Oh yes, two old boys from southern Iowa came in to by a rifle, but thought Scheels was too expensive.....by the time they left, they both bought one and Kurts manager was absolutely amazed, so he gave him a "on the spot reward"....I think Im screwed!!!!
Until next time.....MOM

OH MY GOD, I'V BEEN SHOT!!

Now that I have your attention.....picture this, it's 12:36 a.m. I am dreaming that I can't get in my front door, I struggle and struggle with the keys (you know this is a dream now, have I ever locked a door??) Finally, I manage to get in the door and I see a shadow of a man with a gun (no doubt an fixation based on the fact my husband works with guns all day) I'm trying to get the door shut when a shot rings out and I feel the pain in my temple!!! Oh my god, I'v been shot!! I reach to grasp my forehead in my hand and I suddenly wake from an awful dream.....oh, what a relief, I'm not really injured at all......but, wait, the pain isnt going away....oh shit, it still hurts....Oh crap!! Its that damn tooth I have been nursing away from a root canal for 2 months, guess what..it wants attention now!!! I stumble downstairs to the cabinet and begin downing tylenol, Advil, Bufferin and the Ansaid Dr. kampfe gave me the last time this happen....but with no relief! I've put in worse nights but I dont remember when. 8:10 call to Dr. Kampfe's office and I beg for a appointment for the inevitable.......ROOT CANAL! 2:30 appointment....by 2:55 the whole ordeal is a memory. I can tell you why this whole horrible thing happened too, just two weeks ago I sent in the last payment for the two porcelein crowns I had put on last year!! I dont know what hurts more, the root canal or the $700.00 bill. Anyway, it's over and now I am just tired from the lack of sleep last night, sore from the novacaine shots and have a very upset tummy from the 4000mg of junk I popped trying to get some relief.
The good news is, we finally did get some much need rain last night, unfortunately I think it is too late for it do do any good, but we'll take it anyway. With that pleasant thought in mind, I think I will sign off...I'm posting a couple of pleasant pictures to help heal my tired little mind tonight. Have alot of claims to do yet, but suspect I wont get to them. Who cares!!
Until next time MOM

Just a little family memorial here. Poor Toby strayed off on July 4th and made it to interstate. Not a good idea. Was buried here by Ryan and Pat, nice little marker don't you think?

This is a shot of the "Passion in the Mist and Thumbergina" vine I have growing on the side of the house...isn't that a cute little seed pod there, they look like little balloons.

A Good Time Was Had By All.......

It was an absolutely beautiful evening at the Steve and Cindy Lynch home last night. The weather was just perfect for quality socializing, dining and viewing the spectacular fireworks show put on by your friend and mine the United States Government. I really am not much for fireworks, but this was unbelievable. First of all they were set off right across the road from Steve's, so it was like we were getting a personal viewing. I'm afraid Steve has started something, and the line will begin to form about dusk again next year. Everyone brought a dish to share and Steve manned his new commercial grade stainless steel wonder grill that judging from the quality of dogs and burgers set forth, did a fabulous job.
There was a good crowd made up of folks that Cindy works with, some of Steve's crew and family members, I imagine there were about 30-40 people. What a great place for entertaining..their house is just beautiful! I have several more pictures and will try to post them over the next few days.
The rest of my Saturday was pretty uneventful really, just doing the usual chores and things you put off till the weekend to do. Today will be more of the same with finishing up claims mixed in. Hope you are all enjoying your weekend, Until next time.....MOM

Of course there was food and lots of it..the usual mark of a Lynch gathering.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................

OOOOOOOOOOOOhhhh..............

OK..So I am a little ashamed!!

I know, god is going to punish me....I am dedicating my Blog today to the Cedar County Historical Annual Picnic. For those of you have never been to a picnic and since this is my lat year as President..I thought I would share the event with you. This really is a great bunch of people..but I keep asking myself when I am there "Oh my god, is that what I have to look forward to??" and you know what....yes it is!!
We had a good crowd and of course lots of good food. Unfortunately I am usually so busy that I really dont get a chance to enjoy my meal. I have enjoyed this run as President but am looking forward to turning the reins over to someone else.
Not too much to report today. When I left Lynch's Plumbing this morning Steve was sitting at the desk wondering what to do about a piece of rust that dropped in his eye working on a drain under a kitchen sink. I told him to get in the truck and go over to Mercy and have it removed! I will be curious to see how he came out tomorrow. Also, speaking of Steven, he is having a little gathering at his house Saturday night to watch the fireworks put on by the Hoover Days celebration. I guess everyong is bringing a little dish to share. I would expect he would have a great viewing from his perch upon the hill-top.
No other exciting news, back to work on claims..

Until next time.. Love MOM

Lets ease drop in on the conversation..(The lady on the right with her hands up."Hey! don't look at me, I wasn't going to grab her purse., I'm just thinking about going up and snitching a couple of pieces of pie before they are all gone. My god, when are they going to let us eat, I've been here with my spot staked out since 10:30!!

Our treasurer lends a sympathetic ear. "Oh, yes it was just awful, we arrived a few minutes early and so awful women wouldn't let us in the front door...It was easily 90 degrees outside, why I thought Harolds tennis balls on his walker were going to melt!! I really felt like giving that women a piece of my mind when she finally opened the door........but, but actually I forgot what I was mad about........

I know, I know, I know........

I know, I missed doing my blog the last couple of days...or maybe just one. I have been on the run much to my dis-like. I worked on claims after getting home from Lynch's Plumbing yesterday, then had a meeting at 4:30 in Tipton. We had to make our first payment on the Cedar County Historical Society museum, so had to transfer $100,000.00 into the checking account to pay the contractor. You know, I have never considered embezzeling anything, but sometimes it sure would be tempting!! No, I could never do it, you know the old couple I wouldnt let into the picnic with their walkers?? They would be the first ones slamming the door on the jail cell when I got caught!! I could just hear them "Snotty young whipper snapper, take that for making us stand out in the parking lot an extra 15 minutes!!!!"
Not much news. I guess Dale and Connie ended up taking Mom to the Slach Reunion Sunday, which is why she didnt come to the picnic.....Steve said not much of a crowd and he was back on the road heading home by 2. Somehow the event just doesnt seem the same without Dad, and now Kenny Slach is gone too. It really is sad.
Hope you enjoy my apricots picture...Until next time....Love MOM

Apricots anyone? This is the first year for this young apricot tree and it has truly out done itself. I picked one last night and ate it, about another week and they will be perfect. Can you imagine how it would of done if we had actually gotten any rain??