OK, Farm Progress Phase III

Just returned from the farm getting the latest and greatest pictures of the farm update. It is really beautiful!! Larry was just letting the man from Branchinni's in to drop off the flooring materials when I left. It wont be long now and Marsha can begin moving in her 5 couch's, 16 chairs, 8 lamps and an assortment of fine Art's Used Furniture store collectibles.......just kidding! It really is looking great and will be so nice with the oak flooring.

Not much other news at this moment.....will write more later.....MOM

The living room.

Looking down the hallway. Here you can clearly see the two different colors.

Looking out the kitchen window in the corner.

A moment of silence for an old family Icon. Don Knotts has passed away at the age of 81 years. I thought maybe this was the best way to drop the news to brother Steven who has patterned so much of his life after the great Barney Fife. May he rest in peace. 1924 - Feb 24 2006.

Oh my, where do I start!!

To begin with, remember the little calf that its mother abandoned? Well, to be exact she didnt exactly abandon it, she just prefered to kick the crap out of it instead of letting it nurse. The good news is that it has a new home. A friend of ours took the calf and has lots of experience in raising bottle calves (they did 8 last year). She has a little boy and he has already named her "Sunshine"...so, happy ending to that story.
Now, the big news!!! Jessica and Rob are going to have a little girl! Kurtis and I traveled to Des Moines Friday morning for the Ultrasound. I cannot even begin to explain what a cool experience that was! I don't know where technology is going to go from here....but in this case it was phenomenol! I sometimes think young people these days are too impatient and want everything "Now". But, I think if I were young again (fat chance!) and this service was available, I would probably have a hard time holding back too.
After the ultrasound we went to the local "Babies are Us" and grandpa Young had to buy the first little pink outfit. Later we went to supper with Robs folks and celebrated the event. By the way, Friday was also Rob's birthday...so we had a lot to celebrate!
Shirley and Larry are fabulous people and just fun to be around. Although this is their second grandchild they are very excited.
Saturday we got up and Jennifer came over to the hotel with her wedding dress for show and tell. We tried it on her, and it looks like so far it should fit fine, with some minor alterations. Its very beautiful, and it wont be long until September. We then, all met for lunch at HuHots. The place was absolutely packed, but as usual I thought it was fabulous!
So now here I am, back home, pooped out and with alot to think about. Kurtis is back outside checking to see if he had any arrivals while he was gone.....this is going to be quite a busy spring with a grandbaby coming, baby calves and .......lots of seedlings!! Spring in Iowa...it's just beautiful! Until next time.....MOM
oh, and Jessica and Rob....thanks for sharing that wonderful experience with us...we are very grateful! MOM

After the procedure we all retired next door to the......yep, you got it, the Dairy Queen. This kid has enough Lynch blood in it, its only seems appropriate it starts out right, after all Isnt it "Sugar and Spice and "Dairy Queen" and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of?

The subject is placed on the table and made ready for the big show. The lights were turned down and the show began......where is the popcorn??

Spring has sprung at the farm.....

Unfortunately, its still frickin' freezing outside. Kurtis had his first little calf early this morning to a first year heifer, and she doesnt like him. Kurtis has spent the entire day getting him and his mother locked up in the barn and giving bottles of milk to try and get him a head start. Since this is her first calf, she really wants nothing to do with him....life can be so cruel. So, its warm milk from a kind bohemie for now.
We had a very nice weekend. Friday night was the Pheasants Forever banquet in Iowa City at the Highlander. It was really fun. We took Father Benda along and he managed to win the pick of the auction....hmmm suppose he had any "devine" help? He won the Pheasants Forever print of the year which was worth about $425.00. I managed to win a nice print and a sculpture of a chickadee sitting on a nest. This was one of the "especially for women" drawings they had. Apparently they have figured out that if you want to have the guys show up....ya better put something out there for the damn tag along women......and it seems to have worked. I was very entertained watching Kurtis. He seems to have developed quite a following of gun crazed males from working at Scheels. One guy came over to the table and asked him to come over and help a guy put together a gun that was on the auction that they seemed to be having some technical difficulty with. I watched him walk over, pick it up and snap, snap and the parts went together. I think he has definately found his passion. The food was really good, we got home about 10:30 or so.
Saturday was just great! I decided to put house cleaning on drudgery on hold...and to spend a day doing something I enjoy. So, Marsha came over and we spent the afternoon pouring through seed catalogs!! I think its fair to say.....2006 is going to be an absolutely fabulous year for horticulture!! We finished the evening out with a fabulous meal out at the HuHot in Iowa City. Yes, we ate ourselves into misery....yeah, so whats new!
Sunday was pretty low key...I did some wash, and general chores around the house. I did run to Iowa City for a short time....It occured to me about 3:00 someone has a birthday tomorrow, and I didnt have the appropriate, sensitive, sweet yet just slightly insulting birthday card that I needed...I also managed to stop at Menards and browse through the Burpee seed rack. God knows, I dont want to risk some other smuck coming through and buying the last package of kentucky blue lake green beans or something! I did make a few purchases but have many more yet to come......Well, thats it for my weekend. Hope you had a nice birthday Jennifer....until next time......MOM

Well, spring has come to the farm....the only problem is that its just too damn cold to be born yet. Kurtis had his first little one born this morning, unfortunately his mom doesnt want to have anything to do with him yet. This is her first run at motherhood, and she isnt keen on the idea.

ITS FFFFFFREEEEEEZZZZING OUTSIDE!!

Winter has returned with a vengence!! It is currently -5 degrees with 25 mile per hour winds. Kurtis and I went to the Pheasants Forever banquet tonite, it was really a nice event. The food was really good and we even managed to win some nice items. I always enjoy this banquet, but it does go too long into the evening. We didnt get home until 10:30 or so.
I think I have found the location of my next little corgi buddy. I just so happened onto this lady's website today, so I emailed her to get information and found out she has a litter due on March 6th. She said she will email me when they are born and then we can make arrangements to come visit them......Im so excited! I really miss having my little maggie around. These little guys wont be ready till mid May or so, so hopefully the weather will be very nice by then.
Well, Im quite pooped and ready to head to bed. The wind just sounds awful, but it will be nice under the sheets, and quilt and thermal blanket and ......and extra blanket.....well, its just plain damn cold. Until next time....MOM

Here are some of the litter playing with their son on the living room rug. cute little stinkers!

This is the one son with a couple of last years puppies....Dont they just look so excitable!!

DONT READ ANY FURTHER!!!!

I'm going to warn you..if you don't want to h ear about my Valentines day.....quite reading now, just sign off and go do something else! If you are offended by "gooey girl stuff", I'm warning you.....go do a search on car engines, or Nascar or something else good and manly....because tonite its all for the girls!!!!!

Yep, It's Valentines Day, and I had a great one! It's so nice to be remembered today even if It is a commercialized gimmick for selling red balloons, candy and mass produced, genetically altered roses. Who gives a damn, as long as you get your fair share!!
Well, I didn't get the above, but I was very surprised by my clever Kurtis with his carefully thought out offering!
About two months ago Kurtis and I went to a Antique show in Anamosa. While there I spotted a wonderful 1920'ish piece of Van Briggle art pottery (Im sorry guys but if you havent gagged by now you're doin' good) Anyway, I immediately fell in love with it and walked over to the guy manning the booth and inquired as to the asking price. Well, so much for that thought, needless to say it was out of my budget. I showed the vase to Kurtis took a deep breath and said "Oh, well" and left.
Last night I came home from work and since Kurtis is working tonight until 9, we decided to go out for supper. He asked me if I would like my little present now (he has been telling me he had something for me out in his shed) So, I replied "Oh, ....... you didn't have to do that...but OK!" So he slips around the corner and places the much admired vase on the table and says "Happy Valentines day dear!!" Needless to say I was flabergasted (sp?) He had brought the guys phone number home from the show, went back to Anamosa sometime the next week, bought the vase and kept it out in his shed until last night. Now, all together.....AHHHHHHHHH, Isn't that SWEET!! He is just such a romantic!!!! (Steve, control yourself...I just know you didn't quit reading!!) So, I was very happy indeed, then he had a very beautiful card for me with the most beautiful verses you could imagine! Oh!! I bet you are wondering what I got Kurtis aren't you?? Well, I got him a very nice card in which I wrote some very nice and romantic things, and I have a nice Motel room booked in Des Moines on the 24th for us to share some quality time!!! The rest of the details are none of your damn business!!
As if that isn't enough of a wonderful day, I came home tonight to find my Orchid that Kurtis got for me 2 years ago for Valentines day had burst into bloom....To what do I credit that success????? One word "Greenhouse" I kept the orchid in the greenhouse all summer, then brought it inside, repotted it and Wha---la!!
So, you see I had a very nice day and hope you all did too. Happy Valentines day. Until next time.....MOM

Yes, and today on Valentines day my orchid opened up its blooms to put on a show. Kurtis got me this orchid for Valentines day 2 years ago...I finally got it to bloom!!

Van Briggle cir: 1920

And another weekend is filed to the archives.....

I have a notion to file a complaint with the Atomic clock at Boulder Colorado..I think I got cut short on weekend hours....It just seemed to go too fast, even faster than normal. I spent most all of Saturday doing my normal weekend chores, which I might mention I am damn tired of. I dont understand how two people with no kids can have so much wash, picking up and un-finished projects. When I had two young kids I got more done than I do now. Do you suppose it has something to do with age? Well maybe.
Speaking of Age..yesterday I took Mom to Glady's 90 year birthday party!! Talk about age!!! There are some things I really question about having the Dewey genes in my body.....but when it comes to the age factor..it would definately be a plus! It was a very nice party held in the community room at the Regency apartments where she lives. Her kids Jim and Mary Del put it on and did a very nice job. I got to have some nice visits with cousins I rarely see (Diane Denneny and "Dee") and really enjoyed it. I was absolutely furious when I realized I had left home without my camera, let me tell you there was definately some real Blog moments there.
Then it was back home for some quiet time on the couch. Kurtis made a batch of Chili so I had a bowl for supper. So, you see this was just a real "ho hum" weekend, not much to tell, so until next time......MOM

FARM UPDATE.......

I dedicate my blog today to the farm update.....I jumped in my car about 12:30 and headed over the farm to get some pictures....I must say, things are coming right along...It is really beginning to look cool.
The new roof is on and looks great. There is a bit of messiness around, but that is to be expected during a remodel job.
One of the first things you notice when you walk in is how bright and airy it is..Its going to be a great place to strategically place some nice plants around....
The pictures pretty much speak for themselves...your beds outside look a bit wind-blown but a still pretty covered and protected.
Back to my list of chores......until next time....MOM

And last but not least.....I carefully pulled some of the straw back on your garlic bed and look what I found....a little garlic plant pushing its way out....I just hope it doesnt push too far....Its only early February. I covered it back up to sleep for another month or so...

Looking from the front porch area into the kitchen....again, note how nice and bright it is!

This is looking into the living room....note no more window into the garage...It looks much nicer this way!!!

This is looking down the back porch area down to the "Charlie Kofron" cabinets...that are gone. Also notice the short stub wall where the old copper planter used to sit..is gone. It is so nice and bright in there now....I see lots of beautiful flora in the future!

This is a shot from the road, I was trying to get the new shingles...You're bricks are still surviving along the retaining wall, kind of gives it that three demensional look.

OK, now sing along to the them of Oklahoma "Oh, what a beautiful WEEKEND"

I really did have a very nice weekend. Saturday Kurtis worked all day, so I just did the normal mundane house cleaning, wash etc. I also did manage to clean and re-organize the back pantry so I could move my Martha Washington Geraniums out there for a chilling cycle that they require. I learned at my last stop at the Tipton Greenhouse while visiting with Dean Anderson that you must chill them for about 4 weeks or they wont bloom. So in the chiller they go.
Sunday was just delightful. I now refer to Sunday as my retreat to life before Scheels day. Kurtis has usually planned a nice day and we go off and enjoy it. This Sundays agenda started off with the Gun Show at Hawkeye Downs (now, does that tell you how desperate I have become to spend time with Kurtis? Yes, a gun show) So, while Kurtis browses through the M1 Garands, Lugers, Remingtons and other so called weapons of mass destruction..I catch up on the news in the car with the Sunday Gazette. It was quite nice and even though it was chilly outside, the sun beaming in on me and reflecting off the paper made it quite cozy. I paticularly enjoyed the article submitted by Ms. Diane Pesek who while doing some bird watching out at the park observed a long tailed duck. It seems this duck is a rare winter visitor to Iowa so it was quite a treat. Unfortunately while looking at the duck through her spoting binoculars she seen it was tangled up in some monofilament fishing line and was unable to fly. After contacting other fellow bird watchers, the crew was able to remove the line from the ducks feet. Another success story in suburbia America!
From the gun show we headed uptown Cedar Rapids. We had decided to go visit the Linn County Historical Society to maybe get some clever ideas for setting up displays at the CCHS museum. But, as usual, like the Griswalds, the sign said "Closed until April 1 to re-work displays" Guess we'll have to come back.
We then headed out towards Marion to do some antiquing, but made a stop at Carlos OKellys for some food and libation. It was especially good as usual.
On to the shops...Kurtis bought me a very beautiful McCoy vase done in kind of a sage green color - almost looks like spatterware - he informed me it would be my "Valentines" gift. Ahhh so sweet.
Off to the grocery store and head for home. On the way home we pulled into Palisades Park and looked over the camping grounds. It was just beautiful out there yesterday, we drove down to the river and parked for awhile and watched the ducks and geese on the water. Damn, if I was just a few years younger....Oh, but we did ok anyway!! HA!
Back home about 3:30 or so then we headed over to Father Bendas and watched the Super Bowl. I made BBQ pork sandwiches, coleslaw and chicken wings. It was pretty good.
So, you see it really was a nice weekend...Im so looking forward to spring. I have so many plans....so we'll see. I do some of my best planning on my back in bed at night..I can just see the dirt flying, the garden growing and the flowers blooming! But come morning....the feet hurt, the fat gets in the way and the attitude slumps......second thought..need to think positive! It is going to be a great year!
Until next time.....MOM

Wanted: A little baby "Maggie" I'm so embarassed, but I have got to find a little gal like this one. Unfortunately she is $550.00 and located in Texas....if you see any like this in Iowa, be sure to let me know! Oh, and a little less heavy in the price department. Oh, but isnt she cute?

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT......

So, Kurtis and I go to Maquoketa to the antique show just for something to do on a Sunday afternoon. I'm walking by one of the booths when I spot this large, round, interesting jar on one of the tables. I walk up to the lady in the booth and I inquire "Hmmm..that is an interesting jar you have there, what do you think it is?" Well, she says, pausing for a moment, my husband says it is for selling pickled eggs in a bar...see those little holes in there, that is what you sit the pickled eggs in. Ah, now isn't that clever. What's your best price on that today I ask. She hesitates a moment and looks the tag over which is clearly marked $58.00. I'll take $48.00.....I quickly come back with a $40.00 offer. "Oh, I don't know" she replies, "My husband isn't here today...but..but.."Oh OK" and a deal is born.
Now, what in the hell you may ask would you want with a big, ugly heavy jar that supposedly was used for pickled eggs..afterall, I don't even like pickled eggs and I never frequent bars!
So, here is the good part.....I'm sitting on the couch last night...I'm looking over my $40.00 treasure and I'm thinking.....ya know, that just doesn't look right for pickled eggs......no something just isnt right.....Why would there be a little shelf in there..picked eggs are supposed to be suspended in vinegar, not lying around on little shelves....so, its off to the internet I go. I just suspected that there was something scientific about the jar....and after some searching "Bingo" there it was big as life....I had bought a "Desiccator"....yup my very own Desiccator......I was so proud! Pickled eggs HA What a fool those people must of been!! No indeed, I have a Desiccator!
Oh, so I suppose you're wondering what a Desiccator is!!! I'll bet my nephew Adam knows!! A Desiccator is used in a lab to maintain a dry environment for "things" (I'm a little afraid to dive any deeper into what kind of things) but there is Silica Type granuals that go in the bottom, then the "things" are placed on the little shelf and the lid is put on top to seal in the dry environment. So there..are you not impressed!!
I'm just sad I didn't get the ladys name so I could call her and set her straight on her pickled egg jar!! I have been so excited to get some plant cuttings and suspend them over a water bath in it and start the rooting......till Kurtis calmly looks at the jar sitting on the coffee table and says "Yeah, knowing your luck it is tainted with some type of botolism and we'll both get sick and die" Talk about rain on my parade!!!!
Until next time....MOM

Well, what do you think....just the ticket for starting plant cuttings in don't ya think? I figure I can suspend the liitle buggers over the water bath below....pretty clever right?