Winter Has Come to the Dakotas

Ready for the next one.

Old Halloween Costume

What's up with the dress?? You would think with a bevvy of support staff nearby someone would have stepped up to the plate and said, "Alright Missy, just where do think you're going in that getup?"

And that is Michele I am writing about, the daughter seems to have it together.

Carsten is Confirmed

Yesterday was another milestone in the life of Carsten. Maybe to him it wasn't as awesome as a driver's license or finishing another grade, but in the overall it is pretty important. Confirming your faith - more of the ground work put down, that as a parent, you hope they rely on and remember not only when they sail rough waters but also when they beam inside from a job well done - knowing they couldn't have done it alone!

The confirmands sang a song oft heard at Oak Valley, "Sanctuary.". One of Carsten's best buddies, Collin Kittelson, is on the clavinova. Such God given talent he has. I wanted to share it on the flip video

So as twelve more young adults marched farther into their own world of faith. I pray they never lose it but more importantly - always use it. God bless you Carsten.
Love, MOM

Ella Bella

In early July our cat, Katman (last name: Du) failed to return to the nest, as he had so faithfully done after every outdoor excursion. We don't exactly know of his fate but think he tangled with a raccoon. We have had plenty in the "forest" behind the house.

Katman should have been named dogman, as he thought he was one. Or at least a litterboxless cat. In his ten years he never once did the indoor thing,that I can remember. He did start out as a farm cat and came to town with us in the summer of '99. I don't think I started a litter box then either. He would sit at the patio doors and wait, or come and get someone to let him out all with a plaintive meow. He also had a MO of waking me about 5:30 am, in which I would mechanically trot out to the dining room, open the door, and then crawl back into bed.

I miss the old black Katman.

I don't even have a good picture of him on this computer. I would have to jump through a few hoops to get one on here, so I will opt out.

Well around here we don't let catless gaps go for long. Lacy saw to that, yesiree! We acquired a replacement about the second day of school, on a long walk home. But not too far to carry a kitten with her.

Ella the cat arrives.

Now given my rule of one dog and one cat, I didn't have much ground to stake as my own,what with Katman AWOL. Over the years Lace has made many attempts to increase the feline population. One family even sent a litter box, with extra kitty litter and the kitty. Hard and fast I stood: one dog, one cat. So it was time to give in because after all we only had one dog and no cat.

It has been fun, even though I never really was a cat person. It is like having a toddler in the house. Every thing is of intense curiosity. She misses nothing and follows everything. Poor Buddy he takes it all in stride.

So far she is getting the drift of life around here. Cats are really routine like in nature and she is no exception. She too will come in at about 6:00 am give or take a few minutes and let it be known it is time for coffee and the newspaper. She sleeps on the back of the big armchair, where I sit while watching the news and reading the paper. It is the routine you know! She is learning to do the outdoors in short spurts. I don't know if I could handle a "roadkill" or "sailcat" event. So she comes out with us while were doing yard stuff and hops about looking for a bug. She has a wicked hunt to kill position. May be a good mouser someday.

Ella the cat stays.

Well now we have a dilemma, as Ella seems now to be more of a boy. That's okay as a neuter is cheaper than spay. But what about the name?? So we have been testing new monikers. I invariably call her/him kitty baby so it doesn't really matter too much as far as I am concerned. But maybe the best name is right under our nose and we didn't even realize it.

One vote for Ella Fella!

Another Trip to Fargo

Thursday, Friday and Saturday were spent in Fargo doing another three days of sorting, packing and throwing. Tom came from Chicago and it was work work work! Although he did take some furrowed brow time on his laptop to follow the stock market and its horrendous tumble. Friday afternoon he said, "this is unbelievable" - way too many times!! He is a heavy hitter in the market so it was rather a passive comment for someone who took a bashing.

It is a guess of about two more trips and we should have this house deal done. It only took a year. But let's not forget it took fifty-one years to rack up the booty. This trip was momentous in that it was the moving of Barbie and Ken.

I was given my first Barbie in 1961 when mom made a trip to the Mayo Clinic for her back. I requested a Revlon doll, as that what was what the girl across the street had. I was disappointed only for a short time.



Before the dust settled I had a Barbie, Ken, Allen, Midge, a Barbie with wigs, Skipper and her pal, I think, Tracy. (Susan: correct me if I am wrong!) And of course, the Barbie Dream House, Fashion Studio, and Skipper School. It should be noted yours truly had probably the only Tupperware container for some of the gobs a paraphernalia. Check out the photo Judy, you will be happy to know it is still in use.

I have laid the law down: these creatures of my past will not be used for today's toys. I took good care of them and nary a one was given a haircut. Lacy has around twenty-five Barbies, Bratz, and Brittney Spears dolls and just about everyone has some hideous chop job. I have tried to preserve some for her days of old but it has been hard to do. She did get to look at the dolls and all their clothes. She thought there were some pretty strange clothes "back in the olden days." Just wait Lace, your kids will howl over those goofy Bratz with no feet!

More Big News

Robert, Nicole and Lainey have big news. On Thursday they flew to Spokane to participate in the sonogram of the next Reid baby. A young lady named Jennifer is making it possible for the Reid's to expand their dreams of a bigger family and nurture an infant into adulthood. What a lucky fellow he is!

Grandma and Grandpa Davis are delighted to have another grandchild. This little boy is be named Beaux Davis Reid. And what would this news be without a sort of Kodak moment?



This is side view with legs out on each side. Equipment visible. Back in the olden day of the first ultrasounds - they all looked alike. I think the OB docs had a master that we all got. The first time I had sonogram was with Billy, 27 years ago.

My Little Bill

Twenty-seven years ago today, the 26th, my little Bill was born. At 9# 6oz. he wasn't really little, but he sure was special. Today he is all big, works for Nabors Oil Drilling and soon will have his own little treasure. He and his girlfriend, Dani, will become parents in early May. They may already be well aware their lives will never be the same. Grandma and Grandpa Davis wish them love and joy as they travel down this unique and special road.

Birthdays

September 19th was a double birthday. Carsten turned 16, Collin turned 4. Carsten didn't want any fanfare, so he went to the Velva/Harvey football game. The Aggies tromped on the Harvey Hornets, 20-7.

Collin had his birthday on the 20th at the International Inn. Two special fellows in my world.


Collin Lee at 4


Carsten at 16

Sunday Mornings

To get up and have the house, a.k.a. my world, to myself is a treat I strive for continuously and succeed at seldom. On Sunday morning a good cup of fresh coffee, the newspaper, and solitude - that is my church.

When eight o'clock rolls around I turn on the set, or switch from CNN, to CBS Sunday Morning. This is one of the best little shows on TV nowadays. None of the 45 second interview or findings stuff they flash at us during the week. Nice in depth stuff.

They do have short commentaries that are rather light and cute. Today was a snippet about everlasting TV tunes. Are there any now?? No, but back in the good old days we had:

Brady Bunch
Beverly Hillbillies
Green Acres
Addams Family
Gilligan's Island
Hey, Hey, We're the Monkeys
Jefferson's
All in the Family (I do a fair Edith)
Mary Tyler Moore
Andy of Mayberry (you must know how to whistle)

While we're on subject of TV, how exciting was the fall lineup of coming show in the new season? Back when we had three channels - CBS,NBC and ABC, it was such a decision as to what to watch. As my dementia blossoms I wonder how long it will be before I forget:

Saturday night was Lawrence Welk (I was most interested in what the Lennon Sisters were wearing)
Sunday - Lassie, Real McCoys, Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color and Bonanza.
Tuesday - Red Skelton
Wednesday Beverly Hillbillies
Thursday - Hazel

Evidently Mondays and Fridays were not too memorable. Or possibly on Mondays I needed to rest after that big Sunday line up.

Don't Give Up on Me!

Ten Reasons why I am not blogging.

1. Trip to Fargo to work on the house.

2. Hutch came and needed to put good china and dishes away.

3. Canning Tomatoes

4. Freezing Corn

5. Making Apple Juice

6. Printing the trip pictures (300).

7. Painting Lacy new/old bedroom set.

8. Making Beet Pickles

9. New Kitten - Lacy's New Kitten, excuse me!

10. Sheer laziness when not having a breakdown.

A Little Bit of Entertainment

It was soon time for a snack of sorts. We bought strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and smoked salmon that melted in your mouth like butter. We ate with our fingers and savored every bite and moment. The peripheral entertainment was, as they say, priceless.




The uniqueness of people amazes me. I wanted to know their stories. Are they where they want to be? Who have they left behind? Does someone ache or worry for them? Will they go back? Is there a place to go back to?

Tuesday August 12th

We all took off (minus Loren) for downtown Seattle. We took the Monorail from the Seattle Center down to Westlake Center We didn't do the Space Needle. Twenty smackaroo for a ride to the top, a little viewing and back down. For the eight of us that would be $200.00. That's four pair of shoes for me.



We then walked to Pike's Place Market. Lacy is behind Carsten and Robert is behind the camera.



The market was rather unbelievable for this North Dakota girl. A few years back I was at a workshop and we had a motivational segment on the Flying Fish. "If you love what you do, the rest falls into place - even selling fish." It has become semifamous over the years, the Flying Fish concept. Check out the flip video.



There were stands with bouquets for 5 and 7 bucks, vegetables and of course, fish.






I have decided to post this unfinished (the day) as I am struggling to get back to the computer. Garden stuff to be taken care of, work, and the everyday nightmares. Stay tuned.

Taking Care of the Mess

My handy dandy little Flip video was well used on the trip. Here is a little clip of Lainey eating. She is very tidy and prefers her tongue to a sleeve. I love the kisses I got during her supper.

Seattle Nights

Each night we'd arrived back at Nic and Robert's for good food, good drink and good talk. Loren and Deanna came over to join in the merriment. It was our first time meeting Loren. He and Deanna live in Everett.



Of course there were silly antics by all. Lacy had fun with Lainey's toy box supply



Crab for Supper







Carsten putting a necklace on Lainey, the Queen of the beads.



Grandpa feeding Lainey.




I'm sure you want to see the facial work up close.



Deanna is really ittsy, it is only an illusion that I look as big as a '56 Buick.

Monday August 11th

This was the day we headed for Deception Pass. Only after we had stopped at the Outlet Mall in, I think, Everett.

Deception Pass is a strait that flows between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island. It was as beautiful day to kick off the site seeing. After tromping around on the bridge we went down to the beach, looked for sea glass, stood in the icy water and commented on the beauty.





I am trying hard to put a link in for Deception Pass but I can't quite pull it off.
I have resurrected the Blogging for Dummies book. Still no luck.



This will have to be the explanation of Deception Pass, no Wikipedia just yet. Double click on the photo to read.





Time for a group shot.



Searching the shores for Sea Glass. I found one little bitty one. Nic found blue glass.





Cold Water!!







A little girl with a big life yet to live. Quiet moment in time.



Grandma and Grandpa.



Time to head back to the car and think about supper. Stay tuned for the evening of the 11th. I have to go to bed, work tomorrow.




P.S. Nic and her co-pilot (the one with the sippy cup) were great tour guides.