Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Making Changes
Arlin and Cindy are taking out the big trees - they prevent the light from reaching their yard. Neil brought home this big truck from work (yes, that is him in the bucket with a chain saw in hand )and he and Arlin took a few big branches down this evening. I think they were enjoying it.
Monday, June 23, 2008
New Greenhouse in the Making
At last we have started our new greenhouse! We dug up part of the sod and then hauled up the ashes etc. from the burn site and are packing it down on the site and leveling it out; then we will put down some tin to hopefully keep the moles and other critters out and then the flooring. We have a lot of cement blocks which we will use for the foundation. As you can see by the picture, I use the term 'we' rather loosely here. Truthfully, I have helped also and try to do whatever 'he' will let me do.
Boys and Frogs
Oh it is great to have the grandchildren around. The guys love frogs (& toads & spiders & snakes & every other little living critter)Joey & Elijah & Nathaniel spent the morning with us, mostly down by the creek looking for frogs. They found one and had great fun with it - Joey tells me it is a girl. It is great fun to have the boys come to visit, especially when the weather is nice and they can have fun outdoors. Julie and the rest of the gang took Ammon to the dentist-not so fun.
Here is a slide show with the frog & the grandchildren - and a few of Aaron & Emmylou Newell's precious children, Garrett & Gracie
Here is a slide show with the frog & the grandchildren - and a few of Aaron & Emmylou Newell's precious children, Garrett & Gracie
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Ellsworth Curran - Community Service
A week or so ago the Aberdeen Daily World contacted us and came out to the house to do an article on Ellsworth and his Community Service for the past 60+ years.
So here is a link to that article (Just click on his name above) - I managed to get my name in there also a few times; even a picture. However there are a few misprints. One big one is that it says he is one of the co-founders of the Beehive Retirement Center which, of course, is not true; we are just stockholders. We haven't figured out how they came to that deduction. The article was two full pages long. Quite a surprise.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Eldon's Job and Mom's Return
Yesterday a couple of hours after we returned from the Seattle Temple Eldon stopped by. He is soooo happy with his job. He says it is just right for him. It has a lot of variety and the really big thing is it pays 100% of his health insurance; medical, dental, and vision. Wow! That is great. He doesn't have to do too much lifting so far so that is a good thing. The boys are doing good and growing!!
Tuesday David went to the airport and picked up mother. He took her over to the Good Samaritan Hospital Rehab where my brother, Ralph is (was - he went home today) and I met them there. We had a nice meal there in Ralph's dining room area. Then mother and I went home. She had a great trip but is awfully glad to be back to her own little place. There is nothing like home.
Today I went and fixed her medicines for the week and paid her bills and a few other things. She is doing very well. She just misses seeing so many of her grandchildren that she so seldom sees.
Tuesday David went to the airport and picked up mother. He took her over to the Good Samaritan Hospital Rehab where my brother, Ralph is (was - he went home today) and I met them there. We had a nice meal there in Ralph's dining room area. Then mother and I went home. She had a great trip but is awfully glad to be back to her own little place. There is nothing like home.
Today I went and fixed her medicines for the week and paid her bills and a few other things. She is doing very well. She just misses seeing so many of her grandchildren that she so seldom sees.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Today was a very special day. Arlin and Cindy were going to the Temple and took me along. It was a great trip. It is so peaceful in the Temple and once you enter, you feel like all the troubles of the world have disappeared. I love that feeling. The Spirit of the Lord is so strong there you feel so close to Him who gave his life for all of us. I feel a special help from the Lord while there while meditating upon the problems I encounter in daily life. I came away with a feeling of greater strength and a more positive attitude about solutions and what I need to do to bring them about.
Garth and Julie were there also. We were able to have lunch there in the Temple with them. That was a special treat.
Garth leaves for WA DC next week. Julie will not be going along. The Army told him she could not be present at the ceremony. Garth told them he didn't want to go along if he couldn't take his wife and they said "You are going!- You are the Platoon Sergeant!" So he is going.
I have a cousin back there who retired from the Army as a Lt. Colonel and is now in the CIA. We have made contact with him and hopefully they will be in contact with each other while there.
It was a nice trip today but I am glad to be back home again.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Aaron & Emmylou Visit
Aaron had a meeting on Monday, Jun 16th in Seattle so he and Emmylou and the kids decided to make a visit over here Sunday evening and spend the night. We had a great time playing games and eating and eating and playing more games. Some of the photos are prior to the visit,
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Garth's Welcome Home
It was a great Homecoming! So many people from the community and church showed up to welcome him home.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Daddy's Tree
I'm glad I took this picture. The wind is blowing so hard today (6-9-08)we are having a snow shower of yellow blossoms.
Fourteen years ago we planted two trees - Pictures of Daddy's beautiful Golden Chain tree below.
The tree we planted for Sara will bloom later and I will get a picture of it then.
Fourteen years ago we planted two trees - Pictures of Daddy's beautiful Golden Chain tree below.
The tree we planted for Sara will bloom later and I will get a picture of it then.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Fence & Garden
We added some more pictures to this post - the Garden is growing and I have planted a few more plants.
Because we had a few problems with animals in the neighborhood getting into our garden, we decided yesterday to put up a fence. It had to be with materials we already had on hand so in looking around I found some fencing material that once belonged to the Beehive which they decided not to use so gave it to us. I found some old rusty metal posts and decided that would work.
I went to work dragging the materials over and had started putting the posts in when suddenly Arlin appeared and drug the rest of the materials over and took the post driver away from me and started in. We made pretty good progress, with Ellsworth cutting the wires, and me trying to do something to help and then Cindy came over and chipped right in, helping with tying the wires (we had to put two rows and they had to be tied together). Soon Neil came over and between them it wasn't long and we had a fence. The gate is one of our old pea vine fencing that we used.
They were kind enough to leave their own projects and help us out. We appreciate them very much.
Because we had a few problems with animals in the neighborhood getting into our garden, we decided yesterday to put up a fence. It had to be with materials we already had on hand so in looking around I found some fencing material that once belonged to the Beehive which they decided not to use so gave it to us. I found some old rusty metal posts and decided that would work.
I went to work dragging the materials over and had started putting the posts in when suddenly Arlin appeared and drug the rest of the materials over and took the post driver away from me and started in. We made pretty good progress, with Ellsworth cutting the wires, and me trying to do something to help and then Cindy came over and chipped right in, helping with tying the wires (we had to put two rows and they had to be tied together). Soon Neil came over and between them it wasn't long and we had a fence. The gate is one of our old pea vine fencing that we used.
They were kind enough to leave their own projects and help us out. We appreciate them very much.
Garth is going to Washington D.C.
Well, Garth did go to WA DC and is there as I write this. They had the awards program and he will be heading home in the morning. I don't know much more about it. It is a frustrating thing that he cannot tell us more than he does.
Yes, it is true. Here is an exerpt from Garth's letter:
"The DIRNSA (Director of NSA) gives out an award every year to the unit that has the best and most siginificant impact on the military through Signals Intelligence. Well, my Platoon won the award this year. Its usually given to a Battalion or at least a company size element so we are the first Platoon sized element to win it. Anyway, the award will be presented in Washington DC. Anyway, its a pretty prestigious thing and not too many people can say they have won it. Its pretty exciting!! I hope to get something for each member of my platoon as a commemorative gift for the event. If you have any ideas let me know. Well, it wont be too long now. I am brimming with anticipation mixed with severe anxiety. I miss and love you guys. Will see you soon."
Garth will be home in just a few days - we are waiting to hear when - won't know the exact day or time until he is on the plane. He called a few days ago and we got to hear his voice for a very few minutes but we loved hearing from him.
Yes, it is true. Here is an exerpt from Garth's letter:
"The DIRNSA (Director of NSA) gives out an award every year to the unit that has the best and most siginificant impact on the military through Signals Intelligence. Well, my Platoon won the award this year. Its usually given to a Battalion or at least a company size element so we are the first Platoon sized element to win it. Anyway, the award will be presented in Washington DC. Anyway, its a pretty prestigious thing and not too many people can say they have won it. Its pretty exciting!! I hope to get something for each member of my platoon as a commemorative gift for the event. If you have any ideas let me know. Well, it wont be too long now. I am brimming with anticipation mixed with severe anxiety. I miss and love you guys. Will see you soon."
Garth will be home in just a few days - we are waiting to hear when - won't know the exact day or time until he is on the plane. He called a few days ago and we got to hear his voice for a very few minutes but we loved hearing from him.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Name in Paper
Hello There:
A month ago we sent a little blurb to the local newspaper - hoping for a little free advertising. They finally decided to print it yesterday.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
More about Gardens
Progressive Garden 2008
May 27th - Well, guess what! Ells took another look at the corn and said the sprouts had grown quite a bit more than he thought and we needed to plant it tonight. I whined a little but then got ready and we both went out and went to work. We planted 400 corn seeds - 8 rows. Ells dug and covered the rows. I planted them. It was gratifying to have it done and a good feeling to know we will have food to eat in a couple of months. (so what if we can't walk for a few days) In a few days I will post another picture.
*****************************************************************
May 27th - Arlin came over yesterday afternoon and tilled up the rest of the garden. What a great neighbor, son-in-law etc etc. He and Neil are both busier than bees and yet they find time to squeeze in a helping hand when they know we really need it.
Both Ellsworth and I were too bunged up to do any planting yesterday but today I was able to plant quite a few things. The corn is sprouted about an inch long but Ells feels we need to wait a few more days before planting. Our pole and bush beans are the same way. We will wait a little bit longer. I will get some winter squash plants tomorrow (I hope) and put them in.
*****************************************************************
May 24th I am sooo excited! The potatoes are coming up! The red potatoes that we planted last year and saved a few for seed - they are delicious and kept so well all winter out in the old chicken coop despite the fact that it leaks and needs to be torn down.
We didn't have to buy potatoes all year long and I canned quite a few also to be used in stews etc. I think I will be able to make scalloped potatoes out of them - we will see. The corn is in a tray starting to sprout so as soon as the rest of the garden is tilled for the second time, we will plant them.
May 27th - Well, guess what! Ells took another look at the corn and said the sprouts had grown quite a bit more than he thought and we needed to plant it tonight. I whined a little but then got ready and we both went out and went to work. We planted 400 corn seeds - 8 rows. Ells dug and covered the rows. I planted them. It was gratifying to have it done and a good feeling to know we will have food to eat in a couple of months. (so what if we can't walk for a few days) In a few days I will post another picture.
*****************************************************************
May 27th - Arlin came over yesterday afternoon and tilled up the rest of the garden. What a great neighbor, son-in-law etc etc. He and Neil are both busier than bees and yet they find time to squeeze in a helping hand when they know we really need it.
Both Ellsworth and I were too bunged up to do any planting yesterday but today I was able to plant quite a few things. The corn is sprouted about an inch long but Ells feels we need to wait a few more days before planting. Our pole and bush beans are the same way. We will wait a little bit longer. I will get some winter squash plants tomorrow (I hope) and put them in.
*****************************************************************
May 24th I am sooo excited! The potatoes are coming up! The red potatoes that we planted last year and saved a few for seed - they are delicious and kept so well all winter out in the old chicken coop despite the fact that it leaks and needs to be torn down.
We didn't have to buy potatoes all year long and I canned quite a few also to be used in stews etc. I think I will be able to make scalloped potatoes out of them - we will see. The corn is in a tray starting to sprout so as soon as the rest of the garden is tilled for the second time, we will plant them.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Memorial Day Celebration
Yesterday turned out to be the greatest day! We had close to a hundred people here for the flag raising ceremony, music, talks, and breakfast. It was the greatest! It was especially nice because there were a number of people here from the community and several of our dancing friends.
Jim Sibbett provided some wonderful music and stories. Arlin was MC and Jesse, Neil, and I read the information that Garth sent to us. Four different people read the list of 54 names of those who had given their lives from his brigade. It was very touching.
Next year, somehow, we must have a sound system. Too many people were unable to hear. We will work on it.
Sunday Ells was trying to finish up with the weed eating etc. and Jesse came over and offered on his own to do whatever we needed him to do to help us get ready for the next day. We were so grateful to him. He has grown into a fine young man - only 3 years old when they bought our property and moved next door to us. Now he is ready to make his way out in the world.
Sunday night Cindy, Arlin and Garth's 3 oldest boys, Neil and Maddy spent the night down in the campground. In the morning, they all helped a lot with the various things that still needed to be done. Neil put up flags all over and made it look festive and patriotic. He always thinks of the extra things.
Yesterday turned out to be the greatest day! We had close to a hundred people here for the flag raising ceremony, music, talks, and breakfast. It was the greatest! It was especially nice because there were a number of people here from the community and several of our dancing friends.
Of course, one of the most important things to me was having my family there. This year we had Cindy, Arlin and Jesse Burbidge; we had Neil and Maddy Newell; we had Julie and six boys: Kesley, Dallin, Joey, Elijah, Ammon and Nathaniel. {Garth will be home in a very short time. We were sorry that he just missed this event.) We also had a surprise because Grant and Ronda and Krista came. It was great to have them here.
I so wish all of our children had been here.
Jim Sibbett provided some wonderful music and stories. Arlin was MC and Jesse, Neil, and I read the information that Garth sent to us. Four different people read the list of 54 names of those who had given their lives from his brigade. It was very touching.
Next year, somehow, we must have a sound system. Too many people were unable to hear. We will work on it.
Sunday Ells was trying to finish up with the weed eating etc. and Jesse came over and offered on his own to do whatever we needed him to do to help us get ready for the next day. We were so grateful to him. He has grown into a fine young man - only 3 years old when they bought our property and moved next door to us. Now he is ready to make his way out in the world.
Sunday night Cindy, Arlin and Garth's 3 oldest boys, Neil and Maddy spent the night down in the campground. In the morning, they all helped a lot with the various things that still needed to be done. Neil put up flags all over and made it look festive and patriotic. He always thinks of the extra things.
Yesterday turned out to be the greatest day! We had close to a hundred people here for the flag raising ceremony, music, talks, and breakfast. It was the greatest! It was especially nice because there were a number of people here from the community and several of our dancing friends.
Of course, one of the most important things to me was having my family there. This year we had Cindy, Arlin and Jesse Burbidge; we had Neil and Maddy Newell; we had Julie and six boys: Kesley, Dallin, Joey, Elijah, Ammon and Nathaniel. {Garth will be home in a very short time. We were sorry that he just missed this event.) We also had a surprise because Grant and Ronda and Krista came. It was great to have them here.
I so wish all of our children had been here.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Progressive Garden 2008
We Love Our Gardens
06-10-08 Planted some more today - Just a little space left now.
I have really only gotten into gardens since Ellsworth was not able; he has raised a beautiful garden(s) every year that we have been married until he went to the hospital. Now he is gradually getting back into it. He spread most of the mulch and I am doing most of the planting.
Neil did the rototilling the first time through which we greatly appreciated. His time is very limited but he helps us whenever he possibly can.
Ellsworth did the second tilling.
My parents were a wonderful example of hard work and diligence in so many ways including gardening. My dad always had a beautiful garden. One of my fondest memories was taking the salt shaker down to the pasture behind the barn where daddy had the garden. I loved to eat fresh onions and carrots with a little salt on them. Mom did all the flowers at our various places of abode and still has beautiful flowers plus she does vegetables now in her tiny place (Whatever she has room for).
My Grandmother Harris had wonderful gardens until she moved to the mobile home out to Mom's. I'll always remember her out hoeing when she was past 80 years old.
06-10-08 Planted some more today - Just a little space left now.
I have really only gotten into gardens since Ellsworth was not able; he has raised a beautiful garden(s) every year that we have been married until he went to the hospital. Now he is gradually getting back into it. He spread most of the mulch and I am doing most of the planting.
Neil did the rototilling the first time through which we greatly appreciated. His time is very limited but he helps us whenever he possibly can.
Ellsworth did the second tilling.
My parents were a wonderful example of hard work and diligence in so many ways including gardening. My dad always had a beautiful garden. One of my fondest memories was taking the salt shaker down to the pasture behind the barn where daddy had the garden. I loved to eat fresh onions and carrots with a little salt on them. Mom did all the flowers at our various places of abode and still has beautiful flowers plus she does vegetables now in her tiny place (Whatever she has room for).
My Grandmother Harris had wonderful gardens until she moved to the mobile home out to Mom's. I'll always remember her out hoeing when she was past 80 years old.
Mother's Day
Mother's Day can be both Happy and Sad
I love getting cards, phone calls and gifts from my children on Mother's Day.
It is so enjoyable to hear from all of them (in one form or another) within that short period of time. I only feel a little sad (which is silly I know)if someone forgets to call or write but then I think of motherless children or women who are single or barren or have lost children and how they must feel on that day; and then I am ashamed of myself.
I have been blessed with 12 wonderful, beautiful, healthy children. I am so thankful. I love each of them so much and I love their spouses and my grandchildren and great grandchildren. How blessed we all are.
I love the plants and bulbs I received. They are all planted now and doing well.
The fan was perfect for the heat wave and cleaning products and gift card were all very special to me.
The biggest surprise this year was Sunday morning when I got up about 6:30 and went outside to my office. I was making a few changes on the bulletin before I went to church. All of a sudden the phone rang and I thought 'who would call at such an early hour' It was Grant Arthur. We spoke for a little while and then he said "Why don't you look out your window Mom". I did and there he was. He said "I brought you a surprise" I love surprises! I went running out there (well, walking really-barely) and lo and behold he had a whole pickup load of rich, black mulch for the garden and flowers. See pictures above and below.
He unloaded it all for us and had to leave soon after but it was great sharing with him a little and just loving having one more of my children here.
Monday Morning we started in spreading it and just finished this morning. What a fun surprise!
Gardens are wonderful and this is the beginning of ours this year
I love getting cards, phone calls and gifts from my children on Mother's Day.
It is so enjoyable to hear from all of them (in one form or another) within that short period of time. I only feel a little sad (which is silly I know)if someone forgets to call or write but then I think of motherless children or women who are single or barren or have lost children and how they must feel on that day; and then I am ashamed of myself.
I have been blessed with 12 wonderful, beautiful, healthy children. I am so thankful. I love each of them so much and I love their spouses and my grandchildren and great grandchildren. How blessed we all are.
I love the plants and bulbs I received. They are all planted now and doing well.
The fan was perfect for the heat wave and cleaning products and gift card were all very special to me.
The biggest surprise this year was Sunday morning when I got up about 6:30 and went outside to my office. I was making a few changes on the bulletin before I went to church. All of a sudden the phone rang and I thought 'who would call at such an early hour' It was Grant Arthur. We spoke for a little while and then he said "Why don't you look out your window Mom". I did and there he was. He said "I brought you a surprise" I love surprises! I went running out there (well, walking really-barely) and lo and behold he had a whole pickup load of rich, black mulch for the garden and flowers. See pictures above and below.
He unloaded it all for us and had to leave soon after but it was great sharing with him a little and just loving having one more of my children here.
Monday Morning we started in spreading it and just finished this morning. What a fun surprise!
Gardens are wonderful and this is the beginning of ours this year
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