SPRING TIME
Now Playing: SHREK
Is this May already!  Nothing entered since March! Things happening all the time and no time to keep you up to date.  Today I'm making time, so here goes. In March we did our annual Forest Glenn outing to check out the maple syrup and attend the pancake breakfast.

Tom and Claudia joined us to enjoy the pancakes and the day exploring the replicas of the early days. Here is Tom and Bob sitting on the front porch of the log cabin. Bob looks like he belongs in that era except for the camouflage hat. They are enjoying their conversation and I think talking about what they would have done had they lived in the olden days. We also went to the building where they make maple syrup. They were finished for the season but were demonstrating how it was done.

The biggest event in March was Bob's Dad's 94th Birthday on the 21st. It was kind of a quiet party. We picked up food from Arby's and went to Dad's house where Bob's cousin Tom joined us for the celebration. Bob's Dad is as sharp as a tack, although he says he can't remember like he used to (don't we all suffer from CRS?) and he does have a few of the mature adult health issues, but all and all he is amazing.

We had a new heater and central air installed.  Our old heater didn't break but we had someone out to check the air flow.  After some conversation we made the decision to have central air installed and to go ahead and have the heater replaced since it was a packaged deal.  I guess the saying "don't fix it unless it's broke" went out the window but the central air is definitely a plus.

Kickapoo Landing opened for the season March 30th.  Allot of folks were waiting for that day.  It's opened Friday -Sunday until the end of May when it will be opened all week.  Bob plays and sings a couple of times a month during the break of some bands.

April showers bring May flowers.  Taxes due!  Ouch!  Had Red Cross and Amateur Radio doings going on.  The Amateur Radio Emergency Services group participated in a Vermilion County exercise on what activities would take place if the Newport chemical stockpile located in Indiana had an incident.  We tested our ability to have radio communications on our frequencies to support the community if that were necessary.  All went well.  My Red Cross volunteer work included helping a family that had a house fire and doing what was necessary to provide temporary housing, clothes and food. 

My birthday was in April and Tom Foutch played a special song at Kickapoo Landing as a belated birthday celebration, Bob even danced with me!  The Amateur Radio Spring picnic was on my birthday and I was very busy.  I don't feel any older but sometimes my body reminds me that time is marching on---Yard work has been full time.  It kind of got put on the back burner when the weather turned cold again but at least the tree piles have been cleared so we can mow and it doesn't seem so over whelming. The weeds are sprouting up in the drive-way and it has been windy so  we haven't been able to spray until this week.  I've been using the weed eater and spraying the drive way before it begins to look like a field.

Bob went on a camping trip, leaving the 4th of May.  He went with six other guys.  They do this a couple of times a year.  Bob was invited to the one last fall and now seems to be a part of the group.  Each of the fellows has a nick name.  Bob's is biscuit since he made biscuts in the cast iron skillet the last camp out.  Now, I'm not saying they turn out perfect all the time and in fact I don't think he made any this trip.

The plan was to go to Missouri but because it looked like it was going to rain and be hot the group decided to go to Devils Lake in Wisconsen for a week.  As it turned out it rained there a day or two and was windy and cold. They only stayed over the weekend and came home on Monday.  They still had tales to tell of their fun and games.  Usually the group does a couple of jam sessions but from what I hear there was not allot pickin goin on.

Today is Mother's Day.  I had breakfast at Kickapoo Landing.  We have gone there for a couple of years. I received cards and calls from those I love wishing me a Happy Mother's Day.  Wishing all you Mother's a Happy Day.

 

DUDE
Now Playing: Nova

 Dude (in the front) and his mentor the late great Rusty

Let us introduce you to DUDE. There are many good things in life! DUDE is definitely one of those good things. He lives at Morningwood with Claudia, Tom and the girls. Morningwood is a little bit of heaven located near Oakwood, about 30 miles from the farm. We visit from time to time to enjoy the friendship, music, conversation and fun that abounds at the wooded estate.

Upon arrival at Morningwood DUDE is always right there to give his warm and wiggly greeting. In return, scratches and belly rubs are in order to show our appreciation for his lively welcome.                                                                      

 

 

DUDE is a Cockerpoo who was taught the ways of dogdom by the late, great Rusty. This is a picture of DUDE as a puppy with Rusty.

 

DUDE loves olives and having king time with his adopted father Tom. One of his many joys is  to chase squirrels and birds, and he even went for a fox the other day! He loves having company over but prefers to be an only dog.

 

 

 

 

 

He enjoys the goat girls, Sadie & Daisy, as long as they stay outside...because he is the prince of the house!

 

 

 

 

                              Sadie                                                                                                                                                                                        Daisy

Tom has his recording studio nestled among the trees with the river flowing below the cliffs. DUDE loves spending time listening to the music that flows around the cabin, watching the sunlight filter through the trees and the red glow of the sunset in the evening.

He is very lucky to have his adopted Mom Claudia.  She is very special and has given all these pictures to (me) Kathy.  She is very talented and is an award winning photographer, loved and cherished by DUDE and Tom.

Tom produced Bob’s CD with DUDE standing by giving Bob encouragement and looks of praise. His mission in life is to get Bob to love him, and we have witnessed Bob starting to crack under the pressure of those pitiful looks DUDE gives him.

 

 

MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA SHORE AND HOME

I went from the mountains to the sea shore with stops in between.  This is the concrete boat at Seacliff State Park in Aptos, CA south of Santa Cruz a few miles.  This boat is one of three concrete boats built in 1917, named the Palo Alto.  If your interested in the history here is a link you can use to do some reading http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=543 .

Before traveling to the Santa Cruz area I had a wonderful visit with my Aunt Amy in Placerville.  She has a Birthday on March 9th and will by 90.  There will be a celebration on Sunday the 11th.  Although I won't be there for her special day I did get to have a quality visit (although short) and I will be there in spirit.

My visit with my Aunt Lil in Stockton was great.  We did a few things around the house, caught up on the news and did some eating out at the local Home Town Buffet.  She will be in Placerville along with my sister to help her sister, Aunt Amy, party hardy. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Grandma Kathy always looks forward to the trip to the Santa Cruz area to visit the Tucker's who live in Corralitos just south of Santa Cruz and inland a little.  This is a picture of the gathering after a great dinner. Starting at the top left to right is Vicki, Jim and Tanja, Don, me, Annalise and Taylor. I was able to see one of Annalise's indoor soccer games.  She is getting to be quite a skilled player.  She also played a few piano pieces that she is trying to decide which one she is going to play at a recital.  Taylor has become very adept at playing the guitar.  He recently bought himself a new guitar and enjoys jamming with his friends.  He has a job at a local pizza parlor to help support his recent purchase of a car and the expenses of becoming a licensed driver.  Vicki and Don are Jim's sister and brother.  I was delighted that they were able to join us for dinner.  Don lives in Corralitos and Vicki lives in Campbell. Time passes so quickly and before I knew it, it was Sunday morning and time to head back to Stockton to get ready for the trip back to IL.

A week ago Monday I left Stockton and drove to Sacramento stopping to visit with a very dear friend Kay (Corda) Lee.  I haven't seen Kay in many years but it seemed as though it was just yesterday when we sat down and started filling each other in on twists and turns in our lives.  We both have had life experiences (as we all have had) that changed our lives in what seemed like an instant.  I spent the afternoon and early evening with Kay before leaving for the airport.

It was an uneventful flight home (a good thing) and Bob was there at the Indianapolis  airport to bring me home.  I must say that although Bob, in his own way, tried to prepare me for what I would see when I walked into the house I was still overwhelmed.  It was definitely a Bob Wittig nest while I was away.  Enough said! Things are getting back to (my) normal and it is good to be home with my best friend. Although it is a bit cold I'm enjoying nature preparing for spring and look forward to each day and saying hello to friends and finding out what's been going on while I've been away. 

On The Road Again

My sister is doing very well, driving the car and doing what is needed to take care of her and Rob's life items.  The walker is a bit cumbersome but she realizes that it is necessary to achieve the wanted end result.  I left her on Saturday and traveled to Lemmon Valley (near Reno, NV) visiting Bob's son and his kids.    My route to get there was through the Feather River Canyon on California Highway 70. Eventually it drops down and runs right along the Feather River. It is a beautiful drive.  If you look closely you can see how the road winds through the canyon.  I have driven the motor home through the canyon several times.  It is the most direct route between Los Molinos to Reno.  The Pacific, Gas and Electric (PG&E) Company utilizes the power from this river to generate electricity.  There are several power plants along the river and  train tracks on both sides of the canyon with bridges across the river at several points for the trains.

I'm now in Placerville, Ca visiting my Aunt Amy.  I  traveled  Highway 50 Monday morning out of Carson City, NV.  Another trip out of a valley going though the mountains over the summit and this time down through South Lake Tahoe.  It was slow going once I got to the lake.  Lots of traffic because of the three day weekend and folks were going home. It took an additional hour to get to my Aunt's. I'm leaving today for Stockton to visit my Aunt Lil.  I have not decided yet if I'm going on down to Santa Cruz to visit the Tucker's or if we will meet and have dinner one evening.  I will be flying back home on Tuesday February 27th from Sacramento (doing the red eye) arriving in Indianapolis midmorning. 

 

SHOPPING IS GOOD
Now Playing: Aces, Straights and Flushes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been helping my sister Pat sort through years of accumulated stuff.  She moved into the house that belonged to our parents after they passed away. There were not only items that belonged to them but things that had belonged to her late husband and of coarse momentous of the kids. She felt as though her bedroom had become a storage area.

We organized things and found homes for stuff that didn't belong.  Once the closet was cleared of clutter we were able to move the hope chest, that now stores all family pictures, into the closet. A baby cradle belonging to her son's family was moved to another location.

Suddenly Pat realized that she really had a bedroom and wanted to replace the old furniture.  So we went shopping. These are pictures of the new dresser and night stand.  This gives her allot more storage, in fact she has empty drawers.  What a deal, room for more stuff!

Of coarse when you go shopping don't you always find something that was not on the list.  She got a Kitchen Cart to replace the island that had been removed when the kitchen was remodeled. It's perfect because it can be moved around the kitchen where needed and will be a big help to her during her recovery.

 

Oh yes there was one other little thing on the list

Pat needed a car she could get in and out of without a problem.  Her cougar was to low and she would begin to sit down and then fall into the seat because she couldn't bend that low. We figured sooner was better than later so last Tuesday we went looking.  This is what she wanted.  We talked with the dealer and then Pat's son Ed got involved. Wednesday my sister had a new car.  It's a Pontiac Vibe.

Pat had a Doctor's appointment yesterday. All looks good. She has to continue using the walker which makes it awkward for her.  I will stay into next week and she will do everthing she would be doing if I were gone and we will evaluate the situation.  

Scott Michael Meyer

Sunday we invited my brother  Mike's son Scott here for dinner. Mike lives in Reno, NV. where he is a motel manager.   Scott was born in Reno and moved to Red Bluff ,when he was very young with his mother, after his parents divorced.  He works at a local molding manufacturing plant.  He is divorced and has one son Jonathon, who is 20 and lives near Morro Bay, CA.

Scott does not have access to a computer so I was showing him the blog.  We were talking about the fact that Bob has not cut his hair or beard since we moved to the "farm."  I took this picture so Bob could see there was someone in the family that has longer hair than his.  Bob's grandson Cody is not to far behind.  I couldn't get Scott to smile.  He is a 6'4'' teddy bear always willing to help my sister when ask.  In fact he took down the outside Christmas tree lights and moved a piece of furniture my sister wanted stored to one of the sheds. The temperatures  were in the 60's, a great day for being outside.

I don't know if I will see Scott again before I leave.  He lives in town, fifteen miles north of here so he can't just drop by after work.  When we're in town he usually is at work.

Monday was Robs bowling day.  He didn't do as well this week.  I think his knee was giving him trouble.  He has arthritis and has his good days and bad.  One reason he was not doing so well is that when he bowls he stands in one place, back from the foul line, drops back on his right leg/foot as he brings the ball back and releases the ball towards the pins without taking any steps.  Rob was standing to far away from the foul line and he was releasing the ball to far back causing the ball to loose speed and direction before reaching the pins.  Some of the people use bumpers, Rob does not. We tried to get him to stand closer but he was going to do it his way.  The problem is not only does it effect his score but the bowling alley personnel will get after him for dropping the ball to far behind the foul line.

We always cheer for everyone in the group.  Some of the people in the group have known each other for forty years or more.  They have been involved in different programs together.  I took this picture when Rob got a spare, he was happy! 

Just a little side note, when Rob took his cans in to redeem them for $1.55 a pound he made $34.00.  Not to shabby for a days work.

I have been making progress in cleaning, sorting and reorganizing things for my sister. As we look at the stuff it brings back lots of memories and we laugh, get teary and make the decision if the object will be deep sixed, donated or kept.  All in all very good sister time.

Bob continues to run amuck in Illinois. He said he has taken the outside Christmas trees down but the inside artifical tree is still standing because his guitars, amps and mics are in the way. 

 

What Do You Think

 I received an e-mail from Bob with pictures attached.  Now what would you think if you opened the attachment and this is what you saw?  I received six pictures all different expressions.  They say pictures are worth a thousand words---hmmmmmm.  It kind of looks like he is thinking of what mischief he can get into while I'm gone.  Bob has been keeping himself busy.    Earlier this week when he was at his Dad's they went on the computer and looked at the different family blogs to get Dad caught up on what everyone has been doing.  Dad really enjoyed the pictures of the great grandkids in Juneau and reading about Michael's research of the thermal heating they're planning to install next summer. 

 Yesterday Bob played with a group at the V A.  They have been doing this since last summer.  One of the patients that is in a wheel chair has been saying he was going to bring his guitar.  He did Thursday and played three songs.  I would like to have been there but I'm sure when I get back I will get a chance to see him in action.  There are two groups that play out at the V A, each once a month.  Sometimes Bob plays with both groups.  Mama's Kitchen was on his schedule for last night.  Some of the groups that play out at Kickapoo Landing during the season are playing there on Thursday evenings.  I think  Bob is going to Arthor, IL Saturday with our friend Ed to check out Martin guitars.  Bob told me he has been a little unhappy with the Alverez he bought recently.  I wonder if he was trying to tell me that the Gibson might have a new friend called Martin before long?

Pat continues to make progress in getting back into  the regular routine.  Monday she went with me to watch Rob bowl and visited with folks.  It really lifted her spirits.  Rob came in second both games.  He bowls every Monday and participates in Special Olympics bowling tournaments a couple of times a year. He has won gold medals a few times.  Today we are going into town so Rob can take his check to the bank and take the cans to the recycle center, going rate is $1.55 a lb.  He has not gone to work since Tuesday, he has had some type of bug but is feeling better today.  I guess I haven't mentioned that I was down for several days with the stomach flu, yuk.  It was good that my Sister was able to motivate well enough to handle things while I spent most of my time on the couch or being sick.  It took twenty-four hours for it to run it's coarse and several days more for me to want to look at food.  I didn't go on a cruise, how did this happen?

The big thing here in Red Bluff this week is the annual Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale.  Also included is the sale of livestock dogs.  Events during the week include the judging and sale of bulls and geldings, judging of the strength, obedience and control of the livestock dogs and bull riding on Saturday night.  If you are interested here is a link you can check out http://www.redbluffbullsale.com/ .  Red Bluff is also noted for the Red Bluff Rodeo that takes place in April, the real deal.

When I looked at this picture I thought "he is sad and really misses me" or "he is sad that his blond locks are turning to gray".  What do you think? Comments welcome.

VERMILION COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION HAM OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Vermilion County Amateur Radio Association presents this award to an amateur radio operator each year.  In December of 2006 I was honored to have been the recipient of the award. 

It's 2007! Unexpected Events
 What have we been doing since Halloween?  One of the big things was to get the amateur radio repeater tower extended and replace the two meter antenna and coax.  We ordered the new antenna (Diamond X510) and painted the tower section and finally had good enough weather to get the job done.  The climber is Jeremy. The folks on the ground are Dave Leinger, in the shadow of the building. Hari, Bob and Doyle are checking out the new antenna , getting it ready to go up the tower.  The tower swayed a bit but is anchored in three feet of concret.  By adding the section and antenna the height was increased to around seventy feet.  This improved the coverage in the area and allows more local usage of hand held radios.  Josh joined us later in the day to help put the necessary connectors on the coax. 

The next step was to get the repeater tuned up. To do this we took the repeater out of service for about ten days and transported it to Ben Fisher (a very good technician) in Champaign where the necessary tweaking was done.  The repeater was back in service before Christmas.

Thanksgiving was quiet.  Our friend Ed and Bob's Dad joined us for dinner.  We watched the parade and football games.  If you want to know which ones you will have to ask Dad.  All and all it was a very nice day. 

Just before Christmas we spent an afternoon with Vickie and Mark in Champaign.  They had moved in August and we hadn't seen the new digs.  We went to lunch and got a chance to see their abode and meet the two cats. They were getting ready for a Holiday party that evening, cooking what they were going to take and putting on party clothes.  Vickie was in charge of this affair and had it all under control.  The week after our visit they took off for England to spend Christmas with Mark's family.

Christmas as usual found me (Kathy) baking lots of goodies.  The only problem is I end up tasting and tasting and tasting------We did give some to folks for Christmas in Danville and of coarse Dad gets his share.  Christmas was uneventful, Dad got a weather station and has been having fun setting it up and comparing the readings with the one we have. Bob gave me a Diamond X510 antenna for Christmas.  His Dad had a tower that was disassembled behind his house.  We brought it home, painted it (to match the house) and will put it up when Bob decides how he wants it done.  It could be fifty feet if all the sections are used.  I haven't ask what the status is on that project which brings me to the part about one of those unexpected things in 2007.

My sister Pat who lives in Los Molinos, CA found out just before Christmas she needed another hip replacement.  This would be her fourth, two on the right and one on the left which was now being replaced. The surgery was scheduled for December 28th.  Ed, Pat's son was visiting from Switzerland and was with her during the surgery and stayed until January 6th. I made arrangements to be with her during her recovery. 

I flew into Reno on January 4th where I was able to meet with Bob and the kids, Steven, Angel and Cody for lunch before driving down to Los Molinos.  It had been a year and half since I had seen them,  Steven is now in college, Angel finishes high school this month and Cody is a sophomore. When I flew into Reno it was snowing but by the time I rented a car it had stopped.  I drove down the Feather River Canyon which most days is a lovely drive.  At one point there was a parked train on one side of the canyon and a moving train on the other side with the river flowing next to the highway.  I did have a few snow flurries but nothing like going over the summit on Interstate 80 where chains were being required.  It's lucky that there are three major routes out of Nevada to my sister's so I was able to pick the one that I thought would be less trouble.

I enjoyed visiting with my nephew Ed before he left.  The weather has been great, sunny and in the fifties until today when it turned colder.  I enjoy looking out my sister's window and seeing Mount Lassen and looking at Mount Shasta when driving into Red Bluff.  

Bob is holding down the fort at home.  He seems to be busy with jam sessions, playing music with a group at Mama's Kitchen, doing amateur radio club projects and going to parties at friends.  When he's not doing those things I'm sure the "farm" has lots of stuff for him to do.  Mike will be going to Springfield next week to see what the job opportunities might be for him.   The computer is great, allowing me to take care of household business without to much of a hassle.  So even though you have the unexpected happen, life goes on.

I did splurge last Sunday.  I have been watching for sales on laptops and with advice from Ed bought a new Sony VIO.  My old unit was getting so slow I was going to sleep waiting for it to load.  Maybe I will be able to keep up with the blog for awhile.  I did bring my camera.

Pat is doing very well and gets stronger every day.  She uses a walker and will not be able to do any weight barring on the left hip for awhile.  I don't know how long I will be here.  I will probably reschedule my return flight on January 31st to a later date to allow for visiting other family members while I'm here in California.

HALLOWEEN