What a difference just since the weekend.  

All that's left on the side of the house. It was about 4 foot high in this area. 

Idiots are still walking out on the lake, even though it has started to thaw.  

This has nothing to do with the weather, but aren't they cute? 

This is all that's left in the front yard. No more snow!! 

This picture goes down where it says " You know Heidi is saying Thank You Jesus." Computer malfunctions... 

He Is Risen!!

Happy Easter! The day that we celebrate Jesus rising from the grave. It's a joyful day! The sun is shining brightly.

We had visitors this morning. The birdfeeders were covered up with little birds that we think are Chickadees and I think there was a golden finch. There was another bird that was bigger and I am not sure what it is. (See pictures) So of course I grabbed the camera. We even saw a robin! That means it is truly Spring! I love to watch the birds.

I hope you and your family have a blessed day and remember that Easter is not all about the chocolate and eggs...although that is a great perk, it is about our Saviour suffering and being put to death on the cross and rise again on the 3rd day...today. Thank you Jesus for dying for our sins.

Happy Easter!!

Does anyone know what kind of bird this is? It was enjoying the suet this morning. It is a dull black with white flecks. Not a very attractive bird to me. Mark thought it was. Anyway, if you know what it is, please share!! Thanks! 

We think these are Chickadees. If you know, would you please let us know.  

This is the first robin we have seen. Mark says that means it is truly Spring. Yeah!!!  

Here there are three on it. The one that you can see good had not moved for some time.  

This little guy is having his Easter morning breakfast. 

More Chickadees...we think. 

Sunny Saturday

Today is as beautiful as the whole last week has been. It is 44 right now and the sunshine is overflowing!!! I wanted Mark to fix my clothesline but there is still about 3 inches of snow under one end of it and a slush pit at the other end. He said by next weekend it should be thawed enough to do it. I love to hang my laundry out.

We were outside today. I was filling bird feeders and Mark put two screens on the windows. One in the guest bedroom and one in the living room. Now we will have a cross breeze blowing through. I wanted him to do all of the windows but he said two would do for now. (Ok Ok...I did close them because it was a little cool in here but the other day it was stuffy. ) Mark also closed the big window in the living room because it was glaring on the TV so it takes the warmth with it.

Anyway. Heidi is the happies of us all. She loves to go out and stay for longer than 30 seconds. She goes out and barks and barks and barks. She loves when we are out there too.

I guess that's all. The house work is done because I did it yesterday because the preacher, Pastor Sullivan came last night. We had a very enjoyable time. I am doing laundry though. I wish I could hang out my laundry. Oh well. Talk to you later!!!

Hugs!

My other feeder. The deer like this one. Wish it would shock the deer but not the birds. Hey...there's an idea for an invention. 

The bird feeders are up!! I can't wait to see the Michigan birds. 

Heidi's friend Angel. 

My suet feeder!! I put it on the big window but I don't know if they will get that close to the window. I hope so. We'll see! 

You know that Heidi is thinking to herself "Thank you Jesus. Thank you thank you thank you!!"

People are still out there ice fishing. This is probably the last safe weekend. There were 5 different huts out there this morning. 

Mark doing outside stuff!! He replaced two of the storm windows with screens so I can get some ventillation in the house. During the day it gets stuffy inside. 

It's starting to thaw!! See my clothesline? Mark was going to fix it this weekend but decided the snow need to melt first. Drat. 

TGIF!!!

Yes, I know I don't work but I have been at the VA this week helping Mark get invitations out and I have been coordinating his Outpatient Clinic Banquets. I'm tired. I'm staying home today so I can get the house cleaned up. We are having company tonight. The pastor from Family Baptist will be here at 6:30.

The last three days, actually most of this week has been absolutely beautiful! Last night it was clear and a full moon it was so bright.

This weekend it is supposed to be in the 40's and even 50 by Monday. I can not wait to get outside with Heidi and play!! There is still a fishing shanty on the lake!! He better get it off! I saw him out there yesterday. They are saying the lakes are starting to thaw and are getting dangerous.

Mark is talking to his mom. Today is her 72nd birthday. We sang Happy Birthday to her and she started crying...which made me cry.

The interview went ok. It's funny because the jobs that I just know that I nailed the interview, I don't get the job. So I don't feel like I did to well on this one so I'll probably get it. I hope so!! It pays good money!

I guess that's all for now. I have lots to do today.

Take care!! Have a good weekend!!!

It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

A beautiful day for a neighbor, would you be mine....could you be mine...won't you be my neighbor? I loved Mr. Rogers...Gob Bless his soul. Anyway, it has been the most beautiful day today. The high was around 42. I had the wood door open and just had the storm door closed. Heidi desided that she wanted to be outside for about 15 minutes then in for 5 and out for 15 and in for...well, you get the idea. Anyway, she drove me crazy today! At the moment she has found herself a spot of sun on the floor and is stretched out sunning herself on the living room floor. I think she is really going to enjoy the spring and summer here.

Anyway, just wanted to give a weather report. Low tonight is going to be 8, but high tomorrow is going to be 41 again!! Go figure. But it is supposed to be rainy tomorrow. Drat!

I have an interview tomorrow at 3:00 with the County Prosecutor and Friend of the Court for some part-time investigation job. I'm not exactly sure what it is but I am going to go. We could use the money.

Got to wash dishes...take care!!! Neighbor!

The First Day of Spring?

Today is the first day of Spring. Well, ok, there is snow on the ground. BUT!!! According to the weather channel web-site that is it. This week it is supposed to be in the high 30's and low 40's. Next week a little warmer, etc. I can't wait to be able to set up my lawn chairs and sit outside. Don't get me wrong. I love winter. The snow is beautiful and so peaceful when it is falling. It's beautiful when the sun shines on it, but it is time to warm up now. I can't wait to plant roses on the side of the house. I was going to plant them along the edge of the patio but Heidi would get tangled up in them.

I wanted to say Happy Birthday to Jeremy's grandma and my dear friend, Hedy. She is 70 today. She said that for her birthday present today she is getting chemo. Oh joy.

I'm down in my back again. I almost didn't make it to church yesterday. I was determined to go. I thought I was going to pass out the pain was so bad.

I guess that's all from the top of the world. See ya!

We got about 6 inches over the weekend. Mark had to break out the snow blower yesterday. WHERE IS SPRING??? 

Jeremy at J & K in Rosenberg when we were down there for a visit. SUSHI!!!! YUM!!! 

Step-brother David, who I haven't seen in 20 years. Dad and Sherryl. All McCauleys...Was great seeing David and his wife and daughters on our trip to Texas. 

Winter Is Still Here

It snowed all day yesterday. Big white fluffy flakes. I think it is so pretty. Anyway, today the sun is shining bright. I was supposed to go to the Dr. on Monday to have a mammogram. I thought it was tomorrow, not Monday. So, I missed it. I even wrote on my calendar the 18th. Silly me. So, now I am going on April 1. I made sure I wrote down the right date.

I didn't go to the Dr.'s appointment on the 15th because I got my results back and I see no reason to have a biopsy done when even the Dr. said everything looks good. I think they are just trying to get money out of the insurance company.

I guess I need to get busy. Suitcases are still in the mudroom waiting to go down to the basement and I need to do laundry. Joy.

Other big news....unemployment has run out. I think we can make it without me getting a job, although I have one in May if I want it. Mark's car will be paid off in June so we will really be able to make it if we can just make it to June. I think we can if we don't eat out and waste money. Wish us luck.

See ya!

Texas...Family...HOME!!!

Have you ever heard people talking about how when they went home things weren't the same and that they were glad to get back to their "home"? Well, Mark and I flew to Houston last Friday. I was so nervous to fly since I have only done it a couple of times and the plane from Rhinelander to Minneapolis is very small. The flights were fine. When we got to Houston and walked outside to catch the shuttle to the rental car place the humidity hit us like a brick wall. It is so amazing how the climates are so different.

We drove up to mom and dad's and suprised Mom. Everyone knew about us coming except her. She was already asleep and we went in her bedroom and woke her up and she was SO suprised!! My sister Sherryl was so glad we had gotten there because she is not one to keep a secret and she had almost let it slip several times. Even her 9 year old Shawn was better than her! Anyway, Mom was suprised. It was almost 1:00 a.m. when we got there. We sat up and talked for a few minutes and then went to bed and died!! Sherryl and Shawn stayed until Sunday morning. I didn't want to see them go!

We stayed with mom until Monday and drove in to Houston on our way to Stafford, Sugar Land and Rosenberg. OH MY!!! The traffic was terrible!! I couldn't believe how it freaked me and Mark out. We've only been gone for 6 months!! We decided we love our small town!! So, we were headed for Frye's Electronic Store that we thought was opened but it still isn't open for business yet. So, we went to Catherines (larger women clothing) and I got me some hose and a pair of black pants. Love em!! It came a major thunderstorm when we were in the store. Then when we left the sun had come back out. (Typical Houston weather) Then we went to eat at P.F. Changs. I love their Kung Pao Scallops!!! Then since we had time to kill we went to the movies and saw "The Pacifier". Oh my goodness!! It was so funny! Really a good movie. I recommend it!! Then we checked in to our motel and rested for a few and then we went to Rosenberg and looked around. We drove by our old house. They had the windows open and they had painted the railing around the upstairs bannister a columbia blue. YUCK!! Anyway, it was a little sad to see it. Then we thought of the traffic, humidty and weather and decided that we love our little town.

Then we met Jeremy and his friend Matt at J & K for sushi!! I love sushi!! This was our favorite restaurant in Rosenberg. Jessica was happy to see us. I guess because it had been a while since I had eaten it it kinda made me a little sickly at my stomach. Then we left and went back to the motel and watched our MOnday night shows and went to bed. We got up Tuesday and went downtown to see everyone. Nik had left early because her daughter was on spring break and they had gone to lunch but my friend Denise met us down there and I got to see all the old clerks and stuff and then we went to eat at China Garden. MMMM....then we left and went to another Fryes and got all the stuff Mom needed for her computer and us a few things. We stopped at the outlet mall in Conroe and got Jeremy a couple of pairs of shorts, a bathing suit and a t-shirt. Then we went to Mom's. Spent the night.

Wednesday we got up and drove to Jeremy's grandma Hedy's house. She looks so bad to me. I don't think she will make the year. She had a full body scan on Thursday and should know the results today. Anyway, we went up there and went out to eat and had a great visit with her. Then we left and stayed in a motel in Terrell and ate Mexican food. Then we left and went back to mom's. It was so warm. I think the high when we were there were high 70's, low 80's. But the humidity was so bad. Mark and my fingers and feet were swollen the whole time. Then, I cooked dinner on Friday. Then I had the great task of packing everything to fly back on Saturday.

I forgot to tell you that we boarded Heidi at a Sunset Kennels in Aurora, WI. I didn't want to but we couldn't take her with us. She had never been in a kennel before. I felt better when we dropped her off on Friday. The lady was so nice and the kennel was very clean.

So, then we got up at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, loaded the car, kissed Mom and Dad goodbye and drove to the car rental place, dropped the car off, went to the airport and waited for our flight. This flight was jam packed. The seat next to Mark was empty and so he thought that no one was going to sit by him like when we went down and we could have the middle seat to pull the tray down. (fat people and planes just don't mix!!) Then here comes this guy and he squeezed in next to Mark. He asked the flight attendant if it was a full flight and he said yes. Then they finally said that's it and there were about 6 empty seats so the guy moved. We had a comfortable flight. We even watched a movie. I forget the name of it but it was good.

So, we got on the small plane and boy that ride was bumpy!! It was like a rollercoaster. I was almost in tears. Thank God Mark was there.

We called the kennel from the airport in Rhinelander to ask if we could come and get Heidi and the guy said not until in the morning. Then when we got home the kennel owner called me and said of course we could come and get her. Her son didn't realize who we were. So, we got back in the car and went and got her. The cat was mad because she was all over us and then we get up and leave again!! Anyway, so we got her and then our family was all back together.

You know, it's great to go on vacation but it is so good to get home. Mark and I have decided that we will never go back in to Houston. We will fly to the airport and drive up to mom and dad's at the lake. NO TRAFFIC!!

The good thing is they are coming in July to see us up here. I can't wait!!

I guess that's all. I have some pictures but I will have to put them on later.

Take care!