END OF MT. TREK

End of Mt. Trek. Summit picture of Jan and Murph. My picture in Dubois, Wyoming, home of my best friend Pauline. Great trip to Wyoming.

RENDEZVOUS MOUNTAIN

When I was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming last July my friends and I rode the tram to the summit of Rendezvous Mt. located in Teton Village. We decided to walk the 7.5 miles to the bottom. Some of the trail was so steep that gravity almost pulled you over.

It took two snickers candy bars and two bottles of water, but I made it just fine and so did my friends. Of all the critters we saw on the trail the strangest of all was the Prairie Chickens. Who knew they were hiding out on the Western Mountains instead of the prairie.

GARDEN JUNE 2010

I have had good luck with my gardens, even though we have had way too much rain. I have had lettuce and onions since May. Yesterday I picked some green beans and peas. Lettuce and potatoes. I have a lot of green tomatoes and we have had hot peppers all month.

My dad was a truck farmer and I grew up with vegetables. My boys have taken some produce home and there will be a lot more to share.

The bad news is the flood gates are open on the dam and looks like I will lose the hayfield again. Lost it in 2008. We replanted then not sure what will happen this year.

RELAXING WITH MR. BOOTIE

Mr. Bootie has been teaching me Relaxation Therapy.
I was attemping to make my bed on Father's Day. I was tearful and lonesome. My best friend was home sick with the flu he caught from me. My trail ride and camping trip was rained out and it was raining out of doors. I could not even tend my gardens. I was remembering happier Father's Day when my own father was living and my children's father.

I tried the poses Mr Bootie was in sort of like yoga. It worked and soon I was laughing again. Pets are wonderful friends to have.

MICOLE AND JASON OLGETREE

June 13 I had a BBQ welcoming Jason to Iowa. Jason and Micole are military and are transferring from Alaska to Hawaii. Jason has had a tour in Iraq and now will be deployed to Afghanistan.

I am pictured above with granddaughters Mia on the left with Micole in the center.

Denis and I are in the picture with Micole and Jason. Jason is from Alabama.

Pictured is my new ceiling fan. This is a gift from Carrie and Crayola. It is much appreciated.

COWBOY FUN 2010

Jan and I have been having a lot of fun again at River Valley, Farmington, Iowa. It was her and hubby, Murph's, anniversary. Her adult children were there as well as my friend Denis. We had great trail rides, cookouts, and dancing. There was a bad storm on Friday night, June 4th, lightening striking huge trees along the Des Moines River. Terrifying my pup, Nana.

The woods were full of wild flowers and butterflys.

Isn't my Friend's 3 year old hunt horse gorgeous. I dare not show this picture to my mules.

CATALPA TREES

On Sunday, May 30, Friends Jan and Susan came at 8 am and we rode our favorite trails on the Harvey Island. About noon we went to the Monroe County Saddle Club Ride South and East of Albia. We did not get back to Harvey until after 7 pm. That was a longer day of riding than usual. It was very warm about 90 degrees. My mule, Jenny, barely broke a sweat. She is 23 years old and going strong.

We had a close friend in Arkansas, Bill Huston. He has passed away about 2 years ago. A few years ago we were visiting and he pulled up 3 little catalpa sprouts out of his yard. This is the first years they have bloomed and are beautiful. Reminding me of how much fun Bill and Glen had together. Fishing and hunting arrow heads. They even drank a little moonshine. Bill lived in the part of Arkansas which does not sell legal booze of any kind, but lots of shine. I miss those two.

We had a great time on Memorial Day. Great Aunt Carrie took Baby Kirk a piggyback ride. Little Kirk was ill with ear infection and a cough. He did not feel so good so we did not play with him very long. This is baby Kirk's first horse. It plays music and whineys

IOWA STATE FOREST SHIMEK

There is a rather new policy in our state forest regarding Equine trails. If it is wet, close the trails. You can see by the pictures, that the campgrounds are not in use much as the mother deer keep their babies there because it is so quiet.

RHUBARB 1$ EACH STALK

Grand daughter, Mia, said Rhubarb was one dollar each stalk at the Down Town Des Moines Farmers Market last Saturday. She was purchasing Rhubarb to make Rhubarb Margaritas for a party this weekend. I asked her down to my place to help her self. I already froze my rhubarb for the year.

Rhubarb Margaritas. WHOOPEE Save one for me. ps. Mia we need the reciepe.

MAY DAY WEEKEND 2010

May Day weekend was spent at the River Valley horse camp at Farmington, Iowa. Jan, Tom and Tammy and myself, Grandma Jeanie. We had a great ride 5 hours on Saturday. It did rain on Friday and late Saturday night, but did not spoil the fun. We spent a lot of time on the Extreme trail ride challenge, practicing.
Sunday was a fun ride with the Iowa Donkey and Mule folks.

MIA'S CHICKEN UPDATE

These pictures were taken about 10 days ago. Mia and her children have successfully tended their 6 baby laying hens. They are hoping for an egg supply this Fall.

They are not allowed roosters in the city of Des Moines, so alas, there will be no babys.

My friend Denis and I watched baby Kirk Sunday afternoon. Kirk, Holly, and Lacy went fishing and mushroom hunting. We all had fun.

APRIL 2010

Sunday was a nice day for trail rides.
Jan and I rode on the Island in the morning and in the afternoon with the Monroe County Saddle club. The Des Moines River is wide near my property.

Bootie is trying to tell me to change the channel on the TV. He prefers cartoons to the news.

Happy Trails.

VIRTUAL FLORIDA SPRING BREAK VACATION

My friend, Jan, plus her family, are on Spring Break vacation in Florida. This is my virtual Florida vacation. Thanks for sharing.

EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH

Jasper, Great Grandson, is holding a yellow egg.
Madison, my brother Jack's, granddaugter has a bright pink dress. Lacey Fay is sitting on the walk. The men are left to right Kirk, Jack, Joe, and Mike.

Bootie is my Easter basket gift 24 7.

We had a happy Easter, Glen was missed.

Lots of family were in other places. Carrie, Crayola, and Cathy. Sundance, Jorgen, and Gretta. Mike and Kelly.

Skyler was present and I gave him my bicycle. It is a 27 speed and almost brand new. Since I have the mules I rarely ride it any more.

Baby Kirk was to little to look for eggs, but watch out next year.