Ditch Diving Mules

END OF MT. TREK

2010-09-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-24T06:42:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-22T06:20:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-16T05:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-02T04:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-04-26T04:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-19T08:29:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-09T06:16:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-08T08:05:00.001-07:00

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.

THIRTY DAYS OF SPRING

2010-04-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends. I have been so busy with the coming of Spring. Good Friday the potatoes and onions were planted and shallots. First the garden was plowed and cultivated. Lacey helped me. I went with friends to collect money for the Pony Express. The organization supports Easter Seals.
Next was Easter Brunch with family. Easter Egg hunts.

Also an old house was pulled over and part of it has been recycled. There was yard cleanup and fence to fix. In other words, I have been busy!

I also have a new best friend and he has been taking up my time as well.
Sylvia tried on her new dress on Easter Sunday. She is wearing it to a wedding.

Kirk's older children, Jorgen and Gretta, were in Knoxville Saturday to help little sister, Lacey, find Easter Eggs. Kirk is in front of the old house on the corner which was pulled down with Rick
Menards tractor.

Ron carried the Flag and Christi presented the checks to the Easter Seal Commitee.

BABY CHICKS

2010-03-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

My Granddaughter wants to raise chickens. She lives in the City.

These are the babies. Good Luck. You will do well.

When I was a child we would have 200 baby chicks. Big business in those days.

March 10, 2010 Artic Flowers come up through the snow

2010-03-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

These little flowers came up in the snow and now they are in full bloom. Always a welcome sight in early Spring. We have a forecast of 4-6 inches of snow tomorrow. Say it won't last long please!!!

SPRING & SUMMER ON MY OWN

2010-03-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

Glen 1965. Rites of Spring. Along with the Magnolia blooms we always hunted mushrooms. Mushrooms and Arrowheads. That is what we used to do in the early Spring.

This is the mud season 2010. Yesterday my son Kirk slipped and fell flat in the mud. I don't know why I did not take a picture. Since he was uninjured it was pretty funny. He was a totally a mud wrestler.
I did the same thing a few days ago. This is the season of mud and flood.

My diesel dually and generator started up and with a roar and are ready to roll 2010.

I have been making plans for Spring and Summer. I have my saddle club weekend rides on the calendar. I have my reservations at the horse camp at Farmington for every4th weekend until winter. That is when there is a fun mule and horse show and entertainment at the lodge.

I am going to Eminence in May and October. Cross Country Trail Ride.

My little farm, gardens, and lawn are waiting for my labors. Everything is going per direction.
This is my second Spring without Glen. I am doing my best, but it is lonely. It is hard to keep focused on things and that is why I have made so many reservations and plans.

My dancing lessons are over for this year. It is a challenge to take couples dance lessons when you are single. This would be more humerus if it was not so sad. I laugh and cry at the same time. I have learned how to have a blast with a broken Heart.

I take a little time every day to feel sorry for my self and then I go to the barn and visit my mules and listen to them chomp up their hay. My dog and cat are always under my feet. Life is good. Everyday is a gift.

IOWA ICE BERGS

2010-03-10T19:39:00.001-08:00

Our place on the river is below the Red Rock Dam. The water stays open all winter. We have lots of water birds to enjoy during the winter months. This piece of ice was breaking up. We used to have ice jams at this narrow place in the river before the dam of 1968.

Nana is so proud of her deer leg. She carried it 3 miles to our home. Then she buried it as well as she could for a later treat

English River flows into the Des Moines River near my property. The English is flooding big time. 2008 was a flood that destroyed my little Hay farm. I replanted. I hope we do not lose again this year. Lots of folks have their homes at stake. I just have a hayfield.

ISLAND MARCH 2010

2010-03-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

The Bald Eagles are fishing and the geese are flying. A birds eye view of my little spot in the Universe.

MARCH SUN

2010-03-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

My friend Tom came over after work today and we took a nice ride down by the river. He is riding my mule, County Fair. We say several Bald Eagles and a beautiful Des Moines River.

Spring is in the air!

TEXAS TWO STEP

2010-03-03T07:22:00.001-08:00

RARE SATURDAY NIGHT

2010-02-27T14:24:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining!! First Weekend in recent memory without a weather maker. When you have to drive 100 miles round trip for a night on the town the weather does make a difference.
WHOOPEE

WINTER WILDLIFE

2010-02-25T05:40:00.000-08:00

On my 10 mile drive to town there were always Hawks in the trees. During this time of year, many times there would be a pair of Hawks in the same tree. This winter I rarely see a Hawk,
The Bald Eagles have taken over. They look so majestic waiting for a mouse or rabbit. I see them flying over our house as well. I do wonder where the Hawks are hunting.

My dog Nana, Border Collie, , Australian Sheperd, and Blue Heeler mix. Black and white in color.
She is eight years old. She is constantly chasing squirrels and rabbits, seldom making a catch.
Yesterday she brought me a large rabbit very much alive, severely injured. Glen would have put the animal down immediately and gave it a respectful burial. I just stood there, crying a little. Nana was confused and she carried that poor dying rabbit around for hours and finally buried it herself.

ANOTHER BLIZZARD

2010-02-20T07:04:00.000-08:00

I went to Des Moines last night in a blizzard just to see a movie. What a movie it was.
CRAZY HEART with Jeff Bridges. Don't miss it. He will get an Academy Award for sure.
We have 10 more inches of snow coming to Southern Iowa this weekend. Go Figure! Every Saturday night for 3 months we have heavy snow. Fate wants me to stay safe at home. Haha

See you on the trail

WAGON RIDE 2010

2010-02-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

This was a wagon train. I was never in the right place to get a good picture of all the wagons and teams while on the road.

There were a lot of memorable characters to see.
All different. I have hopes of doing the ride next year.

BUSSEY, IOWA JULY 4th

2010-02-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

I came across this picture taken a few years ago. Dave is a buckskinner and we lived in the same small town. We were part of the parade

I could not resist sharing this with you all. I was riding an Antique bicycle with grand daughter, Micole on the back and my husband was also riding an old bike.

GRANDPA -MIA-SYLVIA

2010-02-11T05:39:00.000-08:00

Mia lived with us when she was a toddler. She was always tight with Grandpa Glen. She was our first Grandchild. Go figure.

GLEN'S ANNIVERSARY 01-15-35 to 02-10-09

2010-02-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

My children came today to spend the day with me. We looked at old pictures and reminisced about their life growing up with their dad.

When he was young he looked like a mix of Elvis Presley and Marlon Brando. Glen and Elvis had the same birthday in January 1935. I always told my friends I had my own Elvis.

I could not be crazy about Elvis, because my mom had every record he ever made and swooned over him. She kept this quiet, but us kids knew about it.

I have learned how to have a blast with a broken heart.

Corpus Christi to San Antonio

2010-02-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

The ride started a few miles north of Corpus Christi. In the morning the weather was in the 60's and by daylight dropped dramatically and a freezing North wind. No one was really dressed for the weather on the first day. It was so nice that I almost did not wear a coat at all. My duster was tied on the back of my saddle lucky for me.

That evening there was a dance after supper and I did not want to go. That should tell anyone who knows me that I was very tired and just wanted to get warm.

More about this ride later.

WINTER REVISITED

2010-01-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

Five or six inches of new snow. Fifty mile an hour winds. Blizzard conditions. Lucky for me the power is on and the fire place is warm and inviting. I think this is a good day to sample that concord wine I made last Fall. I have been waiting for the right day.

I have faith that Spring will come again, but not soon enough.

SWANS

2010-01-24T07:34:00.000-08:00

My sister lives on Lake Ontario in Canada and this is what she sees out of her window every day.

JANUARY ICE STORM 2010

2010-01-20T13:05:00.000-08:00

Today is a very eventful day even though I haven't left home. My dad was born January 20, 1904.
My mom for many years made a cake for my dad and for my husband, Glen, and in later years for my daughter Carrie. 3 birds with one stone so to speak. All January birthdays. Now Sylvia and a favorite niece also have January birthdays.

I was looking at a picture of my great granddaughter, Sylvia, and was amazed when a video of her started playing. She was putting her heart into a musical number. I was quite astonished at her singing and acting too. Nice little show for her grandma when she cannot leave the property because of at least an one half inch of ice coating everything.

I took a picture of my rig this morning as I was doing chores and a picture of my back door. It was so icy out there I was prepared to fall any minute and I did not make it to the garbage container, leaving the bag in the log cabin as the driveway is a sheet of clear ice. I do not think I will get my truck out any time soon either.

I am reading an interesting book. I had purchased it for an up coming trip I am going on, but with the ice storm could not resist it. I have read one third all ready and will probably finish it today. THE SWAN THIEVES by Elizabeth Kostova. It is a haunting novel of art and obsession.
totally fascinating. A mystery and a love story. I cannot put it down. She also wrote the HISTORIAN. I will try to read that one soon.

If any of you are some where with nice weather don't tell me about it. haha. Happy Trails.

BABY MULE 2010

2010-01-15T14:44:00.001-08:00

This is a new baby this year. Isn't he adorable. He belongs to a friend of a friend. Sweet

FUN WITH NANA AND BOOTIE

2010-01-13T06:55:00.001-08:00

Nana and I walked to the Island in hopes of seeing many Eagles. We never made it to the river because the drifts were still too deep.

Kitty put himself in the basket bowl. He is a lot of company. He plays in the snow and seems to love being cold and wet. What a cat. Still miss Marco, but have given up on ever finding him. Sure hope someone is caring for him where ever he is. Marco is my cat I boarded when I went to Alaska, and he was lost by his caregivers. Very sad.

I love this old Rail Road Bridge. I loved it better when Glen was in the picture. Happy Trails

COUPLE DANCE LESSONS

2010-01-12T06:09:00.001-08:00

I joined the Bootscooters Dance Club in Ottumwa, Iowa. These three are taking the couples dance lessons with me. Tom and Tammy are newly weds. Lots of fun.

Ron has agreed to be my partner for the lessons if I agree to be agreeable. Wish me luck.

PROUDEST GRANDMOTHER

2010-01-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

Meet Gretta and Lacey
Two sisters many years apart.

They came to visit me on Sunday. I had been staying home because of the
clold weather. We had such a good time.

Lacey was reading the book to us. She is so funny.

MARY ANN'S FOX

2010-01-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

This fox was eating a piece of bread Mary Ann had left out for the squirrels. I have seen a lot of fox around here, but never one as beautiful as this one. He lives on Lake Ontario, Canada.

Today our Central Iowa weather is very cold with blowing snow. I am hibernating next to the fireplace.

See you all in the Spring.

SOMETHING NEW FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY

2010-01-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

I am trying out Carrie's Christmas gift. I am up side down. good for your back.

I would love to have one.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

2010-01-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

looking back on 1009 I lost a lot. I know I am not the only one. Losing a loved one is certainly a life changing event. I believe Glen would want me to continue by living a joyful life doing worthwhile things. I will try to do that.

I drew a fortune card today and it read:

CONSERVE MONEY ANYWAY YOU CAN

GET CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN

Since I am not working anymore that certainly is my mantra for 2010. Wish me luck.

See you on the trail RIDE HARD LIFE IS SHORT Love you all Grandma Jeanie

FIRST CHRISTMAS

2009-12-28T05:05:00.000-08:00

My new grandson and I have something in common already and he is only a few weeks old. This is his first Christmas and it is my first Christmas without my dear husband. We had been together since childhood. First Playmates and then dating and then marriage.

It was a joyful Christmas. All my family came and stayed with me. We played games, watched movies, and ate a lot of goodies and real food. My grandson, Skyler, insisted we get out the sleds and we had a lot of fun sledding on our hills. It was a first for 4 year old Jasper and he loved it.
It was very cold and windy and we had to dig into my collection of old scarves and mittens etc.

The ghost of Christmas past was with me constantly trying to make me sad with memories.

Jasper received a bicycle from Santa and Lacey and Jasper made a racetrack through the kitchen and living room and kept those wheels hot for hours.

Sylvia is nearly 12 years old and she like holding little baby Kirk.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. See you on the trail. Love you all Grandma Jeanie

G'MA JEANIE'S ALASKA CONNECTION

2009-12-21T06:28:00.000-08:00

On a lighter note my grand daughter, Micole, lives in Alaska with her husband, Jason, who is in the Armed Forces. She sent me a few pictures of Fair Banks and her new apartment. It seems that they live in near Blizzard conditions all the time. There is only about 4 hours of daylight and the sun is on the horizon.

I think the Christmas tree is impressive for a first tree.
Beautiful.

Merry Christmas

CHRISTMAS DURING WORLD WAR TWO EPISODE TWO

2009-12-21T06:20:00.000-08:00

The United Stated declared War in December 1941 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I was four years old. I was visiting my grandparents in Marshalltown, Iowa for the holidays. I was spending the night with my mother's brother Bob and family. He was home on leave from the Army.

They were newly weds without any children yet. This was wartime and no lights could be turned on during the darkness of evening and nighttime. Most of my family hated this, but I lived in the country and we had no electricity only oil lamps and candles. I did not feel the terror that other city children felt during this time. It all felt natural to me. This was called "Black Out" and ordered by law.

CHRISTMAS DURING WORLD WAR TWO EPISODE ONE

2009-12-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year for reminiscing. The year my sister Mary Ann was born is the first Christmas I remember.

My mother went to stay in Knoxville, Iowa, at an old house converted into the first Mater Hospital in Knoxville. She had a room upstairs and dad and I would climb up those long stairs. I can even remember the smell of the place which was rubbing alcohol and other cleaners.

At the end of the long hall was a bird cage with a green parrot in it. This parrot could say "give me a cracker". The people there would give me a soda cracker to feed a little piece to the parrot. This made a tremendous effect on me and I can still remember exactly how I felt. I still am in awe to this experience.

This was December 1940. The United States had not yet declared War.

Keep the Peace. Love you all Grandma Jeanie

3 BIRDS ON THE SEAWALL

2009-12-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from my friend in Kodiak, Alaska, from out his window.

I like the red birds the best. How about you?

Happy Trails.

ROADS TO NOWHERE

2009-12-11T09:53:00.001-08:00

These pictures are from my friend who lives 10 or 13 miles West of Des Moines. Her horses and mules are having a great time in the storm. Many of our Iowa roads still are a road to nowhere as the snow plows just can't get to everyone.

RIDE HARD LIFE IS SHORT. Love you all Grandma Jeanie

LET IT SNOW, LET IS SNOW, YOU KNOW ETC.

2009-12-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

I took a few pictures yesterday. I live in a sheltered area around the house, but the driveway
is drifted in with 5 or 6 foot drifts. My garage is buried as well. Hopefully, I will get plowed out sometime late this afternoon.

I shoveled a path to the barn and around the house with the help of my son who came over to help me out.

I am trying to find something really funny about the snow, but just can't think of anything.

RIDE HARD LIFE IS SHORT. love to you all Grandma Jeanie

ps Nana and the cat, Bootie, have been playing leap frog in the snow, so I guess that is amusing
if not really funny.

IT IS BEGINNING TO FEEL A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

2009-12-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

The sunrise is of Mt. Rainier from my daughter, Cathy's, new home in Olympia.

The other pictures are of myself on recent trail rides.

The snow storm we have been promised for tomorrow has changed my plans. I was going to Iowa City to the dentist and out to lunch with a friend. The weather has a way of changing things. Now I am baking cookies for Christmas boxes.

I bought a new snow shovel a few days ago and it works well. In fact, it was fun. The cat and dog loved it to and kept getting in my way. we will all get tired of this new game before winter is over it is safe to say.

I do not like this time of year because of the Deer Seasons. They seem to go on and on. It is not safe to walk in my woods every day during deer season. I have a family of deer that live on the edge of my pasture. There is a buck and several others. It is fun to see them hiding all during the holiday

It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Keep the peace. Love you all Grandma Jeanie

NOVEMBER 2009 LAST WEEKEND

2009-12-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

This weekend was fabulous on Saturday. That is County and myself on the rock. It was a perfectly lovely ride and hard to believe it was the last weekend of November. Before the ride we enjoyed another Thanksgiving meal at Ron's. Everyone, but myself, brought a lot of good food. Ron is so popular because he makes awesome pies and other comfort foods.

We went to Elk Rock on Sunday. The weather was not so nice, but everyone was dressed for it.
we had hot dishes for our lunch after the ride.

We did have a little problem with mud and so glad Don and his horse came out of it without lasting injuries.

ROLL BABY

2009-11-30T08:06:00.001-08:00

County Fair enjoying a roll. She makes all kinds of funny noises when she rolls. Even Ditchdiving
mules can rockin Roll.

TURKEY AND TIRES

2009-11-29T07:12:00.000-08:00

This is Jorgen and Gretta. Baby Kirk and Lacey's big brother and sister. We all were at Carrie and Crayola's home for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Cheers to the Turkey that was cooked by Joe.

Grandma Jeanie had a flat tire on the way to the Turkey dinner. Thankfully fixed by Kirk and Crayola in time to eat a hot Thanksgiving meal.

I now have two new tires and I am ready to rock and roll. Love to all Grandma Jeanie

PEPPERMINT SCHNAAPS

2009-11-23T14:08:00.000-08:00

One of our members makes homemade peppermint schnapps. We had a taste test.
Jeanie, Cathy, Judy, Don, probably everyone one the ride except Alice sampled the drink. The most stars(5 out of 5) was given by Chester. Cathy's black Gelding pictured here.

We had an exceptionally great trail ride for this time of year. The landscape was so beautiful.
It was hard to believe we were just a few miles from Lovilia off highway 5. Someone said"It looks like Colorado without all the people".

It was raining when I returned home. way after dark. A novice driver of big rigs. I did so well I think I will live forever. Love you all Grandma Jeanie

WRAPPING GRAPES

2009-11-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

Mia came yesterday and we wrapped the youngest grape vines with aluminum foil so the rabbits can't eat them when the snow gets deep and they are hungry.

I always have helped Glen do this task and it brought back lots of fun memories.

Later Mia went to the funeral home and we brought back Glen's cremains and placed them in a carved wood container that an artist friend of Mia's had made for us. It is hand carved and very beautiful. It was a difficult journey, but now it is done and he will stay on my dresser for evermore.

On a more joyful note we went to see baby Kirk and sister Lacey. The baby is doing well and Lacey is proud of him and likes to help.

Mia was our only grandchild for about 5 years. Now I have 10 grandchildren and 2 greats.
Live is good. Love you all Grandma Jeanie

BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER

2009-11-19T07:38:00.001-08:00

This is my lovely youngest daughter. She and her friends live in the state of Washington. They were discussing some serious topics during their luncheon. The topic I was interested in is:
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL DEFINITION OF FUN?

If any of you have an opinion on this subject, I would like to hear it.

I have experienced several losses in my life recently, and by some miracle I am still able to have fun. This amazes me. Nothing in my past would have predicted this.

Thanks for listening. Love you all Grandma Jeanie

SOMETHING NEW 2009

2009-11-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

Last night, Friday the 13th, has always been my lucky day. I decided to try something new.
I drove to Ottumwa to the Eagles Club and joined the BootScooters Dance Club. It was fun and I
learned a new line dance. My next Saturday night off from work I will join the Eagles Club as well. There is Country dancing every Saturday night in a welcoming atmosphere.

It is always nice to make new friends as well as greet folks there that I already have danced with in the past. Love Grandma Jeanie

BABY KIRK HAS BLUE EYES

2009-11-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

I went to see my new grand baby today. It was a humbling experience. He is so precious. I know Glen would have been so proud.

I am a proud grandma and he is a beautiful healthy baby. I give his mother a lot of credit for that.

He is my next little cowboy. His sister is a roughneck little girl and he better be tough.

Love you all Grandma Jeanie

Baby Kirk has blue eyes. He could barely open his eyes and I think he did not want to. His dad never opened his eyes for 3 weeks and I called the Doctor who laughed at me.

PLEASE WELCOME BABY KIRK

2009-11-13T08:31:00.001-08:00

Kirk Laverne Visser the second was born
Wednesday November 11. He is my 10th grandchild and the #3 boy. I have two greatgrandchildren as well. I am blessed.

I am on my way to see him for the first time.

More pictures are coming. Love Grandma Jeanie

MORE FUN IN MISSOURI 2009

2009-11-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

My friends Ron, Jan, and myself laughed so much we could not stop laughing. Everything was just so funny. I have not been like that for a long long time. I even lost my voice and I still can barely squeek.

We were always the first one out on the dance floor as soon as the band started. After a while the floor would be so crowded, it was hard to move. The first picture is Jan dancing with Ed.I and in the other picture with the white shirt on. I am dancing with Ed. A nice fellow I would like to see again.
Dancing with him was like dancing with a run away train. He knew all the right steps.

INDIAN SUMMER 2009

2009-11-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

November 8,2009. Don's ride. It was a lovely warm day in the seventies. The Winter landscape was beautiful.

Ron picked me and Jenny up. He was already loaded with nice friends, but they squeezed me in.

I was so lucky to have this day off.

The food was good and Ron's potato salad is to die for. I don't know how he does it. Maybe he could give his friends a lesson in HOW TO MAKE POTATO SALAD. He raises his own eggs, maybe that is the secret.

TOO MUCH FUN!! ALMOST

2009-10-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

I spent 7 days in Eminence, Missouri having a blast.

Crazy Mule Lady(Deb) and I left October 23, last Friday. We left at 8 am and met Tom and Tammy in Blakesburg. It is about 375 miles or more mostly on highway 63 South. We arrived at the horse camp about 5 pm. Our friend Jan,
pictured with her mule and horse, took us out to supper and then we started to party. There
was a dance at the camp and we all had a good time. Our schedule looked something like this, seven days in a row.

6am. Alarm, instant coffee. 7am. Breakfast at the mess hall. 8am. tack up the mules (or some folks have horses). 9am until 1pm ride on the trails in the Ozark Mts. A lunch on the trail all
cooked on grills. Lots of sides and desserts. Back to camp by 5pm. take care of the mules, shower. 6pm 15 minutes for a quick drink then to supper before the dining room closes at 7pm.
8pm Dancing to a good band until midnight. Midnight until 2am. sitting on tailgates laughing ourselves silly. Then to the camper to have a bowl of cereal and then 6 am start all over again.
We did that 7 days in a row. We drove home Thursday in heavy rain. Deb and I felt like we had
been rode hard and put away wet.

Tom did the shooting event. A timed even to use pistols to shoot out the baloons. We all thought he won the event, but no prizes were given. He was pretty famous around the camp for the rest of the ride.

We also visited Alley springs. A really beautiful place. There is an old grist mill there and fun to
look at. Also an old one room school house to visit. Tammy is a teacher and she enjoyed the school.

Deb is showing off her new T shirt. Love to all Grandma Jeanie

MULE MAGIC

2009-10-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning at sunup I had two great mules. By Sundown that had magically turned
into four great mules. Their names are Jenny, County, Eve, and Rosie. If they knew that
only two of them were going South there would be a lot of kicking and braying going on.

Sunday morning I started my diesel puller and dead battery. I had left lights on in the Camper.
I called two friends and left help me messages. I went to work at 2pm without hearing from
my # l call for help. Well #l Gary, came up put on the charger, ran the truck an hour closed
the hood and went home. Later, crazy mule man came over and he had to hunt for everything, I am sure he
was saying bad words under his breath. My storage places are a maze that even I can't find anything in.

The final word is my battery is charged and I am ready to go. Pray for me. It is a long way to the Southern border of Missouri.Love you all Grandma Jeanie

HAPPY DAYS 2006

2009-10-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

These happy folks are my children. Left to right. Mike, Cathy. Kirk and Carrie.

They were born between 1957 and 1963. Those were the happiest days of my life.

I am getting ready for my trip to Missouri. Imagine riding mules 24 7. Someone else doing the cooking and a dance every night. This seems a little bit too good to be true, but I have been there before. Also, my best friends will be there.

Love Grandma Jeanie

JORGEN(fisher)

2009-10-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

This is Jorgen. He is my number 1 grandson. He was the first grandson.
He was fly fishing in this picture. Something like
"A River flows through it:.

I know a very grown up lady who has a crush on
Jorgen. He is one neat young man. I have
promised not to publish her name.

I plan on visiting Jorgen in Colorado Springs
some time late
spring. I have not told him I have to bring one
dog, two mules, and one cat. That may change
his mind. Love Grandma Jeanie

MISTY

2009-10-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon Jan Murphy and Crazy Mule Lady came to ride with me. It was pretty darn chilly, but we all said if it was January we would think it was a wonderful temperature.

Jan has a new mule, Misty. She is quite a lovely mule and exceptionally well adapted to trail riding up and down muddy slick steep hills. Jan has only had her for a week or two.

We rode for 5 hours and loved every minute of it. I really love this old rail road bridge. It is
such a photo op. I entered this picture of Jan in a contest in the DM register. It is a good example of local historic places. Built before the turn of the century.

Jan brought smoked pork and buns. Plus hot cocoa and pumpkin bars. remind me to always
include her in our plans.

We three are getting excited because in less than two weeks we are heading for Southern Missouri to the Cross Country Trail Ride in Eminence, Missouri for a week of non stop riding.
That will my longest drive so far. Deb is going with me. We are following TNT that is Tom
and Tammy Rabideau.

Carrie came to visit me this morning. We had such a good visit. Love Grandma Jeanie

SEE YOU ALL ON THE TRAIL REAL SOON

HOW TO BEAT THE COLD WEATHER BLUES

2009-10-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

This is how crazy mule lady and Grandma Jeanie beat the cold weather blues. We get out there and enjoy the weather. Friday morning it was cold and drizzly and we decided on a afternoon ride in the woods. We left about 3 pm and it was sunny and chilly. We rode until dusk. We played tag on the trails.

It was so obvious that the mules loved it. County is so much faster than Jenny, but Jenny is a game player and she never lets that black mule
get ahead of her for one minute.

The most exciting moment is when we came up on the hunters bow hunting for deer. I am sure they were pissed off to see up coming. Laughing and yelling racing down the trails. One of them even looked a little pale and out of breath. Since we are both RN's we always notice little things like that. You know like someone
need resuscitation. Anyway, we will try to stay out of the woods during dawn and dusk. Deer
season just seemed to come up to soon.

We had planned a weekend ride in the Mountains of Decorah, Iowa. With a forecast of snow, we decided to save our money for our
upcoming trip to Eminence, Missouri later this month.

We even took a little hard cranberry lemonade drink with us. This is a first for me. I said that
Deb led me astray. (Tongue in cheek of course.) I took two health cookies along and had to eat them both.

The woods were beautiful and the wind wispered to us that winter was coming sooner than we than we planned.

I keep getting calls that people see a cat like Marco Polo, but they can't catch him. I got him
at a shelter, and he always was hard to pick up. He was always a little bit frightened of people.
I doubt that we can ever bring him home again. He was a lot of fun and teased Nana all the time
without mercy on that old dog. He hangs out at the VA hospital in Knoxville and it will be closing next month.

I have a date with an old friend this evening. I resisted for a long time, but life does go on and
with winter coming it is cold and lonely around here. Wish me luck on my new adventures.

Come ride with me. Love Grandma Jeanie

RIDE HARD LIFE IS SHORT

BOOTY

2009-10-09T06:09:00.000-07:00

This is my new cat, Booty. He was a lost half grown cat and I felt sorry for him because no one
wanted him and brought him home with me from Farmington, Iowa. He originally was from
south of Pella, Iowa, and taken camping in hopes that he could find a new home among the
campers. I had recently lost my cat, Marco Polo, so it seemed like the logical thing to do.

He has gained a lot of weight and is a friendly little cat. He had surgery this week and is feeling
a little worn down in the pictures. He was a free cat, but now he owes me 100 dollars worth
of petting and purring.

He and Nana are the same color and are beginning to be friends. Nana is the one hard to
make up with.

Wish me luck in keeping him safe. Grandma Jeanie

AMAZING UNCLE GLEN

2009-09-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my Uncle Glen Bortell.
This was taken last month on his 95th birthday.
He lives in Florida.

This is a picture of my friend Crazy Mule lady
and myself this past weekend. We were enjoying
riding our mules along the Des Moines River on
a perfectly lovely day.

Needless to say we can only hope to be riding
our mules on our 95th birthday.

Love Grandma Jeanie

Mt Mckinley/Mary Ann

2009-09-23T06:26:00.001-07:00

This is Mary Ann's picture of Mt McKinley or
Mr Denali as most folks call it in Alaska.

We were so lucky to see it as only 20% of
visitors get to see it. We saw it every day
we were there which was three days.

This is daughter Cathy and sister Mary Ann and yours truly.

I still have not found my cat. This is disturbing to me and I do not know what to do to fix it.
I adopted a stray young cat, but it just doesn't help how I feel.

Work is good. Glad to have a chance to take care of people and have enough do re me to
pay the bills.

Granddaughter Sundance and her special friend, Jed, were here last week. They are on their
way to France where Sundance is teaching English to school kids. I warned her that Mia and
I were going to come and see her next year.

Crazy Mule Lady is coming this after noon and we are going to run the trails.

Happy trails to you all. Grandma Jeanie

Wonderful Weekend

2009-09-14T05:05:00.000-07:00

Grandma Jeanie, County Fair, and Nana spent a great weekend riding in the beautiful forest
Shimek and camping at River Valley. I had some great pictures of County rolling in the dust, but
I can't find the memory card. Guess I will buy a new one.

As you know, I lost my Marco Polo. At the campground there was a stray cat and I brought
him home. He is half grown, skinny, etc. Needs lots of TLC. He is affectionate.

HAPPY TRAILS.

Alaska

2009-09-10T04:43:00.000-07:00

I started my vacation to Alaska visiting my daughter, Cathy, in Olympia, Wa. We spent
most of my visit on the ocean. Mike and Kelly and a friend had so much fun playing on
the logs that float in on the river. The water in the pictures is a river of fresh water on the
ocean. Very interesting. Also, some of the trees are very old and very big. On Sunday Cathy took me to the Sea Tac Airport to pick up My sister
Mary Ann, and her husband Chris. We had a lovely day together and then said goodbye to
Cathy.

Marco Polo

2009-09-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

I came home yesterday from my awesome trip to Alaska. Nana never looked better and she
was so glad to see me. Carrie and Crayola picked me up at the airport and brought me home.
I was so grateful as I was feeling exhausted. We did not pick up the cat because their car was
full as they were going camping.

about 10:00 pm the boarding place for the cat returned my call. The dog chewed a hole in
the screen and all the cats escaped and Marco has been missing for several days.

I am totally saddened. Nana and Marco were my only companions. I will advertise for
him in the papers next week. He does have a chip, but it is an outside guess that he will take
up with anyone new. Love Grandma Jeanie

Skyler Iowa State Fair 2009

2009-08-17T07:55:00.001-07:00

Skyler and Grandma Jeanie camped at the Fair
Friday and Saturday 2009 Fair. Skyler is with
the band The Nadas. I watched the concert
and it was really fun. It was East Side Friday and the party was wild.

Carrie was out Friday afternoon with Sylvia and
Jasper. They had pork chops on a stick. Skyler
got his face painted. Sylvia went on the big
slide twice.

Saturday morning Skyler, Carrie, and I went to the Farmers market. I wanted to purchase a gift
for my sister Mary Ann.

I felt like I might be in an accident all the time I was in Des Moines. Driving my truck in the
Fair campgrounds was scary enough. When I was on the Freeway on Saturday it rained so hard
I could not read the road signs. When Skyler and I returned to the Fair on 30th street I slowed to get
behind a big red dodge truck and the red truck hit a truck almost immediately. The white truck pulling a trailer pulled right out in front and lost his fenders, bumper and probably his
radiator. I was pretty close to that accident.

More tales from the Fair coming.

I am leaving tomorrow for my vacation in Washington state and Alaska. I took Nana to Tom's
place yesterday. He is going to keep her until I get home. The Cat goes to the sitter tomorrow.
Wish me luck. Happy Trails Grandma Jeanie

New Meaning - Old Phrases

2009-08-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

There were about 6 teams camping at River Valley in Farmington, Iowa this weekend. The
group were enroute to their next parade or drill show. They travel the midwest all summer
showing off their teams. They all have extra big motor homes and trailers all alike to haul a
team and a wagon. They were not too friendly to me because Nana barked at their little dog
when he peed on the rock in front of our site. Nana claimed the rock as hers etc. That was the
first day and I got the cold shoulder from then on. They were all from Delmar, Iowa.

Some of the old phrases I have changed to suit myself. BORN AGAIN FIRST DAY OF THE
REST OF MY LIFE, etc. you get my drift. This was the first time in my life I ever did any
thing recreational all by myself. Well I had Nana and County with me. They live and breath.
We had a good time. I rode the trails all day Friday and Saturday. I came home late Sunday
morning. We made lots of friends. There were a few people there that I knew. I was the
only one riding a big black mule or any mule for that matter. We stood out for better or worse.
County can out walk any horse and goes through the mud like the 4 wheel drive that she is.

One group of neighbors could not stop talking about my riding by myself and going to all the
places and landmarks that they could not find. I found this amusing, as I really enjoyed riding
by myself. I usually have to go slow if there is a few horses in the mix. Happy Trails

Carrie's party and Grandma Jeanie's campout

2009-07-23T10:56:00.001-07:00

Saturday, July 18, 2009 Carrie and I had a party. She invited her friends for a potluck and I invited my trail riding friends. We had so much good food and fellowship. Mike and Deanie came and Kirk and Lacey Fay were here. Lacey was here all day Saturday her Aunt Carrie
was watching her while she made my home presentable.

We had 3 trail rides in all. One in the afternoon and one at dusk until dawn. ( No I am kidding about that) but it was very late and very dark.
We had another ride on Sunday morning.

We had one incident on the sand bar. One mule and one horse decided to roll in the sand. We have a picture of Tom bringing Tammy's mule back to her. Everyone thought it was funny,
everyone that is that their mule or horse did not roll in the sand.

Crazy mule lady and Tammy made us wonderful food in their charcoal Dutch Ovens and
everyone brought something for the potluck and Mike grilled the brats. Deanie brought the
best cupcakes I have ever eaten and I made an upsidedown pineapple cake.

We had another meal and by 3 pm the only ones left here was Grandma Jeanie and her dog
cat, and two mules.

Sunday Quiche

2009-07-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

You are all invited to my kitchen for a Sunday

Brunch. I am trying to keep up with my
Granddaughter, Mia, as she is always
cooking up something or other in her kitchen.

Love you all Have a great Day

Turn me loose and I can Fly

2009-07-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

This is a progress report of sorts. I never thought I could make it on my own without my beloved
soulmate, but life does go on.

My work is going well. The garden is thriving and so am I. I have a surplus of weeds, but it is
balanced by the lovely wild flowers on our CRP project. The hayfields are productive and by
Fall my barn will be full.

I have my Missouri Foxtrotter mare home again in foul to a Jack. Next spring we will have a baby mule.

A new grandson on the way. I saw his picture in the womb yesterday. A boy. Big ears, big feet
and a beautiful picture of his hands folded together. I love him already. His eyes were wide open.

My truck, which glen loved to drive so well, has all new tires and the trailer too. All those
new tires give me added confidence. I have reservations at the horse camp for the end of July.
That is at Farmington Iowa if anyone out there wants to join me I have 3 animals to ride.

I plan on a trip to Missouri to ride last week of October.

We are having a party next Saturday night. You all are invited. Also a trail ride Sunday morning.

My granddaughter Mia and I are planning a trip to South America. Argentina to be exact.
That would be in 2010. This is really only a plan. Anticipation is half the fun.

I am cruising to Alaska next month thanks to my sister Mary Ann and Chris.

I have lost Nana the dog twice lately. She is afraid of storms. I leave her in the house
with the door locked, but when she jumps on the handle the door opens and out she goes.
Then she is terrified and hides somewhere and won't come out. I looked for two hours
yesterday, started the diesel, which she always comes running to go camping; did not work.
Called Kirk. He looked for her around town. Finally 3 hours after the rain storm here she
comes. A total mud ball. She must have been under a building somewhere. I guess I will
have to tie her up in the house. She can be so destructive when she is scared. We put her in
our horse trail once when the trailer was new during a storm and she tore up all the wall covering of faux leather. Ripped it to pieces. Love that dog.

I am working this weekend. Taking care of the residents is good therapy for me a person
who has been a caregiver since birth. Helping and watching my siblings as my poor mother
worked and worked and worked. Love you all

A Very Different July 4th 2009

2009-07-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

All good things seem to come to an end. Every since I was a small child I have gone to Bussey on
July 4th. Starting in the early 1960's Glen and I rode our horses in the Bussey parade and the
last year was 2008. We rode bicycles with grandkids in two and my little kids even walked one
year and we won first prize of 7 dollars.

I could not face the challenge of riding by myself without my soulmate this year. I choose
another trail. I went to Farmington, Iowa, right next to Shimek State forest equestrain
trails. It is a great horse camp with entertainment(dancing) lots of people I know slightly
and every one is friendly. My friend and I went on Thursday driving our rigs. I had the
great experience of a blowout on the trailer. That was exciting. I was actually crossing a
bridge on highway 63 looking at the back tire on the trailer in the mirror and I saw it
blow out before I heard it. It was almost impossible to find enough room to get off the road
and the traffic was so heavy. I have changed a blow out before on the trailer with Glen in
October and my friend came back and she has done it before as well. We had that changed
in just a few minutes and back on the road. We think we are ready to be in the pits at
Knoxville raceway. We were packing up and a big trailer puller up. The man said they
were going to the rodeo in Bloomfield and did we need help. He said horse people had
to help each other. We thanked him, but we were fine. I just got back on the Road and
Tom Rabideau called me as he met us on the road. I told him he was a lucky fella he did not
have to change a tire. His bride, Tammey, advised me where to buy a spare in Bloomfield
and we had 10 minutes to spare before they closed for the holiday. I got the tire put on for
$23 only in Iowa.

Crazy Mule Lady and Grandma Jeanie on the trail

2009-07-01T02:42:00.000-07:00

Deb and I rode the Island trails yesterday and we will again today. The flowers are lovely on the property. Full of birds, Turkey, Deer, and coyotes. I even say a rabbit which is unusual. The pheasants are gone, because of the flood last year.

HAPPY JULY 4th. 2009

Where has June 2009 gone so fast

2009-06-30T05:02:00.000-07:00

The month of June has gone by so quickly that I did not share many adventures with you folks out there. You all know Kirk, Holly and Lacey. They are expecting a new member to the family in November. That should increase our November birthday bash by at least one. We have so many birthdays in November and some in late October. We get them over with at one party.

My Friend Jan has came over to ride with me as well as Crazy Mule Lady. I am so grateful. Crazy Mule Man came over and trimmed up my mules this month and now they are show ring ready. Mia and Sylvia and Jasper have been here to help with the garden. Jasper is ready to
dig potatoes at a moments notice. We took pictures of the toads in the window well so Kelly can see that we are caring for them. The babies are so little you can barely even see them.

This month has been a good one. I traded for Ford truck that I can pull my mule trailer with.
It barely fits in the garage and I shut the door on the tailgate. Now it is at a shop getting repaired. So much for women drivers. I need to take out part of the work bench in the garage to make it fit.

My Uncle Glen, his son Bill and daughter Glenda were here for a visit to Iowa. Glen is 95 years
old. He is and always was my favorite uncle. He was married to my dad's sister Mary. They
were frequent visitors to the family farm when I was growing up. He was the original cowboy just like Roy Rodgers. Thats what I thought anyway. So good to see them. Uncle Glen and Glenda live in Florida.

My friend Jan and I are spending July 4th weekend at River Valley Horse camp
at Farmington and riding our mules at Shimek and we are sure hoping that those trails will be open.

I miss all my friends at the Monroe County Saddle Club. It is just too difficult to do the old things
without Glen. I probably would cry all the way through the Bussey parade. We have been doing the parade since the 1060's.

Yesterday, Monday the 29th, I was in Des Moines. I met Ron, Donna, and brother Jack at a
BBQ place for lunch. It was fun to see them. Ron and Donna have changed their plans for a
vacation in Alaska and are flying to Las Vegas instead. Sounds like a plan to me. They will
continue on the California and also the Grand Canyon. They are leaving in July.

Carrie spent last week in Alaska with Micole. Very exciting place and I can't wait to see it.

Crazy Mule lady is coming to ride mules with me today. We are riding all morning and afternoon. We are trying to entice Tom to come as well. He is building a new home and very busy with his new wife. So we will be lucky to see him.

There is just one thing I cannot believe. My peppers in the garden are begging for water.
I thought it had rained enough for the entire summer of 2009.

Old Clothes and Memories

2009-06-25T06:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I packed up 6 huge bags of clothes and took them to Good Will. Lots of stuff from
RAGBRAI(not the t-shirts as Deanie is going to make a quilt top from them). Cruise clothes
such as men's suit and my dresses. I was just getting down to Glen's jeans and shirts, the last
bag, and I just couldn't do it. I was crying and wishing my friend Deb was here to help me and
she called at that moment and said her home visits had been cancelled and she wanted to stop by for a few minutes. She finished putting the shirts and jeans in the last bag and went with me to Good Will. This was such a good thing for me.

Deb is also known as Crazy Mule Lady and has a blog Greystone mules.

Floating Gardens

2009-06-20T04:11:00.000-07:00

You all have heard of hanging gardens. My gardens are Floating. My tomatoes are going down for the third time. I am afraid that they can not be rescued.

Last year we had a real flood and my tomatoes drowned. Now it is happening again.

I did get a nice potato patch and onions. All is not lost. Love you all

Love Letters

2009-06-17T04:32:00.001-07:00

A few days ago I was burning up about 10 years worth of personal papers that should have been shredded, but no shredder. I began to remember reading my mother and father's love letters.

Mom would visit her maternal grandmother in Des Moines. She lived on Park Avenue next door to my dad. They would write letters when she went back home to Marshalltown.

I started reading those letters when I was a preschooler. They were mostly poems and statements like "Dee Dee Girl" and "Johnny Boy" and a lot about Whipper Wills. Listening to the night birds I guess.

I was horrified when I was about 15 years old and mom said she had burned all the old letters
she and dad had written each other.

I guess history repeats itself because one time many years ago I burned all our letters. Glen and I had been writing to each other since the fifties and a letter every day when he was in the army. Glen wrote lots of poems to me and our letters were filled with loneliness and sadness at being apart. In later letters I was expecting our first child.

I am so sorry now. Glen left me this time without a word of hope or good bye. I wish I had all those old letters now. I would probably make a book out of them. It would be comforting to read them again.

Wedding Celebration Ride

2009-06-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

Tom and Tammy are getting married Saturday.
I have to work so they came over today to ride
with me. We had a great time and found all the trails that Glen had made for us.

Tom was standing up in the saddle, but it was not caught on camera and he would not do it again. This is a trick perfected by tammy.

Crazy Mule lady and I gave them their gift while they were here. It is a dutch oven made for campfire cooking. We all plan to benefit from this gift.

The river was too high and we could not play on the sandbar like we usually do.

Emma rode with us. She was always with her dad, Tom, but now she is married and has
other things to do. We all were delighted to have her with us and on her donkey as well.

Jeanie's Job Corp

2009-06-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 10,2009, My sister, Donna, brother-in-law, Ron, and brother Jack came to help me
yesterday.

They brought the famous baked smoked beans, plus burgers and trimmings.
After we had a great lunch I handed out the work assignments.

Jack had to wash my new truck. He really hates to get his hands wet with soap, but he did manage to bond with my new truck. He said he approved of it.

Ron was asked to weed eat, and he was not overwhelmed by the amount and size of the weeks in my front yard. Now I can find the bird feeder and the mail box.

Donna scrubbed away at least two years of mold on the front patio and sidewalks. She used my
new broom with the energy reminiscent of our mother.

Kirk was already on the job mowing weeks and a path on the government project on the Island.
I was surprised how the wild flowers were getting ready to bloom in the land that was flooded last summer and killed so many trees.

I was a very fun day with lots of good memories of Glen and old times.

I love you guys. Thanks

Saturday Night in the PITS

2009-06-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

The rain threatened all evening and it did not rain until after midnight.

I met a lot of folks I knew and quite a few I wish I knew better.

Austin is a grandson of Jim Darnell. My friend and co-worker, Marci , she works for Jim and they
provide fuel for the races. Austin is very sweet and polite young man. I forwarded his picture to Sylvia for future reference.

It is really fun to be in the pits. Especially when you do not have to pay the 25 dollars to get there.

Knoxville, Iowa Raceway

2009-06-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hold on folks I am going into the pits tonight. My first hand experience of knoxville racing
from the pits. More tomorrow

River Valley Horse Camp

2009-06-04T15:34:00.001-07:00

Jan and I went to Farmington, Iowa Thursday
May 28 until Sunday May 31. We rode our
animals in the Shimek State Forest. We ate out
every night and there was a dance on saturday
night.

There were a lot of people there as the camp
hosted a colt Challenge. 10 or 12 Trainers each
had a 4 year old filly that had never been handled. The goal was to ride the colt. The winner won a lot of money. They had to ride the
colt and not just buck them out.

I think I have found a new place to play.

Memorial Day Weekend at the Ranch

2009-05-25T04:28:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from our weekend. Deb put all of hers on Face book. We had quite a time.It all started on Thursday when Crazy Mule Lady, (Deb), Tammy(soon to be wed) and I in my new truck went to Des Moines on a Shopping Extravaganza.

Crazy Mule Lady's husband told her she needed something to keep the "two from floppin" when she was loping her mule. She knew where they had great bras Victoria's Secret. Deb bought two Sexy Girl bras. When Deb has something on her mind it is no Secret.

We started out Friday hearing all about those new bras. It was not very long and the straps broke on one side letting her down. I gave her one of mine to wear as it was an emergency.
Now she is going to the shop and tell them she need something to keep two boulders from flopping over her shoulders.

Anyway on the ride we had a boob shoot of us wearing the same bra. It scared the mules a bit and if I posted the pictures Wachol Bra com. may sue us.

We had a great time. We did night riding times two and all day times three. Most of the property is reclaimed strip mine turned to fields and lots of gob piles left and water holes and ponds to keep any ditchdivers supremely happy. The Whip per Wills were in great voice. Almost could keep you awake at night.

I forgot some of my food and Kirk and Lacey brought it out to us. Deb has some cute pics of her feeding the mules on facebook. Deb is riding my Black mule County.

THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS

2009-05-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Cats hate going to the Vet or anywhere in the carrier.!!! On the spur of the moment I decided that today was the only day I could take the cat and dog to the vet. We had quite a circus going.
Nana finally treed the cat on the piano and I tried to put him in the box. The dog was barking and the cat resisted and rested his sharp little teeth on my wrist. So now I have to go to the doctor as well.

Nana had her teeth cleaned and they both had various shots a total of 183 dollars. I had just
spent a bunch on the mules getting them updated. I keep all my receipts and if I start thinking about a cute little dog or cat I see at the shelter pictures and on TV I just get those paid up bills and look them over.

Marco Polo is on probation and Nana and I are both on Augmentin. Thanks for listening

They do not like going to the Vet!!!!!!!! I was trying to put the cat in the box and Nana was
barking because we had been looking for the cat and Nana had him treed on the piano.
I was so stupid I did not have leather gloves on or my wrist leathers and the cat bit me a
good one. Five holes in all on the right and one on the left. Now who is going to the Doctor?
Grandma Jeanie thats right.

Marko Polo is on probation.

ps I still love him

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100 Days

2009-05-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

It has been 100 days since Glen left this world as we know it. I trust he is in a better place free of the dreaded cancer that plagued his male family members.

This is a paraphrase from Elizabeth Edwards. THIS IS THE LIFE I HAVE NOW, AND THE ONLY WAY TO BE RESILIENT WHEN THESE LAND MINES EXPLODE BENEATH MY FOUNDATION, IS FIRST TO ACCEPT THAT THERE IS A NEW REALITY.

The new reality is I am on my own. I cry and sob every single morning and sometimes all day long. Another reality is I am getting along remarkably well. I have taken the challenges of driving my own rig and working and coming and going alone. I have even gone dancing which is something I have never done alone in my life.

My garden is thriving. There are a lot of weeds on the property. I put them in the category of
will it make any difference in 10 years. That solves quite a few problems.

The children have been supportive. Kirk has had time to help me get going, but he is working all the time now. Lacey still asks "where is Grandpa Glen, I want to see him". This makes me cry
every time.

I traded my car in on a pickup truck that I can pull my horse trailer with if I am not going camping. I have never had to deal on anything like that before. Who knows if I got a good deal or not. I sure don't I just have to have faith that everything will work out for the best.

Gretta'a Here

2009-05-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

Gretta surprised us and came to Harvey to stay over night and go to Tulip Time.

Lacey Faye stayed with her overnight. Lacey was so thrilled and all she could talk about was this is my sister.

Gretta had tried before to get close to Lacey, but she wasn't ready yet to have a sister. She is ready now. Gretta brought a friend with her and Lacey liked him as well.
So did I.

Ron's Baby

2009-05-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

This is a one day old Molly Mule. So far
her only name is Ron's Baby.

See more mule baby's on Crazy Mule lady's
blog Greystone Mules.

HARVEY ISLAND BRIDGE

2009-05-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

Glen never tired of talking about this old bridge
this is a railroad bridge. This bridge proves the fact that our government has always awarded contracts to build bridges to nowhere. Before 1900 a bridge was build across the Des Moines River and this bridge was built over the old bed. The government was building a new railroad line to come to Harvey to service a factory that was to be built. The factory was never built and the Des Moines River bridge was taken down and this bridge was left intact.

There are no sides on it and new horse and mule riders are generally terrified the first time
they cross the bridge. I have had that experience myself. I bought a 3 year old mule gelding and the first time I road him across the bridge deer jumped up below us and as we neared the end a group of turkeys flew right in front of us. Very, Very scary.

Years ago the bridge had a plank floor. My dad's sister Mary was in our old Hudson car and
when we crossed the bridge she started screaming and crying. The old boards rattled and banged and shook the car and sounded like it was falling apart.

Glen rode his bicycle across the top bridge when he was a boy and also dived into the water from
the top of the bridge.

The mule in the picture nearest the camera if Jenny. She was puzzled to have someone else
ride her, but she was good.

RHUBARB COBBLER 2009

2009-04-25T12:09:00.001-07:00

As I stand alone on this rainy Saturday
making a rhubarb cobbler and listening to Public Radio I feel as alone as if
I was in the middle of the Sahara
Desert knowing that I will never
have another drink of water.

Glen planted the trees and the rhubarb.

100 HUNDRED MILES

2009-04-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

Well I did it and I lived to tell the story.

I drove to Ottumwa and back to have my Jenny mules teeth worked on. She has problems with her teeth that makes it a mystery why she is still here. No one else could help us but Dr Lapp in Ottumwa

County has good teeth which I am not surprised to hear.

Tom is leading the mules trying to bring them back after anesthesia so we

can load them and go home.

Tom helped me with the mysteries about trailer brakes and air ride. I have always slept through all of that as it was not my job. I never learned and

never cared about any of it as Glen was in control and I was just on for the ride.

I drove all the way in head winds and turned around in the parking lot. I never could have done it alone. Tom Is my best friend ever and he is getting married very soon. Glen loved him and always said he was one of the best friend we ever had.

Tom said I was a truck driver now and good to go.

500 TREES

2009-04-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

Kirk planted 450 trees this morning.

He is incredible when it comes to planting trees. On Saturday it was

raining off and on and he planted 50

with the help of Lacey who is two

years old.

We will have to plant again next year to make up for the flood of 2008. It

may take another year.

The wild flowers are coming up all over. There are turkeys, quail, and phesants on the property. It is great for wild life. There are so many birds and a lot of them will nest in the grasses on the ground.

Grandpa Glen was missed. He has always been the boss on all of these

projects. It is hardly believable that we did a good job. Time will tell.

SPRING 101

2009-04-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

This is my first Spring when it was my responsibility to mow the lawn.
Trim the Grapes and berry plants. Plant the garden. Take care of the
government project there are two of them, plus the hay fields. There was
a flood last year so we have to replant trees. 500 this Spring and more
next year. We reseeded the hay field last Fall.

I have been working on the electric fence and Kirk put in a corner post for
the lot where the mules are safe when I am gone. It was quite a job as the old
Rail Road Tie had rotted off and was a least 3 or 4 feet in the ground to be
dug up. It looked impossible to me, but Kirk said "we can do it" meaning
of course that he could do it.

Yesterday, Friday, We planted onion sets and shallots. We have a row ready for peppers.

It rained today and we could not go forward with our plans for a mass
planting of trees. Kirk and Lacey planted 50 in about an hour before they
were rained out. Kirk said the truck was sliding sideways before they got
off the Island.

I planted Romaine lettuce and basil yesterday. I really know a lot about
gardening as I grew up with it, but I left it all up to Glen as that was the
easiest thing to do and I always have other things to do.

I did drive the diesel truck to Oskaloosa on Friday. My next challenge
will be parking lessons. A friend is a driver for Hy Vee and he has
volunteered or his wife has encouraged him to give me lessons on Wednesday. On Tuesday I am driving the mules to the Vet in Ottumwa for
a dental check up. Those old mules have issues with their teeth like we
do, except if they can't chew they are in big trouble.

APRIL 11 &12 TRAIL RIDE

2009-04-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Some of my friends this weekend

Wonderful fun and joy to be outside

doing what we love to do

Driving the Truck with Camper with Mules in the Trailer

2009-04-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well I have put my life on the line and made a camping reservation at
Stephens State Forest Equestrian. Now I will have to drive the truck
100 miles round trip. I never thought this day would happen in my life
time. I will let you all know if this actually takes place.

In fact I made two reservations. Mia and Joe and children are tent
camping with me at least part of the time. The dates are June 19 and 20
if any of you would like to join us.