Family of owls turned Web stars grows by one - SignOnSanDiego.com
If you haven't heard about this yet, you've got to check out http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/Live_Owl_Nest_Box_Cam.html and watch this family of owls grow. There is still one egg to hatch; Wesley hatched yesterday.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Rough last month
The last 34 days have been pretty rough, with my mother becoming seriously ill, one sister with her own health problems, mandatory furlough days, two extra board meetings thrown in, classes I'm taking, and my neighbor calling the police on my dog barking because we forgot one was left outside when called to say mom was being taken by ambulance back to the hospital.
Inner Peace: This is so true
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!
Things have got to get better. I got the following from my sister-in-law this morning and it brightened my day.
Inner Peace: This is so true
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Pool
Here's another layout from our Spring Break family vacation.
Supplies used:
Scrap Girls:
Christy VanderWall’s CVA_SSTools_Scripts_SupplyTracker (Scrap Girls)
Scrapable:
Tiffany Tillman: TNT_ScrappableSingleTemplate_042 (Scrapable)
Sweet Shoppe Designs:
Traci Reed’s Belly Flop Kit:
• treed-bellyflop-brackermat
• treed-bellyflop-button1
• treed-bellyflop-button2
• treed-bellyflop-button4
• treed-bellyflop-button5
• treed-bellyflop-button5 copy
• treed-bellyflop-pp1
• treed-bellyflop-pp7
• treed-bellyflop-ppsolid1
• treed-bellyflop-ppsolid2
• treed-bellyflop-ppsolid3
• treed-bellyflop-splash1
• treed-bellyflop-wordart-sh
Font: Georgia
Monday, March 22, 2010
Spring Break 2010
We spent four days and three nights at the new Honey Creek Resort at Lake Rathbun in southern Iowa with our daughter's family. Back in the mid-1970s we camped at this lake on a regular basis with a group of friends and our daughter, who was only a baby at the time. Traveling to the lake brought back many fond memories of our camping trips. Things have changed over the years, including the new Honey Creek Resort that opened last year. This is a beautiful facility on the north side of the lake with beautiful views of Lake Rathbun. We saw many Bald Eagles from the resort and while driving around the lake.
We spent four days and three nights at Resort. The kids loved Buccaneer Bay indoor water park and had lots of fun.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thanks you City of Des Moines
Just heard from home and our street is being cleared. YEA!!!
Here is an Email I just sent Bill Stowe:
Bill,
Thank you for your prompt attention to my Email from this morning. My husband just called to say that they are out there right now working and moving huge blocks of ice. I thank you and my car thanks you. I was informed last week that I had broken motor mounts on my 2005 car and I can only guess it is a result of driving on this street.
Here is an Email I just sent Bill Stowe:
Bill,
Thank you for your prompt attention to my Email from this morning. My husband just called to say that they are out there right now working and moving huge blocks of ice. I thank you and my car thanks you. I was informed last week that I had broken motor mounts on my 2005 car and I can only guess it is a result of driving on this street.
Request for ice removal in _______ block of __________
(Email I sent today to Bill Stowe, Des Moines Public Works Director)
Bill,
I live at XXXXXXXXXXXXX. This is a relatively flat street with a gentle slope to the north and drains on both sides of the streets. We have had a problem the last three years with water coming up out of the ground and causing freezing on the street. The problem that arises is this water runs underneath the ice and melts certain areas causing huge ice "pot holes." Last year a school bus got stuck in one of these ruts, that's how deep they become. Driving on the street is an obstacle course trying to avoid these huge ice potholes. Because of this, the City has come out several times during the winter with the big boy blade and spent time clearing the street.
This year that hasn't happened. I'm sure this is because of all the snow we've had and the manpower hours it has taken to clear the main streets. One day in December I was out driving and saw trucks with plows on relatively clean streets plowing. I called asking to get someone out to our street. They sent out a sand truck. This does not help our problems. During a recent warm spell a couple weeks ago most of the neighbors on the street were out using our own ice chippers and power to break up the ice mounds left in the street. But it has built up once again. I called last Wednesday or Thursday asking if a blade could come out that day as once again I had seen a truck with a blade driving over streets that were already what I'd call clean. I was informed she doubted they could do that but would send out a sand truck. I tried to explain the situation to her to no avail. When I came home I saw that a sand truck had been down the street.
Although you can't really see what I'm talking about, I've attached some pictures to try to demonstrate what I'm talking about. All of these pictures are in front of my house. It is hard to tell from this photo, but my foot is inside the rut and it is at least 6 inches deep. The following shows how the water runs underneath the ice causing what I call ice potholes.
Is there anything that can be done about the problems on our street?
Bill,
I live at XXXXXXXXXXXXX. This is a relatively flat street with a gentle slope to the north and drains on both sides of the streets. We have had a problem the last three years with water coming up out of the ground and causing freezing on the street. The problem that arises is this water runs underneath the ice and melts certain areas causing huge ice "pot holes." Last year a school bus got stuck in one of these ruts, that's how deep they become. Driving on the street is an obstacle course trying to avoid these huge ice potholes. Because of this, the City has come out several times during the winter with the big boy blade and spent time clearing the street.
This year that hasn't happened. I'm sure this is because of all the snow we've had and the manpower hours it has taken to clear the main streets. One day in December I was out driving and saw trucks with plows on relatively clean streets plowing. I called asking to get someone out to our street. They sent out a sand truck. This does not help our problems. During a recent warm spell a couple weeks ago most of the neighbors on the street were out using our own ice chippers and power to break up the ice mounds left in the street. But it has built up once again. I called last Wednesday or Thursday asking if a blade could come out that day as once again I had seen a truck with a blade driving over streets that were already what I'd call clean. I was informed she doubted they could do that but would send out a sand truck. I tried to explain the situation to her to no avail. When I came home I saw that a sand truck had been down the street.
Although you can't really see what I'm talking about, I've attached some pictures to try to demonstrate what I'm talking about. All of these pictures are in front of my house. It is hard to tell from this photo, but my foot is inside the rut and it is at least 6 inches deep. The following shows how the water runs underneath the ice causing what I call ice potholes.
Is there anything that can be done about the problems on our street?
Friday, February 05, 2010
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old)
I received the following Email from a friend and it hit close to my heart as many of you are aware I have a 14+ year-old Beagle that has some health issues and I know in my heart her time is coming to move on. So as I read the message the tears started flowing, but then I read the entire message and realized it contains some important life lessons we can all learn from.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound. The dog's owners and their little boy were all very attached to the dog, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined the dog and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for him and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, the owners said they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though he might learn something from the experience.
The next day I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusiosn. We sat together for awhile after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the say I try and live.
Care deeply.
Seak kindly.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound. The dog's owners and their little boy were all very attached to the dog, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined the dog and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for him and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, the owners said they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though he might learn something from the experience.
The next day I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusiosn. We sat together for awhile after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the say I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' Te Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Seak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Life 365 Upate
Finished up January without missing a day. All supplies are from Life 365 Sweet and Simple, available at Weeds and Wildflower Designs.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Neighbors form group following manhunt | desmoinesregister.com | The Des Moines Register
Thank you Des Moines Register for the great story. Let's hope it brings in a few new faces on March 2.
Neighbors form group following manhunt desmoinesregister.com The Des Moines Register
Neighbors form group following manhunt desmoinesregister.com The Des Moines Register
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Life 365 Update
The latter half of the third week of 2010 turned out to be quite icy, but beautiful.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Happy 8th Birthday Girls
Happy Birthday girls. Hard to believe you will be turning 8. I love you so much.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Life 356
So far I've stayed on task with my picture a day. Here is the left half of the 3rd week of 2010.
Supplies: Gina Marie Huff, Sweet and Simple Life 365 (January) System available at Weeds and Wildflowers Design
Go Hawks
A couple weeks ago the Iowa Hawkeyes played in the Orange Bowl--and WON!. We watched the game at Jeremy and Sarah's house and Jaren was all decked out in his gold and black.
Supplies used: Papers from Let's Go, a collaboration between Amanda R. Designs and Dunia Designs; layout based on template from Dani Alencar's Multipix Templates set 4.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Life 365 Update
Two weeks into 2010 and I've managed to take a picture every day. They may not be good or interesting pictures, but they are pictures nonetheless.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Scrapping those Christmas photos
Des Moines is getting socked with another winter storm. I started feeling crummy again yesterday and decided to stay home today inside where it is warm and the humidifier is running. Took advantage of being home and scrapped my Christmas morning pictures.
Supplies:
25 Days No. 25 Template by Simply Tiffany Design
Papers: Paisley Press "Adorned"
Title: Karla Dudley Designs "25 Days: Titles"
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Molly B. Good
Worked on this layout tonight. Molly was quite a pistal (and can still be at times). We named her Molly but found ourselves frequently saying "Molly be good." So when it came time to send in her papers, I officially named her Molly B. Good.
Journaling reads:
She moves slower these days and is no longer able to jump on the bed. Getting on or off the sofa or off the deck is a major chore. I no longer have to worry about her running off. She has some serious health problems and her monthly prescription bill for one drug costs more than our prescriptions. I’m unsure if she can still hear me, but she can still smell and is contantly under foot when working in the kitchen. She’s been such a great companion to me and I treasure every day she’s still with me. JANUARY 2010
Supplies used: Papers from Jessica Sprague's Holidays in Hand kit; Songbird Avenue Bloom and Grow Temoplates
Monday, January 04, 2010
Rantings of an angry woman
Last summer Bruce J. Mundy, a father of two and a two-decade member of the Iowa National Guard was hit while riding his motorcycle and killed by two brothers who had stolen $27 worth of gas from a Casey’s General Store and was leaving the station. Mundy was wearing a helmet.
Police said 25-year-old Santos Rodriguez and his brother, 23-year-old Orlando Rodriguez, stole gasoline from a nearby Casey's General Store. Police said the brothers hit and killed Mundy as they were driving away.
This wasn't Santos first brush with police. Santos Rodriguez was 16-years-old when he shot Officer Jeff Gowen in the chest and Sgt. Garey Bryan in the hand on September 27, 1999. Drugs and guns were found in Rodriguez's car. Both officers survived. Rodriguez was also shot in the incident and lost his leg and suffered brain damage. Polk County prosecutors determined his injuries made Rodriguez incompetent to stand trial in 1999. When he was encountered by the police in 2009, however, he was able to answer questions and was very coherent and knew what was going on.
Well today Polk County District Judge Joel Novak ordered treatment for Orlando Rodriguez, one of two brothers in the vehicle that struck and killed Mundy.
Novak’s order indicates that Rodriguez “poses a danger to the public peace and safety” and “refuses to cooperate with treatment” for an unspecified condition. Rodriguez is to remain in custody and undergo a mental-health evaluation and a hearing is scheduled for Feb. 5 to help decide whether he has recovered enough to stand trial. This is not the brother shot in 1999 and found incompetent! So you mean I can go out and kill somebody and then act crazy (some think I already am) and refuse to cooperate with treatment and I can do as I please?
His 26-year-old brother, Santos, faces similar charges from the Sept. 23 incident but has also asked a mental-health expert to evaluate whether he is fit for trial.
This just makes me so angry that these guys are getting away with it again. Personally I think Judge Novak's competency should be questioned.
In the 1999 incident, Officer Jeffrey Gowen was shot in the chest near his badge. Sgt. Garey Bryan II was shot in the hand. Gowen still has bullet fragments lodged near his spine. Police returned fire during the 1999 clash and hit Santos Rodriguez. A Polk County grand jury cleared Gowen, Bryan and Jason Bennett, an officer who fired 15 shots at Santos Rodriguez in the 1999 shooting, of any wrongdoing. However, in June 2001, Bennett committed suicide. Des Moines Police Spokeswoman Lavorato said, "We'll never know what the reason was, but after something like this, it just builds inside you."
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100104/NEWS/100104027/Man-charged-in-death-of-biker-ruled-incompetent-trial-postponed
http://www.kcci.com/news/21107611/detail.html
http://m.dmregister.com/news.jsp?key=528812
Police said 25-year-old Santos Rodriguez and his brother, 23-year-old Orlando Rodriguez, stole gasoline from a nearby Casey's General Store. Police said the brothers hit and killed Mundy as they were driving away.
This wasn't Santos first brush with police. Santos Rodriguez was 16-years-old when he shot Officer Jeff Gowen in the chest and Sgt. Garey Bryan in the hand on September 27, 1999. Drugs and guns were found in Rodriguez's car. Both officers survived. Rodriguez was also shot in the incident and lost his leg and suffered brain damage. Polk County prosecutors determined his injuries made Rodriguez incompetent to stand trial in 1999. When he was encountered by the police in 2009, however, he was able to answer questions and was very coherent and knew what was going on.
Well today Polk County District Judge Joel Novak ordered treatment for Orlando Rodriguez, one of two brothers in the vehicle that struck and killed Mundy.
Novak’s order indicates that Rodriguez “poses a danger to the public peace and safety” and “refuses to cooperate with treatment” for an unspecified condition. Rodriguez is to remain in custody and undergo a mental-health evaluation and a hearing is scheduled for Feb. 5 to help decide whether he has recovered enough to stand trial. This is not the brother shot in 1999 and found incompetent! So you mean I can go out and kill somebody and then act crazy (some think I already am) and refuse to cooperate with treatment and I can do as I please?
His 26-year-old brother, Santos, faces similar charges from the Sept. 23 incident but has also asked a mental-health expert to evaluate whether he is fit for trial.
This just makes me so angry that these guys are getting away with it again. Personally I think Judge Novak's competency should be questioned.
In the 1999 incident, Officer Jeffrey Gowen was shot in the chest near his badge. Sgt. Garey Bryan II was shot in the hand. Gowen still has bullet fragments lodged near his spine. Police returned fire during the 1999 clash and hit Santos Rodriguez. A Polk County grand jury cleared Gowen, Bryan and Jason Bennett, an officer who fired 15 shots at Santos Rodriguez in the 1999 shooting, of any wrongdoing. However, in June 2001, Bennett committed suicide. Des Moines Police Spokeswoman Lavorato said, "We'll never know what the reason was, but after something like this, it just builds inside you."
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100104/NEWS/100104027/Man-charged-in-death-of-biker-ruled-incompetent-trial-postponed
http://www.kcci.com/news/21107611/detail.html
http://m.dmregister.com/news.jsp?key=528812
The Torch Relay Begins.....
The digi Olympics will be held at Digital Scrapbook Memories on February 12-18. You can help them pass the torch and possibly win your choice of either a class package to the Digital Scrapbook Retreat in Park City, UT thisApril 12-28, 2010. Check out http://forum.digitalscrapbookmemories.com/showthread.php?t=7701
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