Along The Side Roads: May 2009

Other NewsI

As most of you know, I tripped over my own two feet a week ago Sunday and shattered one of the bones in my right arm and dislocated the other bone in my elbow... it has been a real learning experience. Today is the first day that I have not taken pain meds and the first day I am actually trying to type two-handed - my fingers work fine but the cast makes it a challenge.

Thanks to Bobby for keeping people informed and to all of you who sent well wishes via the phone or email. Thanks Rich and Adrienne for stopping out yesterday with wine in hand and thanks to Sandra for delivering supper today- homemade soup and beer bread - YUM.

So, back to the learning experience...I challenge each of you to spend a day using the arm, that is not your preference, for absolutely everything! The whole morning bathroom routine of brushing your teeth, combing your hair (don't even think of fixing them), and ... you know... takes on a whole new perspective when you do it with "the wrong hand"! Showering is a major event in our household starting with Mike wrapping the arm in saran wrap...

Well, you get the idea - life is interesting! I thank God that it was only my elbow that was injured and not a knee or hip, ankle or shoulder ... I can make this work... but I may end up with a pretty funny tan this summer.

We are fortunate to have this wonderful "pondside" campsite which provides relaxation and entertainment. The mamas and not so little babies put on a parade several times a day.

Here Corky enjoys the Memorial Day Weekend by doing some fishing

and the guys try to get organized... for fishing.

We did manage to get pots planted and delivered to the cemataries on Saturday and we attended the annual memorial service at St. Michael's Cemetary where my dad's grave is located (in the far right corner of this picture).

And Janet came out with the munchkin... who really does seem to appreciate my flowers.

So, all is well in our world - or at least getting better every day.

Introducing the Newest Member of the Family

Lyric Donald was born to Ashley and Jonah on May 22 and he becomes our third great grandchild. Since they live in Watertown, SD, we have not seen him yet but we have gotten some great pictures thanks to Tammy.

The beautiful mother

and the proud papa

meet the new addition.

His Aunt Ashley and Uncle Mac admire him.His big brother Brian isn't too sure what to think...

Grandpa Brian and Grandma Tammy seem to be saying, "Gosh, did you ever think..."

At first glance, I thought Lyric was hiding from them all...

then I realized he had discovered his thumb!

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY LYRIC!

WOW!

It was a windy and rainy day in Pierre on Tuesday so we didn't get on the water until 2 in the afternoon. By 5 pm we had our limit of walleyes again and headed back in. Later on in the evening, the sky became quite spectacular.

This is the view from our new backyard. At 8:30, it was relatively calm and boats were out on the water.

Ten minutes later, the clouds came in quickly and the boats disappeared.

I stayed out and kept snapping pictures of what I thought would be a great sunset.

I turned to look back at the darkening sky, saw the funnel shaped wind clouds and took a few shots.

It wasn't until I was processing the prints, that I realized I had caught one of the few bolts of lightning. WOW, even I am impressed!

Our South Dakota Fishing Trip

As you already know, the first day was a wash out. On the second day, we were up early, I busied myself making a boat lunch and Mike got the rods and reels ready. We were both really psyched for fishing.

THEN...

That's right folks, neither of us had remembered to renew the boat license... and so we were dry docked ... for two days, since it was Saturday! It was not a pleasant day at the motorhome. By late Saturday, we had licked our wounds, swallowed our pride and all that and took a drive after going out for supper. We found a cheap golf course, so... on Sunday, after church, we headed out for a round of golf. And today, Monday, Mike was at the Registrar's office at 8 am and by 9, we were on the water.

We had a GREAT DAY of FISHING! Mike knew just the right place to fish, the worms (leftover from Utah) provided a tasty treat to the walleyes, and we caught our limit. At last, just 4 days into the trip, we got on the water and it was wonderful. Mike was in his element... The bug eyed fishes were on the hook...

and then in the bucket and ready for cleaning.

By late afternoon, I was sunburned, the boat was tarped and 16 filets were in the freezer. It was a really good day. Who knows what tomorrow will bring...

On The Move Again

There must be a name for what we have... we just can't seem to stay in one place very long. After a week in Minnesota; a week filled with visits to our moms, garden planting, and reconnecting, we are back on the road. On Wednesday night, after a meeting at church, we took off for South Dakota and a couple of weeks of fishing. By 10:30 we were both tired and pulled into a Walmart for a few hours of sleep. At 5 am, we were back on the road - the fish were calling us I guess... the sunrise was beautiful - the quality of the photo is not the best as I took it while driving.

We arrived safely in Pierre on Thursday and spent some time "checking things out". The area has changed a great deal since I last visited. After checking out several possible camp sites, we settled on a campground in town and right on the water. It connects to a city park and there is a walking/biking path that winds through the area. After a restful night's sleep, we awoke today ready to tackle the walleyes... but alas, it was windy, cloudy, rainy and just plain yucky! So, instead, we took a drive down the east side of Lake Sharpe (Missouri River) and up the west side. There is a certain beauty in this stark land.

This abandoned farmstead was the only place around for many miles; it must have been a desolate existence. The old truck is way off to the left of the house in the picture below.

After stopping at a couple of really small casinos (much of this area is Reservation), we ended up back in Pierre having put on about 150 miles. And as so often happens on those rainy days, the sun came out, just in time to set. This is the view from our "back yard".

Hopefully tomorrow the weather will cooperate and the fishes will bite...

Ahhhh.... Minnesota

Since we arrived in Minnesota, we have shared meals and conversations with family and friends, AND enjoyed the company of the youngest family member. Amariah has changed alot since Christmas; she is walking and running and saying a few things... AND she is as beautiful as ever. She loves books and reading... with her mom, Kaci...