Ohio: Part II

Lessons to be learned...

Ahhh, as the days went by there was a lot to be learned.  While she had put me to work in the yard earlier, I  later asked for her knowledge in exchange.  Years ago I had taught myself how to knit (basic level).  Then last year I got a refresher from a lady on one of my mail routes.  Now I had Granno all to myself and a wealth of knitting and crocheting skills just waiting to be pasted on to the next generation. 

Sitting on the deck with wine and yarn.

 



A hat that I had started for Jim but didn't know how to finish.

Really - 4 needles?!

 



Thanks to Granno and some wine the hat was completed!

 



I spent a day teaching my Uncle John how to make sourdough English muffins and two kinds bread.

 



His first loaf!

 

See what I mean about good food, wine and sitting around?  No wonder my shorts were a bit tighter when I got home, but it was all worth it.

 

still more to come...

The Wedding!

Well the big day finally arrived and we were on hand to participate.  We drove down to Albuquerque for the Union of my Uncle John and his partner Red.  They flew in the day before with Granno, my Papa and Ruth came up and even my lil' sister Lindsay made it.  We stayed at an awesome B&B, The Adobe Nido.  A super relaxed place with wonderful outdoor space for the whole family to stay up late and celebrate. 

Let the Wedding begin!!

 

 Rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck -

But maybe not when your stuck standing outside in it because the minister is late. 

 

The Happy Couple!!

 

 Lindsay, Ruth, Papa, John, Red, Granno, Me & Jim

 

The Best man makes a speech, so raise a glass to the Newly Weds!

 

 Ahhhh... Aren't they cute?

 

 Cut that cake already - we're hungry!

I made my Uncle John's favorite - German Chocolate.

 

The morning after and every one's still happy.

 

 Ruth, Papa, Red & John

 

The day after the wedding, Granno flew home and Lindsay headed out too.  These four headed North to Durango for a stay over at our place.  They were there the next day to help me celebrate my birthday before John & Red left on their "Cross Colorado Honeymoon." 

 

It was a lovely event to be shared with family and a good time was shared by all.

 

Best Wishes & Good Luck in the Future

 John & Red,

We Love You!!

 

 

Our Arizona Trip

Last weekend brought forth a road trip to Goodyear Arizona to celebrate my Papa Wally's birthday. My grandmother and uncle flew in from Ohio as well. My step brother Trevor happened to be in the Phoenix area doing some work for the company he works for back home in Portland. Family from all over was there to celebrate and eat. Unfortunately, Jim was unable to get the time off work, so he stayed home with our critters while Stown and I made the drive south.

We were welcomed by a colorful sunset....

That kept getting better!!
(Actual colors - no photo shopping - I don't know how to do that fancy stuff any how.)

Our weekend was filled with family and fun.

Papa Wally, Stown, Trevor and Uncle John

We played dominoes in the sun.
(Shortly after this picture the table was moved off the porch and into the middle of the yard - where the chickens could stroll under our feet and eat the chips we had dropped.)



Trevor the Croquette Master!!

We played croquette on the lawn - the course stretched from one end of the yard to the other, over an irrigation hump totalling about 50 yards in length. The rules required playing one handed with a beverage of choice in the other.

The "International" Rooster - he has no clue what time zone he is in and crows at all hours of the day and night. Which wouldn't be so bad except Stown and I had chose to sleep in a tent in the backyard for the weekend. Our last tenting "Hurrah" for the year!!

It was so warm we ran around in tank tops (shirtless for the guys) and barefoot the entire time. The sun tanned our skin one last time before we would head home and settle in for a snowy Colorado winter.

Goofin' with Uncle John.

A walk down the road to the cotton fields.

Papa's Ruth, Papa, Granno, Uncle John, Me and Stown (on his tippy toes)

The Men - Papa, Stown and Uncle John

Notice the family resemblance? Hint hint - Eyebrows!!

Me, Granno and Stown

Monday morning brought an end to the festivities, up at 4:15 am to say goodbye and one last picture as we all went our separate ways.

A parting shot of Arizona, the San Fransisco peaks of Flagstaff snagged a passing cloud.

We had a great time with everyone. Lots of cooking took place and I think we all gained a few pounds. It was good to see Trevor - an unexpected surprise for me. Stown enjoyed spending time with all the crazy men of the family and seeing his Great Grandmother (aka - Granno). We all live so far apart it's hard to get together. It was well worth the drive and I can't wait to do it again - whenever that may be.

Love Your Family While You Can!!!

No matter how nuts they might make you - hehe!!