Wendy's Photos

Daily Duluth Photo pic of the day - my North Shore photo

2011-11-19T09:15:00.000-06:00

Daily Duluth Photo picked one of my North Shore Photos today... the 2nd photo below. That was such a fun day with my doggies - lots of waves and pretty clouds.

Weekend at Lutsen Resort - Bluegrass weekend and more...

2011-11-06T14:46:00.000-06:00

We just spent an awesome weekend at Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior. It was a Bluegrass weekend and the dogs and I did lots of hiking - stopping a lot for photos. Can't wait to go back next year!

Friday, November 4th, 2011 - Daily Duluth Photo Pick....

2011-11-06T14:28:00.001-06:00

My photo was picked for the Pick of the Day... for Daily Duluth Photo - was an amazing cloud on October 28th.

Here are some more from that day...

Colors of Fall - Daily Duluth Photo pick of the Day...my photo!

2011-10-24T08:31:00.001-05:00

My photo was picked for the 'Daily Duluth Photo' photo for today - was taken in Duluth Heights - across from Marshall School and up the hill.

Grandpa Mark and newborn Riley...

2011-10-10T19:47:00.003-05:00

Just entered this in the 'IHeartFaces.com' photo challenge for 'raised hands'. Riley was only a few hours old and Grandpa's Mark's first grandchild. Click on the link to see 'hands'.

Daily Duluth Photo Pick of the Day 9/29/11

2011-09-29T07:49:00.001-05:00

My photo was chosen for the Daily Duluth Photo pick of the day today...was taken just as you enter Jay Cooke State Park from Gary.

2011-08-28T15:40:00.002-05:00

My photo was picked for Daily Duluth Photo - taken from the Vista on Thurs 8/25/11 - beautiful evening on Lake Superior!

Daily Duluth Photo of Lupins - Pick of the Day!

2011-06-16T22:35:00.000-05:00

My photo was picked for today at Daily Duluth Photo

Ben pitches another great game in Korea! 6/7/11

2011-06-07T10:25:00.004-05:00

A great big WOW for the game we just came from - amazing!

We left the hotel with Ben and got to the stadium about 2 hours before the game. Ben left us and we went to the gift shop to get souvenirs. The gift shop was closed, but someone that worked at the field, told them to let us in. We got to shop and get everything we wanted before the shop even opened. Our first taste of being treated different because of Ben.

The game was against a rival team that Ben has struggled with before, but he did a great job! He pitched 6 2/3 innings and had a shutout! He had 10 strike-outs. When he left the field, the fans shouted 'Jukichi' very loud several times! They really love him! His team won 4-0! He got MVP for the game again and was interviewed on the field and then again with their national sports station. We had to wait for him and went to the front and then his interpreter (JD) asked us to wait in the business office. We waited there with the general manager of the team and manager of operations from the team and JD. Ben met us there and they talked some about his great game and hoping he would be back next year (or the next 10 years!). They told Mark, they had wanted to have him throw the opening pitch, but it didn't work out - they said hopefully another time. They gave a gift to Kathryn and one to me. We didn't know the 'etiquette' of opening there or not and Kat asked - JD said it was up to us, so we took them with us. The whole evening we felt like we were being treated like 'royalty'.

We left there and went out the main doors and the fans swarmed Ben and shouted 'Jukichi' over and over. He signed autographs and had photos taken with several of them and then we made our way to the subway.

We went back to our room and opened our gifts - we both got beautiful Korean jewelry boxes! We had admired them when we were shopping at the Coex Mall, but they were way too expensive to buy, so we were both amazed. We had not expected anything like that! It was very generous and kind of them.

We went for some food and a beer at a bar in the lower level of the bar. They servers all shouted 'Jukichi' when he came in. He signed a few autographs there and had his photo taken with fans, too. One of them even wanted a photo of him with his family. The whole thing was all so surreal! Mark was flying high - no early to bed for him tonight! Tomorrow we are going early to the game so we can meet more officials of the team. What an amazing day!

South Korea Trip - 2011

2011-06-04T20:35:00.010-05:00

We left Duluth on Thursday at 1pm - arrived in Korea at 10:30pm on Friday. Long flight from Mpls to Tokyo - watched 3 movies, read, ate 3 times, took a couple of cat naps - was daylight the whole time - sun just setting when we go to Tokyo. Had 2 hour layover there then on to Seoul, South Korea. Ben and Kat met us at the airport - both look great. Kat is now 6 months pregnant and looks so cute! Ben had told us not to sleep a lot on the planes so we would be tired when we got there - we just took short cat naps, so got to bed and to sleep by midnight.

Day 1- Saturday:
Mark was up at 5:45 - he went for a walk to look for coffee - didn't come back til 7:15 - nothing opens until 7 am. Met Kat for breakfast - big meal - eggs, french toast, potatoes, bacon (wimpy, just the way I like it), sausage (we think it is spicy tofu - very good), salad and large glass of orange juice - all for about $12 US with no tax and no tip (they say it is included and are offended if you try to leave a tip). Walked a couple of blocks to the subway and took that to the Coex Mall. Walked there and went to a Kimchi Museum - learned about how they make kimchi - basically like sauerkraut, but spicier as they use hot red peppers as a spice along with salt, garlic, ginseng and white radish. Ben came and met us for lunch at LeGrille (American food). Then we went to the Aquarium in the mall - lots of stuff to see there - very interesting! Came back to the hotel - watched part of Ben's team's game on TV (they were on the road). Went across the street to a Korean Barbecue - it was awesome! The meat was cooked over coals at our table and was delicious! They had lot of food to go along with it - salad, cold spicy soup and several other items. As you eat the salad, they keep bringing more. Mark was stuffed and tired - he went to bed at 8:30pm, I went at 9:30.

Day 2 - Sunday:
both of us awake at 4am after our early to bed and leftover jetlag. Mark got up at 6 and went for a walk for coffee - came back with 'warm coffee in a can' - nothing opens until 7am. The have they glass displays that look like a cooler but they are actually heaters - they have hot coffee in cans in them. Went for breakfast at 7:30 - I had just coffee ($4 for coffee and they don't do refills). The waitress must have felt sorry for me - she brought me a large orange juice - 'on the house'. Mark and I went for a walk after that - very nice cool morning - very few people out at that time of day on a Sunday).

We took the subway and met Ben at the stadium for a tour. The Bears and the Twins share the stadium and the Bears had a game that night, so the festivities were already under way to get ready for the game. We got to go out on the field and actually stand on the pitchers mound. We got a tour of the clubhouse and Ben gave Mark and I hats of his that he no longer wears as the sponsor on the hat has changed.

Then, we went to lunch with Danny - the that found Ben. We had a wonderful lunch with a ton of food - way more than we could all eat! Danny mentioned that it was about $30 a person and he paid for all of us. He speaks very good English and was fun for us. He is hoping Ben will return - he would like him to keep coming back for 5 years!

After our meal, Danny drove us to the Olympic Park and dropped us off - amazing! The Olympics were in Seoul in 1988 and Olympic Park was made for that. It was beautiful and we only saw a tiny portion of it - we would love to go back and spend a whole day.

We left Olympic Park and went back to the stadium for the ball game - Danny bought us VIP tickets between home and 1st base. It was really nice and shady - it was really hot in the sun. The game was fun to watch - very different for Ben to sit with Kat and us to actually just watch a game. The Bears didn't win and Ben's team (playing out of town) lost, too. Got back to watch the highlights of Ben's team's game, then off to bed by 10pm.

Day 3 - Monday:
Both awake at 4am again. I went back to sleep. Mark got up and tried to go to the gym - they didn't open until 6am, so he played his mandolin until then. Today is the Korean Memorial Day - most people don't work on this day.

We went for breakfast and then on our tour. Sunny was our tour guide - very sweet. Saddly though, she lost her iphone while at our hotel - maybe in the washroom. We went to a Buddhist temple that was right downtown. It was beautiful. We were able to go inside - had to remove shoes and only whisper. They were several people in there on floor cushions praying. There are 3 huge golden Buddhists in the room that the people pray to.

After that we went to the Royal Palace. Another amazing place. Huge gated complex where the King and Queen lived. Lots of history and beauty there. They have a museum there that we spent 1/2hr in and Mark and I would love to go back to just the museum for a whole day - only saw a part of it.

We went to Outback Steakhouse in Etamal - a shopping district kind of like Mexico - lots of vendors and stores and you can bargain with the people. At Outback, Kat had NY Strip steak and Ben had ribs - said they were only ok - there steaks have not been good here unless you go to the Korean BBQs. Mark had a chicken and pasta dish that was good, but way too many noodles for him. I decided to just have dessert - after a little bread and bloomin' onion. I had a brownie with ice cream and chocolate - it was delicious! Even that was a huge portion, so Mark and Kat helped me.

Went shopping hoping to get a dress for Kat, but no such luck - no maternity clothes and no sizes big enough to use as maternity. She only has jeans that fit her, so she gets very warm. Ben bought a colorful striped wallet that Kat thinks is pretty weird and Ben loves. Kat got a scarf and I got a blue camera bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. I was able to bargain for mine ($5 off). Took a taxi back to the hotel to rest up for our evening at the Seoul Tower - dinner and the view.

Day 4 - Tuesday:

We actually slept until 6am! Mark went to the gym until 7am. We went for a long walk, had breakfast and then took a taxi to a part of Seoul that had musical instruments - actually was kind of an art district. We found another small palace-type area. Found the musical instruments and wandering through a huge 'mall of music' of 2 stories. Only found a few mandolin's - no one knew what Bluegrass music was.

After the music shopping, we wandered the streets and back alleys for a few hours and did some souvenir shopping. We even walked some the back small back alley-ways that let to several little restaurants - very quaint! It was so fun getting a glimpse of the way the people live there. Lots of store to see. Taxi back to the hotel to wait for the game - Ben pitching! See my separate post for the details.

Day 5 - Wednesday:

Ben called Mark at 6:30 and they went for coffee - Mark was just waking up and Ben couldn't sleep because his should was hurting. After he came back, we went for a walk around here. Ben and Kat had a doctor appointment with an ultrasound. Went to Bennigan's at the Coex Mall for lunch then back for a nap and to the ballgame. It was an exciting game - the umps did a terrible job and in the end the Twins won due to the other team trying to steal home and being questionably called out. The game was delayed twice due to rain and there was one loud crack of thunder (yes, I did grab Kat's leg and Mark's and jumped). During the game, Kat, Mark and I were interviewed for about 15 minutes and photos taken by a journalist (his card said jounalist - with no 'r'). After the game we witnessed the fan mobs again - even worse than the night he pitched! This time it went on until we got off the subway. Went to Ben and Kat's room and his agent called on skype. Ben has several teams interested in him - Japan, Oakland, White Sox and the Twins and of course, Korea. Ben went over some of the details of what he wants and Justin will start dealing from now until August - he really is a star! We didn't get to bed until after 1am!

Day 6 - Thursday - sadly, the last day!

We actually slept in today - I got up at 8am and Mark at 8:20. Mark and I went to the 'Tombs Memorial Park'. We took the subway all by ourselves and did pretty good. Came out on the wrong side of the street, so had to go back down and across - almost impossible to cross the main streets. The park was very nice - lots of greenery and big trees. Lots are area to walk in the shade. Found a little back street restaurant to eat lunch and they back to meet Kat and go to the game. Was a tough game and the Twins lost. The team goes on the road right after the game. Ben and Kat had to say their goodbyes - tough for both of them. Kat said she didn't know it would be so hard. Her and her mom are going back out in Sept when the baby is about a month old. Back to pack and get ready to leave at 7am for Duluth.

Day 7 - Friday - home again...

Danny arranged for a ride for us to the airport - takes about 45 minutes - he even went with to make sure we got off ok. Left for the airport at 7:30 - to Tokyo then to the cities and home. We got to Duluth at 5:30pm on Friday - took us 22 hours to get home. I slept quite a bit on the long ride, Mark couldn't sleep much at all, so he crashed at 6:30pm.

Cultural notes:

Coffee is served, but have to ask for 'milk' and sugar - they don't automatically refill. There is no coffee in the hotels, only hot water for tea.
They serve orange juice in large glasses - beverage along with water is included with most meals. Some restaurants serve coke, some pepsi - most in bottles that they open at the table.
The servers are so nice and eager to be of service - they are very quick to clean up plates and ask what more they can do.
They do not take tips - ever! Kat said they even chasing her to the elevator to give her tip money back - they are offended by tips, even the drivers. Tips are included in the price, one server told us.
Korea prefers you only have one child, they pay for school and college and medical for the first child and you pay for the next one (or ones). We did see a lot of families with two children, some with one and seldom any with more than that.
They eat lots of vegetable and very little if any bread. The only starch is rice. A little bit of potato at breakfast. Their food varies from very spicy to sweet and mild dressings on salads.
Their closet doors and cupboard go all the way to the ceiling.
Their toilets are very low and in the hotel and the baseball clubhouse, they have bidets with lots of buttons for different options. The toilet seat at our hotel is heated, too.
Napkins at meal time are not a regular thing - you have to find them or ask - not at the table
There are very few left turn lanes and those are usually only for buses - buses have their own lanes in the center and in the center of the main streets are the bus stops. They do have U-turn lanes, so you do that instead of a left turn.

When we were people watching at the mall and went for walks:

Many young men wore neon colors in their tennis shoes - greens, oranges, yellows.
Saw a lot of different school uniforms Women wore either flats or very high platform shoes
Everyone walks very fast - a lot of them are on their phones and don't watch for you, you have to move out of their way
When you press the 'walk' button on a corner - in just a short time all traffic stops so you can cross in either direction
The girls/young women wear very short shorts or skirts, but never anything low cut
The guys wear either dress shoes or tennis shoes - no casual shoes - only saw one guy wearing crocs
The children are well behaved and we never saw a parent yell at a little one and very seldom heard a baby or child cry or scream.
The young men wear huge black framed glasses
We even saw 'high heeled' tennis shoes - that's also what the cheerleaders wear.
There are very few waste receptacles in this city! In all of our days here, we have only seen about 4 not counting our hotel room. One of them is near our seats at the stadium. Even with this, you don't see litter in the streets. Once in a while, near a construction site you may see an empty box with a few coffee and pop cups in it.

At the ballfield:

Fans can bring food and beverages in
They have NO hotdogs or nachos!
They have Burger King and KFC all over
The fans are amazing - they buy Thunder Sticks and use them to make noise
Each team has cheerleaders that keep the crowd going throughout the game - they even changed uniforms part way through - they keep the fans 'electrified' the whole game!
They have a 5th inning break to groom the field, but no 'stretch song'
People bring lots of food for families to eat

Pretty Pollution - Oil & Water Beauty Mix

2011-04-28T20:35:00.001-05:00

Someone parked in our driveway and left us either oil or gas, then it snowed and then it was rain mixed with snow and then rain. I walked across the driveway and saw these unique designs in the elevated areas. Just a little fixing of the contrast and this is what I got - Pretty Pollution!

Bizzard Outside - Daily Duluth Photo Picked my - Hoping for Spring!

2011-03-23T06:51:00.002-05:00

Right now we are having a bizzard - not much snow, but plenty of wind. This was taken on a much nicer, but cold day - ice was on the Wisconsin side this day, back to us today. You can see this at DailyDuluthPhoto.com

More Winter, More Brighton Beach

2011-03-12T21:52:00.002-06:00

My Photo Picked for March 6, 2011 - Daily Duluth Photo

2011-03-06T17:11:00.001-06:00

Daily Duluth Photo picked my photo for Sunday, March 6th, 2011. This was taken at Brighton Beach. Lots of rocks with ice formations hanging on them. It snowed the day after I took these - glad I got there when I did.

Ree 'The Pioneer Woman' picked my photo once!

2011-02-22T21:20:00.004-06:00

Ok, so, my photo was one out of 111 that were chosen from 126,000 entries for 'The Pioneer Woman' blog photo contest/assignment. The photo was picked in Group 4 of the 'Love' photo assignment. It's really not that big a deal, but to me it was! I have been following Ree (the pioneer woman, herself) for a couple of years and I just love her! She has a photo assignment about once a month and I have entered these on a regular basis. None of mine have ever been picked until now. It isn't surprising, since she does have an average of over 100,000 entries for every assignment. And in reviewing them, you realize there are so many amazing photographers out there - and a lot of 'lucky shots' - being in the right place at the right time with a camera in hand! This contest was after coming back from our daughter's wedding in Mexico and going through about 5,000 of my photos. This photo was pretty special to me and Ree must have thought so, too. This is what she put under the photo: "By Wendy J Photos. Awww. That this was taken by his soon-to-be mother-in-law makes it even sweeter.". Thank you, Ree, for acknowledging me. I was beginning to think that maybe there was something about the way I was uploading my photos. I do photography to 'give' to the people I love and not for sale or for public praise. I get lots of compliments from family and love it when they enjoy my photos, but it doesn't hurt to be noticed from time to time, either.

About this photo - Kelly was having her hair done at the beauty salon and Travis thought she was in her room getting ready for their wedding. He wrote this in the sand and then called Kelly's room on the 10th floor. Kelly wasn't there, so he said - find someone with a camera and tell them to go to the balcony. I happened to walk in the room at that time and one of the girls told me to take may camera out there. I went out and there was Travis - pointing to his message to Kelly. Travis had told the gal who answered the phone that he had to 'erase' the message as there was a beach wedding being held there in about 1/2 hour and they wanted his message gone before the guests came. Travis and his brother busily 'erased' the message as quickly as they could. I took some photos and went down to the beauty salon to show Kelly and a couple other bridesmaids. We all cried as I told Kelly the story. It was all very touching! If you want to see all the wedding day photos (there's a lot!), you can go here to my flickr site.

February 19, 2011 - Daily Duluth Photo Pick

2011-02-20T13:00:00.001-06:00

My photo was picked on Saturday, the 19th of February for Daily Duluth Photo - this was one morning before work - the sky was such a pretty pink! If you haven't checked out this site, you really should - every day! You will see how many great photos are taken here in our own hometown!

Winter by the Big Lake...Lake Superior!

2011-02-12T11:30:00.012-06:00

I took the dogs for a run at Brighton Beach - was cold with a bitter cold wind, but the lake was so pretty with the contrast of the white snow. The dogs had fun running in the new fresh snow.

12/26/10 - Daily Duluth Photo Pick

2010-12-26T07:59:00.000-06:00

My photo of our pond was picked today for Daily Duluth Photo.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T23:20:00.003-06:00

Bentleyville 2010

2010-12-25T23:10:00.000-06:00

Bentleyville - Duluth, Minnesota - Christmas Day 2010 - just before they lit the Tallest Christmas Tree in the US... for more photos of Bentleyville, visit my flickr site here.

My Photo picked for "Daily Duluth Photo" 12/18/10

2010-12-18T10:26:00.001-06:00

I took this from Cascade Park where I spent a lot of time when I was growing up - my grandparents and favorite aunt lived across the road from the park.

Winter Wonderland!

2010-12-09T08:25:00.000-06:00

This year we have tons of snow and it just keeps coming! Check out my flickr for more snow.

Here's Another 'Daily Duluth Photo' for 10/6/10

2010-10-06T18:12:00.002-05:00

My photo was picked today for Daily Duluth Photo. Here is that photo and a couple of other fall ones.

Sept 21st, 2010 - Full Moon!

2010-09-21T23:10:00.000-05:00

8/7/10 - View from the Tall Ships on Daily Duluth Photo

2010-08-07T09:14:00.000-05:00

This was a photo I took while on the Tall Ship Roseway. It was a beautiful sunset and a fun ride on the ship. It was so quiet! All you could here was the conversations going on and the occasional buzz of the margarita machine (it was made from a weed waker engine). For more Tall Ship photos you can go to my flickr site.

7/5/10 - Daily Duluth Photo for Today

2010-07-05T13:45:00.001-05:00

This photo was taken from Joan's house on Skyline. We were just leaving and it was an awesome sunset. http://dailyduluthphoto.com/2010/07/05/sunset-over-park-point-by-wendy-jukich/

7/1/10 - Daily Duluth Photo for Today!

2010-07-01T22:16:00.002-05:00

They picked my photo today for Daily Duluth Photo. This was taken in the 'backyard' of our office.
http://dailyduluthphoto.com/2010/07/01/young-prancer-by-wendy-jukich/

5/23/10 - KC and Thunderstorms.....

2010-05-23T23:07:00.000-05:00

Most of you know that KC was rescued from a railroad yard by Andy when she was just a little puppy. Probably due to that, KC doesn't like loud noises - guns, fireworks, loud airplanes and thunder. Tonight we had a big thunderstorm (the kind where I tend to let out a little yelp, myself, at the big ones). We had really heavy rain off and on the whole time the last episode of Lost was on. Well, KC was very nervous - pacing from one spot to another - like she was trying to find a place to hide. I went into my computer room and right by my feet is Tica's little bed that she lies in when I am on the computer. KC followed me into my room and looked up at me so sad - I sat down and she proceeded to try to fit into Tica's little bed - she did manage to get about 1/2 of her body there and the rest on the floor - but she was ok, must feel safe there. Was really very cute. Tica was on the couch with Mark and seemed oblivious to the storm.

Daily Duluth Photo for 5/23/10

2010-05-23T20:21:00.011-05:00

My photo was picked for the Daily Duluth Photo today. This was taken on the lakewalk last summer when Trajan and his family were home. We met at Leif Erickson park and then Mom, Dad, Diane, Danielle and I walked to Canal Park where I took this photo.

Daily Photo Duluth for 5/17/10

2010-05-17T17:38:00.008-05:00

My photo was picked! It was a beautiful summer-like weekend and the blossoms on our apple trees were just buzzing with all the bee activity. This is one I captured and entered in the Daily Photo Duluth contest and it was picked for today!

5/7/2010 - Month of May Snow!!!

2010-05-07T15:30:00.002-05:00

We had a beautiful spring March with no snow, a fairly cool April with no snow and now, when it is supposed to be a nice warm May, we get snow!! It snowed all day!

Another photo picked - Daily Duluth Photo!

2010-04-29T16:39:00.000-05:00

Here is another photo I took that won the 'Daily Duluth Photo' contest for today. This was from last fall when Mark and I went fishing on the St. Louis River. As the sun was setting, guess what I was doing - not fishing!

4/25/10 - More Kitchen Updates

2010-04-27T22:07:00.000-05:00

After getting our new table and chairs, I needed something for the wall where the China Hutch was. Diane had the perfect thing - an old radio/stereo cabinet that she updated. It works great there and I thought the ski with the vintage family photos would be a great addition to the wall there. This is the final result - I like it.

April 2010 - Spring is here!

2010-04-24T18:51:00.001-05:00

I love spring! I love the new green, the new buds, the colors, the flowers, the rain, the smell of fresh cut grass, the smell and sound of a thunderstorm (as long as the thunder isn't too close, as my family knows!). I just love spring!

I was on my way home from our Ashland office and saw this -

I love the fresh green of the new leaves against the aged pines!

4/23/10 - Friends

2010-04-23T21:23:00.001-05:00

4/22/10 - Tica's first haircut

2010-04-22T22:36:00.000-05:00

Tica got her first haircut today - I'm still trying to decide if it makes me happy or sad - maybe both. Her ears and face look so cute, but most of her dark fluffy, fly-away fur is gone. She is a little lighter and very, very skinny! We need to fatten her up!

4/18/10 - Morning with Signorelli's

2010-04-18T21:01:00.001-05:00

This is where Ryann and Joe hope to build this summer. They will have a view of Lake Superior - especially from the main and upper floors. Their neighbors would be their friends. We stopped there to see Rachel and her kids (and toys). Trajan had fun with all the toys and playing with the girls. On the way out, we saw one of his very favorites - a backhoe - Digger Darrel! Then we went to lunch at the Burrito Union before the kids had to leave. We will see them again in July!

4/17/10 - Waking up to Trajan fun!

2010-04-17T18:24:00.001-05:00

Trajan went to bed at 6:30, sleep at 6:40 (he talked to 'kitty' for a while', woke up once in the night - gave him kitty to hug and he went back to sleep, then woke up at 6:30 am. I was up with the dogs at 6:00 and just waiting for Trajan to wake up. Took him out of the crib and he had 'kitty' - told him we had to put kitty back, so he gave kitty a big hug! He loves his kitty and is so good about going to bed and nap because he gets to hug kitty! Then, our big day started! We had lots of fun again! He loves the doggies, the blocks, the rocking chair, the little piano, his 'beattle car, his bath time, bubbles, his deck chair and his grocery cart from Grandma Mo's. Grandma and Grandpa Hennis came to see him shortly before Ryann and Joe came to get him. It was such a fun day!

4/16/10 Trajan stays overnight!

2010-04-17T18:23:00.000-05:00

This was our fun day with Trajan - Danielle was home, Diane was here, Mark came home for lunch and we had fun all day!

4/15/10 - Another Winning Photo

2010-04-15T21:44:00.000-05:00

Here is another photo of mine that was picked for the 'Daily Duluth Photo' contest. I took this one on the lakewalk by the Midi Restaurant.

4/14/10 Signorelli's home for a visit!

2010-04-14T21:42:00.000-05:00

Ryann, Joe and Trajan got here about 1:30. They come to the office so one of the doctors could look at Trajan's front tooth (just a little spot on it). He was so good and so cute! He showed the girls his teeth right away - Ryann said they told him he was going to the dentist and he was going to look at his teeth, so he showed them to us! He sat in the big chair so good and let Edie take a 'picture ' of his tooth. We showed him what the camera was and he smiled his crooked little 'camera smile'. He got to pick toys out of the toy chest and loved the bouncing balls. I went to Signorelli's for dinner. We had to us Tica to trick Trajan into going back inside - he loves it outside and would just stay out there. I got to read him 2 story books before he went to bed. He such a little boy, now - not just a toddler! He talks so good and will repeat names to you whenever you ask him to. What a cutie!!

Trajan gives Grandma Wendy his 'camera smile' while mom and Dr. talk about his tooth

Daddy is helping Trajan pick out a toy from the 'toy chest'

With Edie and Beth's help, Trajan picks out 2 balls - yes, he did throw them both!

Grandma Mo shows Trajan his 'Elmo' cake - he loves Elmo!

Trajan digs right into the frosting!

This is Trajan's 'camera smile' for Danielle

Trajan loves Auntie Diane's necklace - 'beads' - she put it on him and he is so proud of it!
Auntie Dani in the background of the mirror

Auntie Dani reads to Trajan
Grandma Wendy reads bedtime stories to Trajan

4/10/10 - Tica meets more family!

2010-04-10T19:19:00.001-05:00

Tica and I went to see Grandma and Grandpa Hennis today. Between the two of them, they never let her feet touch the floor - I think it was for the cuddling and not the fear of accidents. She cuddled in just fine with both of them.

My photo on Daily Duluth contest!

2010-04-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

My nephew told me yesterday about a photo contest for Duluth - dailyduluthphoto.com. He had one of his photos entered there and won the photo for a day on March 19th. So, last night I entered this photo and this morning, it was the 'Photo of the day for April 5th'. Thanks, Jer! I took this photo one morning this winter. One of the girls as work told me the steam was really over the lake, so I took an early lunch (at 9am) and went to get some photos. This was one of my favorites - especially, since I went to school at Central (and my parents went there and my older sister).

My photo on iheartfaces.com

2010-04-04T22:36:00.000-05:00

One of my photos finally made it on iheartfaces.com. I have entered photos several times, but there are usually 600 to 1200 other people that do, too. This was a photo of a sunrise at the office. I got to work and the sunrise was beautiful - I just had my little point and shoot camera, but decided to try to capture it anyway. I was standing in our driveway at the office and looking towards Lake Superior - that is St. John's Free Lutheran Church's steeple. Does this mean I am famous now - lol! Funny thing is, this was a photo with no faces! Every so often, they do a network/community contest with themes and this was 'Beautiful Skies'.

2/28/10 - Tica

2010-03-31T21:44:00.001-05:00

3/5/10 - Frosty Morning at the Cemetery

2010-03-28T22:17:00.002-05:00

I was on my way to work today and just had to stop to enjoy this frosty morning at Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery on the Arrowhead and Highway 53.

3/3/10 - Pillsbury Dough Boy in the Snow

2010-03-28T22:17:00.001-05:00

Isn't he cute! This is a house on the Stebner Road just off the Arrowhead Road. Last year they had a ship (I saw it, but didn't have my camera) and a couple years ago they had a huge Snowman! This year it is the Pillsbury Dough Boy and on the left side is Gumby - you can see him better if you drive down the side road by their house. We are having an early spring, so he is already starting to melt. Great job to that family!

2/16/10 - Sunset on the Arrowhead Road

2010-03-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

Just had to follow the sunset down the Arrowhead Road and capture this. I'm still looking for the perfect spot to capture those beautiful sunsets.

2/17/10 - Mark's Jam Band

2010-03-28T16:53:00.001-05:00

Mark has a few guys he regularly jams with and they are going to play at his 'Cabin Fever Reliever Bluegrass Festival' at the Radisson, so he wanted me to try to get some pics of the guys - not easy when they just want to play music. Here are a few of the good ones. They decided on the name 'Rocky Run' as that is the creek behind our house and they usually play/jam at our house.

Mark

Tim

Mel

Ken

Ted

Paul

3/14/10 - Spring is Here Today!

2010-03-26T22:05:00.001-05:00

Mark and I and the doggies took a walk to see the water rushing in the creek behind our house. It was a beautiful spring day and the snow was melting fast. Mark is holding Tica in his jacket because she walked off the ice right into the water! I was afraid she would go under the ice, so I grabbed her tail and got her back. One of my boots filled with snow, so we had to sit in the gazebo to dry it off a little before walking back in the snow. Later, I took Tica on the leash and walked to the Arrowhead road and took some pictures on both sides of the road - then watched the sun setting over the hill of the Arrowhead road. It was Tica's first walk on our road and she was good, but the noise of the cars scared it, so she stayed way off on the shoulder. What a wonderful day!

"Can I come, too??"

This snow is still pretty deep for Tica!

3/13/10 - Judy Turns 50

2010-03-26T22:04:00.003-05:00

Judy Salo (Peterson) turns 50! Her husband and daughter did a surprise party for her at the Fall Inn Tavern on the Kingston Road. Lots of family and friends! We also had a live band. Most of us dressed in black for the occasion and brought a rose for her bouquet of flowers. We had pasta and sauce with Caesar salad and garlic bread. Of course, there was cake and munchies on the tables while we were waiting for the guest of honor to get there. She really did seem to be surprised and said she had no idea. Her daughter and sisters also made photo boards - was great to see all those 'growing' up pictures of her and her family - some of us cousins were even in them!

Jim ordered this cake bouquet for Judy - very pretty!

Another pretty flower from her bouquets

Sabine, Nancy, Judy, Carol Ashley

Auntie Cindy and Judy

Judy at 50!

Yeah, Judy!!

Judy and Jim

3/5/10 - Winter Bluegrass Festival

2010-03-26T22:04:00.001-05:00

We went to the Winter Bluegrass Festival in Plymouth at the Radisson Convention Center. We went down on Friday and back home on Sunday. We left KC with Andy and took Tica with us. I played with her in the room a lot and took her for walks, too. Towards the end of the weekend we went to see a radio interview of the LaPlant family and enjoyed them playing as a family. Then they awarded Lloyd and Bev with a plaque for the all-time-best volunteers! Bev wasn't going to go up there, but the crowd insisted she go up - she had tears in her eyes - a well-deserved award for them!

Tica saw the 'puppy in the mirror'

it was so cute to watch her try to play with the puppy!

2/25/10 - Daisy Comes to Visit

2010-03-26T22:02:00.000-05:00

Kelly and Travis went to Florida to visit Grandma Joan and Daisy came to visit us. Daisy and Tica were cautious of each other at first, then they learned to play. KC was a little over-protective at first, but then she settled down and even tried to play with them. Of course, Mark was there when they were all tired! Tica was very tired after the week was over.

The black thing is an 'unstuffed bear' dog toy - looks like it could be another puppy, doesn't it

'Doggies In Motion'

2/25/10 - Sparkly Sunrise!

2010-03-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

The view from our back yard - up on the deck. This was one of those mornings that was just incredible to see. Someday, when I am retired, I will see this in the morning and just go out and take photos until the beauty subsides....

2/21/10 - Tica meets Danielle and more

2010-03-26T21:45:00.000-05:00

I went to Diane's so they could meet Tica. Danielle was pretty sick with a bad cold, but she did get to cuddle with Tica. Tica found her little 'puppy buddy' in the mirror for the first time. She was surprised at first, then curious. It was so fun to watch!

1/31/10 - Snow at Little Alden Lake

2010-03-26T21:43:00.000-05:00

Some of the beauty of 'living at the lake'.......

2/2/10 - Susha Minnesota Women's Table Tennis Champion

2010-03-26T21:25:00.000-05:00

Susha (Ksensia Olson) is the 2010 Minnesota Women's Table Tennis Champion - as of January 31st. Congrats to you, Susha! I went with Deb, Lee and Jeramie to watch her play tennis on Feb 2, 2010 at St. Scholastica, so I got a great view of how she plays! The moves they make are amazing! I can't believe how far they get from the table and still manage to hit the ball and have the ball hit the table! Wow! Susha played several individuals and some double. Her last even was with her friend she did the doubles with and Susha won that one, too, so she won the event.

2/13/10 - Shack Opry 2010

2010-03-26T21:18:00.000-05:00

Every February there is a gathering of shack owners, snowmobilers, musicians and friends. This is the 2rd year at Rick and Sharon's 'shack'. The musicians gather upstairs, the foods is downstairs and the visitors are inside, outside and upstairs. There's a big bonfire outside and lots of snowmobiles! KC and Tica went with us. Tica was being held most of the time we were there. KC was wandering around the people outside, sneaking in a few times to look for handouts - even though we don't feed her people food. Music started early and there was a wonderful variety of food and Cheryl's famous Irish hot chocolate!

2/7/10 - Snowshoe Walk

2010-03-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

KC and I went for a walk to the pond and down the creek for a ways. So much pretty snow! I didn't think Tica would be able to manage the snow very well, so we left her at home. KC loved it and didn't have any trouble in the snow.

KC trying to decide if we are really going for a walk - one 'let's go' from me and she was off!

I can't believe how the snow can just sit there!

Our gazebo - cozy, even in the winter!

Just a light dusting of snow inside.

View from the river.

Hmm...intersting - there could be a story there!

Look how far up that snow goes and it stays there!

A puppy?? A piggy??

Looks like a long road with a turn

This was from behind a big tree on the other side of the pond

More snow, just hanging on the one side of the tree

Heading back home

Some of Mark's 'path lights'

Care for a seat?

More of Mark's lights

Back home - KC waiting for me to catch up

2/8/10 - Just Tica....so cute!

2010-03-25T22:32:00.001-05:00

2/7/10 - A Few More of The Doggies

2010-03-25T22:19:00.000-05:00

Tica was born on December 7th, so she is 2 months old today!

2/6/10 - More Tica and KC

2010-03-25T22:17:00.001-05:00

We went outside for a while - put Tica's little sweater on her. She didn't seem to mind it outside, but once inside, she looks like she can't even more - kinda pathetic, so we took it off. Cuddle and warm up with Mark, then back to playing with KC.

Time to rest with Mark again - all three of them love this soft brown blanket!

2/5/10 - Tica and KC play

2010-03-25T22:10:00.001-05:00

They play so cute together! KC is very gentle with Tica. She never 'bites down'. Tica's sharp little teeth are tough on KC's ears and paws, though.

Am I cute??

Time to rest - we played hard!

2/3/10 Tica Meets Ben

2010-03-25T21:46:00.000-05:00

Ben thought she was just as cute as the rest of us did. After cuddling for a while with Ben, she got down to play and saw some new 'chew' toys! Mark was on the Wii and moving his feet and Tica watched for a while and then decided to 'chew' on those big feet! Then, she went back to the couch and found Ben's ears to chew on!

2/2/10 - Tica First Day Alone

2010-03-25T21:26:00.000-05:00

This is where Tica will be spending her days for a while. Mark and I are going to take turns coming home for lunch to let her out and play. I did that today and it is so hard to go back to work - I just want to stay and play with her. There will be days when Andy will come play with the dogs, since he is still not working.

She really doesn't mind going in her kennel and sleeps all night - the first night she whimpered at 3:30 am and I let her out and put her back in and that's all we heard.

This is how she greeted me when I came home from work - isn't she cute!

She loves all her toys - I put them in the basket, she takes them out! Sometimes, she tries to chew on the basket.

1/31/10 - Tica Meets More Family

2010-03-24T21:31:00.000-05:00

Time for Tica to meet more of the family... First, Andy came over - he loves her! Then we all went to Kelly and Travis's. She got to meet Daisy and Duke - Speaker (the grey kitty) was hiding somewhere. Travis's cousin was there with her husband and 3 kids - the kids really liked her. The girls and their mom were trying to convince daddy that they should have a small dog like Tica.

Andy and Tica

Kelly with Daisy and Tica

Travis, Kelly, Daisy and Tica

Tica meets Duke

All worn out!

1/31/10 - Tica's First Visit

2010-03-24T20:12:00.000-05:00

Deb and I picked up Tica on Saturday and Mark thought it would be a good idea for her to meet 'Uncle Lee' on Sunday and do some bonding with him. We all know how he is about doggies!

Tica's first breakfast with us and learning how to drink from the big water dish. She had to touch the water first with a paw, then she would take a drink. She would only eat if we put some on the floor - maybe a habit from the kennel she came from.

It was cold and this is where she wanted to cuddle up!

Uncle Lee and Molly checking out Tica.

Bonding with Uncle Lee

Playing with Uncle Lee

Nap time with Auntie Deb

Tica likes to try to get right inside KC's mouth!

Back home - Tica ate her food and then wanted to check out what KC had - KC is now the queen, so she didn't let her at her food.

1/30/10 Snow Scenes Fargo to Duluth

2010-03-23T22:33:00.000-05:00

These are some of the shots from our trip home with Tica - it was a very pretty drive from Fargo back to Duluth.

1/30/10 - New member - Tica

2010-03-23T21:50:00.001-05:00

So, Mark and I decided we missed having a little doggie around and before you know it, here she is! We still miss our little Roxie, but now we have a new little one to love! I did do a lot of research and looked at many, many photos of puppies. I finally decided on this little cutie. She is 1/2 Bichon and 1/2 Cavalier (King Charles) - also known as a Cavachon. My sister, Deb, and I drove to Fargo to pick her up. She was so cuddly right from the time I picked her up! We drove to Dori and Terry's house to show them our little one. They have 2 Yorkies and they played so cute together! Then we made the trip back home to meet Mark and KC. Tica snuggled on Deb's neck and then mine while Deb drove. She layed in her little blue bed and chewed on a straw. She cuddled with Mark right away and then met KC - it was so precious! KC was so gentle with her until she got to know her. They played tug gently and then took a nap on the couch. Off to a new phase in our life!

Let me in - it's cold out here!

A shared meal with her new friends!

Checking each other out.

A new toy - let's play!

A moment of rest, so I could get a phone picture to send to family!

Cuddling!

Terry thinks they should have another baby (puppy, that is)!

So comfy.

This is where she wanted to be - just crawled right up there and settled in.

Chewing on a straw - liked it better than the toys I brought.

Tica meets KC

Gentle play

Gentle tug-of-war

Am I supposed to sleep now, too?

Nap time with my new friend!

1/26/10 - Finally, a Sunny Day!

2010-03-18T21:59:00.000-05:00

I got up to go to work and stepped outside, it was so beautiful, I just had to go back and get my camera. I spent an hour trying to capture all the beauty of the snow, finally seeing the sun and the blue sky, plus a little of KC. Then off to work - even more pretty snow scenes...

That's our 'buried' camper behind KC

View across the road.

Pulling into the driveway at work.

After I took this and looked at it, I realized the shadow on the lower left is our office sign - looks like a house.

This was a 'lone' pine tree just up from where we all park.

1/25/10 - Still Snowing!

2010-03-14T21:42:00.000-05:00

This is the view from the end of our driveway looking towards the Arrowhead Road , just past our neighbors driveway - love those pine trees!

KC's path back to the indoors...

This the view down our neighbors driveway - inviting, isn't it...

Since we lost Roxie, this seems to be the only time KC is happy - when she is outside and chasing shoveled snow or snowballs!

To shovel the roof or not???

So, are you coming to play or what??

1/24/10 - Snow is falling!

2010-03-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

1/24/10 - Vikings vs Saints

2010-03-10T20:57:00.000-06:00

We gathered at Kelly's big house for the big Vikings versus the Saints game to see who will go to the Superbowl. Kelly and Travis had several friends over, including one of Trav's friend's girlfriend that is from Louisiana! Made things very interesting and noisy all the time!

Lots of interesting expressions here...

Maybe I should try some of that - they all like it!

Must have been a good Vikings move...

These two were about the same size - still checking each other out.

So intense.....

Oh, so close, but the Vikings couldn't quite make it....soooo....sad!

1/18/10 Roxie leaves us...

2010-03-10T20:40:00.001-06:00

Mark and I both went to the vet today with Roxie - I think we both knew it would not be good news. She was getting weaker and weaker and her tummy was getting bigger again. She refused to eat and trying to give her the pills was a struggle. We talked for a while to the vet and she talked to Ryann. Together, we all decided it would be best to let Roxie go. She was in pain and was only going to get worse. It was probably a tumor in her tummy that wouldn't allow her to eat. We did one the hardest things either of us has ever had to do and we let her go to sleep. We both held onto her and watched her eyes. We saw the light go out of her eye and then we both cried. Even the vet had a hard time with this. We went home and cried some more. The house was just not the same without our little Roxie in it. Even KC knew there was something wrong, she stayed close to us. Mark went down to his computer and came up about 10 minutes later with this poem. It made me cry to read it, but it so our little Roxie. This is our tribute to Roxie - I will be doing a photo book on her life with us, too.

Roxie came to us in the place we love the most
Where camping and music brought us together too
She joined us for our festival adventures
And snuck away to visit every camper
Everyone loved our little Roxie

She barked fiercely at every intruder
Until they were close enough to rub her belly.
As though to say, “Please come play with me!”
She was our guardian and playful companion
Everyone loved our little Roxie

At a jam or party, a guest would find themselves scratching her ear
And not remember how she got on their lap
She would look at them with appreciation and love
And casually move to the next open seat once the thrill was gone
Everyone loved our little Roxie

Roxie shared the heart and skills of an athlete
She would chase a ball for as long as you would throw it
Each time bringing it back to you
And throw it at you with a flick of her chin if you ignored her
Everyone loved our little Roxie

Roxie had to rub up against you or sleep beside you
Quick to present her belly for a scratch to anyone
Or she could wrap her head around your neck
To let you know she wanted to stay in your arms
Everyone loved our little Roxie

Roxie loved chasing snow more than anything
Whether shoveled or balled up
If you tossed it she would try to catch it and find it and do it again
Until the snow balls were hanging from her like tree ornaments
Everyone loved our little Roxie

When the chasing and cuddling were done
When she slowed down and was ready to go
We loosed our tears and took in her lost look
And stayed close as she slipped away.
We will always love our little Roxie

Mark Jukich

1/16/10 - Roxie Weekend

2010-03-10T19:35:00.000-06:00

I took Roxie to the vet on Jan 12th because her tummy was so big, they took an x-ray and found she had a lot of fluid in her tummy and chest cavity. Could be congestive heart or cancer in her tummy. They drained the fluid and gave her medicine to try. Several phone calls with Ryann, who felt helpless being so far away. We have tried to get her to eat, but she just is not interested.

Danielle came home on Thursday and spent the day with her and had her sleep with her that night. She did lots of cuddling with her and was even able to get her to eat a little.

I decided this would be a 'Roxie Weekend' - whatever she wanted to do. She did a lot of resting and cuddling on the couch. I asked her if she wanted to go for a walk and she did her little dance to say yes. We got slowly out to the end of the driveway and headed down the road. KC stood at the end of the driveway watching us (and wondering why she couldn't go). We got a little ways down the road and all of a sudden, Roxie turned and tugged to go the other way - I heard a shovel and turned around. Mark was at the mailbox shoving it out and Roxie wanted to go back! We turned around and she went back as fast as her little legs could take her! She got up on the bank and waited for Mark to throw snow for her! She was in her glory! She jumped at the snow like she always had and got full of snow berries! Mark went back across to our driveway and then both her and KC chased the snow Mark was throwing with his shovel. I got a shovel and joined in, but my snow didn't go as high or as far, so they pretty much ignored me. It was so fun to see Roxie being her old self again for a while. We knew this may be the last time we see her this active, but it was what she wanted to do!

On Sunday, it was just Roxie and I most of the day. We cuddled on the couch a lot. Then, she went to be bed at the end of the hall, so I cleaned the hall closet. Took everything out and put it back in. She just laid there and watched me. I talked to her the whole time. This was a very special and memorable weekend for us with Roxie!

1/5/10 - Another Goodbye to Trajan...

2010-03-10T19:23:00.000-06:00

Ryann, Joe and Trajan left to go back home. They stopped by to say goodbye. Trajan had fun with our little red bone wagon. He had fun with Roxie, too. It's always tough to say goodbye, but hopefully, we will see them soon again!

1/9/10 Sunset at Home

2010-03-09T21:13:00.000-06:00

Just a pretty sunset from our house!

1/2/10 - Amy Hultman is 30!

2010-03-09T20:57:00.000-06:00

After Trajan's visit, some of us decided to run up to Mark and Amy's for Amy's surprise 30th birthday party. Her husband did most of the planning! It was fun. I didn't get any pictures of Amy or Mark, but I did their dog! She was so cute - Cindy had her doing tricks for us! A fun evening with lots of good food and being on the range, lots of good beverages!

1/1/2010 Babysitting at Signorelli's

2010-03-08T21:52:00.001-06:00

Ryann, Joe and Trajan came to town today and Ryann and Joe had dinner with friends, so Marsha and John were going to babysit. Marsha invited Danielle and I to come visit, too, so we went to see them. Trajan was full of energy and very entertaining again. He even did some cooking for us! Fun, fun, fun....

This is the view from the Signorelli's living room...

I asked Trajan to smile for me - this is his 'camera smile'

Marsha was in the kitchen cooking and gave Trajan some of his own 'pots and pans' so he could cook, too

I guess whatever he made is gone and voila - he has a hat!

Trajan was doing some kind of dance for us

Who's that in the mirror?

Oh, here's my get-away chance...

Let's see how fast I can run from G-ma Mo!

Aren't I cute?

Cars and trucks, yeah!

Trajan listening very intently to Auntie Dani...

Bear paws!

G-ma Mo showing me her tree - but don't touch!

Hello deer!

Wow, they are looking right at us!

1/2/10 - Ryann, Joe and Trajan Visit!!!

2010-03-07T21:31:00.000-06:00

Ryann and Joe spent New Year's Eve at Joe and Angie's in the cities and then came home to Duluth. We had a gathering at our house with them on January 2nd. Trajan was the star and I think he knew it! He was awesome and very entertaining!

Trajan remembers Auntie Dani!

Now who's coming in the door? Grandpa Great!

Trajan entertaining all of us!

Trajan giving Roxie a hug!

I found this rocking chair this fall - he seems to like it!

This is what Danielle gave to Trajan - it has cars and trucks, so it's a winner!

Trajan is really into 'capes', so he had Danielle make his jammies into one.

Trajan and his daddy are really serious about something...

Auntie Dani telling stories??

Trajan is watching his cousin Masha - he is enthralled..

Great Grandma and Trajan are looking at photos - that's Masha!

1/2/10 - Winter at Our House...

2010-03-07T21:03:00.000-06:00

We used to be able to see the shovel and his feet!

KC from one of the basement windows - what's she watching - birds? a squirrel?

The birds have managed to get most of the berries - and then several of them hit our windows and succumbed to their fate in the snow. It was pretty tricky getting them out of the snow before KC took them away - had to go to the middle of the yard in deep snow to retrieve one her 'prizes'.

This is what KC does when I go get the mail - she patiently waits for me to come back down the driveway. Even if she doesn't have her 'collar' on, she knows her boundaries.

Januray 2010 - Marks sells a guitar...

2010-03-07T20:02:00.000-06:00

Mark got a new Martin guitar about 3 years ago at the Bluegrass Festival and his old one got played less and less. Then, last summer Mark got another new Martin - a smaller one - for walking the jams (he says). He was so happy with this one, that Lee got one, too (see them both in the New Year's Eve photos). Well, now the old Martin got played even less, so... time to let someone else play it. He listed it on Craig's list and got one of those people who claimed to have sent a money order to him for more than the asked amount and would he please send him the 'extra' money back. He figured out it was a scam, and instead brought it to a local shop and they bought it. I just had to put it here - memories, you know. He used that guitar to sing to me at our second bluegrass festival - I was in the tent, full moon, shadow of my sweetheart singing a very romantic song - a memory that will stay with me forever!

"As Lovely As You"

A big moon is risin'
So bright in the sky
But it won't shine brighter
Than the stars in your eyes
It rises above me
   So bright and so blue
   And I won't see anyone
   As lovely as you
Take me into the night
Pass these lonely dreams in my heart
I love you more than I can show you
More than I can know in my heart
   So lay down beside me
   And hold me tonight
   For your love has found me
And it feels so right
These thoughts in my mind
Are so scattered and few
But I won't see anyone
As lovely as you
Take me into the night
   Pass these lonely dreams in my heart
   I love you more than I can show you
   More than I can know in my heart
(ALAN JACKSON LYRICS)

He also used that to write and sing most of his original songs - Midnight Rainbow, Cross Like a Beacon and many, many more. Of course, the new guitars are great, too, and the songs are his to keep singing with whatever guitar he has.

12/31/09 to 1/1/10 - It's a New Year!

2010-03-01T22:28:00.000-06:00

New Year's Eve at the Olson's

Another New Year's Eve at Deb and Lee's - great food, great people and great music. There weren't quite as many musicians this year, but the music was still good. Lee even had it set up so the musicians were on the TV! Deb and Lee got 'Sauna hats' for Christmas - they are made of wool and keep your head from getting too hot in the sauna. They said they work great, too.

It was another cold year, so we didn't stay long out by the fire. This year, Mark and I and our dogs stayed overnight. It was really nice to not have to drive home late at night. The next morning, Deb and Lee showed us how their new Christmas gift worked - one of those waffle makers that the restaurants have. The waffles were great and the toppings, too! The drive home on New Year's Day was beautiful with all the snow covered trees. For some of my shots of the beauty of winter, click here.

12/29/09 - Christmas with the Jukich family

2010-02-28T21:29:00.001-06:00

We had Christmas with the Jukich side of the family on Tuesday, the 29th, at our house. Kelly, Travis, Ben, Andy, Brad, Annie, Nicole and Mark and I. We had dinner at our new table with the leaf in it and all 8 chairs – big! Then a little Wii bowling and then gifts. We did a girl or guy gift exchange and rolled dice to see in what order to choose gifts. The best gift this year, was the gift Brad got. It was from Andy and he was really hoping Brad would choose it. Brad loved his Vikings Hat! I got a snuggie and slippers from Annie – soft and cuddly! Mark got a Twins mug from Andy. Annie got ‘Godiva’ chocolate. Nicole got cheese and cheese slicer - she will share with her mom. And there was a 'Smoking' kit (for the grill), candles, an underwater fish camera - I think I got them all.

12/24/09 to 12/27/09 Christmas at Diane and Dave's

2010-02-28T19:19:00.000-06:00

Christmas was at Diane’s this year. Kelly and Travis went to Travis’ family’s and Ryann and Joe, Travis and Michelle and Jamie and Anna weren't there this year. The rest of us and our 5 dogs were all there, though. We left on Wednesday night, the 23rd, so we could avoid the snow we heard was coming on Thursday. Deb, Lee, Jeramie and Susha came late in the afternoon on Christmas day. It was a long trip for them – roads were awful with lots of snow by then. We were all snowed in until Saturday or Sunday and we had a wonderful time – even the dogs did! Lots of snow, so lots of shoveling and snow blowing for Mark and Dave. It was fun to have Blake and Brody there – what is Christmas without little kids! The ‘big kids’ went out one night and came home a little tipsy – we all stood around Diane’s big kitchen and the ‘adults’ harassed the ‘kids’ about their behavior – like Ben proudly walking in the door with a beer bottle from the bar. For more fun and pictures, you can go here to my flickr site.

Merry Christams!!!

This was Thursday...

and this was Saturday!

Dogs getting to know each other again.

Boys....

Pool time - throwing the ball for Roxie

Music, of course...

Andy with the boys...

This was on Thursday...

and this was Saturday!

Let's play outside!

Brody loved it outside!

I think he like his hero jammies better, until he saw what his brother got..

Blake loved his!

Ben has 'gone to the dogs' and Brody is watching!

All tuckered out!

Ahhhh......

Grandpa and Grandma - they started it all!

Like your hair, Dave....

Sisters.....

See the pretty tree.....

Oops, it fell - back up again!

Cousins having a good time...

Maybe a little too good!

12/22/09 - Winter Solstice

2010-02-28T13:55:00.000-06:00

Anything for a 'gathering'. Mark decided we should have a winter celebration - we had a fire going, food, drink, family and friends. It was a fun night. Michell and Josh with Bella came and Summer and Bryan came with news of her expecting a baby in July. Ben and Andy were there and Ben's old baseball buddy from the Vipers - Nick. Summer's brother came with his friend, too. Ben brought big cigars for the guys. Bella had fun outside with KC and then inside with her new gift from Summer.

From Wikipedia - "The Winter Solstice occurs exactly when the earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'. Though the Winter Solstice lasts only an instant in time, the term is also colloquially used as Midwinter or contrastingly the first day of winter to refer to the day on which it occurs. More evident to those in high latitudes, this occurs on the shortest day, and longest night, and the sun's daily maximum position in the sky is the lowest.The seasonal significance of the Winter Solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21 or 22 each year in the Northern Hemisphere, and June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere."

12/21/09 - Ben comes home

2010-02-28T13:30:00.000-06:00

Ben came home after playing 'winter ball' in the Dominican Republic. He brought gifts to share. He is going to stay with Andy (1/4 mile from Kelly and Travis) until he goes to spring training or back to the Dominican for tournaments. He brought a Wii for Kelly and Travis, so we all played that for a while.

12/12/09 - We get the Wii Fit Plus

2010-02-28T13:22:00.001-06:00

We finally joined all those people who gave Wii to their families last Christmas! We got the Wii with Fit Plus, Sports and more games. Andy helped us set it up and showed us how to use it. We had a lot of fun. We will see how it does for keeping us fit!

12/17/09 - Kelly's Day!

2010-02-28T12:52:00.001-06:00

What a day for Kelly! First, she had to get ready for her UWS CSCI Senior Presentation - [2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. - Kelly Jukich (CSCI) “Computer-Assisted Floorplan Design”]. She was the first presenter and was very nervous. She did a great job, though. Her presentation was a program that you could access online, put your room dimensions in and send it to Kelly's new business (Kollectiv Design Studio) and she would use those to design a kitchen or bath for you! You would be able to put windows, walls and doors and let her know your requests as far as colors, flooring, counter top, etc. Travis, Andy, Kathi and Mark and I were all there. When she finished that - she was done with her college! She finally graduated! She was really excited about that.

Kelly and Travis came over later that night and after being there a few minutes, Kelly took off her gloves and showed off her 'ring'! Yes, Kelly and Travis are engaged! We are all so excited! They are thinking next winter (maybe Jan or Feb) and it will be an 'all-inclusive' in maybe Mexico. Travis' brother did that and it worked out very well. Travis built a fire-pit down one of their path's this summer and he built a fire there, put up Christmas lights and had music set up (he borrowed Mark's generator a couple days before this and asked Mark for his daughter's hand in marriage). He had a bottle of Champagne and told her it was a 'graduation celebration' and then got on one knee and asked her. Very touching. They are both very excited! It took him (at least we think) a long time, but he finally made the decision! They are going to his parents (about 5 hours away) for Christmas and will be back Tues after Christmas.

Updates.....

2010-02-28T09:19:00.000-06:00

I am trying to organize my photos and in the process, update my blog since I haven't done that since before Christmas. I am listing each update by the date of the photos I took on that day. Hopefully, once I am caught up, I will be able to keep it up on a regular basis. Then, when Mark says 'What did we do that for Christmas last year?' or 'Why didn't we go to the March Festival last year?', I can look back on my blog and tell him!

12/19/09 NOMS Office Christmas Party

2010-02-27T20:05:00.000-06:00

This year our office Christmas party was at Midi Restaurant in the Fitgers building. We had great food, great company and even a marshmallow fight orchestrated by Edie! It did get a little wild. We also had Hershey's kisses at our tables and some people (like Mark) did some tossing of those kisses and some people (like Marian) did their best to catch them!

12/19/09 - New table and couch

2010-02-27T10:24:00.000-06:00

We finally got our new table, chairs and couch. We love the colors and the height of the table and chairs and the couch is so comfy! It passed the test of being able to nap on it! It is supposed to be resistant to puppy claws and doggy hair. We have an addition to the kitchen set that is coming from my sister's 'Barn Chics' sales. It is something Diane found and re-purposed and will be great in there. I have also included the Buffet that went to Kelly and Travis and what I had stored in there! Lots of collected tea cups and some of my grandma's sets.

Old buffet....