Mosquitos are back!!

Well, I will start this by saying the the mosquitos have been so bad in Edgerton for years during the summer that you cannot sit outside or work outside much because of them. This is mainly because there is a river that runs through Edgerton and it runs behind our home. We own 23 acres of the riverbottom. We built a deck on our home when we built it ten years ago, but you could count on your hands how many times we were able to sit out on it and enjoy.

This year it has been dry and we were able to sit out on the deck until after dark and read or just enjoy and no mosquitos!! So we decided to get some patio furniture to be comfortable. About two or three weeks after we purchased the furniture, the mosquitos came back in force. You couldn't even be out during the day! So Keith decided to get us a screen gazebo and set it up on the deck for the furniture. We have been able to set out and enjoy no matter what time of day!! I am sending a couple pictures so you can see it.

Also wanted to mention that I took my Mom for surgery to remove skin cancer from her face on both cheeks and they got it all! We were so thankful. I kept her at my house for three days and she really enjoyed setting out in the gazebo and reading. We will take her to get her stiches out on the 28th.

I had all four grandchildren for a day and had a great time. We visited where Grandpa works, where Grandma works, visited the children's department of the library, went to lunch and then a tour of the Spangler Candy Company (home of the dum dum suckers). Cayla took a nap while Kraig, Casey and Chloe decoraged coffee mugs for me. They did a great job and I have displayed them on a shelf in the dining room for all to see. I was tired after the day (and I think they were too) but we had a good time.

Back from Memphis!!

Keith & I just got back from a trip to Memphis. The library sent me to the annual conference of the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada. It was held at the Peabody Hotel. That was really something. Maybe you have seen it on TV. They have ducks that they bring in every morning on a red carpet to swim in their fountain in the lobby. They take them out every night at 5. They have a big ceremony every time!!

We got to go to Graceland. They closed it down for us and we could tour the home, museum, car museum, and his planes at our leisure. We were there from 6:30 to 10 p.m. (We took an earlier bus back at 9) We were really impressed with the tour. They give everyone a little recorder with earphones and all you have to do is press the numbers of what you want to hear. So you can take as long as you want and view it at your own speed. They had food set up at two places so you could eat all you want - ribs, pulled pork, beans etc. Of course they had gift shops too.

The next night they closed down BB Kings Blues Club to the public and we were the only ones there. Of course there were 350 people at this conference and many had spouses so it was really crowded. We didn't stay there long. We checked out Beale Street.

The next day we were given a free afternoon and we took a riverboat ride on the Mississippi. It was hot!! But we enjoyed it.

There were 350 people there and everyone was supposed to bring a door prize for the raffle for the Presidential Scholarship Fund. I estimate only about 150 or 200 did. Anyway. What are the odds. I took one and that is the one I won!!!! It was supposed to represent our city and state so I took an Etch a Sketch (Ohio Art Co.) and a big bag of dum dum suckers (Spangler Candy Co.) When you come for a visit, ask for a sucker. We have lots.

We are just trying to catch up on all the things we have to get done.

Keith's class reunion is tomorrow night. (40 years). When he graduated he had a 1966 Charger. He left a bid at an auction while we were gone, and he got a 1966 Charger!! I haven't seen it yet, but all I know is that it needs painted etc.

I will add a few pictures from our trip.

GREAT WEEKEND!

Kevin & Sarah (and Gilmore) came home this weekend so that we could celebrate their July birthdays. They got here Friday evening and we went to an auction Keith had in Bryan. Then we went to (a first for Keith) a "cat auction" at the Humane Shelter. Afterwords we went out for a nice meal.

Saturday we had a party at our house to celebrate. I made chocolate cake with chocolate icing for Sarah (her favorite) and red raspberry cheesecake for Kevin (one of his favorites). We had a cookout with all of Kurt's family and both of the Grandmas. Casey and Cayla were a little weary of Gilmore at first, but by the end of the day all four kids seemed to really like him. We made smores on Keith's new smore maker. We played cards with Grandma Engler till around eleven o'clock.

Sunday we slept in (except Sarah, who got up early with Gilmore). We just relaxed and enjoyed spending time together. Kevin showed me how to sell items on ebay and how to burn CDs on my computer. Kevin & Sarah got me a printer that hooks up to my digital camera a prints picture postcards, so he had to show me how to use that too. I mailed out three postcards on Saturday. It is really cool.

Casey won her first "All-Star" tournament game Tuesday night. I could not go because I had dominos club at my house. But her next game is tonight in Garrett, Indiana, and I will be there to cheer her on.

We are going to Memphis to a Conference for the Association of Public Treasurers of United State and Canada for my job. I am to take a door prize that represents the town I work in. Ohio Art has donated an Etch a Sketch and I will go to Spangler Candy and get some dum-dums to take too. We will get to go to Graceland and BB Kings in the evenings on Sunday and Monday. We are looking forward to going. Keith can get some much needed R&R while I am at classes.

Casey's an All-Star!

Just when I thought the season was over, Casey was chosen for the All-Star Team. I don't know when the games start, but you can be sure Grandma will be there if possible.

Mom's Girls

This is a picture of all of Mom's girls who could make
it to the Mother/Daughter Banquet at her church.
It's too bad not all could make it. At least 5 could
not. That is if I am counting right. Sarah lives
in Cincinnati, Kathie in North Manchester, Chris
in Michigan, Shari in Indiana and Lacey in Bryan
I believe.

Mom looks great for 92!!

Casey's Softball Tournament

Keith & I went to several of Casey's softball tournament games. The Lions are out of the tournament now, but they really played well. Pictured at one of the games is Casey with her Mom and Keith and Me. Keith told me her last game was to be at 5:30. He could not go so I got there at 5:30 and there were no Lions there!! I called Kurt and he said the game was at 7:45 and that he had told Keith the night before to tell me. I called Keith from Hamilton and asked him what time Casey's game was and he said 5:30!!! Anyway, I went home and went back at 7:45. I really enjoyed watching the games. I am looking forwar to next year.

We had some wind damage at the lake last week. Lost a tree and a window broken and alot of stuff blown around. Keith and I spent Monday getting it back into shape. Hope we can relax there this weekend. Hope everyone has a great 4th of July. Kurt's family is going on vacation to Cleveland. I am going to Englewood for a meeting tomorrow - just for the day.

Missing Keith

I didn't mean to make it sound like I had a good evening last night because Keith was gone, but in spite of it. Kurt knew I would be alone and so he invited me along!!

By the way, here are some pictures of me with my sons around Mother's Day. Also a picture of me with all my girls (except Sarah) for the Mother/Daughter Banquet. Sarah is in the picture with me and Kevin.

Also, I do know how to spell does. D o e s!!! (from previous post.

Kraig hit the double digits!!

Today is Kraig's 10th birthday. Dose not seem possible. I took a neat picture of him last night and I was going to include it in my blog. I downloaded it to my computer and then figured out how to rotate it in my camera, so I deleted it from the computer and now it will not download again. Arghhhh. Maybe I will get this all together sometime. I will send a picture I took of him with his trophy for best design in the pinebox derby. Happy Birthday Kraig!! He is having a friend's party as I am writing this.

I went to Casey's softball game today that was to start at 10 a.m. It started at 11:30 so we were there awhile. Casey and her team have really improved since they started. They are really playing as a team. Casey got some good hits and got at least two girls out with her great feilding. Her team (St. Joe Lions) won 21 to 6. Good job girls.

I have a really neat picture in my camera of her team. But once I deleted it from the computer it will not load again!

Had a great evening last night. Keith had to stay all night where they are having the auction today. Kurt invited me to go out with his family for chinese and then shopping in Fort Wayne. While he and Christy did some shopping for Kraig's party I stayed in the van with the kids. We had a great time just talking!! Chloe and Cayla always keep me entertained.

Haven't heard from Kevin lately. He and Sarah are in Las Vegas. Hope they hit it big!!

Great Birthday!!

Had a great birthday this weekend. First I went to St. Joe and watched Chloe's last T-ball game. She got a trophy and was really excited about it. Chloe is second from the right. I have a great picture of her with her trophy, but don't know how to rotate the picture and you would have to lay on your side to see it! I am still learning!!

Then I watched Casey's softball game. She really made some good plays!

After the game, we went to Butler and Kurt and his family took me out for lunch. When we went out to the car, they sang "Happy Birthday" to me. I really enjoyed my morning and afternoon with their family.

Keith and I went to Cory Apt's wedding reception in the evening (Vickie's son). It was really nice and the decorations were beautiful.

Then Keith & I went to the lake and spent the night. We were really tired so we turned in early. In the morning it was pretty cool at the lake. We just relaxed the whole day and went on a paddleboat ride before we came home.

It was a fun weekend.

Here we go!!

I enjoy reading Kevin and Sarah's, Matt & Katie's and Stan's, so I thought I would give it a try. We had a great weekend in Cincinnati with Kevin & Sarah. We went out to Outback Friday night and then went to their home and just enjoyed each other's company. Kevin & Sarah had a yard sale along with Katie and Matt Saturday so they left at 6:30 a.m. Keith and I took our time getting around and got to the sale around 8:30. I think all the kids were happy with their earnings. Of course Keith and I had to shop the whole neighborhood. By the time we were done the trunk and the back seat were full.

We went out to lunch with Linda, Jon, Tonnya and the girls. It was great to be able to spend time with them. Then we went out to Jon's shop as he wanted Keith to see it. After the sale was over, we went to Greg and Linda's for a cook-out. Delicious fish, burgers, and the whole works!!

Sunday we slept in. Sarah & Katie went to Melissa's baby shower, so Kevin, Keith & I went to Red Lobster for lunch and then to HH Gregg, Harbor Freight (oh boy!) and Sam's. When we started home, there wasn't room for anything else in the trunk or back seat.

All in all we had a great weekend.

This week Chloe has a t-ball game Thursday at 5:30 in St. Joe and Casey has a softball game at 6:00 in Hamilton. Will try to see some of both games. Saturday (my birthday) Chloe has a game at 8:30 and Casey at 11. At least they are both in St. Joe. Can't think of a better way to spend the day. I have a wedding to go to at 1:30. Keith has two auctions that day so he will miss it all!.

Kathy

Here we go

I've gotta give this a try.