Every year we get our BIG long hair, black & white cat shaved because he hates to be brushed and gets knots in his fur. He is always more comfortable and we have less cat hair floating around the house. But he looks pretty silly for the first month or so. [click on photo for larger view]

Also, once again our wedding anniversary (21!) almost slipped by without our notice. Good thing Mom reminded us or we would have completely forgotten. Thanks Mom!

I was sitting on the beach at Grand Haven last night and watched the largest Great Lakes Coast Guard Cutter leave the channel around 8pm. It had been docked in Grand Haven for the Coast Guard Festival. Notice how small the lighthouse looks in comparison. Click on the photo for a larger version.

If you want to be inspired, take an hour out of your day and watch the video of Randy Pausch giving "the last lecture" (it's the first link on the page). His lecture is also a book that is currently on the best seller list, but trust me the lecture is much better. Like many great people, he has made a difference in this world, not by what he has done, although impressive; but by the way he lived his life. He makes me want to be a better person.

Mary (Mary Alexandra) had a little lamb... [click on photo for larger version]
This is Alex, my youngest niece on Steve's side of the family. We spent some time at the zoo last Sunday. She was easily entertained and two hours flew by pretty fast. We could have actually spent more time there but had to leave with the zoo closed at 6pm.

Grand Rapids zoo is a bit limited with the area they are in (middle of town, no where to expand to) but they have built a few new exhibits that give the animals more natural space. It's a nice little zoo, animals are treated well, good staffing on weekends and clean public areas.

Mom & Dad had a little excitement last night. A tornado went through the southwest side of Wilmar about a 1/2 mile from their home and took out three houses, rearranged the implement dealership's equipment and twisted up a few miles worth of crops. It also took down the two turkey barns in Priam. More info and news in the local paper: Willmar West Central Tribune.

The good news is that no one was hurt.

Took this photo this morning. My rose bush thrives on neglect and is going nuts this summer. Perhaps it's all the rain we've gotten lately? Regardless I'm enjoying the color and fragrance from my view on the deck this morning.

I wrote this back in 2005 and it's worth repeating.

On the occasion of Father's Day, I'd like to just say a few words of thanks to my own father...

Thanks for: All the wonderful camping trips we did each summer. All the time you made time to play board games, ice skate, or play softball with my siblings and me. The afternoons you took off to go to the lake for swimming and a picnics. For all the museums, travel-logs, plays, and community events we attended as a family. For insisting on doing everything as a family and instilling those values that remain with me to this day. For sitting down at the dinner table every night with us and having a conversation with us about our day. For showing interest and concern about my friends and hobbies. For challenging me to do my best and that I could do anything I put my mind to. For attending all the school events, choir, sports, plays, and graduations I have participated in. For instilling in me a sense of social responsibility of giving back to my community. For teaching me financial responsibility by forcing me to earn my way rather than expect handouts from anyone. For demonstrating to me what a good marriage is made of by loving and respecting my Mother. For teaching me how to have a spiritual life and respecting me as an adult even when our views do not always agree. I've only scratched the surface, perhaps others can add to this list.

Thanks Dad, Happy Father's Day! I hope you are having a good day today.

Guess what I did this weekend? More Photos

The geek in me has been tweaking this website again. You may notice a new icon in front of the address and in your bookmarks that looks like this:

It is not my design but I like how it stands out in the bookmark listing.

Note to self: Do not leave M & M's in a hot car.

Happy Mothers Day!

Tam and I did an "Extreme Kitchen Cupboard Makeover" for Mom & Dad when we were out in April. So as a Mother's Day tribute I thought I'd share the fun.

Me: Mom, how old do you think this is? (holding up a can of something that the label is peeling off from.)

Mom: (thinking) I didn't buy that too long ago...

Tam: (after finding the 5th bottle of ketchup) I think this one came over from the farm...

Me: (peering at the label) Expiration Date: June, 2002

Fast forward to yesterday afternoon: called Dad and he told me that mom was out shopping for blueberries to make a pie for Sunday dinner because Krista & family were coming over. I'm thinking to myself... there are TWO cans of blueberry pie filling in the cupboard (right side, second shelf from the top.) Ketchup was probably on sale again too, never can have too much ketchup... or jello.

Love you Mom! :)

Those wacky folks in Boston get my sense of humor.

After attending an amazing conference with Tam in Boston. We spent most of an afternoon soaking in Boston's history on the Freedom Trail. More Photos from my trip.

Just when you thought it was safe to put away the snow blower and mittens. This is the view outside our window this morning. With any luck this is winter's last blast. We are sick of ice roads!

Last weekend I attended another DNR BOW weekend on the north side of Higgins lake. Nearly every state's DNR puts on BOW (Becoming an outdoor woman) classes. I'm thinking of going to one this summer to learn how to fly-fish - anyone want to join me? Here are some more photos.