Ah!
Fresh.

How much do you LOVE sleeping when the temperature's drop into the 40's and you get to pile on a few extra blankets?

I love it a lot!

Add to that, a fan.

I love the blowing cool breeze on my face.

I like to lean my head out of the window when we drive along in the car.

I'm a bit of a mutt.

And those long time readers my remember this. It's one of my better blogs.

Mutts


********

Did you know my birthday was coming up? Well, it is. And it's a biggie.
My sister Nancy, has something fun in the works for me.

She is going to pick me up and we will drive to Missouri together to visit Sue and Cindy. Doesn't that sound like fun!!! It sounds like a wonderful birthday extravaganza to me.

I think there will be pampering....and lots of talking and eating and love.

What a terrific birthday surprise!


About middle age, Edward Albee says,

"It's the only time you get a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view-- see in all directions. Wow! What a view!"

***********

Yesterday I shot another senior!

he he he

Lynn likes it when I say that :o)

I have known Danielle's family for a few years now. Danielle recently found my pictures on Flickr and shared her love of photography with me.
She wanted to have me take her senior pictures so her mom gave me a call.

We went to a pretty park near her home and shot a load of pictures....and fought with mosquitoes.

Again I had the fortune of working with a lovely and beautiful girl.




Here is where I need work. The focus at this distance is not right.
But, I sure like this photo.



Tell me honestly. Would you get rid of that yellow flower?


Danielle was a natural model.




And just two more I was fussing with this morning.






Hey!!!! How about we put up our senior portraits.

Let's do that tomorrow!

Tell me if that yellow should stay?

Encourage one another,
Donna

Taking Katie's pictures in the rain on Manual was the most exciting thing that happened yesterday.

Well.

Something extremely exciting is in the works. But I have to be patient to see if it is really going to happen. And if it does....you will be the first to know.

And, no, I'm not pregnant.

My sister Sue went to the Doctor and she was told she has the homorne levels of a 17 year old. She is one year older than me.

That is just wild.

"You can still have a baby", I told her with glee.

I can't remember her reply :o)

Do you think that story will get her to comment on my stinkin' blog?


*********


No. These pictures will get Sue to reply.
She likes the wildlife :o)



Look! We have a praying mantis in our yard!!!
My husband spotted it and called for Katie.
Then he called for me.
Then I grabbed my camera and called for Emma.

Now this. This a bug.


"You talkin' to me?
You talkin' to me?"

It was as long as my hand.

We did not know there were praying mantis in Wisconsin?

The Praying Mantis
Ogden Nash

From whence arrived the praying mantis?
From outer space, or lost Atlantis?
glimpse the grin, green metal mug
at masks the pseudo-saintly bug,
Orthopterous, also carnivorous,
And faintly whisper, Lord deliver us.

Have you ever seen one of these in person?

Encourage one another,
Donna

I'm it!

I was tagged for the "8 Random Facts Meme"

Funny thing is....Ms. Kathy doesn't know me. One teeny little bit.

Here is her blog:
Kathy Wolf Photography

But she sees my name in her comments, gushing over her photography, and asking a question now and then...and well...I think I have her as a flicker contact....
but other than that....I'm basically her lurker extraordinaire.
But I don't really lurk. I get right in there with happy comments and questions.
So what am I?

The friendly ghost?

But Kathy noticed.

And when she had to pick names.

She thought of little ole me.

Now, Kathy doesn't like to talk about herself.
I learned this from her meme.

I on the other hand.....


Eight Random Facts

1. At the Packer's game, I cheer louder and more often than my husband.

2. I Tivo America's Next Top Model. (don't hate me)

3. The words 'challenge' and 'calendar' trip me up every time.

4. My Senior Thesis at Hillsdale College was on .....Photography as an Art Form.

5. I was a late bloomer.



6. "Where the Red Fern Grows" and "Seventeenth Summer" taught me to love reading.

7. I thought I would marry a minister....or a hockey player.

8. I snore.


About that report card.
I was a happy little girl who loved going to school.
I just didn't have a clue.

My daddy told me, "D" is for dandy!"

There is hope for your little late bloomers folks.


********


The Packer game was great.
They won with a extra point in the last two seconds.

It was raining and we did not bring any rain gear OR coats.
And I didn't bring my camera into the stadium because of the rain.
So I'm sorry I don't have any fun and festive pictures of Lambeau field.

Something very unusual happened at the game.

At six minutes to kick off, an alarm sounded.

A loud, buzzing, jarring, wail.

Then the recorded announcement stated.

"This is an emergency. Leave your seats and go to the stairwell. Do not take the elevators."

Everyone just stood and gaped.

"This is an emergency. Leave your seats and go to the stairwell. Do not take the elevators."

Still everyone stood and looked around.

"This is an emergency. Leave your seats and go to the stairwell. Do not take the elevators."

We are not moving. The game is about to start.
And no one is leaving the field.
But we are starting to think Lambeau has had a bomb threat.

"This is an emergency. Leave your seats and go to the stairwell. Do not take the elevators."

Patrick and I take a few steps toward the aisle.

Over the loud speaker we hear,

"There is no emergency.
Return to your seats.
There is no emergency."

Really. They were talking to the wrong folks.
We were all standing firm in our disbelief that something horrid could be happening at Lambeau.
That the game could be delayed.
Unthinkable.
Inconceivable.

I'll betcha in New York folks would have moved a little faster.
And felt more fear.

One thing I know for sure, seventy thousand Packer fans are not going to miss opening day kick off! No matter what!

Oh! And the flyover.

Four F-16's.

Majestic, powerful and LOUD!!!

WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!

*********


Oh yeah. Part of doing the 8 Random Facts Meme is choosing more victims...er...
participants.

Here are a few friends I think would like to try this;

Janet

Dana

Tammy

Mere

And if you have done it recently, don't bother.
And if you would like to do it. Please do.
And if you would like to answer in the comments...
Go right ahead.

And this picture.

Is for my boys.




They know right were this is.


Encourage one another,
Donna

This and That.



Comic for knitters


***********


And speaking of Dancing with the Stars; have you seen the list of "celebrities" who will participate in Dancing with the Stars this fall?

Now, I know my television and movie stars. Pretty well.
Too well, some may say.

When I saw the list of 'stars'...my heart sank.

(I just won my third Nice Award this morning...so I can't tell you what I really think.)

Here they are in all their D-list glory.

Jane Seymour- yes, Dr. Quinn, we know her and she is pretty and nice and....older.
Melanie Brown- Scary Spice from the Spice girls.
Sabrina Bryan- The Cheetah Girls. Huh? I know who they are...because of Katie.
Helio Castroneves- Indy Racer. I know him as Ashley Judd's husband.
Mark Cuban- Dallas Mavs owner. snoooze.
Jennie Garth- 90210. Never watched it.
Josie Moran- model. Never ever heard of her.
Cameron Mathison- It's Ryan from All My Children. He's a nice guy.
Floyd Mayweather- Boxer. Never heard of him. Hope he can float like a butterfly.
WAYNE NEWTON- ewwwww. That tan. That hair. Danke Schoen, darling, Danke Schoen.
and
Marie Osmond- Seller of QVC dolls and mother of many. She's a little bit country.

I don't know if I can watch it.
It's like Dancing with the Stars wants to fail.
It's like they think their audience is the Lawrence Welk set.

Is it?


*********

Packer Game tomorrow!
We will be there.

I'm pretty excited to go.

I haven't been to Lambeau since the remodel.

Patrick usually takes one of the children or we let the boys go.

But tomorrow I will venture North to the land of Cheeseheads and Green and Gold.

The weather should be perfect. 75 degrees.
And I'll bet there is a flyover!!!
First game of the season and all.

First game of Brett Favre's last season.
(my guess)
First game in the march to the Superbowl.
(oh yeah)

(I'm trying to make my boys jealous...and regret their decisions to live outside of the great state of Wisconsin.)

Go Pack Go!


********


And one more thing.
One really little and special and long awaited thing....



Houston. We have a hummingbird.

For two years, I have had a hummingbird feeder outside the kitchen window.
for two years, I have waited.

Two weeks ago, it was empty and I was going to take it down.
Cause no hummingbird was ever going to find our feeder.

I don't know why or how....
But two sweet hummingbirds have found us.
And they dart in for a quick sip.
And zoom away just as quickly.

I love them.

I'm glad they found us.

I think I will name them...

Patrick and Matthew.


he he


Encourage one another,
Donna

Before we start the feast, I would love to say how much fun I had in the comments yesterday.
You all are quick with a compliment,
always kind to one another,
smart,
and hilarious.

Every comment is a gift.

Thank you.





Friday's Feast



Appetizer
Using only one word, how does grocery shopping make you feel?

Soup
What is your favorite part about the season of Autumn?

Salad
Have you ever had any bad experiences online?

Main Course
Name three things that make you happy daily.

Dessert
What one household cleansing or organizing item would you not want to be without?


****

grocery shopping: It makes me feel pretty....great.

favorite part: All of it. I can't choose between the sounds and the smells and the tastes and the colors and the fresh breezes. Can't pick a favorite part.


Bad experience: Yes. I am banned from a cool knitting site.
I know you can't believe it. I can't either.
The woman just didn't like me I guess.

Happy daily: My husband and children, your comments, taking pictures.

Household cleanser: Dish washing soap.


Please add your answers to the comments :o)


*******

Flame starts today.
(Homeschool choir and art.)

Katie woke me up at 7:15.
Dressed, hair brushed, shoes on....and ready to go!!!
She loves it!



Her notebook is for names and phone numbers of her friends.
It will be cute to see if she gathers any today :o)

Her style is all her own.
Her skirt is short. But there are shorts under that skirt....and well...she can carry it off with those slim little legs :o)

Fun times!


Happy Friday All!


Encourage one another,
Donna

Cross.

In Katie's Reader, Busy Times, they use the word 'cross'.
It's either archaic or regional.

Do you use the word 'cross' for angry or upset?

I get cross when I am frustrated.
When I can not find what I am looking for....and we are late,
I get cross.

Unfortunately, I get cross at anyone who asks me a question when I am in my little tizzy. (Usually Katie)

Then I am cross and gruff.


Do you get cross?
What makes you cross?

How do you snap out of it?


**********


If you are a very, very attentive comment reader, you will remember that Kris (P)
asked me if I would take her girls' school pictures this year. She usually goes to Sears every fall but thought this would be fun for a change.

I thought it would be fun and challenging too.

So, Tuesday afternoon, Kris and her girls came over.

I had scouted a few locations that I thought would make nice backdrops, but, Kris thought of an even better idea. Quivey's Grove has an old stone building and a barn.
So we headed there first. It was a great place to shoot.

Here are Kris' beautiful girls.


Kris wanted to see those missing teeth :o)
Adorable.


I was looking for a door...and here it was.
I like her hands in this picture.








Isn't she lovely! She is sitting on a basketball.
We call these, the basketball shots :o)
Beautiful Leah.




The girls are genteel and sweet and beautiful in real life.
And they have gorgeous skin and eyes too!

Perfect for a photographer with very limited photo shop skills :o)

But the funniest thing of all, was the viewing.

I had never done this before. So everyone gathered around right after our little shoot...and we looked at one hundred and fourteen pictures....sideways.
Yep. They were mostly horizontal pictures and my computer will not rotate them without a very long pause or ending the task completely.

So the four of us sat before the computer with craned necks and tried to pick our favorites!

It was very goofy.

I don't think this is how Audrey Woulard does it, do you?


*********

Now don't forget to tell me how you get uncross!
Cause you know it's possible to turn it off...
just how do you do it before you solve your problem.

(If the phone rings when I am cross....I can snap out of it quite easily :o)


Encourage one another,
Donna

Second Grade


"Let's have crazy hat day today."


How nice it is to be Katie's teacher.
Really. It's much too easy and I shouldn't get paid a thing....

Oh, right!

I don't.

*snicker*

It's just our life and I love it.

For those of you who may be curious, here is Katie's curriculum for 2nd grade;

Pima Latina
Calvert 2nd Grade Math
Pathway Readers and workbooks
First Language Lessons
Science book by Silver Burdett
Penmanship
Bible (Children's) reading at home-Catherine Vos

Recess

Art and choir on Fridays, Awana on Wednesday nights and local rec league basketball.


Dress code is rather relaxed here at the Lamb of God Christian School.
Rollerblades optional.


**********

On Labor day we visited a local state park called Governor Dodge.
Emma lead us to this really cool waterfall.






Emma is doing great with her college studies.
She's a keeper.


It's a tradition around here to share with you the prayer we pray as we start school.
I learned it 14 years ago when I ventured into homeschooling with Patrick, Matthew and Emma.

This comes from Calvert K.

As we come to school this day.
Let us not forget to pray,
to God who kept us thru the night,
and woke us with the morning light.

Help us Lord, to love thee more,
then we ever loved before.
In all we do,
in all we say,
to grow more loving
every day.

Amen.

May your school days be filled with lots of love and lots of learning.


Encourage one another,
Donna

Pictures coming tomorrow of my first photoshoot!
Beautiful girls.

Gather round. We're a goin' to the Rock River Thresheree!





I saw this right after asking a woman for directions.
She wanted to hand me a map.
I already had a map.
I said, "I can't read the map. I don't know where we are on it."

The woman thinks I'm a ditz.







Click to enlarge this one. They hay is really flying :o)



See those big bands?
They were attached to a big loud smelly old machine.
Those bands were turning the conveyor belt that carried to hay into the thresher.



We saw rows and rows of tractors and machinery.
There is even a spot calle macherinery row.


Not unlike a row of corn.



We were headed for this little steam engine.
When I looked at the list of activities at the Edgerton Thresheree,
this is the one I thought Katie would like.


The whilstle was loud and exhuberant!
And the smoke was pretty and smelly.

Click on the smokey picture to see it larger. It's cool larger.



This small train was needed to go over a small bridge.


A view from a wee train.


We went in search of some food.
And while we munched our burgers and brats,
I spotted my true love.

Most people were watching all mannrer of tractors parade down the lane.

But this International A120 circa 1958 had me at hello.











Truck love.
There's no explaining it.


(In my dreams I own this truck and a pair of Lisa Loeb cat eye glasses, don't cha know.)


And then I bumped into this young fellow in the parade line.


He was driving a small Farmall tractor.
(His daddy was walking along side him.)

I asked, "You mind?"

He smiled a bit and gave me this almost wave.


He's an excellent driver.


So-long.


On the way out, we came face to face with the best fire trucks ever.
And not only are they bright and totally adorable...



The most perfect hood ornament adorns the hood.




My sentiments, exactly :o)


Wasn't that fun!


Have a wonderful day, whatever you may be doing!


Encourage one another,
Donna

I couldn't make you look at that sad, sad picture any longer.

Here is my happy girl.


Here she is hard at work.

Picking up grass.

The mulching lawn mower can not keep up with the quickly growing grass in these parts.

We put our girls to work just like Ree....

It's just not quite the same tho, is it?

Yesterday Katie went missing.

This is the second time she has done this in a month.

(Well....the first time it wasn't her fault,
she told her daddy, who was sleeping in the basement, that she was going to a neighbors house. I just wasn't aware of it and didn't want to wake sleepyhead._

So anyway, back to Katie.

She is free to go outside and ride her bike and color on the driveway and do a thousand cartwheels without telling me she is going out.

I hear the screen door slam and I know when I step outside to check on her,
she will be in our yard.

So yesterday morning,
I got dressed quickly to take Emma to work.

(She's been doing just great at the bank!)

I yelled for Katie,
upstairs and downstairs,
backyard and front yard.

But we had to skedaddle to get Emma to work on time.

So we left knowing I'd return in six minutes (as Emma said)

Katie was not home when I returned.

I walked downstairs to see if she was passed out and dead in the basement.
I went upstairs to look in her bedroom to see if she had bumped her head and was lying lifeless on the floor.
She was not there.

I hollered and hollered.

Well.

Time to start knocking on doors.

First, I tried Katie and Kevin's house.

Being Friday morning, there is no reason they should be home.
They go to daycare or school six days a week.

But I try anyway.
And on the way there I think I will have to bother the other neighbors too.
The neighbors I really am not comfortable knocking on their door.
Cause we just aren't that close.
And they don't even have children close to Katie's age.
And I hate to bother people.

So I knock at Katie and Kevin's house.
And their mom springs to the door.

'Katie Two', she calls.

And Katie Two appears.

Katie: "Oh! I forgot to tell you.!"
Me: "I was really worried."
Katie: "I'm very sorry, mommy."

Sweet, sorry Katie.

And here is where the story is dramatically different than it would have been say, 15 years ago.

15 years ago, I would have grabbed Katie by the wrist,
and marched her right home.
Angry and huffy.
Like Oprah as Sophia in The Color Purple.

But, I've gone soft.

I let her stay and play.
She has been so good about playing alone most of the summer.
And when she got an invitation to play at Katie and Kevin's house....
All thought of telling mommy blew away.

I did decide that when she did come home she would not be making phone calls to Leonie and Sophia or Carrie.

And it turned out that Carrie did call asking for Katie and Katie wasn't home yet.
Ten minutes later when Katie ran in the door.
I told her that Carrie called to play, but she was grounded because she made me so worried.



She should remember from now on, don't you think?


Happy Labor Day!

Are you doing another festival this weekend?

We are going to the Edgertown Thresseree!!!
This is either going to be mildly amusing or the biggest festival bust of the summer.

Either way....I will have my trusty camera along...

And that will entertain me if the tractors are boring as all heck.

Anyway, enjoy contemplating the Labor movement.
What-ever.

Encourage one another,
Donna