Sushi

The pictures of John & DeAnn and the kids are on my other computer so will have to blog those when I'm in the house. (or just out DeAnn's blog)   I am in my office now and supposed to be working on my April newsletter.  However, I received a sweet note from a dear sister and friend indicating that Tuesday is supposed to be "blog day" sooooooooooooooooo decided I'd better put something on.

 

 

Right after the Washington kids left, Peter's niece and nephew, Doug & LaVonne arrived for several days.  The one thing Doug wanted to do was take a mine tour - it's a copper mine about 30 minutes south of Tucson.  Peter went with them but I stayed out and sat in the shade, made some telephone calls and read my book.  It was a good afternoon!!!

 

 

On March 16 we got up at 4:00 AM - yes AM!!! to take some dear friends to the airport in Mesa.  We've done this for the last 3-4 years - they are such a neat couple that it really is no problem.  As we were leaving the airport, we saw a "plane streak" in the sky.  I remember seeing these often as kids and thought it was really neat.

 Coming back into Tucson and the Catalina Mountain Range - never get tired of seeing these mountains as we return home.  Not green mountains as they have in Washington but still beautiful!!!

Our dear, dear friends the DeBoers invited us to dinner last week.  We had talked about going out for sushi but Linda invited us to her home so we could see her beautiful rose bush and smell all the citrus trees in her backyard which are blooming now.

She brought the sushi to us.  Will said - don't worry if you don't like it because Linda made pie for dessert.  It was an adventure and we tried everything!!  Some of it I enjoyed a little more than other things but what fun and what special people to have done this for us.

I remember there was "raw" tuna which is the pink meat in the lower left corner and shrimp in the crusted sushi on the plate.  My favorite was probably the cucumber and seafood or something sushi.  She also had fried rice, sausage dumplings and a wonderful bun kind of thing with barbaqued (sp) pork in it.  Oh and the pie was indeed delicious - light and airy.

We had a wonderful evening with Will and Linda.  Thanks to the two of you!!  How we treasure time spent with you here in Arizona.

YES, Dad tried everything!!!  Kurt, would you have done this?

That's it for this week.  Hope you all are enjoying the snow that's falling today.  I'm sure it's beautiful - guess I'll just have to put up with this gorgeous sunshine and 74 degrees that we have today.  In face I think I'll just go get my book, my iced tea and hang out in my swing while my computer does it's updates.

Love to you all,
Gramma and MOM

February 2016

I began the month of February with meniscus surgery on the 2nd.  Other than the nurses and anesthesiologist having a difficult time getting an IV in, everything went very well.  Both of my hands were black and blue before they tried the inside of my elbow.  One of the joys of getting older for me is veins that roll and collapse.

 Three little incisions and I was finished.  The one on the lower inside is where the meniscus was torn and it's still a little tender.  My surgeon has now released me to do almost anything I want.  He said to let the pain be my guideline.  Almost as good as new!!!

 As you all know, Peter is on the shuffleboard team here in the park.  This was one of his last games - he's had a pretty good year - won and lost an equal number.  As you can see, his last game was amazingly good!!!  He was playing one of the best players in our park.

 He even did a little refereeing with the BIG stick.

 One of the things we do VERY well here at Wagons West is eat.  Here we are enjoying a nice roast beef dinner in our patio.  The Wood's have now gone home but we still have Marv & Judy here to enjoy meals with AND the thought that the Wood's will be coming back next year and will be very close to us.

 One morning we went across town to a restaurant known for their pancakes.  Dad ordered a blueberry which was OK but Gary and I ordered the pecan/apple pancake and it was like a caramel apple sweet roll.

I don't take nearly as many pictures as I used to so have to remind myself so I can send blogs to my friends/family.

Have a wonderful weekend and I will truly try to do better.  This is my first blog on my new computer.  I'm still getting used to all of the Windows 10 changes and the different look of the screen, etc.

Love to all,
Gramma and MOM

My week this week



Yesterday was an interesting day so I thought I'd tell you about it - at least about part of it.  This is a picture of what has been causing me a LOT of pain the last two weeks.  My knee is just not what it's supposed to be.  I went to the Orthopedic doctor yesterday morning and he said I do not need a knee replacement which was very good news - the x-rays showed just a minimal amount of wear.  So he decided I'd probably better have an MRI which I had last night about 6:00.  I received a call today from the doctor's office and they have the results and want to see me at 8:30 tomorrow morning.  They said there's something on the MRI but didn't indicate what.  I'm almost ready to cut the thing off!



 

 

 

Before going to the doctor we went to Old Times Kafe for breakfast - way too much food but it was good.  Took leftovers home and had them for lunch today.  Come on down and we'll take you to Old Times.

 

 My favorite breakfast partner

 This is what your dad does a lot since we arrived here - I think he reads at least a book a week and probably more like two.  He has read several Nicholas Sparks and now some Nora Roberts.  He still does do the dishes in-between reading and has taken on the task of keeping our wood floors dusted.  What a guy!!

 Our beautiful Catalina Mountains - these pictures do not depict them very well at all but that's the day we had yesterday.  There are days when they are absolutely gorgeous.  Will try to take more pictures in the future.

Tomorrow is shuffleboard day so will try to get some pictures of dad.  He's been doing quite well this year; even though he would say he isn't. 

 

Have a great weekend ahead!!!!

 

Love to all

Gramma and MOM

Christmas Eve (2)

One of the things we normally do at Christmas is take family pictures.  This year Grandma just wanted pictures of each family so that's what we did.  I think these turned out rather nice - some of my favorite people.

 

Baby of the family with his family:  Dick, Teresa and Amy

We're missing Brandon who was back in Washington.

 

 

Glen, Sue, Ben, Maggie and Noah (Maggie's young man)
    It was fun to have Noah with us this year.

Please notice:  Glen has his "smile face" on or as good as it gets.

 Bonnie, Paul, Pete & Shonci and the youngest Kramer - Weston

 

 

Mark and Evelyn - unfortunately their family was unable to be with us this year. 

 

Jen, Jan and Lois

My favorite Minnesota daughter and son-in law - Kurt and Amy
(No Amy does not have her eyes closed - she just had a big smile)

Hope you all had as nice a Christmas celebration as we did. 
Love to all,
Gramma and MOM

Christmas Eve (1)



I have had a request for a blog and since I haven't taken any pictures since leaving Brandon, I thought I would put some out from our Kramer Christmas Eve party.  I had a great time that evening and from the looks of my pictures, I think there were at least some others who also enjoyed themselves.

 

We had some games pertaining to memories which are always fun.  I was amazed at how much my older brother actually knew about birthdates and other trivia.  He never ceases to amaze me. 

 

 

Aunt Evelyn had a game where she wrapped lots of little goodies in a whole roll of Saran Wrap.  The person who had the "ball" had to put on gloves, the straw hat and then begin to unwind the roll while the person next to them attempted to roll doubles with the dice.  As soon as the second person rolled doubles, the ball had to be handed over to them.  Some people got the gloves and hat on and never did get to unroll the ball.  It was a fun thing.  Thanks, Aunt Evelyn!!!

 

 

Just sitting around:

 

 

 Uncle Farmer Dick really got into it......

Next blog will be pictures of some of my favorite people.  Enjoy your day!!!!!

Love to all,
Gramma and MOM

Christmas Concert and a Little Lamb

Last Sunday Dad and I went to Chase's Senior High Band Christmas Concert.  It was great - there was only one song that they could have skipped, as far as I was concerned.  Here he is  getting everything lined up.  I was always told that if a boy played the flute, it was a real "girl magnet" but it looks to me like the trombone is a close second.

 

 This is as much as we could see of him for the most part.

 His fan club:

I missed this little lamb's Christmas program at church. I helped DeAnn make all of these cute little lamb ears two years ago.  Isn't she just the most perfect little lamb - hugs to you, Sweet Pea!!!  The little girl sitting behind Katie is her bestest friend.

I sure wish I could have been there to see you, Katie.  You are such a wonderful little granddaughter and we love you.

On this eve of Christmas Eve, I want to wish my family out there a Blessed Christmas.  May you experience the joy and love that only comes from the gift our Savior gave us!!

With love,
Gramma and MOM

Tuba Christmas Show and She's Gone

Last Saturday we went to the Very Merry Christmas Tuba Concert in Sioux Falls.  There were 131 tuba players from the area that ranged from 5th graders to one person in their 80's.  It's open to anyone that wishes to come and plays an instrument in the "tuba family".  Chase does not normally play the tuba so he had to learn a new instrument.  He said it wasn't all that difficult.  His band teacher even found an instrument and played along with about 12 Pipestone students.  They practice all together about an hour and a half in the morning, have lunch and play at the Children's Home before coming to the historic Coliseum in downtown Sioux Falls.  Chase said they had the music for a couple of weeks so could practice in their homeschool.

 

It lasted about 45-60 minutes and was all Christmas carols - they played only one verse of each carol.  Even had a couple of sing-a-longs.  It was a fun way to spend an afternoon.

 

 Chase was front and center so we could easily see him which made it a lot more fun!!  In case you can't find him, he's the one with the Christmas mustard sweatshirt.  Next year he's going to wear a Santa hat.

 His band teacher, Mr. Olson

 There was a young man there who wanted to be right up front to hear the band.  His caretaker would come and wheel him to the back of the room and pretty soon, he's be right up next to the stage again.  I think he liked the music too.

 Thursday afternoon we took our Miss Holly and four of her friends to the airport in Sioux Falls.  Courtney and Holly had the middle seats and were quite comfortable.  The back seat was a bit snug, I'm sure but that sure didn't keep the five of them from talking and laughing and having a good time all the way to the airport.  I will miss having our girl so close - she is such a bright spot in our life.  Love you, Miss Holly!!!!  Have a great vacation in Washington and I'll see you in April.

Hope you're all enjoying this wonderful Christmas season.  Love to all,
Gramma and MOM