Daryl called me at 6 p.m. and said you know you're more than welcome to come here tonight because of the bad forecast we kept hearing about. I kept watching the TV and finally decided a little after 7 p.m. to get my pillow, nightgown and housecoat and go to Daryl's house for the night.
Some tornados south of us and one was really bad in College Station but I would guess that it's at least 100 miles south of us. Other areas had some problems but the storm must have went more east than north (as it was supposed to) because we didn't get any hail or anything the news kept saying we might get.
I could tell it had realllllyyyy rained here because the sidewalk beside my car was covered with mud and junk that had come across the car port and without my car there, it could really go through there. Other than that, everything seems to be okay except for the "lakes" all over the yard and pasture.
Here is a picture that I thought you might like to see of the two branches that came down during the storm last night.
Christmas 12/27/06
By Lisa Lawrence
Merry Christmas! I came down with the 24 hr flu bug on Christmas. Woke up this morning feeling all better. Thank goodness.
We undecorated today everything except the lights outside. We'll save that for this weekend. Here are some new pictures of us from Christmas morning. Hope you all had a good one. Have a Happy New Year.
Chandler made eggs for the first time on Christmas morning. ( With supervision, of coarse) Drew got his own computer from Santa to help with school work, and Chandler got a superman laptop for school also.
Love, Lisa
Merry Christmas! 12/25/06
By Cliff Chamberlin
In ice and snow is how Candy and I have spent the last several days. I took the train from Holdrege NE (25 miles South of our house) to Denver on Wednesday (12/20) to drive Candy home from her week at work in Denver. I generally go on Thursday morning at 2:35 am, but got on one day early due to an ice storm coming to Kearney and snow coming to Denver. The train was 25 minutes early getting into Denver at 6:50am. Candy is supposed to get off from work at 7:30am, but was 45 minutes late, as her relief had a hard time getting to work in the new snow. Click here for the rest of the story.
Merry Christmas! 12/25/06
By Barbara Lawrence
I went over to Daryl & Jan's for breakfast this morning and then we all opened our presents with Jan's daughter, Deanna, and her husband, Zach. Last night when I was at Betty's house (Jan's Mom), Jan's sister (Cindy) drew my name in the family gift exchange and told me I wouldn't get my gift until this morning. Click here for the rest of the story.
Home 12/21/06
By John Schmit
It's so good to be able to sleep in your own bed, in a warm house! We moved back home Tuesday evening after the power was restored around noon. Now it's plenty of laundry and cleanup chores. With the refrigerator completely emptied, this weeks grocery shopping will be a bit bigger, especially as we get the Christmas dinner too!
Just want to say a BIG thanks to Allen and Lance for letting us invade their home. They were very gracious. A special thanks to Heidi for helping post some initial messages during the first part of our ordeal. Also thank you to everyone for your concerns. It's wonderful when the family works together.
Update 12/18/06
By John Schmit
We just got back from a trip up to the house. Electric power has been restored to within about a mile of the house. The power goes out where it come up from underground and the trees fell on the wires. There is a section that needs replaced and we are hopeful that they get to it tomorrow. It was 40 degrees in the house and we were quick about getting our things for work tomorrow. Yep, Allen has us for another evening. Allen and Lance have been very good about their home invasion. Still, we are looking forward to going home.
Winter Program 12/17/06
By Lisa Lawrence
The boys had their Winter Program at the school last night. They were so cute! Too many people showed up though. A lot more then they expected. The cafeteria was packed. It was hot and there were people standing all around the ones who were sitting. It was pretty awful. Hard to get good pictures cause you just couldn't move in there. Here are a few though, you can't really tell where Chandler was. He was smooshed in pretty good. Drew is on the end at the right in his. Good thing I took some pictures at the house first. Click here to see the pictures.
Bad Weather 12/17/06
By Cheryl Schmit
Winds were extremely strong last night. The power went out about 9PM and the winds were worse around midnight. Trying to sleep was stressful as the whole house shook and rattled. Lots of outside noises as things blew over. We had tried to bring most things in, a few things were tied down. Click here for the rest of the story.
Lettermen Concert 12/13/06
By Barbara Lawrence
One of my friends and I went to see the "Lettermen" last evening and Danella and I thought it was probably the BEST concert we've ever attended!!!!!!! It was essentially a Christmas special but they sang some of their well known songs and it was so awesome. Click here for the rest of the story.
Cookie Walk 12/12/06
By Roger Schmit
We had a very successful cookie walk on Saturday. There were a lot more cookies then last year and a lot more buyers. We didn't sell out this year but now the guys working on the addition to the church will have plenty of cookies for their coffee break. I've included a few pictures. When I get all the pictures I will post them on my picture page.
Radar 12/12/06
By Daryl Lawrence
Radar is my company's horse, check him out on Animal Planet tonight. Radar will be featured on Animal Planet’s Guinness World Records Amazing Animals
tonight, December 12, 2006 at 8:00pm Central.
Road Trip 12/11/06
By Lisa Lawrence
We're all doing well here. Getting ready for the holidays. I wanted to send some more pics for the family site. They are from our exciting road trip. The boys first one. They were really good in the car but the trip was another story. I was happy to be home. They had a blast though. Happy Holidays! Here are the pictures.
Gretchen Wilson Visit 12/11/06
By Heidi Schmit
The Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) was holding their annual Mattar Relay, a rememberance race, on last Friday morning. In helping us do so, we had US 103.5, our local country station sponsor JCSE. To our surprise, they were doing an interview with Country singer Gretchen Wilson as well and decided to do the interview on our base. When she arrived we directed her over to our big rig to blow the horn to start the race. While out with the crowd, we took some pictures of her with some of the troops.
It was very cold that morning so she went back inside her personal bus for the interview. I was asked if I wanted to take pictures of her doing the interview, so I said "YES!". I went inside her bus and took pictures of her and Skip the interviewer from the radio station. Later, I had the pleasure of picking several people to get an autograph from her (
I was one of them!). Having Gretchen Wilson coming to JCSE was a morale booster for the troops because we won the race, the first time in 7 years! Enjoy these pictures I took of Gretchen Wilson.
Matt The Shriner 12/11/06
By Roger Schmit
I thought that I should send a few picture from Matt's fezzing ceremony last Saturday. After spending the day going through all of the installation ceremonies they have a dinner for all of the new shriners. At this dinner they are presented with their fez by their sponsors. Attached are three pictures.
Autumn & Ralph 12/09/06
By Susie Devries
Here are some pictures
I took of Autumn today. The coffee table 'caught' her. She got under the table and then raised up. I picked up the glass insert and she stood up and looked around as if to say Hey! This is cool!
The other pictures
are of our new kitty, Ralph. He loves to try to catch the 'mouse' or the letters going by or what ever is flashing on the monitor. And he has a birds eye view out into the hall or out the big window!
Bus Decorations 12/09/06
By John Schmit
It's that time of year again and I have the bus decorations up. I get many wonderful comments from my passengers about them. After several asked to take pictures, I thought I'd take some to share with you. Enjoy these pictures.
Full Moon 12/04/06
By Barbara Lawrence
I went out to turn the heater on in the guest room for awhile and saw the moon coming up so decided to get my camera and take a picture.
Check out the Moon picture.
Two Years Old 12/01/06
By John Schmit
Thanks to all the family members who have contributed so much over the last two years for our website. I hope the new look meets your approval. Please let me know if you have any problems.
Snow Day! 11/27/06
By John Schmit
Cheryl and I were still shopping for decorations as the snow began to fall today. Early in the afternoon we put the lights around the walkway and hung the colored globe in the front. Later lightning and thunder accented very heavy snow showers. By 8pm there were over three inches on the ground and some of the walkway lights were being covered. During the storm, we were busy baking Mom's family favorite cranberry bread. The bread turned out great and we went to bed as the snowfall tapered off. Check out some of today's pictures.
Leaflet Drop Video 11/18/06
By Heidi Schmit
Our mission in Iraq was to create and dissiminate propaganda leaflets, handbills, and posters. In this video it shows how we put things together and load the plane for dissimination. The video was filmed using Night Vision Lens, which I'm sure you've seen on the news. After we dissiminated the leaflets we later found out that we were given the coordinates and dropped the leaflets on the wrong target. The military personnel that were around that target had to go and pick them all up. OOPS!
Wonderful News! 11/14/06
By Susie Devries
Hi To My Family,
I have the best news! About 3 weeks ago I was able to get in touch with my second son, William!!! I've not seen him for about 12 years. I didn't know where he was. By some miracle (GOD) my ex-husband called me to tell me an Uncle of his had died. I don't know why he called me, we have been divorced for 30 years!
Any way, I asked him about the boys and he gave me Williams phone and address. My oldest son, Dennis, is in state care and I don't know where he is. But I am very thankful to be in contact with William. He is married and has a step daughter 6 1/2 years old and they have a son, 18 months. So now I have two more grandbabies and another daughter in law! I am so happy!!
A Tribute To Our Soldier 11/10/06
By John Schmit
Thanks for your service, SPC Heidi Schmit. Heidi entered the Army shortly after graduating high school and graduated "A" school as a graphics designer. She has served over seven years and has been sent to 18 countries including Korea, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Liberia and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Heidi is currently working for the Joint Communication Support Element (JCSE) in Tampa, Florida. She is also taking classes and working on her Bachelors degree in Business Administration. Please enjoy this video salute to our soldier.
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File Photo
SPC Heidi Schmit |
Halloween Kids 11/06/06
By Lisa Lawrence
I wanted to send more pictures of the boys. They are halloween pics and Chance just started Soccor! He loves it. His team is all beginners, so they loose every game but it is so fun to watch and he just loves it.
Ray and I and the boys leave in a couple weeks for Dad's house. We will be there for Thanksgiving. It will be the boys first road trip! We'll have lots of pictures from that.
Love,
Lisa
Fall Color Ride 10/30/06
By John Schmit
Last Saturday, the 28th, Cheryl and I decided to take advantage of the nice fall weather and get out to see some of the fall color in the mountains. We drove completely around Mt Rainier, about a 5 hour drive. It was a lot of fun.
We found access to one of the many sparkling rivers that flow down from the mountain and some wonderful viewing spots to see the mountain. The heavy mist in the air (even at 3pm) made it seem much like a rain forest at times. The drive was very easy and we stayed on main highways all the way. No day trip is complete without something to eat, and we stopped for supper in Puyallup, about an hours drive from home. Click here to go to the page with our Fall Color video.
Sisterhood Of The Wine 10/17/06
By Roger Schmit
Last January several ladies decided that they should do something on the nights that their husbands had their Shrine Director's Staff meetings. They formed a group that they called "Sisterhood of the Wine". The husbands just called it the winers. They get together once a month and sample different wines. Sometimes they sample a lot of wine.
This month the meeting was at our house, which meant ROAD TRIP! Six brave ladies battled 28 degree temperatures and 30 - 35 mph winds for the 4 hour drive. The pictures would suggest that they had a good time. On Saturday, despite cold temperatures and stiff winds, they went for a boat ride on the river. Later, dinner at Paris in Pembine followed by karaoke at the Four Seasons.
Wreck & Update 10/14/06
By Robert McWilliams
Let me know if you get the picture, I took it with my phone while one of the guys on our lot was moving a very wrecked Ford Escort into the crush line. When the cars are wrecked so bad like that we crush them instead of selling them. Being back at the wrecker service is nice, especially for the paychecks. My back still hurts everyday but oh well, I go to a chiropractor every week so it will be okay.
In November, me, Janae, Autumn and the rest of Janae's family plan to go to Council Bluffs, Iowa for Thanksgiving. She and I both have family up there but we're going to see her family, so I will have some good pictures next month.
Firefox Browser 10/13/06
By John Schmit
It has come to my attention that users of the Firefox Internet browser are unable to view particular aspects of our website. At this time, I cannot design a code to specially apply to the Firefox browser and can only recommend viewing our website with another browser.
If you are using this browser, please let me know and let me know where to find the appropriate coding needed.
Thanks,
John
Vacation 10/12/06
By Roger Schmit
Well, after spending the last 11 hours going through pictures and putting a small percentage of them on my picture page I can finally write about the trip.
It's hard to believe that 9 days could go that quickly. We had perfect weather the whole time and fit in everything that we wanted to do. From water parks to Disney Quest to all of the theme parks, a great time was had by all. The hotel that we stayed at was Coronado Springs which is on the Disney grounds which means that the Disney buses took us everywhere. We went on all the rides, even grandma, and went to many shows. When you travel with Matt you never slow down from morning til night. You have to remind him to stop and eat.
We had a great time on Barbs birthday. Matt and Jeanne got a Disney sitter for the boys and we went out. We started with dinner at the Brown Derby. Drinks, appetizers, entree and dessert, we went all the way. After dinner we went to the Boardwalk and a place called Jellyrolls where they have dueling pianos and can sing almost any song that you can name. Matt made a point of letting them know that it was Barbs birthday and she was called to the stage with 2 other birthday girls. They all had to do a dance about a tree with a branch with a nest with an egg with a bird and green grass growing all around. It was pretty funny.
Anyway, now we are home and the temperature is 25 and I wish that we were back at Disney.
Well, more later.
Love,
Roger & Barb
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Editor's Note: As I looked through the pictures, I discovered that there was an anniversary involved with this major vacation trip. Congratulations, Jeanne and Matt Simmons!
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File Photo
Jeanne & Matt |
New Photos 10/10/06
By Lisa Lawrence
I wanted to send new photos of the boys. If you have time could you put them on the family page?
The boys just started Kung Foo! They love it.
The last picture is Ray and I getting ready to take a ride on his Harley!
Thank you.
Enjoy these pictures!
House Location 10/07/06
By Barbara Lawrence
I've been sitting on the back porch since about noon today because it's in the low 80's with a slight breeze and too nice to stay in the house. Daryl came over to mow this morning so I'm sending a picture of the path he's mowing out to his new house pad. He's about 1/2 way out there so you can see how far it is from the house. I was standing at the northwest corner of the trailer when I took the first picture so you have somewhat of an idea how far out it is. I thought I might put my walking shoes on this evening and walk out there and take a picture back to the trailer.
I walked on the new path out to where Daryl & Jan's new house will be and I took the second picture toward the trailer from about where the new kitchen will be. This gives you a better prospective of where the house will be built in relation to the trailer.
Luv ya,
Mom (Barb)
Here are the pictures!
Allen Moves 10/05/06
By John Schmit
This past weekend Allen moved to his new, two bedroom apartment. He now has a new roommate, Lance. We helped Allen move the big stuff on Sunday, as a neighbor of ours kindly lent us his pickup. Things went very quickly and now Allen and Lance have a new home.
Here are some pictures!
We Are Home 10/04/06
By Frank Bingham
I guess there is a "last" -- Hello All,
Carol and I got home last night about 8:30 (Tuesday) without any
"scratches, dents, bangs, or squabbles". We were glad to be home yet
sad that our road trip was over. A few statistics --We traveled 3,314
miles, Carol's Van averaged 25.6 MPG over all and we paid an average of
$2.63 per gallon. So over all it was not all that bad.
Click here for the rest of the story!
Autumn and Her 'Friend' 10/02/06
By Susie Devries
Here are a couple pictures of Autumn and her 'friend'. She loves Merry Chris Mouse because when you press it's paw it plays music, and it's nose light's up. Of course it's Christmas music, but she doesn't care.
Check out these pictures!
Susie
New Car 10/01/06
By Tricia Miller
Well, we finally did it. It's official. We finally got ourselves a new car. Now we will have two cars. This will be really nice since now Wes and I don't have to rely on each other's schedules. We bought ourselves a 96 Chevy Malibu. Its really nice inside and out. Especially compared with the Cavalier. It's also a V6 which I can definitely feel as I step on the gas. I hope you enjoy the
pictures!
Love,
Tricia
Leaving Bellingham 09/30/06
By Frank Bingham
The last "Hello to All" for this trip........
Slim and I will be zipping out tomorrow morning early heading toward home. Leaving early so that we can get through Portland and Seattle during lower traffic periods. There should not be a lot of traffic tomorrow (Sunday) anyway but I never miss some anyway.
Click here for the rest of the story!
Allen's Car Found 09/29/06
By John Schmit
This evening Allen got word that his Toyota was found. Cheryl and I went with him to see what would be found. The car was in a quiet neiborhood not far from our house. It was in good shape and started right up. The only thing missing was the stereo,amp and speakers that Allen had installed. The guy who Allen bought his cars from said if found he'd give Allen several hundred off the note he now has. A great deal for Allen!
New (To Me) Car 09/28/06
By Allen Manese
Sometimes good things come out of bad. A couple of days ago my car was stolen from outside my apartment. I filed a police report and called the guy who I bought it from. I still had several payments to make on it. He said to come on in and he'd work with me on another car. Sure enough, he did. I got a great deal on a '91 Subaru Legacy wagon. This is the car I've been wanting for a long time, just a few years older. Now I'm set up with my new job, a new(er) car and next week a new apartment.
Check out these pics of the car!
Back In The US Again 09/28/06
By Frank Bingham
Hello to all,
Thursday afternoon --Just a short up date-------- First my Juno is once again working normally. I did not do anything to the computer or program. I suspect now it had to do with the connection I had in Canada out on the Island ?? I do not know how it could be different but that is the only variable............
Carol and I left Ralph's right on time this morning to head for the Ferry terminal. It is about 50 miles +/- down there and is an easy ride. We arrived and got our ticket just fine. The ferry (Queen of Alberni) departed a few minutes late as they had a scheduled emergency drill before we left. That was fine, no problem. This ferry was smaller than the one we came over on probably due to the traffic that usually goes at the time on a normal Thursday. The ride over was very smooth and just beautiful so we had no complaints at all with that. Once back to the Vancouver side the exit from the ferry goes quickly. Soon we were on the highway headed for the border. When we arrived at the Peace Arch crossing, into the US, there were quite a few cars but they had 4 lanes open so it went fast too. No hold up there and then we were off toward Bellingham. The drive is only about 30 minutes long so here we are once again at Anna's for couple of days.
In all Slim and I had a great time in Canada. Such nice friends there and wonderful places to see and visit. So that is the short update on us........ All too soon we are heading home --- Oh Boo I suppose........
Love to all,
Frank & Carol
Turning South 09/27/06
By Frank Bingham
Hello to all,
Slim and I have reached the furthest point North we are going to go --Comox, Vancouver Islands, B.C Canada 1,548 miles from home. Not all that far milewise but just crammed with memories and great times. We are still at our friend Ralph's house, on Vancouver Island, for the night tonight then we leave early in the morning to go to Duke Point and hop onto the Ferry back to Vancouver, B.C. Once off the ferry we will cross the border and go back to Bellingham for couple of days.
Click here for the rest of the story!
Baby Arrives 09/25/06
By Cheryl Schmit
After many years of casual looking around for a piano, last week we tried a different kind of store in downtown Seattle. Inside the showroom were a variety of pianos, from uprights to grands. Although we didn't think we were ready, they had the perfect one tucked in a back corner. A refurbished 1976, Chickering, five foot, baby grand. It has a beautiful, golden honey brown finish that matches our other furniture perfectly. We couldn't pass it up! Now our downstairs has all it's furniture and all the rooms are complete.
Click here to see some pictures!
Vancouver Island 09/25/06
By Frank Bingham
Hello to all,
Carol and I got up and had a very nice morning with David and Liz but all too soon it was time for Slim and I to leave for the Ferry. No problem getting to the boat, getting on, or the trip over the water to Vancouver Island. It was beautiful this morning virtually all the way over. A few miles off shore we ran into a heavy fog bank and visibility went to zero. It was spooky but neat as the ferry blew its fog horn over and over. Then it was as if a knife cut the fog off and we were in bright clear sun light once more.
Click here for the rest of the story!
Vancouver 09/23/06
By Frank Bingham
Hello Again,
I am not sure if my previous message got sent or not. We had a big lighting strike and suddenly the computer just went off and then came back on -- message gone. In case it did not go, Slim and I got to Vancouver just fine with no problems. We spent the day today going to a number of places here that Carol has not seen for sometime. Tonight we are going out to dinner then to a hockey game as David has season tickets right on the ice.
Aside from that we are really having fun with David and Liz. They are extremely interesting and fun people to be around. I have gotten all caught up on the oil situation in Alberta and the companies work there.. They have completed 8 wells and have 16 more to drill this year. David is very busy and wants me to join him again.. We will talk about that as I am not too interested in going to Northern Alberta in the winter when it is -40 degrees.
Tomorrow we're going to Grandville Island to have a fun day day at the exhibits and food areas. We get to ride on a tiny boat over to the island that is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. The distance is not far at all but the little water taxi's are a hoot.....
I'll talk to you again soon ................
Love to all
Frank & Carol B.
Vacation Update 09/22/06
By Frank Bingham
Good Morning to All,
The sun is out bright and clear this morning after the drizzle of yesterday it is welcome. Carol and I motored around town everywhere yesterday and had a good time. We looked at some Condo's to see what is available as Anna (our friend here) is a real estate broker. She showed us units for the low 100's to greater than a million. Mostly they are the same in size but the location is the big difference in costs. Of course, Carol and I are not interested in buying one as it is far too damp here for Slim but it was fun anyway.
Click here for the rest of the story!
WLC/Vacation 09/22/06
By Heidi Schmit
On August 29th WLC began and ended on September 13th at Fort Stewart, GA. Warrior Leaders Course, it’s a Non-Commissioned Officer Academy that is required for all soldiers that are becoming an NCO. It was a two-week course rather than the usual 30-day course, which was fine by me. Most of the two week course was in class room, receiving classes on pretty much all the AR’s and FM’s (Army Regulations and Field Manuals). Plus we each had to give a class, mine was on Supervising the construction of a fighting position. The last 3 days of the course were in the field doing day and night land navigation and the one at night we had to stay stealth in order to not have contact. During the day we had "lanes" to go through, which were scenarios on how to react to contact. What I mean about contact is "being shot at." Also, through out the 2-week course we had to stand at parade rest in the chow hall line and say the NCO creed over and over and over. We had details every evening such as raking the dirt and picking up trash. We had inspections every day and we had to carry our M-16 everywhere we went, including the restroom and chow hall. I was glad to graduate and on graduation day I even had to sing the National Anthem.
On September 15th I headed back up to GA but to Fort Gordon GA which is near Augusta to visit Tony, an old friend of mine. We’ve known each other for 8 years. In fact he helped me get into the Army and was also in Korea with me. It was nice to see him again, we caught up on old and new times. Talked about everything we could think of. He took me to the Cracker Barrel, which is now, one of my favorite places to eat. It’s so down to earth and the food tastes like home made southern food. We really didn’t go to many places, it was just a time for me to relax and enjoy myself before I head back to work and school which all will be starting on September 25th.
Working 09/21/06
By Robert McWilliams
Well I'm back working for the wrecker service again as of last Tuesday. I got tired of playing catch up every week on my bills, not even having enough money to go out to eat dinner. I wish I wouldn't have left, but I guess it will all work out in the long run.
Janae is working at the Dollar General store in Sherwood. She really likes her job, minus the standing on her feet all day. Autumn went to the doctor yesterday for her 6 month check up. She weighs 16 pounds, 10 ounces. The doctor said she was doing real good with sitting up. She usually sits up for about 25-35 minutes at a time before she topples over.
So all is well again, me and Janae will get caught up and back on our feet in about a month or so, and who knows maybe at tax time I can get another old muscle car. Probably not, I have too many credit cards to pay off. But I can always dream. I'm thinkin', maybe a 70's model Chevy Nova. Janae likes those alot. It would be nice to have an old car that my girlfriend actually wants to ride in. She didn't like the Plymouth at all.
Vacation Update 09/20/06
By Frank Bingham
Hello Everyone,
Just a short up date on our trip. We have been here in Bellingham for
two full days now. Other than a couple of hours when the sun came out it
has rained the entire time. It is not really cold just cool but mighty
wet.
Click here for the rest of the story!
Arrived! 09/18/06
By Frank Bingham
Hello All,
Slim and I arrived in Bellingham late this afternoon. We left Yreka this morning about 7 A.M. in a slight drizzle. As we motored North the drizzle dried up and the sun came out in full brilliance. The ride was good as there was a minimum of other cars and no trucks on the road at all. Oh, but that was not to last.
Click here for the rest of the story!
Road Trip Update 09/17/06
By Frank Bingham
Hi All
Well Slim and I got started this morning at 6:30 A.M. and had a
wonderful day on the road. We have stopped tonight in Yreka; just shy of
the Oregon border. Not too much traffic , no snow, no rain, no smog, no
wind, no crazy drivers, and no $3.50 gasoline .......... Wonderful.
Click here for the rest of the story!
Road Trip 09/16/06
By Frank Bingham
Hello to All,
Carol and I usually take a "Road Trip" each Summer after school starts here in Palm Springs. Well school has started and we are making ready to go. This year we are going to go up to Bellingham, WA. to visit an old friend, then cross over into Canada to visit our friends who live in Vancouver, then we will take the ferry across to Vancouver Island and drive up the North Eastern coast to a small town called Bowser to visit another friend who lives down here part of the year and in Bowser part of the year. At this point we will begin our return to Palm Springs via the coast route where we will spend a couple of days in the Santa Barbara area. Finally, the last dash for home and the routine of living in paradise again here in the desert.
We plan to be gone about 2 weeks but that may grow some to somewhat less than three weeks depending on how much we want to drive each day. As most of you know Carol loves to drive and so do I. We have such a good time cruising along looking at everything and laughing at lots of things we see. We will take her Toyota Van as it is super comfortable and is a joy out on the highway.
During this trip if you would not forward messages, jokes and so forth to me I would appreciate it as many times we can only connect to servers that run on kerosine or some similar power/speed source. Please do not hesitate to send regular messages from you as text flies along quickly. I promise not to send you a running blow by blow recap of our trip and may be able to include some digital pictures if we happen to be able to connect to a high speed connection.
I hope this message finds all of you in good health and happy.
Love to all,
Frank & Carol B.
Changes 09/14/06
By Allen Manese aka Allen Schmit
It was so good to be able to come home at a decent time and be able to get into an online game I've been waiting for. The last two weeks have been very busy for me as I have changed jobs and will be moving at the end of this month. I worked my first day at Linens N' Things today. We'll see how this goes. The drive is a bit shorter and the hours are much better while the pay is about the same as I had at Arby's.
At the end of this month I am moving into a two bedroom apartment (in the same apartment complex) with a friend who is also an online gamer. Lance and I plan to have our four networked computers set up in the livingroom. Yes, I do plan to re-start the home cam soon after the move. With the two of us sharing the costs, the monthly expenses for me will be less than what I pay now.
Garden Video 09/06/06
By John Schmit
I recently made a video of our North garden. I thought I'd try a new service called You Tube. Click here to see the video. Turn up your speakers too!
Grand Kids 09/06/06
By Susie Devries
Check out these pictures.
Autumn at 5 months, being a big girl in the highchair with some fresh banana in her little safety feeder.
Michael Jr, asleep on the couch, and also his first hair cut!!
Love,
Susie
Hi From School 09/03/06
By Heidi Schmit
Just wanted to let you know that I'm alright and hanging in there. It's been a long week so far and another 9 days and wake up to go. Been doing a lot of classroom work. Getting ready to do some land navigation starting tomorrow. On Friday, Sat. and Sun. will be doing an STX (Situation Training Exercise). Tomorrow I'll be conducting the Physical Fitness training. Other than that everything is pretty boring and pretty Army... HOOHA! Anyways, talk to you soon!!!
Enter to Learn..... Leave to Lead!
Love,
Heidi
Middle Tree 09/03/06
By Barbara Lawrence
Daryl & Jan just brought me home from Cindy's house so we were all admiring the trees out front as to how much they had grown over the summer. Daryl told me to get my camera and he would take a picture of my hand on the leaf (to tell the size of the leaf). I asked him to take one of me in front of the tree but I was talking when he snapped the picture so my mouth looks really stupid. At least I have a picture this late in the year so next year in Sept. I can see how much the tree grew from now. Zoom in on the one of my hand and you can really tell how big these leaves are.
Click here for the pictures.
Luv ya,
Barb
Mystery Dinner Train 09/01/06
By Cheryl Schmit
I was invited to go on the local Mystery train by one of my friends from J C Penney. There were eleven in our group and six of us were celebrating birthdays. This is part of a dinner train that runs from Renton to a winery about 20 miles North in Woodneville. The "Murder, Mystery" players involve the passengers/diners in the story line during the three and a half hour evening. The food was delicious and the entertainment was great fun, lots of laughs. Check out the pictures.
Big Party 08/30/06
By John & Cheryl Schmit
Last Sunday we celebrated the completion of our North side garden with a big party. The plan was to have friends and neighbors come and share good food and a good time. Cheryl invited people from her office and friends she worked with while she was at JC Penneys. I invited bus drivers and told them to bring the family. We also invited several of our neighbors. Allen volunteered to man the grill, which worked out great for us.
The weather was perfect, maybe a little bit warm, but very sunny and an ideal summer day. The guests arrived and enjoyed BBQ'd chicken, hamburgers made to order and hot dogs. Cheryl had made potato and pasta salads and there were plenty of veggies and fruit to keep everyone munching.
We had a wonderful afternoon and partied well into the evening. We still had plenty of food left over, so Allen agreed to come back Monday night and grill again. Enjoy these pictures of the party!
Movin' On 08/23/06
By Heidi Schmit
Yep, I passed the math class. I just found out I got a "B" in the course. Still, I'm so glad it's over with. Now I can move on.
On Monday morning I leave for Warrior Leadership Class. This Army course is two weeks long and being held in Georgia, so I'll be away for a little while. A friend is going to take care of my cat while I'm gone. This course is required for promotions.
Later in September, I'm set up to begin my English class. That will last well into November. So I have a busy Fall schedule.
Busy Times 08/16/06
By Blanche Glaeser
It has been a very busy couple of weeks for Jumpy and I. We celebrated Jumpy's birthday with dinner out. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the lobster! Then my new Bose radio came and it sounds great in the livingroom. Here are pictures of us out and the new radio.
I had to take my car in for some repairs and spent the time waiting in the new car showroom. After a few hours, Jumpy and I drove home in a new, 2007 Camry. I just love it! It is a bit bigger than my other Camry, but it fits just right into the garage. Just take a look at these pictures of the new car.
I also went to Radio Shack and bought a new cell phone. It has a camera and many features. I have learned how to use the speed dial. I have asked John many questions as I learned how to operate the phone. They are very complicated.
Of course, Misty has been such a joy for both of us. We never seem to stop laughing at her behavior. Here are some pictures of our pride and joy.
Love to all,
Blanche
Finished North Garden 08/13/06
By Cheryl Schmit
The North garden is an area protected from the wind and rain. During most of the year it has very little Sun, so will be great when it is hot. The fountain is visible from inside the house through the window at the bottom of the stairs, between the front door and the living room. Being we go up and down the stairs a lot, we'll see it often.
Today is very comfortable outside in the shade so the North side is a lovely place to sit. Tonight we hope to sit there to view the meteor shower. It's the best place to look at the open sky toward the northeast and there are no street lights on that side of the house to bother the view.
Enjoy these pictures of the finished garden.
Update 08/02/06
By Robert McWilliams
Well, as I said yesterday, I got a job working at Afco Steel in Little Rock. It pays okay, I guess. I work from 3:30pm to 12:30am Monday thru Friday. The job with hardwood floors fell thru four days before I was supposed to start working there. So I left the wrecker service the day I found out and went job hunting. That was a bad move. I ran out of money, didn't have a job for almost a month and I had to sell my Plymouth, (which I was extremely proud of). Now I am also going to have to get a second job to make ends meet. Janae is working too. She makes phone calls all day from 3pm to 10pm Monday thru Friday. Janae & Autumn are doing great and Mom is the baby sitter every other week, so I'm sure she is enjoying her grandma time.
Baby Birds 07/31/06
By Cheryl Schmit
What a surprise. I have been watering and watering the hanging baskets of fuchsia and occasionally, a little bird would fly away from the basket. Tonight John and I pulled the basket down and looked inside and found a nest with three baby birds in it. They barely had their eyes open. We touched the edge of the nest, and all three mouths would fly open wide and they chirped. We looked around and saw both parents watching us and scolding us from their pirch on the fence. As soon as we left, they came back and checked everything out. I'll definately be more careful when I water until they leave. Enjoy these
