Burr.. there must be something wrong with this picture!

This morning I asked myself, "What am I doing out in these conditions?" Oh well.. it will only get worse. And the funny thing is 2 hours later it was 59 degrees. The high temperature was almost 80. But the water has to be changed.. even though the icicles hang. Dad, it would be so enjoyable having you commiserate with me... or reminding me of what a beautiful morning it is. You can't tell that the grass is frozen in place!

Hay.. this is for you dad!

We had a crazy growing season this year. Mother Nature played tricks on us with the cold, than the heat, and than the hotest 2 weeks without water (that wasn't Mother Nature's fault, it was Arnold Irrigations deal). But, finally (I love it when I don't have to start up the ol' wheel line so the grass can dry out)it was time.
Even with all the tricks, we still were able to produce 512 bails of hay. I think it was a record number. I know you aren't excited, this is for my dad who wishes he was here during this haying season.

Lee Goodrich's Green Thumb!

After Derek had so much fun picking Cherries at Mindy's (check past posts)cherry tree, I thought he needed to experience a garden. Well, my friend Lee Goodrich has a great one. She shared some zucchini with me and so I asked her than if she could let us come and pick her vegetables. So, for a Tuesday Family Home Evening, we went over and had some fun looking for zucchini, tomatoes and green onions. The size of some of these vegetables were amazing. Thanks Lee for the adventure. (Bob isn't thrilled when I announced that the minute he retires, we will plant a garden).
P.S. Michael Volpigno, I do believe that this zucchini is 10x bigger than the one we passed Back and forth, back and forth.. oh, those were the days... I miss you and Shelli as our neighbors! The jokes we played on each other with that poor zucchini. I'm wondering what the neighbors thought when they saw the zucchini hanging from our For Sale sign?

Derek turned SEVENTEEN!!!

Hard to believe but Derek just turned 17 years old. Wow, the time really has flown. Certainly this year was nothing like his motorcycle 16th birthday, but still it was nice. He still "worked" with his GREAT tutors. Being a Thursday (his favorite day), he got junk mail and a top toy from the Virgin's Alaska cruise. He went to the library and than the Athletic Club with Felicity! We had many well birthday phone calls and facebook greetings wishing Derek the best. Thank you for all those of you who are our friends, and have been through the years. We remember some hard years in the past.. but these these most years have been smooth sailing! (Prayers really are answered). Enjoy some of his birthday highlights! (If you notice, there is pop and most of these pictures.. oh to be 17 and being excited about a can of soda!)
(Tutor Gina)
(Tutor Heather)
(Tutor Felicity)
(Tutor Jen)
(Friend Suelynn who also shares the same birthday with Derek)
(Brother Taylor)