Jo Robinson Memorial Service

Arts' older sister, Josephine, passed away in her sleep on November 25. The family gathered at her church in Estacada for her memorial service. She served in her church faithfully and they will miss her a great deal along with us. Here are some pictures of family members. I did not think to take a picture of her photos close up, but this is a picture of Jo and Gary from this summer in Minnesota.

Treats, Clocks, Cars

Well, it was trick-or-treat at Moms' house tonight. Judi and Angie came over to 'help' out. Judi, John and I cleaned up the sidewalk removing moss and grass making it safer for the kids. Angie and Mom made cookies. Then us girls drew faces on the pumpkins so we can still use them for pie later. Then after dinner we put in a movie 'Love Comes Softly' and took turns answering the door for trick-or-treaters. There were 62 in all, so we had some candy left over. We had tracts from church to hand out, too. Kids tracts with optical illusions, jokes and interesting things. So, thanks to the family who provided the tracts, the gospel went out tonight, . Then at 9:00 we turned off the porch light, brought in the pumpkins and turned the clocks back, all ready for tomorrow. Poor Art, he worked on the car allllll day, after picking up the right part from Napa this morning. This is his fourth day on the project, I think. But, hopefully with new main bearings and rod bearings the oil pressure stays in the zone.

One week down!

Just one week into our winter escape, only 23 to go. This might prove to be an aggravating winter, we'll be spending lots of time looking for stuff. I don't mean looking for Mom's keys, either. Actually we do spend a lot of time doing that and I don't mind that at all (Mom is such a character). No, aomebody has re-arranged everything in the workshop and around the yard, so if you want to use something it will require searching for it. As if losing your Dad isn't enough, all the places he had set up to work in are totally disassembled. The 'stuff' isn't the important thing, but it's memories you would like to hang on just a little longer. I was not ready and sure do wish we could have been given a few months or at least a few weeks before somebody started destroying this place. A little consideration would have been nice.

Snow Birds? Sea Gulls?

Most people go south for the winter, but we're different, we head west so Judi calls us 'Sea Gulls'. But Art calls them 'feathered rats' so I probably won't adopt that name for our westward migration.
It's that time of year again, when we start buttoning up our 'summer' home and head for our 'winter' one. I'm already missing our country life and we haven't left yet. When I work in the garden surrounded by fields and woods, it is sometimes so quiet I can hear little birds in the brush a long ways off. It smells so clean, (except when some skunk is wandering upwind of here), that I can imagine what the pioneers must have felt long before motors and such appeared. And I'm really going to miss my kids and grandkids, they are all so special to me. So, going without seeing them for half a year isn't a pleasant thought. We visit with Jody & Dave and crew most because they are closer to us, with Arte/Meriden in Mankato, Karen/Trevor/Barret in Hawaii (David in Afghanistan). But I did get to see Arte and Meriden in March and Arte did come here this week for a very short visit. He got to see his newest nephews for the first time.
I tried out the pop-up pickup camper one time, in Jody's yard for one night. I enjoyed that. We got to take the little guys out in the yard to play, and had a blazing bonfire after they went to bed. I woke up to the smell of a foggy morning, which reminded me of the beach, so I got a little homesick for Oregon.



Jody and Dave are enjoying those two little Champas, they are growing up so fast. I can't imagine what new tricks they will know by the time we return.




Yesterday I worked in the garden for hours but there is still lots to do. At least I got a start on cleaning it out. Still have all the tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, two broccoli plants and one pepper plant, that's it. This is our last week so I know I have to step up the pace a little if I'm going to be really ready to go.

Get ready for winter

It is so beautiful today, one must appreciate it because the weather man is saying next week 'fall' arrives, with frost and cool temps. We are trying to get ready to go out west for winter, but I feel so unorganized, just can't get my act together this year. I am already missing my family and home here, seems like we didn't get to see them much this summer, our plans for fishing, camping and bike rides just didn't happen.
We did get to spend a day in Grand Rapids, mini golf was fun:





I don't think anyone added up the score, I'm sure I would have come in last if we knew. The twins loved the flowers, also loved the colored golf balls, so we took turns with the ones they weren't playing with.

Really Missing Dad

The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning, that God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
In Loving Memory
Of Ray Barber

This has been one sad month for me, joining the ranks of those who have lost a parent. My dad has been gone for 3 weeks. We got through most of the paperwork and now we must go on with other things. Still we'll never forget how much he meant to us. A hole remains in my heart, I'm sorry if I can't be myself, since I don't feel 'right' or 'whole' just yet. I've been having flashbacks of things we did and talks that we had. Even though we're back in Minnesota life isn't the same, but I know we have to pick up and move on with this year. It seems like it would be better if things were put on hold for a while to give a person time for mourning, but it isn't meant to be. Just gotta keep going, the Lord is giving me strength day by day, I couldn't do this without Him.

Catching Up

Wow, it's been over a month since I posted anything on this blog! Just keeping too busy since our second return from Oregon. We had a Braford Family reunion in Grand Rapids on June 6th, with family here from Oregon, Michigan, Washington and Missouri. I got the garden all ready and planted on the 9th and 10th of June. Then there was a small break one week so I started clearing the house out for garage sale which will hopefully happen sometime this summer. The place is still a mess, I keep getting interrupted from my goal. We bought a pop-up pickup camper which needed fixing, so hours were spent on that project. Mom Bush had an 87th Birthday party on July 3rd. Her brother, Jack, came for a short visit from Michigan so we got to see him, too. Now I'm working on Vacation Bible School which starts next week.

June 6 - Jean, Jane, Jo & Joyce - Braford sisters. Jack (Janes twin from Michigan) couldn't make it this weekend for the reunion.

June 10 - Art caught this big Northern Pike when brother Kevin was visiting. Last time he caught a big fish Kevin was with him, too. Way back when he was a kid.

June 23rd - Bought this pop-up truck camper.

June 27th - Hibbing Fourth of July Parade

July 3 - Mom Bush 87th Birthday

Fourth of July - Jody invited us to her house for a bbq. Daves' brother George, his sister Amy and husband Nick came, too.

July 5 - Visit to Mankato to see Arte and Meriden, towed home his broken car.

Makayla plays some tunes, Nathan 'standing by' in case flute gets close enough to grab it.

Jacob woke up from his nap to help, but still no luck getting that flute.

First Birthday Pictures

First Steps

Well the little guys are learning to walk, and they are so adorable, Grandma thinks so.

April shower

It rained today and we really needed it. You can almost watch the grass turning green, it was that thirsty. Nothing major to write about, but there are so many little things that just take all my time. I know I should be working on cleaning up the yard, sorting through stuff from the Rockwood and cleaning flower beds, but nothing done in that area. Besides the usual daily activity, I have been trying to fix my laptop, working on the Ladies Tea program, going to garage sales, we even went to Makaylas 13th party for dinner and brought Kaleb home with us. It is good to visit grandkids one at a time, you have one-on-one conversations and get to know them. Target practice in the yard, using bb guns and slingshot. The pop cans were pretty safe, but we did manage to hit those cardboard box targets.

We have gotten in some walks, sometimes at Jody's, and here on our road, too. Lucille and Breanne went with us last time, but it was windy and cold, not the best weather for it. Here's a picture of Mak and the twins before our first walk, when it was still pretty 'wintry'. I wish all the kids were closer to us, so we could do more things together, it would be great. We are planning a visit to see Arte, Libbey and Meriden this week, that will be nice. Life is pretty peaceful at the moment, I'm enjoying the lull before the garden and all the summer activity that is soon to come. We had a business meeting at church tonight which lasted less than two hours, amazing! The Lord is good!

Florida Flamingo

Kari took a picture of flamingos at the Honolulu Zoo for me because they remind me of her. Way back in the 80's she brought me a ceramic flamingo with a thermometer on it which she got while visiting her Grandma Lee in Florida. I kept it, of course. Here it is, just a special reminder of her travels as a kid. Thank You, Kari!

Jacob and Nathan video 2

Well, here is the other video from Sunday, I never get tired of watching these little guys. Jody came out to visit today, so if the videos I took are good ones, I'll try to post them later. ttfn

Video of Jacob & Nathan

I could not get the video to embed, maybe I will figure it out and put the next video on the right way? ...Thank you Kari, for figuring out this mystery!

Our northern MN family

Finally on Sunday afternoon we were able to leave the house long enough to see Jody, Dave, Kaleb, Makayla, Jacob & Nathan. Jody invited us for delicious dinner, and we got to 'catch up'. Greeted first by Jack and Jenna, they remembered me for sure. Kaleb and Mak have grown so much it is unbelievable, makes me feel shorter than usual. The twins have changed so much, it was great to see their new 'talents'. They are both standing, moving very quickly across a room to find something to chew on, and they can make noise, Jacob especially. Here is grandma with Nathan, Jacob and Kaleb. Next time I'll try to get pictures of them standing. More to come...

The Trip

We got to spend some time with Kevin and Wendey the weekend before leaving. We discovered how much you can stuff in the trunk of our Bonneville. There were 10 Rubbermaid totes to return because we no longer needed them. A valiant attempt was made to place them in the trunk of their Prius, and most fit, but not all. Then they were able to pack them tightly into the Bonneville trunk. But they do have us beat hands down in the mileage department. I enjoyed the day, we had a good visit. Then the day before leaving Oregon, Judi, granddaughter Bettina and great-granddaughter Rayven came to visit. I got to see her for the first time, she is one year old. It was not a good day for the little one, she had stomach upset, so the day ended with them leaving to visit the doctor. I'm glad they could give her something to settle her system.

Our trip started at 3:38 a.m. the next day when we left Willamina. Our first night was spent at a Missoula campground.

We were blessed with beautiful weather over all the mountain passes, the scenery is so gorgeous.

It gets a little monotous after the mountains, when you have about 800 miles of high plains and prairie through eastern Montana and through most of North Dakota.

At the begining of North Dakota we see the badlands, that provides a break in the scenery for a while.

Finally on the third day we came to our own driveway, filled with snow, which is no surprise. Thanks to Dave and Jess, the end of the driveway was cleared out so Art had very little plowing before he could back the Rockwood alongside the house.

It's good to get home, especially Monday afternoon, when all our utilities were working again.

March 5, Jo & Gary, Kevin & Wendey and Doreen took Art & I out for dinner, since they knew we were leaving soon and we hadn't gotten all together yet. Art was finishing up his fifth wheel frame to take, and I was packing things up to bring back to MN because we were leaving our fifth wheel behind in Oregon. The Rockwood needed some warranty repairs done, and the manufacturer wanted to do it in Elkhart, Indiana, and it needs to be emptied before this work can be done. Sooooo.... homemade trailer stays behind in Oregon, and the Rockwood will be going home with us so we can unload the contents at home. This is not what we planned. Well...we had to re-plan our trip home. Meanwhile, Judi and I got to have our annual beach trip: shopping at the Tanger Outlet, on to Depoe Bay and a little sight seeing.

Let's see, where was I? We were in Oregon, I was about to post a picture of my flower bed, but I did not get it fully weeded before things got crazy. I'll try to get things caught up to here and now. First, the flower bed on March 2nd: There are crocus, narcissus, tulips, daffodils, poppies and more I don't know the names of, plus shells and artificial flowers to fill in. Next year I'll try to finish it, if anything survived after the fifth wheel ran over it.

Niña at the Ranch

We've returned, after our month long 'back & forth' journey to Oakland. Niña-sitting mostly, plus watching Doreen's place till she returned from her Florida vacation. I felt we were on vacation in the big house and open spaces, it was an enjoyable stay, even though they have no fast internet service available there (the only draw-back I could see). She goes to a great church in Yoncalla, with a good pastor and very nice people. The weather was very mild, too. We had company, Kevin was there three days, then Davy for three days the first week. Then the second week Dad was with us for 3 days. It was nice to be close to Aunt Jo so we could visit her more often. Mom stayed with her for a few days, after not seeing her for about 3 months. Art worked on the wood-splitter he is making for Doreen.

This is what he got done so far. (Nice wheels, thanks Non!) Now we're back to our fifth-wheel and he is making a trailer to take back to MN. We have lots to do before we head East. The Lord keeps us busy, and we haven't been bored, for sure. Bless You All!

January

Well, 3 weeks have gone by since my last post. We've been to Sutherlin for a week and a half and back again. Art stayed there with Doreen while I spent a few days with Aunt Jo for her cataract surgery (left eye). There was a problem with the implanted lens, and she needs to have a different one put in tomorrow. Hopefully that will work out okay for her this time. The pictures don't load very well on dial-up, and it was so neat to come back and see all of Kari's pics, and the new ones on Jody's site. We've kept busy here so the time is going fast. Then next week we'll be back to Sutherlin to spend a couple weeks dog and house-sitting while Doreen is in Florida. When we get back to Willamina there will be lots to do, and start the countdown before we head back east.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone!

We had Judi & Non, Shirley & Stan for our New Years Eve get-together. We played Rummikub, worked on a jigsaw puzzle, ate some goodies and did a lot of visiting. Except Art, who was in the fifth wheel all day alone, since he is trying not to spread his cold around, but he did get some rest, which is good when you're sick.

This is the time of year for reflection and I mostly reflect that I miss my kids and grandkids A LOT!!. But the time has been going by fast lately, there is so much to do here. We stayed pretty busy these last couple weeks, even with the snow storm. We canned pumpkin and applesauce, did our Christmas baking & delivered some to neighbors, got everyone to their appointments (the ones that didn't get cancelled) and managed a couple jig saw puzzles in between things.

Art is sick with a head cold now, but we'll head down to Sutherlin tomorrow, then to Eugene for family stuff if he is okay to travel. Praying that it doesn't turn into bronchitis. He has been inside all day, and feels a little better tonight.

The rain is coming down in buckets and the wind is blowing hard at times, but this is Oregon. I think I might be getting webbed feet again, they feel a little weird.