Giving thanks

This past Thanksgiving holiday break was very enjoyable. Lynne arrived from ISU in Wednesday and Steve arrived on Thanksgiving Day.
On Friday, Steve, Lynne, and I were dinner guests of Terri & John A. in Nora Springs. Other guests included Terri's parents (Jack & Diane S.) and Terri's sister & family (Dale, Kim, & Jake K.). What a meal! 3 different meats, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, 3 different veggie casseroles, gravy, meat & cheese tray, relish tray, and 3 different kinds of pie! It was all sooooo good! After the eating, and the sad loss of the Iowa Hawkeyes to Nebraska, we watched the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and then played cards. BTW, I love that movie! I never laugh so hard! Lynne had to return to work in Ames on Saturday.
Geoff was a guest of Rebecca S. and her family in MN. Marie & Jeff enjoyed the TD meal with Jeff's family in CO.
On Saturday, Steve & I went Christmas shopping. We picked up a few things. Slowly we are getting our list completed! Steve and I 'stayed in' in the evening to watch movies and eat chili and cinnamon rolls. He had to return to KS early Sunday.
Still no snow! And I'm thankful for that! I did hear that there is a chance of snow on Thursday and this weekend, tho. :(
Now that TD is over, people are really gearing up for Christmas. Yes, I know, that started in October! Although, Hobby Lobby had tree ornaments out in July. I'm putting out my holiday stuff this weekend.
Steve is moving from an apartment to a house. His new address is in Valley Center, KS - just 8 miles north of the KWCH-TV station. He officially moves in on December 1st. I plan to stay in KS awhile during winter break this year. Hopefully, the kids will be able to get down there too.
Bye for now,
Love ya, Theresa

Trip to M.O.A.

Halloween has come and gone. :( I did dress up as a witch and read to elementary students in 2 of my schools. It was fun!
Tina, Trudy, and I travelled to Mpls. on the first weekend in November to do some shopping at the Mall of America [M.O.A.]. We arrived on Friday and left on Sunday. We stayed at the Bloomington Marriott Fairfield right next to the airport and M.O.A. The hotel provided a shuttle to/from the mall, which was great! The hotel was nice too. We had a suite and had the weekend special.
On Saturday morning we stood in line for 1 1/2 hrs outside "Perfect Fit By Clinton Kelly." The purpose? Clinton Kelly, himself, [of the TLC show What Not To Wear] was going to do 100 fashion consultations in 100 minutes. We arrived around 8:30am and were #5, #6, & #7. We were given a wristband at 10am and told to return at 3pm. The consultations would go in order of the number on the wristband. I'm glad were got small numbers, but Tina wanted us to be at the mall at 6:30am!
We returned at the allotted time, although Tina was late. We were to think of 1 to 2 questions for Clinton. It was fun to hear what he had to say. I need to wear jackets with shoulder pads and add the color purple into my wardrobe.
There was a photographer that took pictures of us with CK and if you go to http://www.mschraderphotography.smugmug.com and look through the Clinton Kelly photo gallery you will find us [I think it's on page 7].
Anyway, Tina and I need improvements, but not Trudy! She was right on target! CK asked her if she watched his show! Imagine that!?!
Of course, we wined and dined at the mall. If you get up there, eat at the American Bar & Grill. The food and service are wonderful! We didn't care for the food at Concertina 1. Tina and Trudy liked the bloody Marys at Ruby Tuesday.
With the M.O.A. = so many stores, so little time! On Sunday, Trudy flew out to be with her granddaughter and Tina and I returned home. We did stop at Cabela's on the way to IA.
I must have caught a cold or got run down because I've been sleeping a lot this past week.
Well, I hope all is well with you!
Love ya, Theresa

ORANGE You Interested In......

Today I'm ORANGE! I went to Furleigh Farms in CL, with my sister Tina, and picked out some pumpkins out of their pumpkin patch! Really I bought 6 pie pumpkins, 1 white pumpkin, 1 acorn squash, 1 butternut squash, a jar of homemade salsa, and a jar of jelly. I love autumn!!!!

I picked up this flyer on pumpkins distributed by the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).

Here are some 'Pumpkin Facts'...

1. Pumpkins are fruit - from the gourd family (cucurbit).



2. Pumpkins are the largest fruit.



3. Pumpkins come in 7 different colors - orange, green, yellow, red, white, blue & tan.



4. Pumpkins are grown on 6 of 7 continents - the only place they aren't grown is Antarctica.



5. The name pumpkin originated from the Greek word for "large melon" which is "Pepon." Then the Pepon went through cultural phases and was known as "Pompon", then Pumpion, and eventually to what we call it today, the PUMPKIN.



6. 80% of the pumpkin supply in the U.S. is available in October.



7. The bright orange color of most pumpkins is due to its richness in beta-carotene, which is an important antioxidant.



8. Anamosa was officially named Pumpkin Capitol of Iowa by the Iowa Legislature in 1993.



9. There are more than 38 pumpkin patches in Iowa.



10. For Iowa pumpkin patch info, visit http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/.



11. Native Americans introduced the Pilgrims to pumpkins and corn. They taught the Pilgrims how to grow and cook pumpkin and how to prepare dried pumpkin to last through the winter.



12. The Irish in America were the first to carve their pumpkins into Jack'O'Lanterns. They originally used turnips.



13. Stewed pumpkin was so much a part of the Pilgrim diet that one settler in 1630 wrote: "We have pumpkins at morn, and pumpkins at noon, if it were not for pumpkins we should be undoon."

I'm so exited that Halloween is only 29 days away, too! I hope you'll join me on October 29th at THE CANDY BAR (formerly THE POODLE) in MC around 8pm to celebrate this wonderful holiday! I'm dressing up as a witch. [NO comments or jokes, please! :)] Steve will be up from KS, but not in costume :( Check my FB page under events for more info. I'm dressing up for school on October 31st for the kids! Steve will be moving into a new place next month. He has rented an 1-story house 8 miles north from where he works. It has 2 bedrooms and a basement. It has all the appliances and room for the girl-dogs to run! He's very excited. I will be down over Thanksgiving to help him finish moving in.

Today I enjoyed lunch with my son, Geoff, and my sister, Tina. Tina was returning from CF where she visited her daughter Sadie @ UNI and her grandsons, Stratton & Benson, and their parents at their home. We had a nice time and a good lunch at Denny's in CL. Then Tina and I went to the pumpkin patch.

This was my weekend to work at the Waldorf College Library. It's not too bad.

My Mom's sister, Aunt Mary Margaret was in the hospital this past week and had surgery. two of her daughters, Mindy & Mickey, were able to be with her. She's home now. I hope she's feeling better. Thanks, Samantha, for keeping us up-to-date on her progress.

Our cousin, Shirley F., was also in the hospital last week and she's home now, too. Please keep these 2 people in your thoughts and prayers.

Well, maybe TMI for 1 blog! See ya next time!

Theresa

COUNTDOWN TO END OF SUMMER!

August 1st had come and gone. The countdown to the end of summer [and start of school] has begun!
From August 1-5 and 8-12 I will teaching summer school at WH. I have 11 students from grades 6-8. So far, the days have gone great! We do 1 hour of math and reading each, starting at 9am. There are 6 girls and 5 boys - if they all come. I usually have 9 students show up. So far, we've played reading comprehension board games, used the Internet to find information, played computer math games, and completed math and reading story problems to name a few things. They seem to like it.
Last week I judged 4-h exhibits at the Hancock County District Fair. Terri A. judged photography. It was her 1st time as a 4-h judge. She really liked it. I liked it too. Although it was very hot! They even served us a nice lunch! We started at 8am and were finished by 3pm.
I did attend the North Iowa Fair 4-H/FFA rabbit show. There were only 26 rabbits there! When I was super there were as many as 150 rabbits showing up. Several families didn't show this year.
Next month our niece Jessie weds Jon in Okoboji. Marie and I are wearing fascinator hats to the wedding. Marie is making them.
Well enough for now....
Until next time.....
tlesr

Let the sun shine......

It's always sunny in Iowa. At least this week it will be! The hot weather is expected to last thru Thursday. Right now it's 93 degrees, but it feels like 118 degrees! Tomorrow it will feel like 117 degrees. I have air conditioning, thank goodness! I don't let the dogs out for too long of a time.
The North Iowa Fair starts on Wednesday in Mason City. I feel really sorry for people and animals. I might go to the 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show on Sunday.
Next week is the Hancock County District Fair in Britt. On Tuesday, 26-JUL, Terri and I are judging 4-H projects. I hope it's cooler by then!
Yesterday was my husband's birthday. Ole 'Stevie Wonderful' is 54 years young. Happy Birthday to you and at least 54 more!
On Saturday, I joined Terri & John for supper at The Lantern in Mason City to celebrate Terri's birthday. I really like this Chinese restaurant. Later we went to The Candy Bar for drinks. Joining us were Jean, and April & Brad. Old pals of ours! We had a good time. The Candy Bar used to be called The Poodle, back in the days, and it was Terri's home-away-from-home in her youthful years. Happy (44th) Birthday, Terri! Love ya, man!
Lynne and I went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. I cried. I love HP and his stories. There were some surprises and explanations for events in the movie. It was a good movie, but the 1st and 4th ones are my favorite. (HP and the Sorcerer's Stone & HP and the Goblet of Fire) I've read all 7 books and have all the movies, except this one, of course. This HP & DH Pt. 2 will be my 3rd favorite HP movie. Every now and then I have a Harry Potterthon and watch all the movies in order. I can't wait to get the newest one. It will probably be out by Christmas for holiday gift giving.
July is rapidly dwindling down!!! Where did summer go?
Until next time, KEEP COOL.
Theresa

While back in Iowa.....

I've been home from my trips for about a week now. I gotta say I had a nice visit and trip. I started back last Tuesday [July 5]. I drove from Fort Collins, CO, to Fremont, NE, ALL BY MYSELF! Not really all by myself as I had the dog girls Cricket and Nattie with me. I spent the night there in a hotel Steve had reserved for me. The dog girls slept in the car.
Then on Wednesday [July 6] I drove to Le Mars, IA, and visited with my Reiter relatives. I had a nice lunch at the home of Steve's sister [Mary Beth N.] and her family, plus Steve's parents were there, too.
Later I drove over to Milford, IA, to visit my Dad and my sister [Tina S-R] and her family. Her grandson, Stratt, was there visiting for the week. My brother, Tim, and his son Carter from TX were in IA for the July 4th Holiday. That night the famous singer Damon Dotson and his wife, Dallas, joined me and Tina's family for supper and we all went out on the new boat. It was very relaxing, even it it was buggy! I spent the night at my Dad's house.
On Thursday, [July 7] I headed for home. I got home in the early evening. On Friday, I just slept!
On Saturday, Terri tricked me into going with her to Strawberry Point, IA, to return her niece, Andie, who had been staying with her and John for a week. No she didn't really trick me... Terri and I had lunch at the Franklin Hotel and it was nice. I had a chicken salad sandwich, soup, and.... yes, strawberry pie! We decided that we would make a road trip back to S.P. in October and stay in the hotel. It's supposed to be haunted you know, by a ghost named Lilly! And yes, there are lots of strawberry decorations! Did you know that there is a statue of the world's largest strawberry there?!? Get the cameras!
Since early June I have been plagued with 2 sores that will not heal. One is on my left ankle and the other is on the top of my right foot. I have been to the doctor TWICE! They were infected and required oral antibiotics. FINALLY, they are getting better, but they are still tender. I have these huge bandages that cover them. They looks odd.
All too soon the summer is slipping away.
Until next time,
Theresa

Happy 4th of July!

I hope everyone is having a great 4th of July! Tonight Steve & I, and Marie & Jeff will be guests of their friends, Sean & Sarah for supper.

Yesterday Marie, Jeff, Steve & I visited Rocky Mountain National Park. We started off from Beaver Meadow Visitor Center [elevation of 7840 ft.] and traveled up and northwest, almost to Alpine Visitor Center [an elevation of 11796 ft.] We did get to Rock Cut which is about 5 miles south of Alpine Visitor Center. DYK? - The Beaver Meadow Visitor Center was designed by the famous Frank Lloyd Wright

The roads were steep with sheer drop-offs on the sides. The park was extremely busy. We stopped at Rock Cut for lunch and pictures. It was very windy and we all put on our jackets. It even rained a little bit. We packed sandwiches, chips & salsa, veggies & dip, cookies, and bottles of water. There were restrooms there, but you had to go one-at-a-time. The toilets were like porta-potty seats but the wind could blow up them! We decided to save the Alpine visitor center for another day and turned around and headed back. And yes, there's still snow! Steve and I got some great photos!

Like I wrote, the park was full of people. We even saw a charter bus heading up toward Alpine Visitor Center. There were land rovers that seated up to 12 people too. Either way, I was glad Steve drove his truck.

Jeff told us to stay hydrated and that would help in the high elevation. Us being from low elevations have trouble, you know. Marie told me that people who drink alcoholic beverages get drunk faster if they are new to the higher elevations. You get tired faster, too. I know that when we were at Rock Cut I did get a little dizzy from the elevation.

On our way back to the M & J's house we stopped at a rock shop in Estes Park. Steve and I both got rocks and other souvenirs.

Last night we went on a haunted Fort Collins ghost tour. There were 17 in our group with 3 guides. The tour was about 1 1/2 hours long and we stopped in various places in Old Town FC. I got 8 pictures with orbs in them! There were some very enthusiastic ghosts hunters in our group! I just wanted good pics! We learned about the history of FC too. It was very interesting. I don't know that I'd go again, but I look at the buildings in a different way now and wonder. The tour company also sponsors a gourmet food tour, a wake-up coffee shop tour, and a brewery pub crawl.

Tomorrow Steve and I both leave Colorado to head home.

Until next time....

FREEDOM!

Theresa

Let Freedom Ring!

Happy American Independence Day, Everyone! I hope everyone has a great 4th of July holiday!

The Irish tourists returned on Thursday, June 3oth. I think they were glad to get home. They brought me back some souvenirs, too! I got a magnet from Newgrange, some candy, and a 'Boyle' key chain. Steve's grandma, Marion was a Boyle. The Boyles came from County Tyrone.

I think everyone [and that includes dogs] was glad to see Marie and Jeff back in Fort Collins.

Yesterday Steve drove up from KS. He had never been to M & J's new house. After a house tour, we enjoyed viewing the pictures taken on the recent trip to Ireland. What a beautiful country! Their photos really captured the green island's unique character.

Later we toured Old Town [downtown FC] and ate a mountain pie [FC style pizza] at BeauJo's Pizza. It was really good. The center of the pie is piled high with toppings. The pizza has a thick rope-shaped crust around the edge. If you don't eat all the crust you can use it as your dessert! There's honey on the table for use with the crust. They are ordered by the size of the pizza based on how many servings you want. We ordered a 1/2 hamburger and 1/2 sausage combo and a 'Skier Mike'. The 'Skier Mike' had Canadian bacon and chicken breast on it. Both pizzas were delicious!

There was quite a lot going on in Old Town. There were people EVERYWHERE! Of course, this being a holiday, why wouldn't there be! We listened to a street performer singing and watched one do tricks.

There was a woman sitting with a sign that read "I'll bet you a dollar that you 'll read this." Yes, I read the sign and yes, I gave her a dollar. I asked her if she was doing some social experiment or something. She said no, that she was jobless, with 2 kids and rent to pay. She only does this when she has time. She said she makes about $30-$40 dollars a night in donations. How sad that one has to go to such lengths to have money to live.

I saw a flyer for a ghost tour. "A guided journey into and under Old Town Fort Collins to explore local legends, hauntings, ghostly sightings, and strange happenings." There's a tour going on tonight! It lasts from 7:30-9:00pm and covers about a mile of ground. With our discount cards the cost is $10 each. Marie said she'd go with me. You can read about it at http://www.hauntedfortcollins.com/.

Well, enough of now!

Let freedom ring!
Theresa

Senior Discount? Yep!

Yesterday was my 55th b-day. As one of my friend wrote me, I can now get senior discounts. I don't know about that! Thank you to all who called me or greeted me on FB with B-day wishes!
I spent the day driving around Ft. Collins for the first time by myself. I stopped in the Barnes & Noble and then made my way to Whole Foods. I didn't do too poorly. I came back and watched a movie about Anne Frank on Netflix.
Today I went to Whole Foods again and they were have their annual birthday celebration. There was free cake and free samples and some bargain buys. A very busy place!
Tomorrow, Jeff A.'s grandparents are picking me up in the morning to go for coffee at....wait for it...Whole Foods!
I'm ending up Day 6 of 10 of doggy day/night care. I think we're getting to understand each other! Nattie doesn't like Jack roughing with Lucy and chases him. Lucy watches the neighbors through a hole in the fence. Jack wants to be outside a lot and know that when I open the pantry door it means treat time! Cricket just wants to sit by me. Today I got ready to go and was going to kennel them, but they were already in their kennels! I guess they know that when I change my pj's I'm going somewhere.
Well, the guys want to go to bed. So I'll write again tomorrow...
tlesr

Top of the Morning to You!

If you notice, I've posted this blog early in the AM. That's because Marie or Jeff didn't shut off their alarm clock. It went off at 4AM. Thanks guys! :) Not so bad, I'm a morning person.
By now, our time, Marie & Jeff and tour clan should be in Ireland and off to tour County Clare. The drive back from Denver wasn't too bad. Jeff set my GPS at the airport for Ft. Collins.
Yesterday I watched 3 movies: Letters From Iwo Jima, An American Werewolf in London, and Mrs. Brown. All movies I have wanted to see. M and J have Netflix. I also read more of the book, Mare's War.
The dogs are doing well. Last night I think Jack and Nattie were having a bark contest in their kennels. It didn't last too long and all settled down to sleep. I think today I will take each dog for a walk. They also like to go outside into the back yard. I think it's because they hope to get a treat when they get back in. Sorry!
Funny thing! I stubbed the middle toe of my right foot. There's a bruise there now. It looks really strange.
Well, I'm getting sleepy. So I will kennel the dogs and lay back down for awhile. You all have a grand day!
Theresa

Fish Tacos?!?

Yesterday, Marie, her friend Sarah, and I went to the newly opened Wahoo Fish Tacos restaurant in Fort Collins. Somehow, "fish" and "taco" just don't go together for me. Their motto says, "It's beach food no matter where your beach happens to be." The 'taco' part is that they use tortillas as the bread part of the meals. Has anyone else eaten at this place?
I had a combo platter of an enchilada filled with the Banzai vegetables served with brown rice and black beans. The Banzai veggies are a mix of peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and cabbage. There are 8 choices to fill your taco or enchilada with (chicken, pork, fish, steak, shrimp, mushrooms, vegetarian, and banzai veggies). Combo platters also include a choice of white or brown rice and black or Cajun beans. Toppings include cheese, enchilada red sauce, and/or Wahoo's green sauce.
The menu choices include appetizers, soup, salads, a Wahoo sandwich, combo platters, Wahoo bowls [filling over rice & beans], burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and a kid's menu. No Big Macs here! But they do serve onion rings and french fries.
BTW, Marie had a fish taco with rice and Cajun beans. Sarah had a blackened fish over rice and beans Wahoo's Bowl. We all liked the food. Well, enough of Wahoo's. And yes, I would go back again.
Today Marie and Jeff leave for Ireland. They are part of a 12 person private tour [all of the people are Jeff's relatives] of the Western and Northern parts of the island of Ireland. They fly into Shannon and depart from Dublin. I'll be driving them to the airport in Denver. They will be gone for 10 days. They actually arrive there tomorrow and right away start their tour. Terri A. and I gave them some hints and tips about travelling on the emerald isle. Terri has been there twice. Maybe someday I'll visit Ireland too. Since they are leaving, today starts my 1st day of dog sitting.
My Geoff is now the owner of a golden retriever puppy named Maggie. I'm not sure what to say about this.
Steve is expected to come to FC on July 1st. That will be nice!
I'll end this for now....
Love ya,
Theresa

Nauvoo-Hancock-IL

Marie says I should tell more about what I do on the trips......

When we were in Keokuk, IA, Dad and I travelled to Nauvoo, IL. My grandmother (Dad's mom) - Blanche Ann Eid - was born there in the late 1800's.

Nauvoo was started as a Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) settlement by leader Joseph Smith. However, Joseph died [murdered while he was in a Carthage, IL, jail] and the Mormons left Nauvoo. They left for a new place (Utah) in 1846 under the direction of Brigham Young.

Many of the Mormons just left homes, etc., and joined a wagon train headed to the West. In time, the Mormon Church has regained much of the property in and around Nauvoo and it is now a tourist attraction and an important city for the Mormons. A new Temple has been built there within the past 5 years and the homes and businesses of early Mormon Nauvoo have been restored.

LDS is not the only religion practiced in Nauvoo. There is a large population of Catholics and a Catholic school as well. Of course there are Protestant churches too. My grandmother's family was not Mormon, but French Catholic. After the Mormons left, other settlers moved in.

"Main Street Nauvoo" [Mulholland Street] offers the Old Nauvoo Hotel that serves delicious meals. There are other businesses that cater to tourists and Mormons alike. We shopped in a Mormon book store, a kitchen/snack shop, a custard shop, and Dad went to an antique shop. There are many more, plus a public restroom! The Visitors Center is modern and gives a history of the LDS Church, history of Nauvoo, and info about today's LDS Church.

The area is also rich in grapes and vineyards. The oldest winery in the state of IL [Baxter's Winery] is located in Nauvoo. Dad and I went to Baxter's Winery and participated in a wine tasting. Of course, I purchased a couple bottles of wine! My Aunt Ruth Ort Sherrill's family owned and operated a vineyard in the Nauvoo area.

My interest lies mainly in the genealogy building or Family History Building operated by the LDS Church. As all genealogists know, the Mormons have compiled vast storehouses of family histories, and not just of Mormon believers. I was not able to look up any info, but will on some future trip.

Well, if you want to know more about the LDS Chrch, the Mormons, Nauvoo, etc, just Google it or check Wikipedia online!

BTW: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! to all you Dads out there! Especially Stan S., Darrell R., and Steve R.

Until next time...

Theresa

Rocky Mountain High

This is my 3rd day [of 14+ days] of being in Fort Collins, CO! I followed my sister, Tina and her family here from Iowa on Thursday. They left for a Range family wedding in Colorado Springs. I'm staying here with my daughter, Marie and her husband, Jeff. I will have to drive back to IA alone.
HOWEVER, Marie and Jeff are heading to Ireland next Tuesday for a 10 day trip with Jeff's Hall family. Yes, Ireland! I'm watching their 2 dogs - Jack and Lucy - while they are gone. I brought along my dogs, Cricket and Nattie. So, we have a mini kennel going here! Hopefully, Steve will be able to travel over here for July 4th.
Last week I spent 4 1/2 days in Keokuk, IA, with my dad, Stan Sherrill. We stayed at my mom's sister, Aunt Mary Margaret's apt in Keokuk. While there we visited with my Dad's brother and wife (Dewaine and Ruth); cousins (Bobbie C., Carla B., Louie C., Bonnie M., Billy C., & Blake C.); toured Nauvoo, IL; visited Illinois's oldest winery; went geode hunting and found some; went to the courthouse for legal documents; visited the old Grover & Blanche Sherrill home in Hamilton, IL; and visited various family gravestones in cemeteries in IL and IA. It was a very busy 4 days! It sure looks like I have been doing a lot of travelling! I guess I have! I really don't mind the driving if I can take breaks now and then. You sure get to see a wide range of gas prices - any where from $3.43 to $4.00 per gallon.

It was was very nice to see the relatives again. I don't get to visit with them as much as I'd like. It seems we are all too caught up in our lives. I discovered the grave sites of my great grandparents - George Washington Sherrill and his wife Mary Matilda Skiles at the Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, IL. Uncle Dewaine told us a story for when he was a young man riding the railways to look for work in the late 1930's and he played his harmonica, too! We even went to a fish fry where we could eat all the catfish or carp we wanted. Right there on the Mississippi! My Mom sure would have enjoyed the trip!

(My Dad - Billy, Bobbie, Blake & Carla - Sharon & Aunt Mary Margaret)

Until Next Time....

Theresa

Welcome to Benson!

Congratulations to Devin, Laura, and big brother, Stratton, on the arrival of new baby Benson today. I've seen pictures and he's a cutie! This makes me a great-aunt!

The grass is getting very green here, especially with all the rain we've had. I know the farmers here in Iowa are waiting and wanting to get in their fields to work. The weather has stayed on the chilly side, but I'm hoping the sun will come out soon.

This is my last week to work nights at Waldorf College. How will I keep myself busy throughout May?!? I may be doing some day work at the college from May-August.

The regular school year is winding down too. We've received our first graduation invite.
Geoff graduates from St. Olaf College at the end of May.

I went tanning today. I don't know if it's helping my psoriasis or not. At least I' getting some 'summer' color! I know I'm tired of the itching and red patches on my skin.

I hope everyone had a great Easter holiday!

I plan to watch the Royal Wedding on Friday. Anyone want to join me?!?

LOVE YA!

Happy Easter!

As I type this, Easter morning is beginning to awaken. It's still a little chilly outside, but looks like it's going to be a wonderful day! Happy Easter to you all!
Later today Lynne, geoff and I will travel to Nora Springs to enjoy an Easter feast with the Sage-Atkinson clan. I'm bringing 2 traditional Sherrill dishes: jelly bean cone cupcakes and fluff plus scalloped corn.
What a surprise we had last Tuesday when it snowed! Some schools even got out early! The school where I was working did - at 10:15am. I did go to work at Waldorf College that evening. It really turned out to be just heavy, wet snow.
Congratulations to Jimmy & Megan A. on the birth of their new daughter, Nora Rose. What a pretty name and a pretty baby!
I enjoyed coffee and talk last Friday with Geoff and my sister Tina and her husband Kevin in Clear Lake. T & K were on their way to Cedar Falls to visit their children and grandson. Tina surprised us with homemade jelly bean cone cupcakes.
Next week is my last week of working nights at Waldorf College. Their semester ends on April 29th.
Lynne is done May 6th and Geoff isn't finished until May 12th. He graduates on May 29th.

Out Like a Lion?

The weather is still cold and windy but April is just around the corner! No snow yet, but frosty mornings. I survived my long work week! I was actually more tired on Saturday! I was a HS school secretary for 3 days. Be assured a school can't operate without a good school secretary! I hope I didn't mess up too much!!! We really missed our Peg Eisenmen at WH! WELCOME BACK, PEG!!! Saturday was a hair cut-tanning-eat lunch out day. I met up with Terri A. and we ate out at the Hungry Mind in MC. I haven't eaten there for a l-o-n-g time! It was pretty good! Later we drove over to Osage to look for the Stillwater Cemetery. Terri is doing family genealogy for Matt Dodge. His ancestors are buried there. We found the cemetery and the gravesites. We also stopped at a home show in Osage. While in MC I purchased a book about doing genealogy online. It is very interesting and has lots of info. 2 weeks ago I purchased Family Tree Maker 2011 and I've been working on about 8+ family trees. I've got that genealogy bug again so I may be contacting you for family info! Surnames: Albert/s, Boyle, Eid, Reiter, Samuels, Sherrill, Wanderscheid, and Wiese, to name a few. My sympathies go out to my 2nd cousin Dawn Ritter Monical on the recent passing of her brother, Joe Ritter. Earlier this year her sister Arlene passed away. Geoff and his girlfriend, Rebecca, spent their spring break last week visiting Marie and Jeff in Colorado. Both parties say they had a nice time. I get to go out to CO during the last week of June to watch the dogs while Marie and Jeff are in Ireland. Well, I best go for now... Love ya.... Theresa

It's Spring!

Today is officially the FIRST DAY OF SPRING! The weather is rather gloomy but it's supposed to get up into the 40's. Bad news tho, may have snow on Wednesday.
Steve was up over the past weekend. He brought the Ford Explorer up for Lynne. She now has a car of her own! Lynne is keeping the car here until she starts work this summer. Steve took the bus back to KS yesterday. He had to board at 7:45am, but was in Wichita by 7:00pm. He said the ride wasn't too bad and he slept a lot!
I have a heavy week at my jobs this week. I will be working 4-14 hr days in a row. Check on me on Wednesday and/or Thursday!!! That's 56 hours, BTW. I also work for 8 hrs on Friday. Total equals 64 hrs. I have Saturday off and then work for 8 hrs on Sunday, and then don't work again until 5pm Monday night.
Decisions have to be made about next year. Steve is wanting me to move down to KS. Right now, I know if my hours are cut any more I will. I'm also trying to decide if I can do 2 jobs. It's not hard work, but the hours are long. I'm not a young chick anymore! Sometimes those hours kill me! I can't survive on either job but itself. My job at Waldorf College ends on May 1st. Plus the driving - I have put over 3000 miles on my new car in the month I have owned it. Lynne will be a junior at ISU next year and I always had planned on staying in IA until she graduated. However, she will be 21 in June.
Yesterday I watched Sex and the City, the First Movie. (I've never watched the TV show.) Lynne wanted to watch the movie, so we did. It wasn't too bad.

Well, until next time....

HAPPY SPRING!

Theresa

"A top 'o' the morning to you!"

The weather temps are getting warmer! Does that mean spring is right around the corner?!? I'm sort of worried as March did come in like a lamb. You know what they say? In like a lamb, out like a lion.
However, March does bring one of my favorite holidays! St. Patrick's Day! I'm wearing green and/or orange from March 13-19 in honor of the Irish. ERIN GO BRAUGH!
Lynne is home on spring break all week. Steve is driving up the FORD explorer for her on Saturday. Then she'll have her own car! Next week Geoff has spring break and he's going out to Colorado to visit Marie & Jeff. I guess I sort of had a break last week when Waldorf College was on break as I didn't have to work at the library. My school's spring break is in April.
Since we last visited, Lynne was in a car accident in February. My car was totaled. Lynne is OK, BTW! I now have a new-to-me car - a 2009 FORD Fusion, white suede in color and low miles. I even have SYNC and SIRIUS RADIO!! Steve bought a new 2011 FORD 150 pickup. It is metallic silver in color and had only 300 miles on it. It rides real nice!!

There are 2 kinds of people... Those who are Irish and those who wish they were!

Until next time,
Theresa O'Reiter

Who's Bad Honors Michael J. Jackson

On Saturday, Terri A., Barb A., and I attended the performance of Who's Bad - the Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band at NIACC. The show lasted almost 2 1/2 hours long! It was great! The costumes were realistic and the MJJ impersonators believable. I wasn't Micheal's great fan, but I enjoyed the evening. I think Terri A. is his BIGGEST FAN - she knows all the words to his songs!
The tribute band was formed by Vamsi Tadepalli in 2003, dedicated exclusively to performing the music of pop icon Michael Jackson. Band members are Tadepalli (saxophone and dance), Taalib York (main MJJ), Darion Alexander (bass guitar), Joseph Bell (2nd MJJ), Nyk Baglio (drums), Patrick Cross (lead guitar), and Ray McCall (trumpet and dance). The group has performed for crowd numbering in the thousands and has opened for BOYS II MEN, BACKSTREET BOYS, and THE FOUR TOPS. See this band if you get a chance!!
Later we were joined by Barb's husband, Roger, and met up with Terri's sister and husband (Kim & Dale K.). The occasion was Dale's 50th birthday. Here's a wish for 50 more b-days to you, Dale!
Snow last night has caused a 2 hour school delay. In facr we're under a winter weather advisory until 6pm. I work at Waldorf at 5pm. Things should be better by then.
I spent the day Sunday watching movies with Terri. her husband, John, was at a tractor pull in Illinois. (Jaws, McClintock)
Lynne came home for the weekend. She doesn't have school today. She'll head back to Ames with Macayla later today.
Well, this week looks like 4 nights of Waldorf (M-Th) & 4 days of school (Tu-F). It will be a heavy week! Wake me up on Friday evening!
Guess I better end for now!
Theresa

Nicki & Devin say "I DO"

Yesterday I attended the lovely winter wedding of Devin & Nicki [Gretillat] Sasso. Nicki is a colleague of mine at the Belmond-Klemme Schools. The wedding was held at the Garner United Methodist Church with the reception being held at the Duncan Hall. I enjoyed a good dinner, some beverages, and dancing! Nicki will remain at her job at B-K while Devin heads to enlistment in the U.S. Navy. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Sasso!
Two of the students I know from Waldorf College were there also. Tori is one of the student assistants that work in the WC Library with me. Her boyfriend, Eric, is a usual fixture at the library even when Tori doesn't work. Funny thing. There was a raffle for "the garter" and I bought Eric a ticket. You guessed it! Eric won! He wore Nicki's garter on his arm for the rest of the evening.
Friday was a day from hell. The morning started out with beautiful, fluffy snow - really only about an inch or so total. Then the wind came up! I was working in Forest City that day. At 2:30pm I decided I better go home. IT WAS TERRIBLE!!! I drove the 18 miles at 20-30/mph with complete whiteout. There were times that I stopped on the road because I couldn't see anything. When I reached the intersection of HWY 18 and 69 I was scared stiff! There were several cars ahead of me and some behind, but no one wanted to venture out into the intersection. Finally we all took our chances and drove the 2 miles into Garner. Lynne and I went to the local Pizza Ranch and loaded up on pizza and chicken and then headed home to chill out.
Some schools let out for the weather and some didn't. FC schools kept their students until the weather got better, but parents could pick them up. B-K and WH didn't let school out early. That was too bad because 2-4pm were the worse times to travel.
This next week I return to work at Waldorf College after being off for 3 weeks. I will have to get used to those late hours again!
The new year is off and running! Take care everyone!
Love ya,
Theresa