On the Road Again...

OK, I've been lazy about this blog!  I've been busy! 
On 22-JUN, I traveled toward Wichita, KS, with my dogs to visit Steve in nearby Valley Center. I celebrated my birthday with Steve with breakfast at IHOP, a flea market, and later a movie and supper at the Warren Old Town Theatre.  We watched Snow White and the Huntsman.  I was OK; I'd see it again.  We were in the "Showcase" theatre where you sat at tables to watch the show.  We ordered drinks and supper.  A little spendy; but I'm worth it!
The next week proved to be VERY HOT!  Temps above 100 degrees EVERY day - sometimes 105 degrees.  I stayed inside most of the time! Did a lot of Pinterest!  And read about 5 books!  On July 4th we didn't do too much.  Still very hot!
On July 6th, Steve and I (plus dogs) traveled north toward Le Mars.  We spent the night with Steve's brother, Doug.  Saturday we went to Milford to drop the dogs off at my Dad's house.  Steve and I then went to Pocahontas to help Uncle Jerry & Aunt Nancy R. celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  Steve had been the ring bearer in their wedding on June 30, 1962. It was WONDERFUL seeing so many relatives again!  Many we hadn't seen in years!  Uncle Harley E. even sang 2 songs for the happy couple!
Later, we went back to Milford and stayed overnight there. We were happy to get to visit with my brother and family - Tim, Kellie, Carter & Garrett - up from TX.  After breakfast at Perkins, we were heading south again.  We stopped in Le Mars again to visit and enjoyed eating out at Lally's with Steve's parents and brother, Doug.  Of course, Steve stopped at Bob's to get a Bob Dog to eat before leaving Le Mars!  Finally made it home in KS at 1:30am.  The trip was worth it!
Now I'm in Fort Collins, CO.  I'll be dog sitting Marie and Jeff's 2 dogs while they go on an Allen family reunion.  I got here July 12th and will be here until after July 21st.  And yes, I have my 2 dogs with me.  That makes 4 dogs total!  The route I took from KS was about 10 hrs long and went through 4 states - KS, NE, WY & CO.  Although it was a longer route, it was an easier one.  I did drive into heavy rain and hail around Ogalalla, NE; but all-in-all the trip was fine, just L-O-N-G!  I was so exited when I left Cheyenne, WY, and could see the mountains through the smog from the fires.
I'll try to keep everyone updated on my Colorado adventures.
Until next time.....
Theresa

Princesses & Queens

Last Friday, Mary [a teacher friend from WH], her sister Jane, and I traveled to the Mall of America to tour "Diana: A Celebration," an award-winning exhibition celebrating the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Direct from England, we toured nine galleries with over 150 objects including Diana's royal wedding gown, 28 designer dresses, family heirlooms, personal mementos, priceless jewels, and rare home movies.
I'm really glad I went to this.  What an exhibit!  Diana was such a special woman!  Of course there were souvenirs!  I bought a book about the exhibit and postcards of photos of Diana's family estate - Althorp.  The tour started with Spencer family history and jewels. There was even a huge family tree of the Spencer family!  Then we moved to Diana's childhood and school days, her marriage to Prince Charles, her charity work, her death and funeral, one room devoted to her wedding gown and one room featuring her beautiful dresses. That wedding gown was fantastic!  Of course, no pictures were allowed inside. [My picture of Diana was taken from outside the exhibit.] Only a few days left to attend as the exhibit leaves MOA and MN after June 10th.  Money raised from the exhibition and sale of souvenirs will go to projects supported by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.  Find out more about the Memorial Fund at http://www.theworkcontinues.org/ or http://www.althorp.com/. Shop on-line at http://www.dianaexhibition.com/.
The weekend before, Terri and I went to the annual Bandfest Parade in MC.  We meet the 1962 Bandfest Queen at McDonald's before the parade.  Mary Beth Sartor Obermeyer represented MC as Band Queen in 1962.  We met up with her again at Music Man Square later that day where she was doing a book signing for her latest book, a memoir, The Days of Song and Lilacs.  Ms Sartor Obermeyer has written two other books.

Mary Beth Sartor Obermeyer and Me

This was a sad year for the Bandfest, though.  It was the last year that Ventura High School would be marching as a school band.  Next year the Ventura HS will be marching as part of the Garner-Hayfield Cardinals, as the schools will merge in whole-grade sharing for 2 years.
We were ready and waiting for the 76 trombones fanfare at 9am with our lawn chairs and coffee! I did get some candy, too!  Terri won a t-shirt. The parade lasted 2 1/2 hours long!

Another woman whom I'm sure is feeling like a queen is my sister-in-law, Mary Beth N.  She continues to gain strength and has even eaten some raisin toast!  Praise the Father!  We are so happy to hear her good news!

Stay Calm & Be Royal
Until next time, Theresa

3/4 Done!

Well, Folks, the end is in sight!
I am almost finished with all my schools.  Waldorf, Ventura, West Hancock - school's out!  2 days left for Belmond-Klemme.  I should be done with all PO's and cleaning by June 1st.  We don't have to complete State Reports this year!
Contracts are due to come out at B-K by the end of this week or next week.  I am at a crossroad.  What should I do?  What should I do?  I have heard from many different camps with various levels of opinions.
The dilemma? Stay in Iowa and continue at my present jobs or move to Kansas without a job.  At this point I am not qualified to be a school librarian in KS - I need a waiver from the KDE.  I can not apply for employment until I get that waiver.
Do I put what I want to do in front of what is expected of what I should do?  Am I staying in IA because of money (greed) when I should be in KS because of love?  What if I can't get a job in KS right away?  There are so many if's....
STAY IN IOWA.......
PROS: 1. I like being a librarian/having a job I like. 2. I like having my own money. 3. I'm close to my kids, Dad, a sister, and Steve's family (within 3 hours). 4. Steve says I can decide to do as I wish.
CONS: 1. Not living with Steve. 2. I don't have a job. 3. More that 7 hours away from family. 4. Living alone. 5. Winter weather. 6. Costly to live up North.
I REALLY wish someone would just look into the future and tell me what to do.  Yes, I've talked with God and asked for his guidance.  I'm waiting for a sign.  Maybe I've seen it and just didn't know it!
I'm planning 2 trips during June.  In mid-June, our niece Leandra marries her love, Daniel in Le Mars, IA.  Later in the month, Dad and I will travel to Keokuk, IA to visit relatives.  In July, I'll travel out to Colorado to dog-sit for Marie and Jeff while they go to Washington State.  My sister Tina is going to ride out with me.
Please keep the following people in your thoughts and prayers for better health: Mary Beth N., Jack S., Marc S., and Irma T.  Also that Marta M. has a safe birth and a healthy baby.
Congratulations to all the High School and College graduates!  (especially Bobbi C., Jaimie S., Taylor S., Nicole W., Kourtney J., Zac S., and Jonny E.)  WAY TO GO!!
Well, if you haven't weighed in with your 2 cents worth of advice let me know what you think!
Love you all - Theresa

Last Stretch of April

There's so much to write about!

Last Thursday was a rainy, watery day. I know the farmers need the rain, but it makes me sleepy!

19-APR-12 was the funeral of B-K teacher Lauralee S. who lost her fight with cancer last week. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

I went to my weight doctor last Friday. I've lost 14 lbs so far, but it doesn't seem like it! I've really got to get down to work!

I just finished reading Conspiracy 365: January by Gabrielle Lord. It's a 12 book series about a 15-year-old boy hunted by the law and outlaws alike for information that his now dead father has discovered in Ireland. He must stay alive for 365 days. I've ordered books 2-5 and will pick them up next Monday.  It has quizzes for both Accelerated Reader and Reading Counts.  I always like to keep up on my tween books!
On April 23, I gave away 20 books for World Book Night at a JR High Girls' Track Meet in Britt, IA.  The purpose of WBN was to spread the love of reading, person to person.  Volunteers in the USA, Ireland, Great Britain and Germany were giving out books.  Most people I gave books to were surprised that the books were free.  One person thanked me for being involved in the event.  Did you happen to see any WBN volunteers?  For more info go to http://www.worldbooknight.org/.
Steve is coming up next week (May 5-13).  That will be really nice!  He's going to be working on the Rockwell house to get it sold or rented ASAP!
Tonight is my last late night at Waldorf College.  We are open until midnight because of Finals Week.  We also have study snacks for the students.  Next week I will work for a few hours on May 2nd in the evening.
On Saturday I will be attending the Prom Grand March at the West Hancock HS.  I can't wait to see all the pretty dresses!
Well, that's about it!  Bye for now! - TR

Recap of March

There's only 2 months left of school! This school year has gone so quickly! I still have so much to do! With 3 school districts and 7 LMC's, there's always something to do!

Well, I found out that I am not qualified to be a school library media specialist in Kansas! I need a masters degree or a wavier from the Kansas Dept of Education plus a Kansas teaching license. If I get all my stuff together by May 1st and sent to them, my papers will come before their board in June. That's the earliest I would know. Until then, I can't apply for any school library jobs. This isn't something new. The state of Iowa did the same thing about 5 years ago. I was 'grandfathered' in because I had a library science degree.

What about this weather!?! I had my lawn mowed yesterday. I mowed the lawn in APRIL in IOWA! The trees are budding and plants are coming up. I hope the summer isn't too hot!

Last Friday I enjoyed fish at the KC Chicken/Fish Fry in MC. I had never had their fish before. It was all you could eat with relish tray, cole slaw, tuna noodle casserole, scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, baked beans, chicken, fish, roll & butter. To drink there was tea, coffee or water. All for $9.00. Dessert was $2.00 extra and I had strawberry shortcake.

I supped with my friends John & Terri A., Roger A., and Larry & Rae Ann S. We sure enjoyed eating at the KC Hall!! And they use glass plates and real silverware!

Eating at the KC Hall didn't do anything for my diet. Since February I've lost 7 lbs. I know, not a big number, but a number. Even Lynne noticed that I'd lost some weight! I've got to get back on track. I go back to the doctor on April 16th. YIKES!

In March, I traveled to Le Mars to attend the wedding shower of my niece, Leandra. Leandra and Daniel are getting married in June. Leandra's brothers, Derek and Chris and wife Bonnie surprised the family with a visit.

Yesterday I was in church for Palm Sunday. I'd forgotten the sweet aroma of the incense used during mass. I was close enough to the alter to really get a full effect as the smoke floated around it. I breathed in deeply. Memories of childhood came back. Easter events, visits with my grandparents, family, Lent, Catholic rituals, Christ's Resurrection. Oh, the mystery of the Roman Catholic Church....

I was glad to hear from Geoff as he had returned to the USA from his trip to the Bahamas. He went with a group from St. Olaf College.

Well, march is done. Now on to April....

TLESR

GO E-GALS!

I just want to send a shout out to the BB girls at one of my schools - the West Hancock E-Gals as they play down at the State Tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 28th! Good luck ladies and coaches. I expect to be there on Friday, March 2nd when they play in the Finals. Look for me in the stands, Anna M.!
Happy belated birthday to my father-in-law Darrell R. - you are 77 years young as of Feb.20th!
The weather here has been crazy, or I should say, still crazy all winter. We get snow, then it's 40 degrees, then 27 degrees then 45 degrees. I wish Mother nature would make up her mind! I started walking my girls [the dogs - Cricket and Nattie] every day that I can. They don't seem to mind the weather! Now there's snow and freezing rain forecast for Tuesday.
On a side note: yesterday Nattie slipped her collar & leash as we were going out on our walk. And away she went! Cricket and I headed in her direction to keep and eye on her. Every time we got close enough to nab her, she took off again. When it was time to head back home, I waved good-bye to Nattie and turned homeward. Yes, the little weasel followed us home. She tried to beat us by taking a short cut, but I let Cricket loose and she raced to the back porch, beating Nattie to the finish line!
How about that Daytona 500? It's the first time in the history of the race that it has been cancelled due to weather. I'm not a big race car fan but that's gotta hurt all those fans who won't be able to watch it tomorrow. Do you think a lot of people will call in sick at work tomorrow? :)
I'm addicted to Pinterest. Have I said this before?!? I could spend hours, yes, hours, looking at at the pins. There are are some very wierd and some very beautiful boards out there. Now if I can just find the time to use all those things I've pinned.
I'm using a new fitness incentive program. It's called My Fitness Pal and it's located via the web at www.myfitnesspal.com. There is a teacher at West Hancock School who has lost over 100 pounds in just over a year using this program to help her count calories. She's also a Zumba lover! HAHA! And I'm sure that doesn't hurt! There are several of us staff that are on MFP. Even my sister, Tina, is on it! She has lost 10 pounds so far. My chart says I've lost 4 pounds, but I think I gained some back and lost them again. :( Oh, well, I'm working at it!
I was sorry to hear of the death of Steve's cousin, Brenda Wiese Dixson's husband, James, recently. He was only 47 years old - so young. They have 3 grown sons. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family.
We never know what's going to happen or who's going to leave us. Don't forget to tell someone you love them today.
Take care and I love you all!
Theresa

War Horse

SLIP.......

• This has been a wild weekend!
• On Friday, Steve drove up from Wichita. We watched 2 movies [Super 8 & Apollo 18] and had chili and cinnamon rolls for supper.
• Lynne drove up from Ames on Saturday. Steve, Lynne, and I drove to Owatonna on Saturday evening to have supper with Geoff to help him celebrate his birthday. We ate out at Applebee's.
• On Sunday I slipped off my front porch and hurt my knee. It REALLY hurt!
• Today, Monday, I went to the doctor. Well, a cane, a leg brace, and a bottle of vicodin later, I'm off work until Wednesday. I will wear the brace for 1-2 weeks. The doctor said I may have a tear in my knee and may need an MRI to find out. This may result in the need for knee surgery. YIKES!
• Steve left for KS after the doctor appt. and he stopped by to visit his Mom & Dad in Le Mars on the way South.
• That's my short few days!

SLIP.......

• This has been a wild weekend!
• On Friday, Steve drove up from Wichita. We watched 2 movies [Super 8 & Apollo 18] and had chili and cinnamon rolls for supper.
• Lynne drove up from Ames on Saturday. Steve, Lynne, and I drove to Owatonna on Saturday evening to have supper with Geoff to help him celebrate his birthday. We ate out at Applebee's.
• On Sunday I slipped off my front porch and hurt my knee. It REALLY hurt!
• Today, Monday, I went to the doctor. Well, a cane, a leg brace, and a bottle of vicodin later, I'm off work until Wednesday. I will wear the brace for 1-2 weeks. The doctor said I may have a tear in my knee and may need an MRI to find out. This may result in the need for knee surgery. YIKES!
• Steve left for KS after the doctor appt. and he stopped by to visit his Mom & Dad in Le Mars on the way South.
• That's my short few days!

SLIP.......

• This has been a wild weekend!
• On Friday, Steve drove up from Wichita. We watched 2 movies [Super 8 & Apollo 18] and had chili and cinnamon rolls for supper.
• Lynne drove up from Ames on Saturday. Steve, Lynne, and I drove to Owatonna on Saturday evening to have supper with Geoff to help him celebrate his birthday. We ate out at Applebee's.
• On Sunday I slipped off my front porch and hurt my knee. It REALLY hurt!
• Today, Monday, I went to the doctor. Well, a cane, a leg brace, and a bottle of vicodin later, I'm off work until Wednesday. I will wear the brace for 1-2 weeks. The doctor said I may have a tear in my knee and may need an MRI to find out. This may result in the need for knee surgery. YIKES!
• Steve left for KS after the doctor appt. and he stopped by to visit his Mom & Dad in Le Mars on the way South.
• That's my short few days!

Movie Night

Last night was movie night. I watched "It's Complicated" with Meryl Streep & Alec Baldwin, "Water for Elephants" with Reese Witherspoon & Robert Pattinson, and some of "Contagion" with Matt Damon and a bunch of others. [I fell asleep] They were alright. The first movie was really funny and "Water...." had some tense moments. Oh, the circus life! Today I watched "Hot Tub Time Machine" with John Cusak.
Learned today that a former teacher-friend [Nicki S.] has a job in St. Louis, MO, starting next week. Sure going to miss eating Garner Mexican and summer sitting around fire bowls in the summer eating s'mores with her. And another teacher-friend [Marit R.] has a teaching job in MN starting next week. The class will be lucky to get Marit as their teacher. I'll miss talking with her at the Waldorf library.
My Elem. B-K Principal and his wife just adopted a baby girl. Congratulations to them! Welcome to the world of parents and kids!!
I enjoyed eating lunch with our son, Geoff, his friend, Andy, any my friend, Terri at The Lantern in MC. Had my usual tofu.
On Friday, I helped at the ticket gate for the basketball games in Britt between West Hancock & Forest City.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012 is here! I wish all of you a happy and prosperous new year!
Yesterday, Lynne and I drove back from Valley Center, KS. It was a long trip! But let's go back to the beginning.....
On Friday, 23-DEC-2011, I and the dog girls traveled to Milford, IA to my Dad's house for the start of the Christmas holiday. When we got there, we were met by my sister Trudy and her family and my brother Tim and his family - all up from Texas. Trudy, her daughter Amy, my brother's wife Kellie, and I went out to eat and shop.
On Saturday we were joined by my kids - Marie & her husband Jeff, Geoff & Lynne. Trudy, Amy and I made some holiday treats - guess whats, peanut clusters, and pumpkin spice muffins. The traditional Sherrill Christmas Eve meal of chili & oyster stew was prepared. My sister Tina and her family joined us at Dad's house for the event. 22 people enjoyed soup and card games! We missed having Devin and his family with us. Of course, holidays are harder since Mom passed away. [2009]
Merry Christmas! The crew at Dad's house were guests at Tina and Kevin's house for Christmas morning brunch. We opened some gifts and enjoyed a delicious meal. After returning to Dad's house, we rested and then opened more gifts. Tina and her family joined us for a homemade Christmas dinner prepared by the 'women' of the family. Geoff had to head back to Minneapolis to work in the morning. There were 7 dogs too! [Cricket, Nattie, Maggie, Fergie, Verdel Elvis, Bella & Max - 2 jack russells, 2 golden retrievers, & 3 yorkies]
On 'Boxing Day' [26-DEC] Tim made breakfast for us all. Dad made the Sherrill favorite ham salad for all to enjoy. Marie and Jeff left for Omaha to spend some time with Jeff's family and Lynne headed back to Ames to work. We celebrated Kellie's 40th birthday with cake. [Her b-day was 24-DEC. Happy B-day to Devin, whose birthday is 26-DEC] Later that night we had a 500 card tournament. The final four were Garrett, Dad, Richard, & Trudy. We met Adam's girlfriend, DeBraun.
The trip South: Adam, DeBraun, Addy, Amy and I [plus the dog girls] headed SOUTH. They were headed to Texas and I was headed to Kansas. We picked up Lynne in Ames. Lynne and I arrived at Steve's new house about 10pm that night.
Marie and Jeff joined us on Wednesday, 28-DEC with their dogs Jack & Lucy.
The next day, Steve and I and the kids toured Wichita, KS. We went to the Keeper of the Plains monument and the Museum of World Treasures. We ate the River City Brewery and sampled beers. That night we watched movies and ate pizza!
Marie & Jeff and their dogs headed home to Colorado on Friday. Steve, Lynne and I went shopping at a KS mall. Steve gave me some beautiful diamond earrings. Since it was Steve's & my 33rd wedding anniversary, we went out for supper and to a movie.
We're up to Saturday, 31-DEC. Lynne, I, and the dogs headed North to Iowa. I dropped off Lynne in Ames and finally reached my destination around 10pm.
Well, here it is - 2012. Not much on the agenda - some computer catch up work, email, surfing, etc. I really must clean the house! YUCK!
This day-by-day account must end...
Wishing you all the best!
Love, Theresa