Tackla

She came into our lives
Almost 15 years ago
Not another such companion
Will we ever know
She was a happy one
Who loved to swim
Walks in the woods
She was never done

There came a day when

Her tail quit waging
Walks were no more
The swimming stopped
She just lay on the floor
We loved her enough to let her go
It sure wasn't easy but it had to be so

As she fell asleep in my arms I said to her
Go find Granny, Skin and Pixie too
And wag your beautiful tail
Like you used to do.

Julia's Little Sister

Julia and I spent two days together while Momma, Daddy and baby Shelby were in the hospital. Julia and I visited them the day after Shelby was born and then the two of us headed home. Julia was pretty concerned about Momma, having seen her in a hospital bed with things in her arms. She constantly asked, "Momma OK" and "Momma sad"? At one point she snuggled on my lap, gave me a big hug and said, "My Gamma". Talk about melting..yup that was me. (ps-have I always had the big huge nose???)

Her and I had a major 'photo shoot' We put on the dress that I made for her (as well as one for Abs and Dezbah) and took some pictures. Julia surprised me in that she seemed to totally get into me taking her pictures.

Looking a little thoughtful here isn't she. I am betting that she was thinking about her momma.
There were a series of shots on this step. I just kept shooting as she moved/posed haha.
She liked her dress and thought the pockets, and buttons on the pockets, were pretty fun.
At the hospital she spied the stethoscope and checked daddy's heart...yup he has one for sure :)
Just a nice shot.
Big sister helping daddy put Shelby's hat on
Checking out those little feet
Gamma and her girls


The Leonard family
I stayed until Saturday when Kelly's folks came from Michigan. David and I head back next week sometime as Kel's folks will be gone and Len goes back to work. Can't wait to see the girls again!
Lenny and Kelly report that all is going well at home, Julia seems to be adjusting well to being a big sister.

Early But Good

Shelby Marie Leonard was due to join her sister Julia July 28th. However much like Mother Nature you just cannot control those little ones once they decide it is time to say hello.

Here I am in the middle of dehydrating peaches and freezing blueberries and raspberries when I get a call from Kelly......she is on her way to the hospital etc. A bit later Len calls to fill me in. Kelly's water broke, Julia is spending the night at her school friend's house and Kelly's parents are not due to come until Monday (I think). So can I come down in the am in order to get Julia from school by 2:30? Are you kidding...of course I can:)

Shelby Marie Leonard was born at 11pm-ish. She is 7.5 pounds and is 'a tiny little girl' says her daddy. She also looks exactly like her big sister. Both Shelby and her momma are doing very well.

Pictures to follow and more information once I get to Nicollet:)

Grandparent-hood, it's the best.

Friends

David and I are always pleased when friends (and family) make the effort to spend some time with us in northern mn. It is a bit of a drive but I think worth it for not only the two of us but those that are spending a fun weekend at 'Woelpern's Resort' :)
And for this particular visit I made our guests their very own can koozies

The girls spent an entire afternoon floating in the pool while the two fellas tackled fishing on a local lake. I am betting that Melissa's boyfriend Tom was ever so glad that he and David hit it off.

Peeko, as always, didn't want to be too far from the fun.
The group around the campfire
Roasting marshmallows
And making torches...ooops
And of course these is souvenir shopping in our little town where I, the only resident, looked like the only tourist carrying my camera and snapping pictures
It was the "Free Samples" promise that Chrissy spied.
Shopping while a bear looks on
Oh Jess......do ya think she was having a good time :)
We sampled and we bought..or Chrissy bought and we helped eat!
And yes we even checked out the local pub. It was the first time that I have been in the place (imagine that).
Cheers
It is a good little place that allowed us to...well I wanted to say make fools of ourselves but heck no we were just having fun tossing popcorn. Which Jess caught....in her mouth.
Back at the 'Resort' we geared up for a game of Shoot. Got the beer and the quarters ready to go.
Holding em close
Chrissy
Kim
Jess
Kimmy
David
Melissa
And Tom
The games went well into the night, midnight and 1am
Poor Peeko just wanted it all to stop so he could go to bed.
Stop it did and all too soon. The group pulled out Sunday morning. We had a blast and have all decided that this is a mandatory annual affair.

Dood's Brood Comes North

Some came in cars
And some on bikes

Dood's Brood spent their annual summer vacation in northern MN this year not far from us. Since I am an adopted member of the Brood, David and I were part of the vacation for a day.

There were twins
Caden and Delaney (Curt and Kathy's grand babies)

And flips (Lisa and Stan's boy Sam)
And little sister looking up to big brother (Scott and Lisa). Did I mention that there were plenty of cocktails as well.
And Jello shots (AJ, Lisa's girl who is a riot)
And games. Yes even David threw a bag or two.
And 'The Old Sea Dad' looking to ride a Sea Plane
This may just have been Dood's favorite part of the vacation by the look on his face. I don't know if I have ever seen him smile so broadly and for so long!
Dood, Scott, John, Zak and Issac are in this plane
And of course there was a little relaxation with a drink in hand:)
The Brood numbered 17 on this day with more to come for the weekend and a few missing. That truly is a brood. But a fun bunch it is and I am honored to be an adopted member. It was a fun day, thanks you guys you all are great. Keep the tradition going for years and years. And don't neglect to invite us David and I :)

They Put On A Pretty Good Show

We seem to have more deer this year than ever before. David planted prairie grass down below and the deer seem to enjoy it. Old eagle eye deer watcher says he has seen 5 different bucks, lots of does and of course a momma and her twins. Tonight these four came to entertain us.
You don't often see a buck and a doe in the same area. Momma and her twins seemed ok with this smaller buck. I wonder if he is her off spring as well.
One of the twins frolicked close to the buck and seemed curious about him.

Lookin damned cute in the dry pond. (Not to worry soon to come visitors of Woelpern's Resort. It will be filled when you get here)
The two together. It was a blast to watch these two kick, run, jump and just enjoy life while momma keeps a close eye.
On their way back into the woods. Again, very unusual to see a buck with a doe and her fawns this time of year.
Jan, the lady slippers at just at the end of their bloom time. Someone told us that they were in full bloom a week ago and we were lucky enough to spot a few still looking good.
I did find fuller blooming lady slippers deeper into the woods.
They are in the ditches and woods about four miles from our place. Wish we had some in our ditch....
Have a safe and fun 4th of July everyone.