My Dandelion Wishes

What a week. As I wrote in my last post TJ and I flew home to Iowa for Thanksgiving. We had a fabulous week with good home cooked foods, family and clear cold weather. We packed so much into our visit that it is hard to pick out one favorite memory as they were all so special. Everyday was an event of the best of meals. I can't pick a favorite. TJ got to try pheasant for the first time and really enjoyed that. Thanksgiving Day, just where do I start. Other than getting up early and getting the bird in the oven it was a spectacular day. Mom and Dad had worked so hard and had many surprises for us. We had the traditional Struchen food of turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy and my favorite green bean casserole, squash and sweet corn as well as a ton of salads and desserts. All the vegatables had come from their garden and were yummy. During the meal a cowbell was rung and you had to take a turkey joke out of the container and read it. Now Kate and Jo totally got...

My goodness the days are going by so fast. We are packing as much as we can into them. TJ and I left Sat morning from Sky Harbor and flew into Omaha. As we were walking towards our gate who do we run into but Cheryl and her husband. We had a quick hello and goodbye as they were off to rent a car. Once we arrived in Omaha we rented a car and headed towards our destination, Early Iowa. It was pretty cloudy, but no rain, drizzle or snow as we were informed there would be. Made it home in good time. Mom had a wonderful soup for Saturday night and we enjoyed all the family eating together. My sister Jo is spending the week with us so we have had lots of fun catching up. Sunday evening we had dinner at my brother Scott's. Lots of great photo ops in his beautiful home. Scott is the "cook" of the family and we had "Fatties, grilled pheasant breasts and lots of yummy sides Dad and his sons and grandsons Daughters and daughter-in laws Sunday am making omelets in a bag Mom, Dad...

Time is growing short and I can count the days till TJ and I leave for Iowa and a traditional Thanksgiving at home in Early. I am looking forward to just relaxing and catching up with my family. Sadly John, Jennifer and the kids can't make the trip so we will be missing them. I did a wee bit of shopping this weekend to pick up a few warmer clothes. Bet I freeze. After I return home from Iowa Kim, Colleen and I will be heading out the 1st weekend in Dec to LA and another wonderful event at Kim C's home. Looking forward to all the fun and great classes Colleen has been in Cali as Tanya's baby shower was this weekend. I was able to talk with her a bit today and the shower was a big success and lots of fun. I will catch up with her tomorrow as she flys home tomorrow am. Later this week she is heading to Washington DC for Thanksgiving with Jeff Here is a little sneak peek of ornaments for the swap at Joyeux Affaire coming soon. have 26 completed and made a total of 30 as my sist...

Yesterday I started Jessica Sprague's online class. I love it so far. I have downloaded and printed the 1st two days downloads. Have my album almost put together. Can't wait until tomorrow to see what is coming on day 3. My album in the process of being put together A peek inside Still working on ornaments and projects for Thanksgiving week at my folks. Dad says there is snow and some ice today Oh yeah can't wait!!! Look out Early here we come

Happy 32nd birthday Jennifer. I can't believe it has been 32 years since you were born. What a blessing you have been to our family. Your humor, compassion, energy, and beauty shine through in everything you do, Happy Birthday!!!! Unfortunately I have very few pics of you or TJ as your Dad took all of them when he moved back to Iowa. But as you can see I have a couple. 6 months old and you were such a cutie and had a very strong will unlike TJ who was the easy going child. Maybe it had something to do with TJ drinking all your bottles and putting them back in the refrigerator empty. You would become so impatient when I had to mix formula late at night. Hendrix volleyball team with your best friend And this year ready for your 70's Halloween party. You dressed the part of the actress in Flash Dance. You actually were pretty good with the dance you did!! And here you are with the love of your life your soul mate John. John has provided you and the kids one great, funny,stable and...

So finally it is Friday. Long week, hard work outs and many mini crisis to solve. Glad the week is done. Looking forward to relaxing, going to the vendor fair on McClintock to see Maija, and celebrating my daughter's 32nd birthday. Everyday when we are running this cute little Pygmy owl pops out of the culvert to keep a close eye on us. Today TJ, Claudia and I walked down to see if I could get close enough to get a pic. As usual she?? popped out when she heard us coming. We really couldn't get close enough for a real close pic. She would pop back in, but as we were walking back to the office TJ was able to get closer than I did as he is braver and can run faster than me and got a couple of good pics. Here she is peeking out. We figure she has a nest in here And here she is standing. She really is tiny. TJ was playing with my camera while waiting for us to get ready for our owl walk. Caught me as I was finishing up paper work. Can you tell it is Friday and a casual day? Claudia,...