March 1st is my friend Ellie's Birthday (that's E.L.L.I.E)

I'm back....

I've been away for awhile.  I was out of town for some of that time and my computer, Levi, died last week.  I finally broke down and bought a new computer...meet Oscar.

Winter just arrived today, leap day.  Makita is going out to plow early this morning.

 

Not Much Food Left for the Birds

Wild Kingdom at Irish Acres

New Faucet in the Kitchen

Yesterday Makita installed a new kitchen faucet at Irish Acres.  There was some cussing and a couple times he hit his head.  At one point he was called out to an auto accident, so everything came to a screeching halt.  He had to stop once to go buy a longer water connection hose.  All that being said, it was a normal project for him. But it works like a champ.  No more dripping.

Ta-Da

After over a year of laying outside the canoes finally have a home in the garage.  Saturday my dad came out and put up 16 feet of florescent lights (that made a HUGE difference) and then Sunday he came out and put together the canoe lift station.  It cranks up and down to lower/raise the canoes.  Very handy and they are totally out of the way.

Redneck Spike

I might be looking for a new hobby.  Boredom causes chaos.

Kiehra's First Band Concert

This past Monday night was Forestview Middle School 6th Grade Band Concert.  Grandaughter Kiehra did a great job!

Flutes are front and center.  Kiehra is right up there in front of the band leader.

Nikki Heads off to AIT

My Niece Nikki is leaving tomorrow to head to Fort Jackson in Columbia South Carolina to do her AIT (Advanced Individual Training) for her MOS (Military Occupation Specialties).  Nikki will be gone about 7 weeks.  Her MOS will be Chaplain Assistant.

She couldn't leave without a "last supper". 

Here she is last night enjoying hot wings and a really big ice cream dessert.  Good luck with your PT Nikki :)

Box Seats at the Jobing.com Arena

While in Arizona we went to a Coyotes vs. Bruins NHL game at the Jobing.com arena in Glendale.  We had box seats and it was awesome.  The Coyotes lost in overtime to the 2011 Champions from Boston.

They may have served a few cocktails there..........

Makita Rides on Christmas

 Christmas day and the following day, Makita was lucky enough to ride motorcycle with his cousin Bryan in Arizona.  It was a beautiful day (most all are there) for a ride.

Holipalooza Continued

Keihra after coming out of one of the waterslides.

Tonya and Lindsey shooting out of a slide on a tube.

Kaylie and my Niece Nikki in the hot tub.

Me and Kaylie

Ahhhh .... Sweet Lindsey

Good grief here comes the old fart squad.

Ahhhhh.... Sweet Kaylie

Lindsey enjoys a gi-hugic ice cream cone.  Kyle behind her is most likely checking out the girls.

This was a typical site that night.

Slainte or Kippis if your Finish (Suomi as displayed on Mike's shirt)

Holipalooza with the Kids

Our Christmas celebration was spent at the Holiday Inn Express in Baxter.  We played in the waterpark most of Saturday and partied into the weeeeeee hours of the night.

Kyle, Mike, Makita, me, Josh in the back, Kaleb - the middle row of one, Kiehra, Tonya, Lindsey and Kaylie down in front.

Good Thing the Birthday Boy is a Fire Fighter

Slainte

My Friend Jessica Stiffarm Deployed to Afghanistan

Yesterday Jessica left Minneapolis to start her next adventure.  She is being deployed to Afghanistan for one year.  This will be Jessica's second deployment.  Her first was in  Kuwait, from 2007 to 2008.

Jessica serves us in many ways.  Not only is she serving us all as a Staff Sergeant in the Minnesota Army National Guard but she is also a police officer for the Mille Lac Lake Tribal Police.

I don't think we can thank her enough.  I for one am very proud of Jessica.

Safe travels my friend.  Keep your eye on the ball.

 Read and watch the clips below:

Kanabec News Article - Stiffarm

Kare 11 News Clip - Jessica Stiffarm

Meet New Grandson Hank

Josh's new baby.  Look at that face.  So cute!