cherrypies home
"CrackerJack" Meets the Challenge
Eleven Years Old and Learning
Yesterday our Granddaughter "Flossie" who is a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Junior Girls Unit (along with two more granddaughters) accompanied my wife and I on a trip to Lebanon, Mo VFW Post 4107 for a District 18 meeting. We had left home early because the route we were taking would take us down a highway where a highway wide yard sale event was happening. We stopped at many yard sales and the girls bought many items, among the purchases were VCR movies. "Flossie" found one that she really wanted to watch. We tried last night and the device kept eating the tape, luckily it didn't break and we simply gave up last night. This morning she wanted to try again so the wife got her a small screwdriver and she took the tape apart. Many small pieces fell out when she opened it upside down. I had never taken one apart and had no idea about where the parts belonged. Anyway I assisted her in getting the tape completely rewound and tight once more and then we tried to figure out where the parts went. "Flossie" is eleven but she was able to figure out where they went. It took two tries to get everything correct and halves back together. She is now watching the movie. Success is sweet.
Planting Tomato Plants
I worked this morning early tilling the soil and then installing the fences for this year's tomato plants to be tied to as they grew. This evening, following the evening milking and feeding I had plenty of help to aid to putting the plants into the ground. "Flo", "Flossie" and "Lil" were really energetic and planted 300 tomato plants in less than 2 hours. Grandson "Skeezix" helped as well. The video below shows the teamwork used to get the job done. Do I have to add that all three love eating fresh tomatoes from "Mimi's" garden?
It was a beautiful evening in the Ozarks once more.
Cheerily
IJK
Cheerily
IJK
Pvt. Ova A Kelley - Medal of Honor - Norwood Native
Friday, April 13, 2012 the overpass bridge on Highway E in Norwood that goes over highway 60 saw an addition. The bridge was dedicated to my grandfather's brother, Ova A Kelley, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for actions on Leyte Island during WWII. The dedication ceremony was held in the Norwood School Gym and I was honored that almost all of my immediate family was able to attend. Below are a couple of pictures of them/us
The family has always referred to Pvt Kelley as "Art"., his middle name. That was what his Mother and Father called him and below is a picture of his resting place.
For a more complete story on the ceremony dedicating the bridge and more photos go here:http://www.musecrafters.com/NorwoodMo/15534/Pvt.+Ova+A+Kelley+-+Medal+of+Honor+-+Norwood+Native.html
CowPa Feeds "Apple Dumpling"
Turn up the sound.
IJK
IJK
Granddaughter Feeding a Baby Calf
Granddaughter "Flossie" feeding a week old baby calf with help from her cousin "Bucky" and sister "Lil" Kids and calves just fit together so well.
IJK
IJK
Kids Swinging
New born calf 3-4-12
Thanksgiving 2011
Thanksgiving was planned to be at my Mom's this year so Glinda and I left home early and decided to go by and visit her sister Mary before going on over to Mom's.
If you look close you can still see the remains of Glinda's "Black Eye".
Glinda and I had just arrived and my brother Dino had to go outside and move cars for better parking. We were watching the Macy's Parade and I knew he wouldn't want to miss Snoopy so I snapped this one right quick. This one's for you Dino.
The photo above and the next four are us sitting down to a feast. Turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, homemade rolls, home grown sweet potatoes, cranberries, fresh home made cole slaw, cranberry ice and topped off with fresh homemade pumpkin pie and chocolate pie
The next four photos were taken back in the front room following the meal and clean-up. Found TVLand on the Dish Network and had a treat of a "Andy Griffith Show" marathon. Was privileged to watch 6 before having to leave to return home to chore. Some are planning on going to Wal-mart at 10 this evening to start the Black Friday madness.
Neither of our two sons or their families were present because they had commitments with their wives families. One in Texas and one across town. Sure missed them and the grandkids. Everyone in attendance is in at least one photo except for myself.
Cheerily
IJK
Cheerily
IJK
Pulling Trees
Yesterday the wife and I traveled to our oldest son's place north of Rogersville, Mo to help him try to remove some live tree stumps from a dry pond. The video speaks of our success. IJK
Mom's 80th Birthday Celebration
We celebrated my Mom's 80th Birthday 4 days early on Saturday, August 13th and was able to achieve a surprise. We all met at El Imperial Restaurant in Cabool, Mo just before noon and had a great meal together. We have been eating at El Imperial since the 70s and it was a natural choice for us to gather to celebrate her birthday.
Present was my Mom and her husband of almost 47 years; my brother, Dean and his wife Kim; our oldest son, Francis and his wife Jennie and children, Emma and Little Ike; our daughter Mitzi and her husband Beaudreaux and children, Skeezix, Flo, Flossie and Lil; our younger son, Jacob and his wife Amanda and children, CrackerJack and Bucky.
We were also lucky enough to have our niece, Taylor, to be our waitress for the occasion and of course she did an excellent job.
Present was my Mom and her husband of almost 47 years; my brother, Dean and his wife Kim; our oldest son, Francis and his wife Jennie and children, Emma and Little Ike; our daughter Mitzi and her husband Beaudreaux and children, Skeezix, Flo, Flossie and Lil; our younger son, Jacob and his wife Amanda and children, CrackerJack and Bucky.
We were also lucky enough to have our niece, Taylor, to be our waitress for the occasion and of course she did an excellent job.
Pumpkin Competition - entry #4
Taken 8-6-11. The pumpkin just keeps growing. Yesterdays rain and cool down is helping.
IJK
IJK
Pumpkin Competition - entry #3
The Pumpkin just keeps growing and growing and growing. We can see growth every day. This was taken on July 27, 2011.
The Roofer's Tails
The roofing job began when Mtn Grove Building Supply delivered the shingles and other supplies around 10:00 am on Friday, July 8. The crew (family) was scheduled to begin on Saturday morning, July 9th. The truck driver that delivered the 126 bundles of shingles placed them on an elevator and I staged them across the roof. We were finished with that chore around 11:15.
Saturday the 9th, I and Boudreaux were on the roof by 6:30 am after I was done milking and we began tearing off the old roof. I had to leave at 7:30 to clean up and attend my Mtn Grove VFW meeting and I was scheduled to cook for the members again. Following the meeting I received a phone call to go by Mtn Grove Rental and rent two airgun nailers for roofing. The folks there were very nice and fixed me right up. I rented two airguns, hoses, and compressor and purchased two boxes of coil roofing nails as we had 40 square to get on.
Saturday the 9th, I and Boudreaux were on the roof by 6:30 am after I was done milking and we began tearing off the old roof. I had to leave at 7:30 to clean up and attend my Mtn Grove VFW meeting and I was scheduled to cook for the members again. Following the meeting I received a phone call to go by Mtn Grove Rental and rent two airgun nailers for roofing. The folks there were very nice and fixed me right up. I rented two airguns, hoses, and compressor and purchased two boxes of coil roofing nails as we had 40 square to get on.
I arrived back at the roof around noon and the roof was just about clean and we started with the roof edge and tar paper and then we were ready to install the new shingles. We had quite a crew working. Brother-in-law came and cut holes in the roof so we could add roof vents as there had been none before. Around 4 I had to quit to milk but the others kept on keeping on. After milking it was back on the roof for me. We finally had to call a halt at dark.
Sunday, the 10th found Boudreax and I on the roof again at 6:30 am. The rest of the crew arrived later and we attacked the chore again. Oldest son did not arrive until later because he had to get us some plywood at Home Depot. We had found some sheeting that had to be replaced. Again on Sunday we worked until dark.
Monday morning found us getting on the roof again at 6:30 in the morning and it was once again hot, too hot to be there. We could only stand to be on the roof for 10 or 15 minutes and then we had to get off and in the shade drinking water and iced tea again. People were getting tired from working and the extreme heat wasn't helping any when oldest son used the circular saw and cut through the cord. Things were tense for a few moments but no tempers were completely lost. Things did get quiet and we rested a few minutes again. Once more we worked until we could no longer see.
Tuesday was coming and we were getting anxious to get done and get the rented equipment back home as it costs money on a daily basis. Boudreaux and I were on the roof by 5:30 on Tuesday and we allowed Skeezix and Flossie to help us and were done by noon.
The slide show and video were taken during various stages of the project.
Boudreaux and Skeezix are proud to be nailing on the roof cap.
Cheerily
IJK
Sunday, the 10th found Boudreax and I on the roof again at 6:30 am. The rest of the crew arrived later and we attacked the chore again. Oldest son did not arrive until later because he had to get us some plywood at Home Depot. We had found some sheeting that had to be replaced. Again on Sunday we worked until dark.
Monday morning found us getting on the roof again at 6:30 in the morning and it was once again hot, too hot to be there. We could only stand to be on the roof for 10 or 15 minutes and then we had to get off and in the shade drinking water and iced tea again. People were getting tired from working and the extreme heat wasn't helping any when oldest son used the circular saw and cut through the cord. Things were tense for a few moments but no tempers were completely lost. Things did get quiet and we rested a few minutes again. Once more we worked until we could no longer see.
Tuesday was coming and we were getting anxious to get done and get the rented equipment back home as it costs money on a daily basis. Boudreaux and I were on the roof by 5:30 on Tuesday and we allowed Skeezix and Flossie to help us and were done by noon.
The slide show and video were taken during various stages of the project.
Boudreaux and Skeezix are proud to be nailing on the roof cap.
The title of the story was taken from the fact that my sons, son-in-law and I all received burns on our tails during the roofing project.
Cheerily
IJK
Pumpkin Competition - entry #2
The competition is moving right along. I have a pumpkin growing. It is not quite as large as a bowling ball yet. If it is to reach 500 pounds it will have to gain a lot of weight on a daily basis. I will try to post a progress photo once a week.
Cheerily
IJK
Cheerily
IJK
Trip to Veracruz, Missouri
The wife and I had not been to the swimming hole known as the Mill Pond near the site of Veracruz, Missouri for several years when I made up my mind that we were going to go one Saturday after a particular long hot week. Our youngest son and his family accompanied us as our other two children were already committed to other things. Jacob and family came and picked us up just before 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 16 and off we went. We did not plan on spending the day and were back home by noon. I have posted a slide show and a video of our expedition. I hope you enjoy.
Pumpkin Competition
My nephew Lance and I were talking about growing pumpkins last summer and it was too late last year but we decided to have a contest this year to ascertain whom could grow the biggest pumpkins I ordered a packet of ten seeds from Jungs this year of their largest pumpkin offering. We each received five seeds to plant and tend. Lance lives out north of Mtn Grove near Dawson Lake and I live just south of Norwood. He called last night and said all five of his seeds had sprouted. Sad to say but only one of my seeds has sprouted. The contest is about who can grow the largest pumpkin not the most so I am still in the contest. Below is a photo of my single plant. Will try to keep all informed about our progress. Maybe he will take photos of his plants to share as we go along on this journey.
Cheerily
IJK
April 2, 2011 Family Adventure
Saturday, April 2, Glinda and I were scheduled to go to Francis and Jenni's to help burn off their old garden spot to that Francis could keep it mowed. The spot was already there when they bought the place and moved but it had not been cleaned out enough to take care of. "Flossie" and "Lil" went with us because Mitzi was busy in Norwood with Norwood Summer Ball sign-up and Boudreax along with "Flo" and "Skeezix" were in Kansas City for a baseball tournament that "Skeezix" was participating in.
We left Norwood just after 8:30 a.m.. An uneventful trip to Rogersville found us at our destination about 9:30 a.m. Jenni made a fresh pot of coffee and we had a cup before we headed out to 'play'. The spot was truly a mess as Francis had been cleaning up the hill behind his house and piling the limbs, vines and brush in the garden spot. It was also full of the old tall grass from last summer's growth. We walked around the outside setting lots of small fires so it could burn towards the center with no danger of getting away. The mowed grass around the spot was good and green and still damp from the morning's dew. Francis decided to also trim some trees that were in the fence row and around on the property while we were there so we did and piled that refuse on the fires also. As the fire burned down we found a need to rake the missed pieces together and get some bonfires going. It wasn't bad but we soon came out of our coats as the temperature rose rapidly. There was one end of the spot that the tall old growth just wasn't thick enough to burn on its own so Francis fired up his Ferris Zeroturn mower and took the grass down on that end and Glinda and Jenni raked it up and we carried to the bonfire to get it burned. It was getting on so we headed to the house to eat lunch. Jennie was getting things ready so Glinda, Francis and I climbed up to take a look at the hillside he had spent the winter cleaning up and look at his spring. Jenni had made some chili on Friday and while Francis cooked some hotdogs on the grill Jenni also made some frenchfries. After we ate we headed back to the garden spot to load some dirt and big rocks. We were going to repair a hole in the pond dam.
Francis backed the trailer as close as safe to the pond dam and we wheeled the dirt and rocks to the site. He had purchased some bentonite to mix with the soil to help seal the breach. He place rocks into the hole followed by the bentonite/dirt mix and then more rocks more mix and so on.until we had used all the rocks and mixture and had the dam holding water once again.
We then moved to the front of the house with the remainder of the dirt and big rocks and started building a wall along one side of the entrance to act as a retaining wall for a flower garden. We placed the remainder of the soil in the area and it filled in nicely. It will need another layer of wall and dirt but we thought it best to let it settle for a few rains before continuing.
Chore time was calling so Glinda and I loaded "Lil" and"Flossie" and headed home to milk.
The video below shows some of the days activities. Enjoy.
We left Norwood just after 8:30 a.m.. An uneventful trip to Rogersville found us at our destination about 9:30 a.m. Jenni made a fresh pot of coffee and we had a cup before we headed out to 'play'. The spot was truly a mess as Francis had been cleaning up the hill behind his house and piling the limbs, vines and brush in the garden spot. It was also full of the old tall grass from last summer's growth. We walked around the outside setting lots of small fires so it could burn towards the center with no danger of getting away. The mowed grass around the spot was good and green and still damp from the morning's dew. Francis decided to also trim some trees that were in the fence row and around on the property while we were there so we did and piled that refuse on the fires also. As the fire burned down we found a need to rake the missed pieces together and get some bonfires going. It wasn't bad but we soon came out of our coats as the temperature rose rapidly. There was one end of the spot that the tall old growth just wasn't thick enough to burn on its own so Francis fired up his Ferris Zeroturn mower and took the grass down on that end and Glinda and Jenni raked it up and we carried to the bonfire to get it burned. It was getting on so we headed to the house to eat lunch. Jennie was getting things ready so Glinda, Francis and I climbed up to take a look at the hillside he had spent the winter cleaning up and look at his spring. Jenni had made some chili on Friday and while Francis cooked some hotdogs on the grill Jenni also made some frenchfries. After we ate we headed back to the garden spot to load some dirt and big rocks. We were going to repair a hole in the pond dam.
Francis backed the trailer as close as safe to the pond dam and we wheeled the dirt and rocks to the site. He had purchased some bentonite to mix with the soil to help seal the breach. He place rocks into the hole followed by the bentonite/dirt mix and then more rocks more mix and so on.until we had used all the rocks and mixture and had the dam holding water once again.
We then moved to the front of the house with the remainder of the dirt and big rocks and started building a wall along one side of the entrance to act as a retaining wall for a flower garden. We placed the remainder of the soil in the area and it filled in nicely. It will need another layer of wall and dirt but we thought it best to let it settle for a few rains before continuing.
Chore time was calling so Glinda and I loaded "Lil" and"Flossie" and headed home to milk.
The video below shows some of the days activities. Enjoy.
Cheerily
IJK
Three books by Frederick Forsyth
I just finished up reading three novels by author Frederick Forsyth. The books were all published by St. Martins Press. The first I read was a collection of short stories and each story was very different from the others. The title was "The Veteran" and I really enjoyed the stories. The second title was "The Avenger" and the third was "The Deceiver". They were equally enjoyable and while they are each one long novel they were each broken down into short stories that could have stood alone. The author takes lots of twists and turns and one never knows where the story is leading. If you are looking for something good to read then try these books by Frederick Forsyth.
Cheerily
IJK
IJK
Long Day for Grandparents
February 26 was a very busy and trying day for the wife and I as we had a lot going but in reality it actually started Friday evening. The whole week had been very stressful but I will not go back quite that far. We received a call around 1:00 p.m. or so asking if we could watch Connor and Blake (1&1/2) on Saturday while Jacob and Amanda attended 'adoption class' in Neosho, Mo. Of course we agreed then found out that because they had a visitation for a dear friend and it is 2 1/2 hours to Neosho that we would have the boys Friday evening as well. That was fine but I would need to chore by myself Friday evening while Glinda stayed at the house with the boys. Blake is too young and it was too cold to take them to the barn with us.
Saturday morning started for me at 0400 as every day does and I got back to the house about 0700. Glinda and the boys were up and the boys were quite active. Glinda fixed me a three egg ham and cheese omelet with trimmings of hash browns and toast and waffles for the boys.
Jenny called about 0815 to tell us that she was on the road and I called "Skeezix" house to advise him to get up and get ready. "Skeezix", "Little Ike" (2) and I had a plan for the morning. I was taking "Little Ike" for his first barbershop haircut and since he really likes "Skeezix" I was taking him for one also. I needed one also. I feel that boys haircuts should be in a barbershop without women around so they can learn how men interact with each other. Photo below was taken as we headed out the door.
Saturday morning started for me at 0400 as every day does and I got back to the house about 0700. Glinda and the boys were up and the boys were quite active. Glinda fixed me a three egg ham and cheese omelet with trimmings of hash browns and toast and waffles for the boys.
Jenny called about 0815 to tell us that she was on the road and I called "Skeezix" house to advise him to get up and get ready. "Skeezix", "Little Ike" (2) and I had a plan for the morning. I was taking "Little Ike" for his first barbershop haircut and since he really likes "Skeezix" I was taking him for one also. I needed one also. I feel that boys haircuts should be in a barbershop without women around so they can learn how men interact with each other. Photo below was taken as we headed out the door.
You can easily see that we were all in need of getting our ears lowered. Upon arrival at Murphy's Barber shop in Mtn Grove, Mo we found we were in line behind four others so we took a seat and waited patiently and listened as the barber and others talked about fishing, sports and other 'man' subjects. It was a little over an hour of waiting before it was our turn. "Skeezix" went first so that "Little Like" would see that he didn't mind and that it didn't hurt him. The haircuts are shown in the video below.
We got back home about 1130 and I had but an hour to rest before the next excitement of the day.
I failed to mention something else I learned on Friday after agreeing to take care of Connor and Blake and that was that it was also the "Blue and Gold Banquet" for the cub scouts that Connor is participating in. It began at 1:00 p.m. so Connor put on his uniform and we headed out the door about 12:30. The "Blue and gold Banquet" was going to be held at the Baptist Church in Mtn Grove. There were a lot of people there and lots of eager young cub scouts and even some of the boy scouts attended. I got to visit with several really good people. The cub scout dens each performed a little skit and then after "Grace" was said we had the meal. The meal was good and so was the cake. Connor ate three pieces of cake after eating a big helping of lasagna. Awards were presented to the cub scouts following the meal. Photos below are Connor receiving his awards and then a closer-up shot when he got back to the table.
I failed to mention something else I learned on Friday after agreeing to take care of Connor and Blake and that was that it was also the "Blue and Gold Banquet" for the cub scouts that Connor is participating in. It began at 1:00 p.m. so Connor put on his uniform and we headed out the door about 12:30. The "Blue and gold Banquet" was going to be held at the Baptist Church in Mtn Grove. There were a lot of people there and lots of eager young cub scouts and even some of the boy scouts attended. I got to visit with several really good people. The cub scout dens each performed a little skit and then after "Grace" was said we had the meal. The meal was good and so was the cake. Connor ate three pieces of cake after eating a big helping of lasagna. Awards were presented to the cub scouts following the meal. Photos below are Connor receiving his awards and then a closer-up shot when he got back to the table.
When the Blue & Gold Banquet was done we said our goodbyes and headed back to Norwood once again. We had another party to attend before choretime.
Connor and I arrived back on the farm just before three and hurried and changed. Connor, Blake, Glinda and I headed to the birthday party for my Granddaughter "Flossie" at her house. The party was going strong when we arrived with lots of guests.
Birthday Girl surrounded by her guests. Brother, sisters, cousins and other relatives were excluded from this photo.
Opening gifts.
Following the opening of the gifts it was time for Glinda and I to start our evening chores. "Skeezix" volunteered to assist for a bit so we could get a early start and finish sooner as there was more for us to participate in before sleep came. Cake and Ice Cream would follow chores.
We found "Little Ike" finishing his supper of home made pizza that Mitzi had made for everyone when we went back in the house.
"Flossie" opted for cupcakes instead of a traditional birthday cake and she wanted a "Horse theme" for her party.
Glinda and I took "Lil" and "Little Ike" home with us and the rest went to the Mtn Grove skating rink to finish the party. First thing "Lil" wanted to do when we got to our house was play ball, so I got in the floor with her and "Little Ike' and we rolled a ball back and forth for quite some time. I finally gave up and quit. I needed to check e-mail and news and the kids crawled up in Grandma's lap. We were hoping both would give it up but were lucky that one did.
Connor and I arrived back on the farm just before three and hurried and changed. Connor, Blake, Glinda and I headed to the birthday party for my Granddaughter "Flossie" at her house. The party was going strong when we arrived with lots of guests.
Birthday Girl surrounded by her guests. Brother, sisters, cousins and other relatives were excluded from this photo.
Opening gifts.
Following the opening of the gifts it was time for Glinda and I to start our evening chores. "Skeezix" volunteered to assist for a bit so we could get a early start and finish sooner as there was more for us to participate in before sleep came. Cake and Ice Cream would follow chores.
We found "Little Ike" finishing his supper of home made pizza that Mitzi had made for everyone when we went back in the house.
"Flossie" opted for cupcakes instead of a traditional birthday cake and she wanted a "Horse theme" for her party.
Glinda and I took "Lil" and "Little Ike" home with us and the rest went to the Mtn Grove skating rink to finish the party. First thing "Lil" wanted to do when we got to our house was play ball, so I got in the floor with her and "Little Ike' and we rolled a ball back and forth for quite some time. I finally gave up and quit. I needed to check e-mail and news and the kids crawled up in Grandma's lap. We were hoping both would give it up but were lucky that one did.
"Little Ike" dropped off to sleep about 8:30 p.m. and Glinda laid him down. "Lil" was still going strong. At 9:30 she insisted that she wanted to go home, we knew no one was there but the only way to prove it was for GrandMa to walk her down there and see. They got back and it wasn't long before Jenny arrived to pick them up. 9:45 p.m. and we could now relax. Long day but lots of good times and lots of fun interacting with my Grandchildren.
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