Updating our Beloved House, Charlie Knapp Builders

When Grandma Mimi came to live with us in 1998 it was apparent our quad in Pleasant Hills would present problems because of the steps.  For two years we looked for a ranch without success.  So we saw a lot out here in Charterwood and at age 65, we built 10281 Old Sawmill Road with contractor Charlie Knapp.  Both Paula and Charlie became dear to us and they adored Grandma Mimi and so they told us if we wanted to go away, their daughter Kendra would be glad to spend the night. Grandma Mimi was sharp as a tack. The Knapp's soon developed a lovely relationship with Mim.

When we decided to "update" our house, Paula said they would be happy to help and thus about a month ago, the adventure began.   Scroll down a bit on the Facebook link and you will see a picture they posted!  Go further down and a note from Ed appears.

Andy, Wes Kaeb and Jason Kaeb.  We served the fellas lunch and
  gave them pussy willows which they loved!

Have Been Thinking about The Notorious RBD

Jane Pauley does an excellent interview with the oldest Supreme Court member, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg has written a new book, All Rise.  Must get it!

Boooootiful Roses, Valentine's Day 2017

Jane Lynch Receives Honorary Doctoral Degree from ISU

And I was there to see this ceremony which is the closest thing ISU has to the Oscars, said President Larry Dietz.   As a part of Founder's Day, many people receive awards, including the Distinguished Professor Award which Daad received in 1997 with only 2 awarded each year.  

Jane still dreams about ISU, especially the quad in autumn.  On the ACT she received a score of 13!  She was closed out of a class so decided to take a theater class just for the hec of it, after which she breathed, ate, and lived theater. She never attended her Spanish II classes but did show up for the final.  Her professor knew of her talent and so gave her a very easy exam.
The essence of her beliefs --

     Goal setting may be restrictive
     Never use the word "should"
     Intelligence means creativity
     Don't be a humorless do-gooder  

Daad's New Snow Blower

It is February 8th and down came snow, enough for Daad to try out his new snow blower.  He reported though the machine is larger and heavier than the old one, it is easier to use because it starts up immediately.

Montserrat Caballe and Freddie Mercury

My Master Gardener friend, Margaret Hollowell, emailed me a link about Montserrat Caballe, an incredible Spanish soprano.  Here with Freddie Mercury, they sing Barcelona in 1988, composed by Freddie Mercury and Mike Moran.

Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991 from complications due to AIDS.

Exquisite beyond words!!!

Daad LOVES These Shoes

Last year the same sight appeared on the dining room table.  The shoes are old and were purchased in Pittsburgh. 

Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education??

Horrors!  Let's hope she is not confirmed.   Yeh to Teachers' Unions and people like me who are protesting this selection. 

It is February 7th and I am sad to report she was confirmed -- 50/50 and Pence broke the tie.  This is a first. 

Lucy Croft, Incredible Zumba Gold Instructor

Top left, is my beloved Zumba Gold Instructor, Lucy Croft.  I've been doing Zumba Gold with her for 4 years on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  When Laurie and the girls are in town, Laurie, Roslyn and Liesl come and dance.  They love it. 

Tom Ashbrook GLT 50 Year Anniversary Celebration