Great Weekend

We decided to get away from chores and find that the only way to do that is to leave town.
Friday afternoon we hitched up the camper to the truck and headed off into the wild blue yonder. Destination.....Daly Park on Lura Lake.

This is a great campground with privacy, a nice lake and very clean facilities.

Of course we did some geocaching and went three for four.

Ben and Anna stopped out for a few hours Saturday. Anna really looks good considering that she just had gastric bypass surgery Wednesday!

I will write more later and even throw in a few pictures.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

All Shapes and Sizes

Many of you know that we enjoy getting out and tromping in the woods. A great way to get some exercise, get out in nature and yet be productive is to participate in geocaching.

Basically someone hides something and records the coordinates with their handheld GPS unit. They then post those coordinates on the Internet and other people look for the hidden treasure.

Those hidden treasures can come in all shapes and sizes. How about this little one we found last weekend. It was a film canister.


On the other end of the scale was the cache we found next. It was a large plastic peanut butter container painted brown.


The little ones can really be a challenge...kind of like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

The Girls and Breakfast

What a title...One would think we ate the girls for breakfast. We did not. Oh yes, those of you who may not know, we refer to our dogs as "the girls".

As usual, Lucy was being her cute self and cooperated for the picture.


And then there is Betty....


Lucy is such a perfect dog!

Now the breakfast part.....Sunday Sue made a real nice breakfast that deserved a picture.


Makes me hungry all over again just seeing the picture.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Two For Five

We went geocaching today as it was a perfect day for it.

We downloaded five areas into the GPS and set out on the adventure.

The first one was a piece of cake to find. The second one required a hike of about 1.5 miles. The final three were very difficult to find. We never did locate them.

Sue is waiting to hear from a friend who has been invited to dinner. We hope to start a campfire and roast some hotdogs. Yum!

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Long Weekend

We were supposed to have out of town company this weekend, but something came up and we had to cancel. We are looking foreward to another time for that.

The weather has been perfect....sunny and low 70's.

Sue and I made some special purchases Saturday. More on that soon.

I am not sure what we will be doing the rest of the weekend. I am sure we will find something to do.

I will write more as news developes.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Everything Is Black!

Yesterday I reported that everything was so green. Well, after Wednesday's 55mph winds, everything is coated in a layer of dirt.

Now I know how farm fields lose so much top soil.

I snapped this picture while driving home from work. It looked like a blizzard of dirt!


The picture did not turn out that great, but you get the general idea.

I am surprised there wasn't more damage...just a few trees and power lines down.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Everything Is Green!

Last week I snapped a few pictures of Mother Nature's Spring magic. My, have things greened up nicely!




We had 55mph winds all day Wednesday....what a mess! I am surprised we have any leaves left on the trees. In fact, I am surprised we have any trees left standing. Just when one thinks things are picked up...bam.....welcome to stick heaven!

We have a big weekend planned. My folks along with my brother and his wife, their son and daughter and her husband and daughter will be up for a few days. We are really looking forward to a great time!

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Hosta Here...Hosta There...Hosta Everywhere!

Last summer we did some work on a problem area behind the screened porch at Coyote Ridge. We could not get grass to grow there so we did the obvious....plant hosta!

Here are some pictures that were taken about a week ago.




Last weekend we installed the garden....a much abbreviated version. Each year it gets smaller and smaller and that's OK.

It is very hard to tell from the pictures what is planted because everything is so small.

We planted ten tomato plants, pole beans, lemon cucumbers, lettuce, herbs and several varieties of flowers. Of course there is rhubarb that comes up every year.



We fortified the soil with peat and composted manure so we should get some good results this Fall.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Bird On A stick and the Swine Flu

The other evening we were sitting in the screened porch and we heard something smash into one of our long tall windows. When we walked outside we discovered that a bird flew into the window. It was obvious that the bird saw the woods reflecting off the glass and thought she was escaping into the trees. Wrong!

So there was this bird, out cold on the deck.. Sue put a cold compress on it's forehead and put some smelling salts under it's beak.

It wasn't long before she coaxed it onto a stick.


Very cute indeed. The bird took off before the BBQ grill was warmed up so we had to settle for hamburgers instead.

My brother sent me a picture of himself this past weekend. He said he had the Swine Flu.


I sure hope he gets over it before they come up to visit this weekend!

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Geocaching In Perfect Weather

We decided to take a few hours off Sunday and hike in the woods looking for treasures....geocaches.
We looked for three and found all of them.
The first was located in Seven Mile Creek Park in Nicollet County Minnesota. It is located about half way between Mankato and St.Peter.
As you can see from the pictures, it is a beautiful hilly area.
If you would like to see a larger image, click the picture.



We took a wrong turn somewhere while following the GPS unit. We ended up way off the trail climbing up a muddy hillside. Sue kept going, but I chickened out. About a half hour later here comes Sue walking down the trail after locating the cache.
As you can see from the pictures,it was well hidden off the trail.



Our next adventure took us back into town to Spring Lake Park where a nice short stroll took us to the right spot.

After I opened up the treasure box I picked through the toys and left with a really nice "transformer" car. Kids will be kids!

Now it was off to our third and final hunt for the day. The GPS coordinates led us to a small park where there is a memorial for children who have died.
The coordinates were off as the location was out in the middle of a big open field with no place to hide anything.

Our son Ben and his wife Anna had found the cache earlier so I called her for a hint. She said the coordinates were off so just look around for obvious hiding spots. That was the clue we needed. Sue found the small container in a bush about 55 feet from where it should have been.


As you can see from the next picture...it was a very small item we were looking for...it was a camouflaged film canister.


Three for three...a very good day.

Of course it wasn't all play that day. A trip to the home center, Menards, found us walking out with more grass seed, fertilizer, weed killer, paint brushes and M&M's. Honest Sue, I don't know how those got into the cart!

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

This and That

It has been a busy weekend so far....working.
Friday evening I mowed the yard again. It is a chore that needs doing about every five days now. That's what I get for fertilizing I guess.

Saturday I de-winterized the camper. That entails flushing the water lines of RV antifreeze that it put in last fall. I also ran several tanks of water and bleach through the water holding tank and water lines to disinfect the system. The plumbing system is all set!

I also vacuumed the entire rig and pulled out some of the things we did not need....like a dozen AA batteries! Considering the only AA battery needed is for the TV remote, I think we are safe.

Sue cleaned out a few more beds and I helped put the garden in. We downsized the plot again this year by about 120 square feet. There was still plenty of room for a dozen tomato plants, two hills of pole beans, one hill of lemon cucumbers, lettuce, herbs and flowers.

We also a putting the finishing touches on the new bathroom door on the main level. It had a pocket slider that just didn't cut it. All that remains to do now is a coat of urethane after the stain sets up and some trim work to frame it in.

The construction crews that re-did the living room and dining room were kind of hard on the front deck this past winter. They wore the finish off it by dragging refuse and construction materials over it. I first coated the really bad spots Saturday and will need to apply another coat soon.

We are knocking off a few small projects this morning then plan to pick up a few building supplies and go geocaching after it warms up.

I will post some pictures real soon.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

BBQ

New Standard Operating Procedures released today. Please learn!
BBQ RULES, We are about to enter the BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity.When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:
Routine...
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.
(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman.
Here comes the important part:
(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.
More routine...
(6) The woman goes inside to organise the plates and cutlery.
(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat
Important again:
(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
More routine...
(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And most important of all:
(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.
(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed ' her night off',and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women.

A man's work is never done!

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Be Safe....Please!

With so much in the news about innocent people being attacked in their own homes, many people are looking for ways to protect themselves. Hey, I don't blame them for wanting to feel safer.

Many people are considering buying a handgun for protection.

If you don't think that you can shoot to kill without hesitation, then you may as well fork over the gun to the intruder and they will shoot you.

There is another way to set up a defense. How about this?

1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.

2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns
and Ammo Magazine.

3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.

4. Leave a note on your door that reads:

Hey Bubba, Me, Big Jim, Duke and Slim went for more ammunition.
Back in an hour. Don't mess with the pit bulls - they attacked
someone this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't
think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all
the blood. Anyway, I locked all four of 'em in the house.
Better wait outside.

"Cooter"

I would also post a few NRA decals on the doors and windows.

You know me....always looking for a way to help out my readers any way I can.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Rainbows and Clouds

Saturday night we went out for supper to a fantastic new rib joint in Mapleton,MN. I guess it really isn't new as they have been open for about a year already.

We ran into some rain on the way home but were treated to a beautiful rainbow as the sun came back out.



As we drove further north we ran into some threatening weather....




No bad weather...just mother nature showing her teeth for a while.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Mmmmmm....Cake!

German Chocolate Cake.....Ready to consume!




It was amazing...and I say was because it is now all gone!

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Bag Toss For The Red Cross Update

Saturday, May 2nd we held our inaugural Bag Toss For The Red Cross and it was a huge success.
In a very short amount of time we sold sponsorships, signed up 50 teams, built bean bag game boards, secured a location, advertised, developed a food menu and a hundred other things.

We arrived shortly after 6AM to begin the set up so the games could begin at nine. Here are a few pics and we prepared for the days games.



I wish I had taken more pictures, but we were BUSY! I did get a few of the throwers in action.



I just had to post this picture of Lee. He is one of our three college interns this semester. He just got his butt kicked by a 12 year old.


A great time was had by all....especially those that walked away with cash and other nice parting gifts.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Updates

Lots going on in recent weeks here at Coyote Ridge. Most of the outside landscaping is ready for summer with just a few beds yet to clean out. We are hoping that recent changes will result in less maintenance.

The sod and seed seem to be taking hold real well. We had a nice gentle 3/4 inch rain last night and that will do wonders for the seed and sod.

This morning I put down weed and feed in the established areas and more starter fertilizer on the newly planted spots.

Saturday is garbage day so I loaded up the truck with unwanted junk and five big bags of garbage. We go about once a month to rid ourselves of the refuse. We just pull up to the garbage truck and they help unload literally anything except tires, paint and batteries. The service is included in our rural property taxes and it is a very good deal.

Daughter in law Anna is having a scrap booking party this morning so Sue and her friend Beth are going to attend. Tonight there are plans for Beth and her puppy, Cleo, to come out for supper and some nice wine. I doubt Cleo will partake in the wine, but I am sure the rest of us will have no trouble consuming her portion.

We have been helping Harv and Molly, Sue's folks, clean up their landscape. It is really looking good.

Our bathroom project on the main floor was done. Notice how I said "was"? There was a sliding door going into the bathroom that was rather narrow and clumsy. We have torn that out and have installed a "real" door that is about two inches wider. The door has been installed and we now have to stain it and put up the trim.

I have pictures, but I can't find the camera. I think that Sue may have taken it to Anna's party. That was a good idea....more pictures!

Tune in again soon for another exciting edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Swine Flu

OK, so it wasn't as bad as many people thought it would be, but I do think it prompted many of us to think a little about what we would do IF something happened.

I know there was a run on masks here in the United States.
In other countries, they made due with what they had.


I sure hope everyone has a great weekend and will find some time for R&R.
Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

She Caught A Fish!

My niece's daughter Halie caught her very first fish Wednesday night. Can you tell that she is proud of it?


That is such a cute picture! Congrats to mom and dad, Emily and David for making sure she has that experience. Kids need more outdoor activities and statistics show that if kids are exposed to these types of activities at an early age, there is a better chance that they will pursue those interests as adults.

On a lighter note......

Barbie turned 50 this year.

It's about time this happened to her....


Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Where Is Bob?

It has been so darn busy both at work and home that I have been a bit lax (understatement) in my writing.

I have much to talk about, but the bag toss and geocaching stories and pictures will have to wait.

Until then, I have a few smiles to pass along to you.

Redneck word of the day : "OBAMA"

I BOUGHT ME A CASE OF BEER AND DRANK IT OBAMA SELF!

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Cleaning Up

The Spring season is always busy around Coyote Ridge. With so many trees we get tons of leaves every Fall and even though we pick them up before the snow falls, someone comes under cover of darkness and puts them back in March.

The area between the screened porch and the ravine is almost ready after Sue spent three hours cleaning it up Friday. She did a nice job.




Another week of after work "chorin" should have this place whipped into shape.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Please...I Beg You...Don't Do This!

I think we have discovered how the Swine Flu is transmitted.


Wash your hands and if you are sick, don't go to work....That should keep us healthy.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"