April 2019

April began with a celebration of life for my Aunt Joy.  She was 92 years old.  It was wonderful time with family and a great reunion for my cousins and me.  We hope to have an official cousin reunion in October 2020.

Aunt Joy was very special to each of us.
Jeff, Nina, Missy Jack, Linda, Di, Jerry, Cheryl

Our cedar-strip canoe, which began in 2014, has had a long hiatus.  It has picked up some speed this month.

First in-wale being glued to the side.

Both in-wales completely installed.

Crafted jig to hold the deck for rough-carving.

Rusty sitting on the shaving horse to fine-tune the decks

Lots of detail work!

Temporary installation of a deck.

Spring has been very slow to arrive but some days have been warm enough for me to do a little biking with friends.

Sunday ride.

Ice cream stop

Lunch at the Ding-a-Ling Bar.

Take-off-work-and-ride-day.

We attended a play with Clayton and Susan at Nebraska Wesleyan called, "Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night."  It was so well done that I think we should look into season tickets for next year.

We've been harvesting asparagus already and have had enough to share.  I have snap peas that are about 5 inches tall and ready to grab onto the fence.  My lettuce, kale, arugula and spinach are up, but not quite ready to pick.  I've already thinned the carrots and beets.  I planted beans this week too.  Now we need some sun and warmer temperatures.

I've been building a path in my garden area.

First the edging, then weed barrier, then sand for leveling,
then flagstone, then pea gravel.

Steps lead up to the back gate.

The Palm Sunday service at First Plymouth was so beautiful that it made me wonder what bigger production could possibly happen on Easter.

3 choirs and a small orchestra

Rusty and I enjoyed Easter Brunch at Billy's Restaurant.

We made a rather last-minute decision to squeeze in a quick trip to Idaho to see my Mom and my sister's family.  Always so fun!

Dar with Granddaughter, Emmy.

My beautiful sister!

Dar and Tom served up yet another delicious dinner.  They are terrific hosts!
Rusty, John, Kelly, Quinn, Dar, Tom, Pearl

Emmy and Quinn liked Gretchen's kennel.

We took a nice hike along the Snake River Canyon. The canyon, the river, and the various falls provide incredible examples of God's beauty in nature.

The water churns like an auger, hence the name Auger Falls. 

Rusty taking a break

Dar and Tom at the water's edge

Gretchen at the falls.

Rusty and Quinn find a moment to relax

Gretchen, too

I am so proud of my Mom.  At 93 years she is doing very well!  I really enjoyed spending time with her.

Overlooking the Snake River.

Mom and me

We break up our 1100-mile trip with a stay in Laramie.  At this coffee shop I found an Uncle Wiggily game.  Do any of you remember it?

Altitude, a brew pub and restaurant is our favorite place to eat in Laramie.

Sea Scallops and toasted prosciutto.

Some of my pansies.  Pretty, huh?

Our redbud did itself proud this year.