I am hoping...

Children do grow older... When they become adults, a parent really hopes that they have done they best that they could to give their children the tools to survive out in the real world.

A child may be afraid of the unknown as they leave their safety zone, but a parent's fear is that they haven't done their job so their children succeed in life.

But when their children have their own, we, as parents, hope that they take what they have learned from us much further so that their children develop the skills to succeed..

Or at least I am hoping...

He's getting to be such a big boy

He is only 20 months old.

Where has the time gone?

Just not so long ago, he was just a wee little baby..

Precious little child full of love..

Welcome!

Congratulations to my cousin, Dana and his fiancee, Lisa. They welcomed this precious little girl beginning of June 2009.

Welcome, Hailey.

Lilacs

Oh the aroma! They smell heavenly and wonderful, but the blooms don't last.

That's too bad..

Wood Duck

We have lived in Winsted since 2000. It has been a dream to attract birds other than barn swallows. It would be totally cool if we find an owl that established on our property! The end of May, Chris
mentioned that we have a Wood Duck nesting under our Colorado Spruce. Unbelievable! She was laying with her eggs. I understand why the female tend to be not as colorful as the male, but this would explain why. She blends in so much in the grass and the needles from the pine tree.

I returned to visit her and perhaps try to capture her in a different light, she was gone! I found the eggs she left behind..

Oh, the horror I felt.. What happened? Did she do this because of me? Or, was it because of the raccoons (or the like) in the area? I sure hopes she returns..

My condolences

My heart goes to my dear friends who lost a father/grandfather last Thursday night. No right words can express the sorrow, except "my condolences" or "my sympathy"? But does that sound so.. formal? Perhaps.

Chantel, Tim, Jon.. please know that even though I may not be there with you up in Minot, ND during this difficult time, I will be there in prayer and thought. I am here for you. All my love...

I am truly sorry...

New Ulm, MN

Last month, I had the opportunity to go to New Ulm, MN just to walk around and take some pictures. As I was walking around and admiring the architecture, I began to feel as if I was truly in a German city. It was amazing to see architectural styles from when the town developed. I would like to go back again... heck it is only an hour drive from Winsted.. maybe sometime this summer. Oh, I have to stop at the Green Mill again.. they have POP-OVERS with honey butter! Delish!

As I continued my journey, I came across to a couple of buildings that would have a door with no stairwell. I thought this was odd. I am sure that there was a perfectly good reason for this..

Funny, strange, don't you think?

I still say that these pictures still show how New Ulm has its unique character with a German flair.

Well, "Auf wiedersehen"... until we meet another day.