Funkyjimmer's Blog

Monday, May 26, 2008

As you can see, I'm standing in the steet at an angle for this picture. You can see the entire front yard and a bit of the back.

The family was over today for a "backyard cookout". We had steaks, brats and hot dogs. Complimenting the meats were macaroni and cheese, pineapple salad, veggie tray, green beans and home made brownies and ice cream.

After the meal my daughters and Jackson pitched in with various tasks -- cleaning up the kitchen and washing the dishes; blowing out the gutters on the house and pulling weeds from the flower bed. Of course grandson Jackson and I found time to ride the lawn tractor. He's getting to be a good driver. Grandfather and grandson have a great time together! "Tractor-driving" is one of our favorite activities. Grandson Jackson also climbed a ladder -- part way with Grandpa's supervision!

All in all, a fun day!

posted by jim 11:04 PM 0 comments

PICTURES OF MY HOUSE
I thought perhaps some of you might like to see a couple of pictures of my house. I have called this residence home since August, 1990 -- soon to be 18 years.

We have a nice front yard and an even bigger back yard with 5 trees. This view is from the end of my driveway--standing in the street. These pictures were taken Memorial Day, May 26, 2008.

posted by jim 10:51 PM 0 comments

Saturday, May 24, 2008

MEMORIAL DAY

I remember when we observed Memorial Day ON Memorial Day--May 30th

I can still see Mom and Dad cutting the peonies, filling buckets with water and then placing the flowers in the buckets. It was a challenge to get the buckets of water and flowers to the cemeteries without any spills!

One of the cemeteries was local and the other it seemed to a small boy to be miles and miles away. A hard ride in an old-fashioned car! Probably the cemetery was no more than 35 or 40 miles away!

My one peony bush is loaded with buds this year for the first time, as you can see in the picture below. Always before it has only had one or two buds. Sad to say, the bush is not going to bloom for the Memorial Day weekend but may be in bloom for the traditional Memorial Day, Friday, May 30th.

We have an artificial display to place on Karon's grave for Memorial Day. We had an appropriate one for the Mothers Day weekend. We will add our Memorial Display to that one tomorrow.

Thinking about the current Memorial Day and about Memorial Days of boyhood days, motivated me to take the following pictures in my yard.

Jim

posted by jim 6:57 PM 0 comments

I have three of these beautiful plants in my front yard--right by the front door. I think they are called Rhododenron plants, but I'm not sure. They don't always bloom prolifically but they are doing well this year. There are more buds about to open also. It should be a beautiful display for seveal weeks. I am enjoying them--and some other flowers you will see below.

posted by jim 6:55 PM 0 comments

These iris plants in my back yard have been beautiful this year. It looks like they are going to spread out their flowers. There are more iris that will bloom in the next several weeks. It proves one doesn't have to always go far from home to find beautiful flowers!

posted by jim 6:47 PM 1 comments

Maybe this peony (my only bush) will be in bloom for the "real" Memorial Day, Friday, May 24th. This is the first year this peony bush has had so many buds. Usually there is only one--sometimes two. But this year it looks like it will be bearing several beautiful pink flowers.

posted by jim 6:45 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

GULLIVER'S TRAVELS

Well, I'm not Gulliver but I am traveling a lot for work. As I write this (Wednesday night, May 7th) I am in Evansville, Indiana. Not all of my travels are over night but this one is. I have travels scheduled the next two weeks also.

I really thought that my travels would greatly lessen by the middle or end of May. But I have learned that they will continue probably at least through June! Some will be "overnights" but not all.

I'll keep the car rental branch busy! The branch of Enterprise Car Rental that I use is staffed with great personnel. A number of them have become friends. One especially has become a close friend and was a huge blessing when Karon passed away.

Enterprise is treating me and a guest of my choice to a day at track--the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I've invited my middle daughter to accompany me. She is the only one who can get away during the day. We will be entertained in the Enterprise Suite with food, etc., and get to watch the cars practice.

Sounds like fun! I just hope the weather is good that day.

posted by jim 9:59 PM 0 comments