Gas Prices

In talking with family, friends and others around the country, there seems to almost always evolve the issue of gasoline prices. It's interesting. This morning in driving a local highway, I noted that the price was $3.40 per gallon--the regular grade. My point is that gasoline prices seem to be much higher in most other locations. I know there are market implications, etc.; however, I can't help but wonder what the root strategies, beyond supply and demand, are in establishing the price.

Memorial Day weekend at Cleve & Kathleen's

Great posts lately! Just wanted to share that Crystal and Aaron's family came for 4 days/nights over the Memorial Day weekend and we enjoyed it immensely. On Monday eve, oldest grandson Caleb (8 1/2) and I went Indian artifact hunting and Caleb found a 2,000 year old arrowhead. Being jealous and re-motivated to add to my collection, I gathered my walking stick, hat, sunglasses, and I-Pod of gospel music and went hunting Wednesday afternoon in the same "hot field" and found one of my best ever -- an almost perfect 3.25 inch spearpoint that was made 3,000 - 5,000 years ago. A few minutes later found a 1.5 inch approximately 2,000 year-old arrowhead and an Indian blade (knife). I realize that many people find this hobby a waste of time, but I find it thrilling to find an artifact that's been untouched by another human for thousands of years. Good exercise, too. I'd like to hear of some of your "unusual free-time activities"....

THIS AND THAT - AGAIN

We went to church tonight for another lesson on the Revelation. I think we have about three more chapters to go through - very interesting presentations and much food for thought. All of our ministers are participating and taking turns with the presentations.

Also learned in church tonight that Aunt Ruth is gravely ill and isn't expected to live much longer, and I thought some of you would be interested in knowing that and would like to pray for her as she leaves this life and enters into her Reward.

Saturday night was the annual Chenoa Alumni Banquet which we attended. This year is Jerry's and my 50th year anniversary - his from Chenoa and me from Gridley. Unbelievable!! I think he said there were 46 students in his graduating class, four have passed away, and 20 were at the banquet. It was in the old Chenoa HS gym which is now an elementary school and part of the Fairbury school system.

This was taken at the pre-party at someone's garage before banquet. We went back there after dinner, but all us old people were worn out by about 9:30 and headed home.

Jerry was asked to give the "toast" to the class of 1961. As usual, he did a fantastic job. Also looked so handsome in his new sport coat - can I be just a little proud of him? It was a fun evening, and we are looking forward to the real class-reunion in July.

MY GARDENING IS FINISHED

Front garden path leading to new pot. Roses looking good. I planted petunias, but rabbits ate the flowers, so I pulled them up and put in the yellow marigolds.

Lilac bushes are almost in full bloom and smell so good.

My usual pots & hibiscus tree. Hopefully these will all grow to large colorful flowers. The two rectangular containers will eventually be placed above the lattice, but I want them to grow a bit first. I filled them with the petunias (minus flowers) that I pulled from the front and will give them another shot here. Rabbits have never bothered the plants on the deck.

MY GARDEN!!

A tomato plant and a lettuce pot!

We've been enjoying really good salads and hoping for tomatoes by summer's end.

Zac's Graduation

Zachary graduated from the Eighth Grade at Downer's Grove Christian School last Thursday evening. It was a class of about 18 (don't have the list to see for sure) graduates - all dressed "to the hilt". They were all so cute and excited.

It was quite impressive and very touching as each set of parents read a letter to their son or daughter - memories of them growing up as well words of encouragement for the future and perhaps most importantly reminding them to keep the Lord in their hearts.

This is Zac with Grandma and Grandpa. Doesn't he look great in his new suit. Can't believe he's taller than both of us; at Christmas we still had him beat!

Zac and his proud parents and brothers.

Zac with his Aunt Angela and cousins Kelsie and Nathan.

Many of the students were wearing purple ties - the color of Downers Grove North where some of them will be attending high school. We wish them much success during their high school years. God Bless you, Zac - we love you.

What a difference a day makes!

Dave and I got away for the Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to all who wished me a happy birthday and Dave and I congrats for our 40th anniversary. We went up to Michigan City, Indiana. The weather was chilly and wet for 3 days, but today it was beautiful for sitting on the beach.

We didn't see much observance of Memorial Day on our road trip. We went through several small towns and only saw a couple cemeteries that had flags up. A couple of houses were flying the flag, and only a couple places we saw groups of people grilling and eating together. The biggest gathering we saw was the thousands of people at the outlet mall in Michigan City. It was an amazing crowd.


We tried to find a sheltered spot to sit on the sand, but it was just too cold and windy.


Today the beach was sunny and loaded with people.

Memorial Day Weekend

It's been a very quiet Memorial Day Weekend so far in West Michigan. We are under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. or so which means everything gets cancelled so no church tonight. I spent the first part of the weekend helping my friends in their yard get ready for summer; I get to use the pool a lot during the summer so I try to help them in return for using their "toys". Tomorrow hopefully will be 9 holes of golf and then who knows.

While we haven't had family members who died in service to our country, I'm again thankful for Uncle Jay, others who won't list as I'm sure I wouldn't get everyone, and now Nick who are family who have served and are serving our country in the military.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend.

Trip South

After my trip to Aruba I worked for two days and then left for a 9-day trip South to visit family and got to see everyone but Joey. The first weekend was a bridal shower for Jaimie and then several days in SC before returning to AL for a small get together with classmates on the eve of our (gasp) 30th high school graduation anniversary.

I didn't take many pictures but thought you may like to see these.

Almost ready for the shower. Kathleen, I think I got the recipe for the fruit pizza from you.

Mom and me in their back yard:

Mom and Dad in front of their house with the planters Mom and I planted.

Dad, Mom, and Mary on their deck. Notice the lovely Peba flower pots on each side.



Perry II Update

Perry II is still in OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. He has had nothing to eat or drink besides ice chips since Friday. He has a NG tube that they plan to remove in the morning. The hope is that his intestines will be ready to respond and start working by then.

The doctor said they (the intestines) were stunned by the "sticky mess" from the ruptured appendix and were red and inflamed when he performed the surgery on Saturday afternoon.

Perry had a rough day on Monday with lots of pain. It really exhausted him. The doctor regretted that he had them take the NG tube out too soon, so they put it back in---which was not a pleasant experience.

Please pray for him for healing and patience. We don't know when he will be able to come home from the hospital. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. He is very appreciative of each card, phone call and visit! It really helps to keep his spirits up so he doesn't get too discouraged.

Also pray for Joan because it has been very tiring for her too. Her boss is on vacation and she has a heavy load at work and then also spends time each day at the hospital with Perry. Right now she is trying to "do it all."

Carol

Perry II

Just wanted to let the family know what happened to my brother Perry yesterday, as it may be awhile before my mom will post anything. Long story short, he went to the ER yesterday morning and surgery revealed a ruptured appendix. The Dr. described his abdomen as "a sticky mess of puss" and said that gangrene had set into the appendix. So he was a very sick man! Last night after he got back to his room after recovery he was feeling much better and in good spirits....but still has a long road of recovery ahead. His comment last night was he was feeling so much better that he thought he could probaby go home and not spend the night :) So, prayers for his healing are appreciated but also pray that he can have patience as a week long hospital stay goes terribly against his nature! He is at OSF in Bloomington and Joan and my mom are both there with him.

Correction!

Will says, "Grandma, it's the Rainforest Cafe!"

Duh!

Here's a couple more typical Disney pictures.

Disney

I spent a week at Disney with Will (Sam and Shelley's) and Wade (Casey and Jamie's). They both turned 10 this year. We had a wonderful trip and the boys couldn't have been any better.


Upgraded to business class!




Rock, paper, scissors at the Raintree Forest Cafe

THIS AND THAT

First of all, just want to let you know that we are "empty-nesters" once again. Our little robins have left their nest and we miss watching their parents feed them. It really was fun watching them grow so fast within just a couple weeks.

Kelsie spent a couple days with us this week. She will be starting a summer job at State Farm in a couple weeks, so we thought we'd take advantage of her before she starts. First she helped me in my sewing room - she cut four-inch squares, then I folded and ironed them into triangles to be used as "prairie points" for the next quilt I have to finish. She also played with my embroidery machine and completed a couple designs for herself.

She also helped us paint the lattice frames on the deck yesterday, and today painted the deck with Grandpa then pulled weeds with me. We may call her back a few more times this summer - she's a happy, willing worker.

Blogspot Website

The entire Blogspot website was down for over a day. Some posts were lost, however now appear to be retrieved, but I don't think all comments came back. So if you made a comment, and it's gone. . .it was lost, but not deliberately deleted. Just wanted you to know!

RECIPE FOR BRIE

Does anyone remember how Mother used to make the brie for lettuce? If you check p.83 in the Klop cookbook, there is a recipe from Aunt Mary. It calls for 2-3 slices of bacon cut up and fried, then add 1 T flour, 1/2 C vinegar and 1/4 C water to the greese. salt, pepper and sugar to taste. Add cream or mayonnaise.

I'm sure this is close to Mother's recipe, but not quite (and I know she never used mayo). Someone (Mim, actually) asked me for her recipe and this is the best I can do but thought maybe someone might still make it. Now, I'm motivated to try it and see what I come up with although I never could make it like Mother.

Just got back from a mile+ walk and am cooling off under the fan as I type this. I think I better get moving earlier in the future to beat the heat. I don't like to sweat!!

Alice Caroline

I was going to just email these photos to Alice & Keith and then I thought the rest of you might enjoy them also. Maria's family is coming this week-end and we are eager to see them again! Grandma Carol

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers in the Klop family. Hope you all have a great day.

Great memories of Mother and Jay and Ralph with this picture taken in 1978.

Our mother robin feeding her babies.
(no comparison, I know, but cute picture)

We Have An (Almost) Graduate!

Andrew graduated from college today. I say "almost" in the title because he still has to take twelve hours in summer school for eight weeks, starting Monday morning. But since his school only has one ceremony a year, if a senior can complete his work in summer school sessions, they'll let him participate in the commencement. It was an exciting morning!

SOS!!! Can You Help??

This is specifically for all you computer experts. If you can help me, perhaps the non-experts will benefit also. This is my problem: Suddenly the e-mails in my delete and in my sent boxes are missing. I think some in my inbox are missing also. My personal computer expert, my husband, is baffled. Can anyone out there help? Much valuable information is missing and I need help to retrieve it. Thank you for your help.

Fun Pics

Just found these pictures on my computer at school and thought you'd enjoy them. You won't have any trouble identifying them, but even so I'm not putting any names on. :-)

Thinking of you...

Linda and family,

My thoughts went immediately to Nick following the big announcement last night.
Praying for his safety in these uncertain days.

GRANDPARENT'S DAY

Yesterday we had the privilege of attending Grandparent's Day at the Downer's Grove Christian School. The children had a beautiful program to begin with each class doing a skit or music - some were some were funny, some were spiritual, and some were a mixture. Really enjoyable. It's an annual event and I think we've made everyone since the boys started school.

After the formal program, students went back to their rooms while grandparents visited around, met teachers, explored the rooms, etc. The kids had to stay in their rooms and relax/play games/etc. until we "signed" them out or until school was officially dismissed. It is always a fun day. I remembered (unbelievable) to take pictures in each of their rooms, and a friend of Janice took a picture of all of us.

There's a Possum in the House...

That's a favorite children's book in my house...and now I fear I may have a critter in my house for real. Last night it was supposed to get pretty cold, so I brought my fern into the dining room, as I had already put it out on the porch. Then I went and laid on the couch. Soon I thought I heard something that sounded like bugs hitting the light. I thought, uh-oh, some flying insects must have come in with the plant. After a while a moth flew into the room, and I got up to get some Raid. Dave saw it, and immediately scolded me for bringing the fern into the house. "Now you have bugs and animals in the house!"

Animals??

"Yes, didn't you think some animal might have crawled up in there, looking for some warm dirt?"

NO! I didn't think of it...but now I think that "flying insects into the light sound" might have been little creature feet running across the hardwood floor.

My eyes are scanning the corners of the house today. I hope a mouse doesn't jump out at me from anywhere.

Picture

Andrew had his senior speech recital Saturday night. (He did it on James Thurber and spoke and told stories - alone - for 45 minutes.) I didn't want to load a lot of pictures but did think that the family would enjoy this one of him with his grandparents.

EASTER AT OUR HOUSE

Just a few pictures from our Easter dinner. I should've taken some pictures at the kids table, but I didn't - sorry. Hope all of you had as pleasant an Easter as we did.

Knockout Roses

Where we live, "knockout roses" have become quite the landscaping tool. They are so pretty and they bloom profusely, from early April until November. Last year we had them until the week before Thanksgiving. Are they becoming as prolific in the midwest as they are here? I absolutely love them, partially because of their beauty and partially because they take so little work!

This is last year, a few months after we planted them -

And this is this year's crop, which has just come out in the last couple of weeks.

Happy Easter to all of you!!!

Blessings on Good Friday

Here is a video as promised yesterday. You have probably seen it before, but it is one of my favorites, and fitting for this Easter season. Not to diminish the sacrifice of God's Son, but to see the sacrifice through this young boy's eyes.

THREE EGGS

Our bird left the nest yesterday, and there now three eggs in the nest - SO we're ahead in the race to see who has the most babies. The mother's sitting there this morning so calm and patient in this horrible rainy, cold weather! I'm sure you've all been wondering about this!

I have Heater and Nathan here with me - Jerry's at his usual Friday morning breakfast. Nathan is getting impatient waiting for Heat to wake up so we can color eggs. We may have to go ahead without her.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!!

Rude...or not so rude...that is the question.

I think I've posted on here before that I have to watch myself while shopping so I don't get snippy with public around me. I think I've been doing better, since I don't work nights anymore...well, except for that Sears clerk last week. All I had was one item, and the check-out process was absolutely laborious.
"Would you like this on your Sears card?"
"No, I'm just paying cash."
"Do you have a Sears card?"
"Yes, but not with me. I'm just paying cash."
"I can look up your number for you."
"No, thank you."
"If you pay with a credit card today you can save 15%."
"NO! I'm paying cash!"
"I see you are not on our Star Rewards program..."
"I JUST WANT TO PAY AND GO, PLEASE!"

I guess that was getting a little snippy. And I probably shouldn't have added, "Why do you not have more merchandise in this store? Look at all this empty space in here!"

She looked at me as if I was terribly rude.

Today I just slightly jumped in front of somebody in the check-out line at Walmart. Seriously, you can't leave your cart up there like you're going to get in line, and then wander around all the displays surrounding the check-out area. She was on the phone and didn't seem to mind...so I'm not counting that as rude.

Tomorrow I'll post a wonderful Easter video...

YEAHH - WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A...

...new runner! There's a new Klop family member training for the July 9 run/walk. (It's not me!) Remember, it's not a competition, just a fun morning to get together. So I hope many more of you are considering/planning to come out and run/walk with us. I'm still considering about a good place to eat afterwards. And hoping for good weather! Dave is ready for this wet, cold spell to pass through so the corn can get in the ground!