two peas in a pod

This past week my gal was on spring break.

The Davis Herd boys didn't think her having a week off for spring break was real fair.....so is life.

A week off allowed her time to visit her Dad. I thought I'd post a photo of the two.

They really do have an AWESOME relationship.

I think they're two peas in a pod, don't you?

YOU

I'm wondering.....

Do you have an itch to ride a bike?

Do you enjoy fresh air and the great oudoors?

Do you believe a little heart pounding is good for the soul?

Could you sleep under the night sky in the comfort of....a tent?

If so, join me this year for a short 3 days of RAGBRAI.

I promise you won't regret it!

Kid 1 + kid 2 + Kid 3 = Momhood = Hard to be gone the full 8 days.

R egisters

A nnual

G great

B ike

R ide

A cross

I owa

WARNING!!

Kid 2 strolled out of the bathroom last night, towel wrappped around his waist, beefy chest puffed out, claiming his 4th grade teacher had given a

WARNING

Class, our room is starting to smell like a stinky locker room.

Class, GOOD hygiene is very important.

Class, the outside temperatures are rising and your little bodies are responding.

Class, I think it's time you each begin wearing deodorant.

This morning Kid 2 left for school smelling like a man. Not only did he swipe his pits with a little D.O., I walked into the bathroom to find him splashing on a bit of aftershave and noticed the cologne bottle sitting close by with the lid off.

I hope today the teacher doesn't complain of eye and throat irritation....Kid 2 probably will mask the stinch of the entire classroom, I'm pretty sure I can still smell him:)

BARN QUILT

Many moons ago, around Christmas, I mentioned a painting project, gift, that I was trying to keep under the radar. I'm proud to inform that yesterday, the project was completed.

I was beginning to wonder if it may stay in my garage forever?

It was a project that took patients, thought, time, equipment, and men not afraid of heights.

This puppy wasn't constructed on plywood as many believe. The board is a special poster board crafted to withstand the Iowa climate and weighs as much as an elephant.

Okay, maybe not an elephant but HEAVY, HEAVY, HEAVY- I kid you not!

Do you see the rope hoisting it up in the left part of the photo?

It's hooked on to a Dodge Ram, moving slowly in reverse.

Did I say heavy already?

Below is a little history:

This barn quilt was constructed in 2010 and given as a Christmas gift.
The quilt pattern, known as “White Cross” was submitted in a state contest during the spring of 2009 by MaryBelle Davis, and was the winning selection for the entire Davis County Area. The honor of winning this contest was to have your quilt block design replicated as a mosaic tile. This replica was then incorporated into the exterior design of the newly constructed Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. All 99 Iowa Counties are represented on this new facility with their winning county design. The mural of quilt blocks proudly displays Iowa’s heritage and tradition of barn quilts.
Originally known as a bank barn, this style of barn was popular in the 19th century. These barn structures were sometimes referred to as "basement barns" because of their exposed basement story. The basement space was used for livestock while the second story, at ground level, was used for feed and grain storage. The advantage of having the second story at ground level was that it enabled farmers to drive their wagons directly into the barn for loading and unloading.
This barn, as we know it, is located on what was once the Sullivan Place. After a couple different land stewards, father and son, Jack and Dan Davis purchased the farm in 1997 and hired a local Amish crew to replace the dilapidated roof, hoping to preserve a historical symbol of Iowa’s farming heritage.

about me

A short list that may or may not surprise you about me....

• I've NEVER in my life eaten a Big Mac.
• In a world where EVERYONE has FB, I still do not.
• I watch less then 1 hour of t.v. most days.
• My foot grew a half of a size after having children
• There is not one vegetable I will not eat
• I once lived on Long Island, employed as a nanny
• I have no desire to ever own a blackerry
• I go to bed quite early.....right behind the kiddos
• I prefer Mello Yello over Mt. Dew
• I'd like to convert ole' Pearl, my minivan, to run off used vegetable oil.
• I like to tease my family we are joining the Amish or becoming gurus. Is that a real term?
• I have flown in a hot air balloon. My gramps flew one for many years.

hammers, hives and blood blisters

Most of my loyal blog readers know that I have been inquiring about beekeeping for sometime. Last month I attended a very informative bee keeping class that prepared me to take the next step and purchase the necessary equipment and honey bees to make the thought a reality.

Yay!!

So, feeling confident, a couple of weeks ago I placed an order with The Dandant Co. of Hamilton, IL and drove to pick up the ordered supplies. Since then, I've spent a fair amount of time constructing and hammering; along, with deepening my bee knowledge through books and websites.

I'm proud to inform that after 1000+nails, a slightly more toned bicep, and 2 blood blisters I've completed three hive bodies, three brood chamber, 6 supers and 72 foundation frames.

I know, bee keeping lingo...how about nailed together ALOT of stuff.

Now, I meander around the farm looking for the best hive location & wait patiently for my little buzzing honey bees to arrive.

Take a look....don't I look professional.

OK, STOP laughing now, please....