Saturday, March 19, 2011

Early morning at the lake

Good morning from the Lake of the Ozarks! Papa Joe is on a walk, and I stayed home. What is up with that? I needed more coffee! So I took my coffee and camera outside and found the first signs of spring...


Daffodils! In the front yard.



Green buds on our hydrangeas, now that makes me soooooooooo happy!



Looking out at the neighbors.... I am digging the GREEN grass!
More signs of spring, early morning fishermen, in our back yard.


A bit too brisk for my liking!



A view from the deck, overlooking the pool..dreaming of the beautiful flowers that I will be planting poolside. And just look at the pool...


Sure can't take a quick dip in the pool to rinse off this weekend!



A nice reflection in the yet to be cleaned pool, which brings me to a perplexing relationship... Papa Joe and Doug the pool guy (from now on DTPG). Anyone who knows my Papa Joe knows that when he asks you to do something, he expects it to be done. He is fair, hard working, organized, loyal, determined, and focused. He has high standards, but he in not unreasonable. When he hires someone to do a job, he expects it to be done. If you don't do the job, you have to deal with the consequences...like I said, he is fair. Thus, he is a great businessman. In short, you really do not want to mess with Papa Joe. But, DTPG, messes with Papa Joe, ALL the time, year after year. He promises he will, clean the pool, replace the vacuum, paint the pool, etc...and every year, he is behind schedule, and always has some crazy response to our questions. In any other situation, Papa Joe would fire the guy and replace him with someone who would do the job in a timely and efficient manor. Absolutely no messing around, all business. But, with DTPG, Papa Joe just laughs. Seriously laughs. And the pool saga continues year after year. Cracks me up, I just don't get it...at all!
After breakfast we are meeting with the tile guy, and Papa Joe is all business. This guy is not going to get the DTPG treatment...fair warning!

Location:Osage Beach, Missouri

Friday, March 18, 2011

At the Lake

Papa Joe and I came to the lake for the weekend... So I went to our wonderful library and got books on tape for the drive...


And when I was not driving, I was working on my needlepoint...



We stopped for dinner as we drove in...


We had a beautiful lake view table, and enjoyed using the clean bathrooms...(read on, you will understand!)
papa Joe decided to redo all of the bathrooms at the lake house, so this is what greeted us, oh crud.












Um, ok. Manageable. But wait, here are the bathrooms...



The master bath...



Papa Joe in the "master shower" note the 2 shower heads, in the ceiling and the wall.


The bathroom off the family room



And the shower between the 2 adjoining bedrooms.
So, where, you ask, will I be showering this weekend? Great question! How about the YMCA? I will keep you posted!!!

Location:Osage Beach, Missouri

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

My town knows how to celebrate a holiday! A time honored tradition here is the St. Patrick's Day parade. Today was the parade, and it truly is Americana. We waked to the Three Legged Dog and enjoyed the parade out in front. See for yourself!


My nieces, Annie and Lucy. Leaving home to walk to the parade.


Adam and Finley met us...


Finley picking on Beth.


Sarah and her Papa Joe...


On the square...enjoying the sunshine...



Like I said, this is a serious holiday!






Only in Jacksonville... Celebrating our rich agricultural heritage..











My friend Terri...a proud parade participant!



My forever friend Susie...see Sus? You made it!




Like I said, this is serious!!







My friend, the distinguished bank president... Gotta love it!






Isn't she the sweetest thing? Just want to kiss those sweet cheeks!



Our very own toddlers and tiaras! Sweet thing has perfected the wave







Darling Sarah...on the Production Press truck. And Papa Joe, working the crowd..









And the parade ends...however, the celebration continues. We headed to Bahan's for corned beef and cabbage, where...



I found some more friends and co-workers...



Miss Judy is glad for a day away from the Y. God love her!



Henry is enjoying some quality time with his Dad...



Some of Maggie's High School friends meet Henry for the first time... And my friend Susie....made the blog again!



Aw Henry, that's all, aw Henry.



Mad and Jake...



Sweet Sarah....so darling..so festive!






Need I say more? Jacksonville, you never fail to impress me!

Location:Jacksonville, Illinois

Friday, March 11, 2011

My new professional portrait

My new portrait courtesy of If Only Photography





Have a fun filled weekend!

Location:Home

Friday night

No words needed!



I just love Scarlett! Sheer determination!

Location:Home!