Monday, December 26, 2016

Home


After a very long month, we had a quiet Christmas at home.  We just settled in and watched the blizzard.  It was nice not worrying about driving on bad roads.
 I took Ella snowshoeing, before the winds picked up.
 She was super happy to get out and run after being at the kennel.
 The blizzard started out quietly, but when the winds picked up it got pretty nasty. 
 The deer got their Christmas meal.
 The bird feeders were empty when we got home.  I filled them and within 4 minutes the birds came in droves.  
This month was difficult, but made easier by family and friends.  I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Gene


He was the youngest of 11,
Also the youngest of the Greatest Generation.
Epitomizing what that generation was known for.

Growing up on a farm during the 30's.
Stories of driving teams in the fields. 
Racing them against the town upstart.
He won.  Since I am a teacher, 
he was quick to let me know,
with a twinkle in his eye,
 he was smart enough to be quite naughty in school.

He snuck off, while his mom was visiting his sister,
to sign up for the Air Force and serve like his older brothers.
He missed WW II,
but was stationed in England after the war.
He spoke of the hardships that country endured,
don't eat the meat pies,
the police carried billy clubs,
and the incessant rain.
His mom chewed him out for not writing,
so he asked his bunkmate to.
Mom knew.

He came home, settled down and married.
Fifty eight years,
through thick and thin.
Raised 4 kids.
Kids, grandkids, great grandkids.
30 years at IBM,
working overtime,
driving through the Minnesota winters.
No complaints, 
because that is what great men do.

He is held in our hearts.
Calm,
except when that gleam was in his eye,
laidback humor,
but quick to razz you,
active thoughts on life,
never ruffled, 
always a story.

I am thankful I knew you.
You taught me to look at both sides 
and to always see the humor.
You are a wonderful man.
You raised a remarkable son.
You will be missed and forever in my heart.

Gene Fuller 1929-2016




Sunday, December 11, 2016

Winter awaits...

We have been busy.  Thus, I haven't been able to take Ella for her weekend run.  We were finally able to get out on Saturday.  She was super happy to get out, as you can see.
 See Ella Run.
 Run Ella Run.
Ok, maybe we should stop running.

That's better.

 I enjoyed watching this doe and fawn today.
 I needed to slow down and enjoy what is around me.
I guess they just want to see what is around them.  It has been a chaotic last few weeks.  I hope everyone else is experiencing a more soothing season.