When it rains.............

When there's enough moisture, you get mushrooms. This one was quite large and pretty; except for the bits of pine needls on it.

The side view is even better. I knew it wouldn't last long; in a few days, it got knocked over - I'm pretty sure it was Misty.

Fall Fun

The fun continued on Saturday - a beautiful fall day. We started out early and biked around a huge neighborhood garage sale adjacent to the university, then to breakfast at Grand Ave. Cafe (the best bread pudding), and the final stop was at the farmer's market. Here's Jodi enjoyin' the sun.

We were also enjoying the bluegrass music by a local band. By the time we biked home, it felt like we had put in a full day. But the weather was good so I decided to get my rear in gear and proceeded to spend 3+ hours mowing the lawn and other miscellaneous yard work. I didn't have to worry about the calories from the bread pudding - I think I worked them off.

B-day Fun Part II

After the great dinner, we headed over to Misty's day care. The Humane Association was having a fundraiser; there were some adorable animals up for adoption.

In addition to dogs, there were cats and rabbits too - all needing a good home.

I decided to do my part and bid on some of the silent auction items. I figure it was my duty to get the bids higher. I was the highest bid on a few items - here's what I came home with.

Of course Misty knew it as soon as she saw it, the pink pig was all hers. It "oinks" and she figured it out right away; it's her new, favorite.


While she enjoyed the new toy, I enjoyed my tiramisu cup cake. It was so rich I only ate a quarter of it.

B-Day Fun

A Korean restuarant opened in Eau Claire - I'm SO HAPPY! I've gone there a few times already and I usually order kal bi. Todd usually order's one of the two Japanese items on the menu, chicken katsu. He doesn't eat his serving of rice, so I do - 'cause they give too little.


We also love the assortment of pickled veggies. I got to eat Korean food twice this week; Todd took me once, then I went again with my friend, Jodi, on my b-day. She had never been there so we had to go.

Carmel Apple

My first carmel apple - yeah!


A very nice and thoughtful student, Susie, bought it for me. Thanks Susie!


Doesn't it look yummy?


Somebody else thought so too; here she is hoping I drop it.


I tried to take a bit, but couldn't.


So, I cut it and have been enjoying a lil' bit each day. It was a tart apple - perfect to balance all that sugar.

Long Overdue

These pictures of Todd's skydiving adventure are long over due. I know I said I would post more, and finally, here they are. Getting ready to jump out of the plane.

Nice view even though you're falling at such a high rate of speed.

Pull the chute.


Comin' in for a landing.

You made it back!

Happy Grandparents Day!

Grandparents day was on Sunday and I just want to give a shout out to my Grandma! You're a lovely lady who has taught me how to laugh, eat healthy, not be too naughty, and instilled in me a love for plants and gardening. Thanks for all you've done; you cooked for us, picked us up from school, took us to church, made us clothes, and much, much more. You're talented, loving, and I'm so lucky. LOVE YOU GRAMS!

Trail Fun

After the nice meal at the Creamery it would have been fun to hang out a bit more, but it was time to hit the trail. It was definitely a great 16 mile ride.

You see some fun things along the way, an eagle flew overhead and we saw this snapping turtle. Check out his armored shell - don't mess with this one.

These are touch me nots and they were growin' all over. I didn't know what they were but Todd gave us a lesson.

You gently squeeze the long pods and they explode, letting out their seeds. It's really fun to play with and it's amazing how sensitive the pods are, they even explode if the wind blows. Plants have evolved such ingenious ways to disperse their seeds.

Celebration @ the Creamery

Over Labor Day weekend we had a fun time with Mom and Dad. We biked the Red Cedar River Trail in Menomonie.


We biked to the new Creamery, a wonderful restaurant that uses many locally grown ingredients.


We love it there because they have a screend patio to eat on and nice gardens to look at.

We also have fun conversations.

The meals are the perfect size, not too big, not too small and oh so yummy! And Todd thinks the coffee is good.

Got Insects? We do!

My herbs were doing pretty good and I guess the insects thought they were good too. I was watering one day and saw a pretty big spider.

I pointed it out to Todd and the PhD Biologist said, "that's two spiders."

Oh........yeah, it is. I guess when you take a closer look there are two, but in my defense, I didn't want to get that close.