Trip to Rhinelander and Our Garden

Well, Michael's track season's wrapped up for the year. This was his first time in track... and he liked it. We were kind of surprised how well he did. The picture at right is him finishing the 800 meter at his last meet; I think he placed 4th that time... but he had won the 400 during a previous meet. This time he was tired out because he'd just done his field events and run the 400 meter beforehand. He was aggressive during the first lap; it was exciting watching him pass people. But he probably should have paced himself better. Still, we're proud of his effort.

The older kids only have one week of school left, and it's a short one because of Memorial Day. They're excited. Today was Leila's last day of school. Let the summer begin!

(The picture above is from Mother's Day weekend. We're sitting in the old garden bench I bought last year with $20 of birthday money from Mom. Jon replaced a broken board and painted it for me. I think the bench is cool because it's shaped to fit a corner. Jon also surprised me with the two hanging plants overhead).

Brother Bob playing with the kids

On Mother's Day weekend the kids and I went to Rhinelander. I hadn't been home to visit the folks in awhile, and my brother John had mentioned that him and Jim were coming for a visit, so it seemed like a good time to stop by. John lives in Peoria, Illinois for his teaching job, but is off on break for a few weeks. My brother Bob was also able to make it home from Madison, so the weekend was a Bragg-family affair.

Leila hits the ball to her uncles!

The weather was beautiful. We had a campfire and went for walks in the woods with the family dog, Oscar. Oscar's a big galumphing golden retriever who loves to jump into swamp water and shake himself off when he's standing next to people.

I think Grandma missed this one

And we played softball. Bob wasn't sure if he could throw yet because of the bicycle accident he was in last year, but when playing us he didn't have to throw far, so he was fine. Bob set up a casual game involving ghost runners and lots of chances at bat, so even Mom, Leila and I participated. We all managed to hit the ball multiple times (Leila's going to be a natural athlete, I think). It was fun to see Mom trying something different and light-hearted. But I guess the kids enjoyed seeing me play too-- you don't see me getting sporty very often, either. I don't know why, though. That "crack" of the ball hitting the bat is really, really satisfying.

John and Jim

John and Jim had arrived the night before and had already spent a bunch of time helping Mom and Dad around the house. John got up on the roof and cleaned the chimney; Jim rototilled the garden. John will be coming over for a longer stay with them around the time of Susan's wedding, so plans to help Dad with some larger scale projects. They're going to be changing the grade of the lawn, doing some painting on the back of the garage, and also general landscaping and weeding. I'm proud of the way my brothers find ways to help Mom and Dad. And I want to make sure Jim, my honorary brother, gets full credit here: he also crushed a bunch of cans and did dishes while John and I went for a lengthy after-dinner walk without him.

Leila with Uncle JoJo

Jim bought this quilt from Mom

I'll close with some pictures from around our house in Colfax. We planted our garden recently... and expanded it. Besides the regular garden Jon planted 5 rows of corn. The "big garden" includes some of our old standbys, including strawberries, onions, carrots, beans, tomatoes, summer squash, lettuce, cabbage, cucumbers and peppers. But we're also trying some new things including rutabagas, garlic, horseradish, broccoli, dill and cauliflauer. I planted most of the garden myself because Jon has been away working so much. In my inexperience (Jon usually does the planting and I do the weeding) I ended up with a bunch of extra cucumber, zucchini, and squash seeds... and no where to plant them.

Here's where my guilt kicks in. Now that Jon's back working in Iowa his hours are really gruelling and his 6 day work week (along with the long commute) make it impractical to come home on weekends.  But I couldn't help but mention the problem with the extra seeds, so he came home to work up a new garden patch for me. The poor guy was tired, but he got it done. It's kind of an experimental thing, though, because he rototilled compost into the soil that wasn't really fully composted yet, so we're not sure how that's going to work. But I gave it a good watering, threw some hay over the top and have my fingers crossed.

Jon's talking about adding another row to the big garden because he doesn't think I planted enough tomatoes and peppers. And I may not have... we go through a lot. Besides eating them fresh in sandwiches and salads, we can a year's supply of salsa, tomato soup, and even tomato sauce with our supply. I chop and freeze bell, jalapeno, and banana peppers for cooking throughout the year. I dry chili peppers in the oven to store in the pantry. Last year we had so many jalapenos I even made home-made poppers to keep in the freezer.

Flower bed at front of house

5 chickens-- no rooster

Last year's 6 strawberry plants??

The "big" garden doesn't look like much yet



The rutabagas are coming up!



Old wire spool from work makes great potting surface

The "experimental" garden in our composting area

Hope everyone is well! Expect another blog after this coming weekend... I'm going to visit my sister in Madison and plan on taking lots of pictures of our FABULOUS time together. Bye...

A Busy, Eventful Spring



My mother-in-law, Jane

What a nice mother-in-law I have!

On April 20th we celebrated Jane's birthday with a party at Pat and Ann's cabin. Everyone who could make it was there, including Susan and Jay, who surprised her by arriving a day early from Kentucky.

As always with these Hurlburt gatherings, there was a house-full, with plenty of delicious potluck food to enjoy.


Plenty of cakes to choose from!


The highlight is seeing how much all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren have grown, and watching them interact with each other.

As I post pictures from the party, I'd like to say a few words about my wonderful mother-in-law!

Hard to believe, but I've known Jane for about 20 years now. Her warmth, friendliness, and interest in other people made it easy to get to know her. I don't think anyone would argue if I said she's the heart of her family,  and not just those related to her... she has lots of friends in the community and has been like a second mom to her daughters-in-law.




Susan holding Jessica's son Cooper


I've learned a lot from her over the years, including how to enjoy having people over and how to keep a nice home. From her I learned to plan ahead, set the table with some flair, and cook plenty of food... though once the people arrive, take time to visit! The guests should be your focus. Make them feel comfortable and welcome.



Blythe, Brooke, Audrey, Lauren, and Leila


I've also learned from her the importance of celebrating holidays and remembering loved one's birthdays and anniversaries (my mom taught me that too). I never get tired of looking around her house at the pictures on the wall and how she has things arranged, because she always changes things and knows how to make personal and meaningful displays.



Joe made this flag holder for Grandpa's funeral flag


She remains active in her community, volunteering at her church and helping out with food at funerals.

She is a prolific crafter. It would be interesting to pile together all the blankets she's made, all the hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters and baby quilts she's knitted, and all the children's and doll clothes she's sewn. It would be impressive, but it's not possible-- because she gives all those wonderful hand-made creations away!



Susan and Jay look fresh, even after their long drive


She has insight into other people, including her children. She knows her children aren't perfect and sees them realistically, but she loves them unconditionally and sees them and their accomplishments in the best possible light. She even has that kind of open heart for daughters-in-law, like me!

She loves children, and has babysat many, many little ones over the years. She knows how to provide a safe and loving environment.

She does fun things, like going to shows in the cities, going on historic home tours, travelling as her health allows, and visiting other people's homes.



Jane made this apron for Leila



She takes care of herself! She tries to be healthful and always made sure her and Bud looked nice in crisply ironed clothes (I'm sure she did that for her kids when they were little, too). Her and Bud always put their best foot forward in public and I know their example has had me trying a little harder to have a neat appearance at family events...




Jill threw a wonderful shower


The day after Jane's party we gathered at Phil and Jill's house for Susan's wedding shower.


The food was delicious! And Susan received many wonderful presents for her future married life with Jay, including pieces of fiesta-ware she'd  selected as their table setting.

Pat, Jane, and Dorothy

The shower guests were mostly Hurlburts, but Jane's sisters Pat and Dorothy also attended, as did Susan's mother and some of her family.

While Susan was in town we did a cake testing (guests are in for a treat-!) and went over some last-minute details for the wedding. Hard to believe it's less than two months away... yikes...



Susan opening presents



Malia's gorgeous hair-!



Kristen, put down the wine



Great-Uncle Jon and Cooper



Lindsay, Jonathan, Jack, Susan, and Logan

Jack stayed overnight at our house this weekend, so here's a few pics from that:

Grandma's little helper (the TV)



Outside by the playhouse





Jack wearing boots!


Jon's brother Eric and Jodi remarried last week, and this weekend we attended a reception they held for family and friends at their bar in Arnold:



Eric and Jodi



Alec, Seth, and Michael

To conclude, news about Susan! She's been competing in a "Biggest Loser" weight loss challenge at work, and recently won the contest. She "gained" $300 by losing 60 pounds since last summer. She did it by watching what she ate and exercising twice a day. It was a lot of hard work, but look at the results. We're so proud of all her other accomplishments, this is just icing on the cake. The best part is that she is a wonderful, smart person. Way to go, Susan!!