2-17-11

 Martin: Storm building up towards the north in the afternoon over where I was working.

Me: Here is the farm I grew up on from 4th grade through highschool. My Mom and Dad lived here and farmed until 1996. At that time my Dad semi-retired and my folks moved into town (the home where my mom lives now). My brother Monte, wife Emily and their family moved onto this farm in 1998 and continue to live and farm there today. Monte still farms our old homestead where I & most of my other siblings were born. Monte & Emily's 5 children are now grown. Janna, their oldest, lives in Arizona and their youngest is a sophmore in college.

2-16-11

 Martin: Red Bottlebrush (Callistemon) flowering out front.

Me: Rod (my oldest brother), Ryan (Rod's grandson, my great-nephew, Mom's great-grandson), me & Mom in Des Moines at my nephew (Reggie) & niece-in-law's (Laura) home. Saw where Reggie worked and visited a bit with my SIL Nancy before driving back to Atlantic in the fog.

2-15-11

Martin: Went outside yesterday evening after sunset to check why the light coming in the windows was unusual - pink sky.

Me: I made it to Iowa. Here's mom and I in front of her home in Atlantic. I'll be visiting family over the next 5 days. It's currently sunny and mild so much of the snow is melting. Mom and I are going out to eat at her favorite town restaurant (Westside Diner) now. Wish you were here, Bob!

2-14-11

Martin: Here's a pic of the Valentine's Day card I made for Ruth. Hardest part was finding a bit of spare cardboard. It is intentionally out of square and it's not the angle of the shot.

Jane: Picking out a box of chocolate "for my husband" (wink) for Valentine's Day.

Thanks for being my Valentine, Bob!

2-13-11

Martin: Caught in the rain. There were three webs in the back garden this morning.

Me: Still painting. Now working on the ceiling. Needed a tall ladder for the job.

2-12-11

Martin: The pomegranate in the back garden is in flower once again - the possums can hardly wait.

Me: Bill, James, Bob, Heidi  and I drove to the other side of the valley to mountain bike the White Tank Mountains. We didn't start riding until 10:30am so no need for arm warmers, vests or long fingered gloves. Sunny and 70.

2-11-11

Martin: Experimenting with some close-up work.

Me: Harley and I went garage saling this morning. We usually find a treasure or two but not today. Maybe next time.