Though the Weather Outside is Frightful

The Fire is SO Delightful !!

Our fireplace needed some work, so rather than put the money in a old setup that mostly sucks warm air up the chimney, we bought a fireplace insert.

We can set the thermostat at 55, and the house is still in the mid-60's with the fireplace going. So far, we're happy with the Quadrafire brand. It puts out a lot of heat, but the house doesn't smell like smoke at all. And, we get a $1500 tax credit for heating the house with renewable fuel.

Thanksgiving 2009

The Steckbecks and Baxters celebrated Thanksgiving this year at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. What a cool park - and who would believe such beautiful country could be in the middle of the Illinois cornfields! Take a look here for pictures of all of us, enjoying the traditional present game and hiking in the huge canyons. All are welcome to join us in 2010 at McCormick's Creek State Park or in 2011 at Pokagon State Park. Ummmmmmm, turkey !

It's a Camping Thing

Lots of campers hang signs in front of their camp sites, giving their names and home town. Yes, it's kind of hokey. But last camping trip someone who knew my brother Joe and wife Lori saw their sign, realized friends were in the campground, and stopped in to say "hi." Okay, it's still hokey, but can be helpful.









So, now we have a sign, too. Thanks to Joe for cutting out the cool Indiana-shaped piece of wood !








Here we all are, camping in mid-August at Mounds State Park. It was Kevin and Tammy's maiden voyage with their new T@b camper. The crazy-looking thing we are standing on in the picture is a set of benches built on a trail, overlooking the White River.

(I love camping.)

Colorado Cool

It's always nice to leave the heat and humidity of an Indiana summer for the cool mountain weather. Just look at that clear, blue sky!



This year we were joined by Jerry's brother Kevin and his family, Tammy and Wyatt. And the Cranes (Carolyn, Barry, Jake, Ely, Dulce, and grandma MaryAnn) camped with us, too.

We took lots of adventures. Here are the highlights. You can click on the link after each listing to see more pictures! Don't forget to float your mouse over the pictures if you want to see titles.



Jake, the Wrangler, couldn't take us to West Tennessee Lakes (12,000 feet) because they were still snow covered. (6 to 8 feet of snow!). So, we drove to Homestake Reservoir, also about 12,000 feet, but snow-free. The fishing wasn't too good, but the scenery was beautiful! More pix here.






Barry Crane set up a rafting trip for us with Buffalo Joe's on the Arkansas River. Wow. Here are the awesome pix, taken by the rafting company as we passed their photo booth along side one of the rapids.






Sara, Carolyn, Dulce and grandma MaryAnn went horseback riding while the rest of the group rode ATV's. Dulce's horse decided he didn't want to go anymore, so she got on with Carolyn. I'm glad no one was around to see the wrangler leading a riderless horse back to the corral! Dulce recommended no treats for her mount, and a long time-out in the corner! Check out the pix.






Most of the spring wildflowers were up, although it was a late Spring this year in the mountains. Tammy was especially excited to see this pair of Lady's Slippers. Here's more.








Barry brought his boat, and everyone made the most of it. The fishing trophy goes to the youngest angler - Jacob Crane! Here's pix of water play.






Colorado hiking is always breath-taking, in more ways than one! This year we tried to make it to Missouri Lakes. Why is it the trailhead sign always gives a do-able distance, like, "2.8 miles," but we can never seem to reach the goal? After 3 hours, we just KNEW we were close, but the time, the deep snow, and a stream with a tricky crossing stopped us.



Pix are here.




The historic Leadville, Evergreen Cemetery is fascinating. A few pix.










Before you leave "Colorado 2009," take a look at some beautiful scenery.







Hey, guess what?! The next time we go to Colorado, in 2011, we won't have to come home after only one week. We'll be retired! All the time we want, but not so much money! Happy Trails!

Amish Country

What beautiful country north-central Ohio is! We camped for a long weekend with brother Joe and sister-in-law Lori at Mohican State Park, and toured the surrounding area. We drove to Wooster where the Rubbermaid factory used to be located. The factory has moved out, but there is still a huge store that sells just Rubbermaid products - everything from toys to trash cans. Wooster also has a used and historic book store that was very interesting. We continued on to Orrville where Smuckers has a plant and visitors center. Got free ice cream and our picture taken as if we were in a big bowl of ice cream with a cherry on top! We didn't spoil our dinner, though - a delicious buffet at an Amish restaurant. Check out the pictures. Hover your mouse over the sliding pictures to see titles.

Wrapped around Her Finger

She's the queen of her household, at only 3 weeks old ! Eliza is sleeping in 3- and 4-hour stretches at night, so parents are a bit tired, but happy. Everything has been going very well with one small health issue -- After this picture was taken, she developed a mild case of thrush (yeast infection in the mouth - yuck). The nurse suggested a homopathic remedy rather than antibiotics, so now Eliza's tongue and lips are a deep, but bright purple. Thankfully, the taste doesn't seem to bother her between doses, and the treatment can stop in a couple days.

Yummy Granola

I was able to stay with Lynne, Kirk and new baby, Eliza, for a week after she was born. While looking for some new and interesting dishes to cook for them, I found a really good granola recipe on-line at the TasteOfHome.com website.

The recipe takes about an hour to make, but it is definitely worth the time.

4 c old-fashioned oats

---place in a jelly-roll pan

---toast at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes

1c chopped nuts

3/4 c bran cereal, like All Bran

1 c coconut

---add to oats and stir together, leaving all in the baking pan

1/3 c honey (or substitute molassas for part or all)

1/4 c vegetable oil
---heat, but do not boil
1 t vanilla - add to honey mixture

---pour honey mixture over the oats and mix well

---return to the oven

---bake 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, golden brown

1c raisins (or yellow raisin/cranberry mixture)

1c chopped dates

---add to baked mixture

---cool and store in an airtight container

---freeze part of it, if you think any will be left after about a week !

Welcome Eliza

Just look at this little sweetheart! Baby Eliza Kathryn Smiley was born at 10:31 am Monday, 4/13/09. (Yes, everyone is saying she will have birthdays on Friday the 13th.) She weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long. Although the doctors had planned to induce the birth, it was not necessary; and Lynne was blessed with an easy and quick delivery.

Check out these pictures at the hospital, about an hour after Eliza's birth.

Shower the Baby with Gifts Galore

Only a month until we can meet the new Miss Smiley!

Baby received beautiful and practical gifts at her shower on Sunday 3/1. Lynne's grade-school friend, Karen Bodach, helped Sara arrange the shower.

We played silly baby shower games; but most of all, the guests seemed to enjoy sharing when and how they each met Lynne.

Here are a few pictures.

Soft Pretzels

Who knew? You can make pretzels at home. Mine didn't turn out very pretty, but they sure taste good. We're going to use them (among other foods) with a chocolate fountain at Lynne's baby shower coming up on March 1.
Here's the recipe and some pictures.









Mixing the dough in the indestructable, 30-year-old, Harvest Gold Oster.










Boiling the dough.







Out of the oven.

Lots of pans and dishes to clean up, though.

Happy 2009 !

Close friends and family joined Jerry and Sara at their 11th annual New Year's Eve / Anniversary party. Click here for some photos.

A four-hour domino game probably broke some sort of record. Joe recommends duct taping everyone's mouth to speed up future games! But I would miss the color commentary.

We enjoyed fireworks at midnight (although some of the neighbors did not). And a big smooch for Jerry and Sara at 12:01 on their anniversary!

Thanksgiving 2008 at Turkey Run

. The weather was perfect for our annual family Thanksgiving, this year at Turkey Run State Park. The usual crowd attended: Jerry and Sara, daughter Lynne and husband Kirk, Sara's brother Joe with Lori and girls Brittney and Kaylee, Lori's sister Lisa with husband Rod and daughter Carrie, Lori's mom and stepdad, Jerry's brother Mark with Bobbie, Jerry's brother Kevin with wife Tammy and son Wyatt.

. Joe is doing great, recovering from knee replacement surgery, and was able to take short hikes. Lynne is feeling better as her pregnancy progresses. We had great fun playing dominos, knitting, hiking, and pitching in for dinner the night after Thanksgiving. The "present game" was a big hit, and everyone got unique, though inexpensive, items they could really use! Most importantly, all generations had a good time getting to know each other better.

. Click here to see pictures, and go to the bottom of this blog to see Thanksgivings-past.

The Peanut Playhouse

You know how much Jerry enjoys building things in the yard. Well, even though the grandbaby is not due for another 3-1/2 months, he has built a playhouse in the backyard for little Peanut. It's not perfect, but we think it turned out pretty good, since we had never tried anything like it before and built it from scratch with no plans!

Click here to see pictures of the progress over 3 weekends.

We're Going to be Grandparents !

Lynne and Kirk gave us some very exciting news a few weeks ago. They are expecting, and the baby is due April 11. Lynne is doing well and the nausea and tiredness are almost gone. They are encouraging the grandparents not to go overboard, but we are all thrilled and it is so very hard not to start sewing cute clothes and planning a baby space in the house! Stay tuned to find out whether the little "Peanut," as they are calling the baby, turns out to be a little boy Peanut or a little girl Peanut!

Camping - Versailles State Park

I say it every time -- "had a great time camping" at Versailles State Park. We were joined by our friends, the Crain family, the Hess family, and Jerry's brother and sister-in-law Kevin and Tammy Steckbeck.

We hiked and collected fossil rocks, we had good trailer-time on a rainy day, and had fabulous food!

Click here to see pictures, and here to see the interesting-to-some fungus pictures!

Trees, Fleas, and RVs

The weather was perfect for our trip in late September to Potato Creek State Park. We drove to Shipshewana for the huge flea market on Wednesday. Jerry enjoyed himself. Sara thinks she can go several more years without seeing 500 different styles of ladies' t-shirts with sequins.

On the way back, we stopped in Elkhart to visit the RV/Motorhome Hall of Fame museum. They have almost 50 old campers on display - most of which you can walk inside. The ages ranged from the early 1900s to the 1970's. I didn't have my digital camera with me, and the flash on the disposable I bought did not reach very far, so the pictures are pretty lousy.

Potato Creek is a nice park, that protects both woods and wetlands. Lots of migratory birds in the spring and fall that you don't see in Indianapolis. We enjoyed hiking, bike riding, and of course, fishing! Click here for camping pictures.

The Coolest Thing Jerry Has Ever Built !

By: Sara



. I've always wanted a woods with a stream in my back yard. Well, the woods only has 3 trees, but NOW my wish has come true. Jerry installed a little pond and built a "lazy river" that runs into it, down the little hill by our deck. It is so relaxing to sit on the deck and hear the babbling water!! THANKS, Jerry!!!

. Click here to see pictures.

Want to take a bike ride with me?

My favorite route for a bike ride has everything, sidewalks all the way, a wildflower prairie, bluebirds, woods, views of the river, AND even a pink pig with sun glasses! Come and take a ride with me, by clicking this link. (Hint: hover over the pictures for titles.)

I love summer.

Sara

4th of July, Steckbeck Style

The Steckbeck Boys (Kevin, Mark, and Jerry) get together every 4th of July and blow things up. We had a record number of people this year, and everyone had a great time.

Our all-time favorite thing to blow up is called Value Jet.

This year, Jerry bought helium balloons to try to shoot off Value Jet as it was hovering in the air. Once the balloons were attached, he taped rockets under the wings, and away it went.

Click here to see the rest of the pix.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY !!

2008 Baxter Family Reunion

. Had a great time at Cousin Susan's beautiful log home near South Bend, at the 2008 Baxter Family Reunion. Everyone enjoyed catching up with relatives, and delicious food. (I got a piece of Aunt Berneil's sugar cream pie to take home!! Eat your hearts out!!).

. Mark your calendars ~ Next year's reunion will be the last Saturday in June, 6/27/09, at Cousin Jeff's home in Richmond. We are encouraging all the 3rd generation young adults to attend, so the Baxter Reunion tradition stays well and strong! Great minds are at work to make sure the 2009 event will be fun for the "3rd's."

. Click here for more pictures.

Still on Vacation

We've gone back to work (ughhh), but are still pretending we are on vacation. Today we "vacationed" in downtown Indianapolis.

We went to the Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market and saw native Indian dancers, story-tellers, and vendors. Sara wishes she had $500 to buy a hand-woven silk shirt - but, oh well.

Up Nort'

. Jerry, Sara, Joe, and Lori had a wonderful vacation "Up Nort' " in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan. We planned to stay at Porcupine Wilderness State Park on Lake Superior, but (darn the luck) we arrived during the 2 to 3 weeks during the Spring when the biting black flies were swarming.

. After only one night, we moved inland to Lake Gogebic State Park. The Gogebic park was very nice, and the locals told us that, being inland, we would not have the fly problem.

. Click here to see pictures. There are a lot, so if you get bored, click the "+" sign to speed up, or the "-" sign to slow down the show!

Volunteer Day at Burr Oak

We spent about 3 hours yesterday helping the Central Indiana Land Trust pick up trash and eradicate Bush Honeysuckle from their Burr Oak nature preserve. The preserve is located just west of the intersection of 206th Street and Highway 37 on the White River.

Central Indiana Land Trust is the entity that recently bought the Logan family's Coke Oven Hollow in Parke County, where Sara's family camped for over 20 years. Follow this link to their web site, if you want to see more. (They named the Parke County property "Mossy Point.")



Here is the group getting a briefing before we split into two groups, one to pick up trash and the other to work on the honeysuckle.










Our Land Trust leader explained that the honeysuckle is a more vigorous plant, leafing out earlier and staying green longer than the native plants. It was originally imported from the Orient as an ornamental yard plant, but soon spread to Indiana woods, and has been taking over. Here is what the area looked like when we finished.










There were 15 people working on the honeysuckle. Some of us used loppers to cut off the plants at the ground. Others hauled the brush away, and Jerry and the Land Trust leader sprayed herbicide on the stumps to prevent the plant from sprouting from the roots.










Here's the team after a morning of hard work.












This mound of trash bags is the result of the other group's efforts picking up trash from the property.

Farmer Jerry

No more delays when Jerry decides to go fishing! Now, instead of making that annoying trip to Wal-Mart for worms, Jerry can go to the back yard and dig his own, in his new WORM FARM. He learned how to build it by looking on the web. It's just a wooden box, with screen-covered holes for drainage, buried in the ground, and filled with good dirt, leaves, and WORMS. It doubles as a compost pit, because the worms like all people-food except meat and onions or anything hot.

Ahhhhhhh - fishing.

Doggie Easter Egg Hunt, and Otis Gets a New Cape

...Grand-puppy Otis had a fun time at Carmel's West Park on Saturday. He's a very friendly pup, and had fun meeting other dogs and people too. Dog treats and coupons for fun stuff were scattered on the ground for the dogs and owners to find. There was a special area for little dogs, where they could compete fairly. Yes, he got wet and dirty again!

...After the Egg Hunt, we measured Otis for his new Purdue cape. He's almost full-grown, and time for a big-boy suit. He likes wearing his new cape, but was really too busy running and jumping to stop for a good picture!

...Check out the pictures of both at this link.

The Times, They Are A-Changin'

My mom and dad's music player.

This console is era 1940-1950's. (The cute dancer is me!) The console played one song at a time, from a 78 vinyl record.

My music player

Thanks to son-in-law, Kirk, I found the perfect MP3 player. It will play any one of over 1500 songs downloaded to it so far. The times, they are a-changin' (courtesy Bob Dylan).