Lew's Sunday Morning Journal

Scroll Down the page for previous writings in reverse date order

Sunday Morning

26 December 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

The stocking's were hung and as you can see the tree was decorated with great care. I got the mom speech about and you can't throw it, it has to be one strand at a time and draped over the branch. The devil made me do it but I had to take it off and start over. I did throw some when mom wasn't looking though. How ever they did look more draped the next day. It has been a very joyous and blessed Christmas and as usual way to many gifts. All were great gifts but to many. We had more food than we could eat also so will be eating that all week. I got some clocks, clothes, cd's, garden/yard things, tools, decorations and more than I can mention. I got mom a nice emerald ring to replace the one she lost years ago among other things. She is so hard to buy for cause she has me so what else could she possibly need. We are headed off to Ellen's for the family Christmas today so this will be short. I heard the cheering. May God bless you in the year to come and I hope your Christmas was as blessed and joyous as ours. Dad

Sunday Morning

19 December 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Ho Ho Merry Christmas to all. Where is the snow. Am really getting depressed here. Over the no snow I mean. Still real mild temperatures and the grass is growing and needs mowing. What's that all about. We're not in Iowa any more are we. Been a fun week with all the gift wrapping and such. Guess we should get the tree up soon. Mom is in a frantic mood and really excited so that makes it all fun. Had to make a special trip to an unknown town for and unnamed gift at a non descript store. Got it. Me either it's Christmas. Any way while there we went to a Super Target and a Super Wal-Mart. WOW!!! Is that the most depressing thing I've ever encountered. People milling around in a zombie state, yelling at someone on a cell phone, like a herd of milk cows that are way overdue to be milked, and finding absolutely nothing at all we needed or wanted in the maze of useless drivel scattered throughout a warehouse environment in an indescribable non functional manner on inaccessible shelving with absolutely nobody anywhere to help you. On the chance that you do find the one person not running around the store in front of you hiding from you so they don't have to help you, you can get directed to ladies clothing for their display of electronics gadgets that has nothing you want or need cause that's in the hardware department at the pharmacy if they have it at all. On the slim chance you can accidentally find something slightly close to what you want you discover you can get a better quality item at your local hardware store at a cheaper price. Did I miss something in school or am I just an old poop or what. What happened to the 60's, Rexall Drug in Burns Oregon with three aisles, a soda fountain, gift wrapping, helpful people, and leaving with everything you needed or wanted and went there to purchase. I guess all I can say is Super WOW OW  OUCH!!!!! I sure do need some snow about now. Maybe I will get lucky as the temperature has dropped some and it feels like snow in the air. My prescription for us all would be, Remember that the season is about the birth of our Lord and savior, stay home and make your own gifts for sharing and give them with all the care and love you can assemble, and pray for some snow. God bless us all and have a very Merry Christmas in the season and for the reason it is celebrated. Love dad.

Sunday Morning

12 December 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

As I still don't know who that is in last weeks picture I may be wasting my time here. Anyway here is a picture of dad's first tractor colored by Jeff and it is pretty good. The wind is really blowing this morning but still rather warm for December. Grass is still green and growing so where the heck is the snow. Had the ham set on some this week and sure was great to get on the air again. Hope the antenna holds up in the wind predicted today.  Need to get some filter capacitors replaced as the audio is getting that hum when they start to go bad. Maybe will look for a Swan 117 XC power supply also. Been busy this week getting ready for Christmas but not much else done. Got some of the garage cleaned but worked on some stuff there so messed it up again. Changed my mind and put the snow blade on the Toro at work just in case it is needed. Figured I might as well since I have it anyhow. The computer is working fine but acting funny so guess that's the next thing to look at. To bad they don't work as well as the electronics from 40/50 years ago. Guess I don't have much else this Sunday so will close with my Love. Dad

Sunday Morning

05 December 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Another week has passed and we now have the Christmas lights up outside. The season is upon us so we need to remember what the season is for and about. How about the old family picture from Teresa. Who is the child with us in the lower left. Weather is still nice and was around 50 here yesterday. Really great for December. Mom decided not to put out the nativity scene this year as it needs some repairs and painting. Might put it out anyhow as it is the needed reason for the season. Had some snow but didn't last the day so am glad about that. The rental is finally rented again so that is another worry taken care of. Got all the furniture back in place after thanksgiving so now can rearrange again for Christmas. What's that all about. Did we do all this for our children or for us or for the wife. Go figure. OH Bother!!! Vehicles are all ready for winter and the snow equipment is set to go so just need the snow. Did I say that out loud. Guess there is not much going on here as you can tell by my rambling so will just close with all my Love and God's blessing's for a great Christmas season. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

28 November 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Well we have survived the thanksgiving holiday and it has been real nice. All the Orcutt clan met at our house last Sunday which turned out real nice, 38 people came, and then on thanksgiving day mom and I went to Brad and Heathers and we had another great feast. Saturday the day before all arrived for the thanksgiving at our house the microwave died and nothing was open so did without that and then got one this week. The new one has a foot missing and a screw taped inside without any description of what it is for. Oh Bother!! Have put all the pictures of both days on the web page at Lewzplace. Also updated the grandkid page at Our Family Corner but it is now at a different link so you will need to go there to get the new link if you want to see it. Mom has been busy with the preparations for the holidays and cleaned up some outside this week so she is tired. Had to put a new starter on the Caravan as it was just starting to go click sometimes so didn't want to get stranded. Have pond all cleaned out and bedded down for the winter so will get new fish now and go from there. Most all of the yard ornaments are in and we had snow Saturday morning so guess it's time to get out on the roof and put up lights. Am I doing this wrong or what. Why didn't I do that while it was warm. Computer is still doing okay and may try the accelerator again if I can install it without it loading at startup. Guess I am run down for now so will close with all my love dad.

Sunday Morning

21 November 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Pretty cool picture huh? Got it from an Email and thought I would show it here as it has so many other pictures involved. The artist signature looks like Joe Castillo  and whoever it is deserves an applause for this work. Any way the rusted, ugly, not working, should be in the trash, light has been repaired and now we have a rusted, ugly, working, should be in the trash light. Isn't life grand. Took about 4 hours, at $10.00 an hour, $18.00 in parts, and much cursing, that cost me $58.00 and maybe my salvation, that I could have purchased for about $19.95. OH BOTHER! If you are trying to figure out where this is going I haven't a clue so if you figure it out let me know. Got the tires for the pickup but they put the white walls facing out so now will have to an alarm as everyone will try to steal it. Ya Right! Worked on cleaning the house some so it would have some paths for the thanksgiving today. Hope it worked. Had to grease the windmill as it was squeaking real bad. Brad came yesterday to help some in the house and he sure did a great job. It's good to have the kids home like that. Started to clean the garage but to many interruptions so not much done there. Mom got me some hooks for a hat rack about 4 or 5 years ago and finally got them up so am making some progress. Took the accelerator off the computer as it seems to make things not function correctly. Will try it sometimes so that it isn't loaded at startup. Guess not as I just checked and will need to install again for it to work. Guess that leaves me about run down so will close with all my love and wishing you God's blessing. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

14 November 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Another week has passed and the weather has turned cold with frost in the air. Not much going on outside so started on the inside getting ready for some shelves etc and many things that need done. We have an ancient pole lamp that is all bent and rusty that needs to go to the trash but mom really likes it so therefore I'm working on that also. Could get a new one for about $20.00 and have spent about that on this one not counting the time and still not done. Oh Bother. Still need a set of tires for the truck for winter so will try that this week before the snow really starts to fly. VCR's were eating tapes so had to clean and check them this week and think they are going again. Mom is working on Xmas stuff yet and the packages are ready to mail out. Got the fish out of the pond but some bad luck there as the pump had stopped and the fish were gone so will need to get some new for next year. They were getting big and is probably my fault for not checking and getting it done earlier. Got part of my snow suit for snow removal at work but was to tight so sending it back for a larger size. Told them to get comfort and warmth as I am some past needing to look good while moving snow. Got my lights put up in the garage so now I can see out there but may have to move some and add some more. All in all been a good week so better get out of here and get some choirs done. God bless you all and all my Love dad.

Sunday Morning

07 November 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Well here we are again and Halloween is over and all went well. If you get the picture with the journal you can tell the porch light is finally up. If you don't get the picture go to Lewzplace and click on the journal link to see that it is really done. 14 years not bad. As you can see by mom's left, stage right in the pic she had me hanging out to dry. Got the camper all done and in the shed for winter and the van is cleared out and in the shed also. Even got the old 55 truck loaded and in the shed for the winter. Sorry son not getting much done there. Seems I never have the time. Might ask Wally if he can do it and if not to expensive will have him do it. Most of the mowers are hibernating for winter but need to get the snow blower ready. Mom has been trying to work on her book and such on the notebook computer but is hard to see etc. so got her a new table and an LCD monitor and keyboard for our anniversary. Sure works out nice now. Maybe she can get me a nice pair of warm winter boots for work. April had the baby, on Tammy's Bday, so Jeff and Cindy are grandpa and grandma now so congratulations there. Will be going to Tammy's today to celebrate her Birthday so hope its a fun trip. Brad and the five girls were down Friday afternoon so really enjoyed that and then Brad came down yesterday and helped me move the truck as I couldn't do it alone. Still need to get the fish in for winter and clean the garage now that I have most of the stuff out and finally get up the lights in the garage I got for Christmas last year. Guess Am run down for another Sunday so will close with all my love and God bless you and keep you in his loving arms. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

31 October 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE

What an eventful week it has been. Made it to Tammy's okay but the spare kept leaking air. It needed fixed and on Monday when I checked the rest of the tires they weren't great so ended up getting a new set of tires. After they  were mounted and spare repaired I was driving away and I heard this funny noise and it turns out the water pump was going bad so back in the next day for repairs there. Still don't have the big van cleaned from camping and it still needs to go back for the Air conditioning and need to get camper to the shed. Worked most of the week on my Ham room/den and it is now all clean, dusted and organized. Finally got a porch light added to the front porch mom has wanted for 13 years. Didn't want to rush into it and do it wrong. Leaves are falling and the ground was all white with frost this morning and my thermometer said 30 degrees out when I got up. Guess winter is in the air. Got the new tractor snow blower for work and ordered a snow outfit from work to wear. Got Car hart coat with hood and insulated pants and then bought my own gloves. Now just need some warm boots and ready to go for the snow. Need to get a set of good snow tires for the truck so I can get there to use all the new equipment. Got all the equipment moved around and ready so now just need the snow. YAH. Mom has been busy with Christmas things and whatever it is the girls do all the time. Repaired my Copal green light 24 hour military clock so now that is going right again. Moved my modem and line switch to the desk so it is easier to reach now and the computer is going well I hope. Maybe it isn't though as I never see much on it. Is any body out there. About ready to paint in the hall and living room and start the library shelves. Been working there for almost two years now. Must be the German in me. Guess I have bored you all to tears by now so will close with all my love and God bless you and keep you till next time. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

24 October 2004

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Oh Bother the first week back from vacation can sure be a pain. Been a real busy week but have accomplished a lot at work. New snow blower and tractor are about ready and got all caught up on the things missed for two weeks. Camper is almost ready to be put in the machine shed for winter. Still have some unloading to do in the van and then get it bedded down for a long winters nap also. Not much done in the yard or outside at all. Got started in my ham room with cleaning but that may take all winter. Who brought in all the dust and clutter. Mom have you been in there again. Fired up the old 1939 Philco while cleaning and it sure sounds good. Where did that rich wood, vacuum tube sound go in today's equipment. Mom has been under the weather this week with some flu bug or something but has kept busy. I went up to Brad's yesterday to help some on his remodeling job and we ended up going to menards in Ft Dodge to get some lumber. I had the mini van so had to strap it on the roof. About ten miles out of town the wind picked up and broke the front bungee and we ended up with fiber board, pressed board, masonite board, all in 4X8 sheets, and 2x4s all over the highway. Very little damage so was very lucky there. Finally got it all inside the van but now I had to have the seat clear forward and I had to lean forward to drive. I looked like one of them old people that hang on the steering wheel with there chin and shouldn't be driving. We went another ten miles and the left rear tire blew out with a loud bang. First blow out ever for me. Finally was able to find the useless tool that they pass off for a jack and then find where they hid the spare and how to get it down. Got it all jacked up and the spare down and it was flat. Brad walked to a farm house with the spare and was able to get it filled and the farmer brought him back. Finally made it back home without any more mishaps. All in all a wonderful day and a joyous trip. And now for today, Sunday, we are getting ready to head north to Tammy's for Crystal's birthday. Sure hope it is less eventful than yesterday. Love you all and God bless. See you next week. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

17 October 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

We are back from our camping trip and I kept a journal of things for you since I know how much you missed the journal last Sunday while we were gone.

LEW'S

CAMPING JOURNAL 

 Monday 04 October 04

Arrived at Springbrook. First day of camping and the weather is great. After setup, I discovered the toilet flush valve leaks, the black water tank has a crack and leaks, the rear awning bottom bracket is coming loose, the o-ring for the camp stove is lost and I set the stove connection on fire, the furnace pilot light won’t stay lit, and the handle on my shovel is cracked. It was a perfect day and we had great T-bones for supper cooked by yours truly. I won cribbage. 

Tuesday 05 October 04

04:30 AM and stove pilot out and so cold in camper had to go outside to warm up. Mom said to turn the heat down. What was I thinking? Decided to go to town later and get parts or buy new to fix it. As usual the camper place had nothing to fix it and couldn’t come up with an alternate plan. What was I thinking? Finally got the thermocouple at the local farm store. On the way to town the blower bearing in the van started to squeal so is going out, and the Air conditioning I just spent $300.00 to fix and took back once cause it quit a week later, quit again. Go figure. Got the stove fixed I hope as the pilot is staying on for now. Mom is working in her journal, and I am getting ready to do ribs that mom wants and I never done before. It’s been a wonderful day and the weather is great. Where are my darn little white pills? I won cribbage. 

Wednesday 06 October 04

The ribs last night were gross, where is Brad when I need him to do the ribs, up all night with gas attack and the pilot light on furnace went out again. Finally got to sleep about 7AM and am not talking about what time I got up. Went to town and got another radio for camper as the old one finally died. Sick most of the day but adjusted the pilot light on the furnace and hope that fixes it. Mom won cribbage.

 Thursday 07 October 04

Up at 6:30 AM and feeling some better. Mounted new radio and made sausage, eggs and hash browns for breakfast. Price is right is on and now feels like naptime. Well didn’t get the nap but just goofed around. Played on the old cassette player but no success on repairs. Set up printer for mom and rode the moped all over to check lake, conservation center, river, etc. Didn’t fix the furnace but the temps are such we don’t need it. Fixed my windmills so they turn quietly and we made ribs again for supper and they were almost great. 11PM time for bed and the day were great. Won four games of cribbage to mom’s one so I’m ahead there. 

Friday 08 October 04

Up at 7:00 AM and the day has started great. Went for a walk and there are 22 new campers since yesterday morning. Why don’t they all stay home like they should. 1:30 and still more campers, JUST GO AWAY! Been to town and got a towel rack and some used pots and pans for camper. Club ware brand pots that really work well for camper. Also got mom a TV tray she just, absolutely, positively, urgently, for sure had to have for camping. I said why do we need that? WHAT WAS I THINKING? Evening arrived and almost all-camp spots are filled. No cribbage played tonight.

 Saturday 09 October 04

Elaine and Ralph arrived last night and had a fire late and then I watched the debate so slept till 7AM this morning. Furnace still not working so took it all apart again and cleaned all ports etc. and cleaned the thermocouple connection and made a little tighter. Fired it about 7 times and now seems to work so maybe this time. Cross your fingers. Went for a walk around lake and got some pictures and then took a nap. Visited with sis and made ribs for them for supper and it turned out good, sat by fire till 10PM and then went in and watched news and played cribbage. Won one and lost one. 

Sunday 10 October 04

Up at 6AM and the furnace failed again. Go figure. Restarted and fired several times now so might find it some day. Guess I’ll go up to the lake and watch the sun come up. Got some great pictures of the lake and sun coming up. Temp was 48 degrees when I went and the steam was just rising from the water and the reflections were beautiful. The Kids, Brad and Heather, Faith, Sarah, Mel and Steph came out and we did hot dogs early and then had fish sis and Ralph caught. We lit a fire and got so tired by 9PM went inside. Now watching Crossing Jordan. No cribbage played tonight. 

Pork Ribs

Well we did ribs once more and they turned out great. I got Brad’s blessing on them so they were fine and will share my recipe with you. This was set up for camping but should work as well at home.

Ingredients

1                    Package of your choice of ribs

1                    Package or bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce

1                    Package of meat tenderizer

1                    Bottle of scotch

Equipment

1                    Grill

1                    Basting brush

1                    Measuring cup

1                    Pair of meat tongs

1                    Roll of no stick foil

1            Cutting board

Directions

Assemble all ingredients and equipment and place on camp table in an orderly fashion. Open the ribs and place on cutting board. Open the scotch and carefully measure out ¼ cup. Drink the ¼ cup of scotch to insure it is the right selection and hasn’t gone bad. If all right, measure out ¼ cup of barbecue sauce and add ½ cup of scotch to sauce. Now carefully drink this mixture to insure the sauce is the right kind. You may add a little less sauce or more scotch to you liking. Wifh ths completedd hoke poles in all the ribs and sprnkl on tenderizerer. Measure another ¾ cup of scotch and very sparingly bast the the ribs wifh the mixxture. If this was to much drnk the rst as you should not poor it back in the bittle as it may be bad. Grill the start and set on loaw to simer sloly. If you are getting thirty you may have a small scop of sitch. Place dibs on foul papr pour in sauce and mix  rogether with rasting bush. Sampl sotch to insure it is fill stine. Use tongs to remove bugs from dids an clooos foul warp. Plac on brill, burn trille off, fnsh sottle of botch and bo to ged. It took me three tries’ to get it right so you may have to practice some.

 Monday 11 October 04

Well the last ribs were perfect and still the furnace is not working. Oh Well!!! Up at 6:45 AM and Elaine and Ralph left this morning. Day is cool and overcast. Rain in the forecast. Watched Price is right and it’s 1:30 and Mom is napping. Worked some more on the furnace pilot and then did pork chops, corn on the cob, and scalloped potato’s for supper. Now am not feeling so well so just watching TV and goofing off. No cribbage played tonight. 

Tuesday 12 October 04

Furnace finally ran all night and seems to be fixed. Turned pilot flame up more. Repaired left rear corner of camper where some siding molding was letting loose. Still need to caulk some their and other places. Repaired awning mounts but is only temporary, as I couldn’t get them tight. Need to make a metal plate to mount with them for stability. Mom is writing some and it’s 2 PM so guess I’ll just rest for now. Made chicken drumettes and grilled chicken for supper. Won one game of cribbage and now will watch Judging Amy and then to bed.

 Wednesday 13 October 04

Three days and two nights the furnace has worked so is finally good to go. Knock on wood. Been very cool and overcast since Monday but no rain as predicted yet. Ran out of water yesterday so I had to carry some to put in tank. Went to Garvis Honda in Des Moines and got the headlight and muffler for the moped. Mom has it up at the ranger station, for her interview for her book, now so will replace them when she’s back. Put in the headlight and muffler and now it idles at 10 MPH. Go figure. Try to figure out now why it idles so fast with just a muffler replacement. Mom won the cribbage game. 

Thursday 14 October 04

Slept till 8:15 this morning and furnace still working. Oatmeal and raisin bread toast for breakfast and now ready for the day. Had to carry some more water, as we are low again. Made some adjustments on the moped and now it idles, but not sure its right. Will check when we get home. Rather cool today and a little wind. Mom and I went to find her some more walking sticks last night and got 5. Now she just needs to work on them. Her neck is sore and stiff so not moving to well. We worked on mom’s walking sticks and she worked on her eagle one and I worked on her elephant one. They are looking nice. Mom won at cribbage again, Oh Bother.

 P.S. Maybe the end is in sight, as heaven knows it has been a long siege. Not that it has been a difficult time as much as annoying or irritating. I am hopeful and will knock on wood, cross my fingers, and go for the thumbs up, since I know I have had an understanding, easy going nature through it all. To make a long description short and to the point, mom was cold last night and wanted the heat ON. YAAAAA!!!!! The power surges are over. Shhh it’s a secret or they might be back.

 Friday 15 October 04

Slept till 7:30 this morning and the heat worked so that is fixed finally. Ran to town and got some light bulbs for the moped and now is fine except can’t find the one for the speedometer so will have to wait till I get home. Mom and I did some more work on her walking sticks and she wanted to go inside as it was getting cold. Huh, oh yah now I remember. Shhh! Charged the battery for moped so now all electrical systems work correctly. Started the pick up of stuff outside, as we will leave tomorrow. Lots of camping things picked up and put away and went to town for supper. On the way mom seen a garage sale so had to stop and then stopped again after we ate. It’s a mom thing.

 Saturday 16 October 04

Up at 6:45 AM and time to get ready to go home. Just now slowed up enough to really enjoy a lot now have to leave. See you all when we get home. Love dad.

Sunday Morning

03 Oct 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

It's been a busy but fun week. Before I go farther it is time to go camping again so next week the journal will be missing as we will not be here. Now that the applause has died down I will continue. The weather has turned chilly and the trees are starting to turn and you can feel a hint of what's to come. We are going to pull out tomorrow morning or maybe even this afternoon if we get all done. Have to fill the water tanks yet and get some clothes ready and then am good to go. Mom has been busy with her sewing, getting ready and the other things she has to do. We got the camper stocked with food yesterday and all the gas tanks filled and heater and fridge going. Work went well this week and a lot of the landscaping is complete. Many of leaks in the duct work sealed so the variable drive is now working. Got the snow equipment ordered so should be ready for use when we get back to work. Heather is on the road with her job and will be back this week so Brad and the kids came to visit yesterday and that was a lot of fun. Faith helped me load wood for our camping trip and sure enjoyed that so now when we light the fire I will get warm from the fire and also from that memory. Is life great or what. I thank the lord for all the blessings he has given me. Sarah is starting to talk and is all over the place and just as happy as can be. Looks like I will not get the mowing done again before we go camping so maybe won't get to go. YA RIGHT THINK AGAIN. The radios are all working well but not on much and the computer going strong. Guess this leaves me run down again so will close for now and be back in two weeks. Enough of the cheers already I get the point. Remember I smile because you are my family and I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it. God bless you all. Love dad.

Sunday Morning

26 September 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Another week has passed and has been very busy. We finally have the house rented and will finish some repairs today before they move in tomorrow. Mom has been frantic so glad it is all done. Today is Grandma's 89th birthday and we went to Cedar Rapids yesterday to celebrate it at Andy's House. It was fun and good to see mom again even though it has only been a month or so since our last visit. Once again we had to much food and cake so all went well. We are all set to go camping next Monday but have not even started to get ready. What does that mean. Oh well!!! Been doing landscaping at work and getting ready for winter so have been busy there and at home. Will keep this rather short but do have a very special request for all. I am looking for any photo's of our families line with and interest in mom and dads wedding and early pictures Etc. Would appreciate any photos, copies, from early to current and so on. I have those on your CD Karla and would like more if you found any. These can be the Orcutt, Hansen, Frarck, Clark, Nelson and so forth sides. If you want to send some but are concerned about them I would take special care, Scan them, and then return them or accept email ones or CD ones if you have the capability or any form we could work out. Gary Frarck, Dan Orcutt and Barb Beelen especially if you have or can find some I don't have I would really appreciate them. Not sure how many read this so will send it to other addresses as well that am not sure if they get the journal so if you get it twice or more I apologize before hand.  Teresa I did find the albums of moms still here so I have them yet and did not take them back to mom as I thought. I feel she still must have more photos somewhere, as I can remember a suitcase full from years ago, unless they are lost or with the other kids. I think Aunt Ellen wants these also and probably all the kids but should go back to Mom eventually or at least copied and shared with all who want them as they belong to the mom, the family and not me. Guess that is all for now, God Bless you all. Love Lew, Dad, Uncle, Cousin, Grandpa, Papa, and so on.

Sunday Morning

We are in the Lords hands always

19 September 2004

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Another week has passed and what a week it was. How about the cloud picture above. It came in an email from Barb but not sure of the origination other than was taken after hurricane Charley. AWESOME. The siding and doors are finally done, complete, finished, over. Yah!!! Now I need to get in gear and start the trim cleanup and paint and try and finish the front porch. Got the Country Clipper mower running great and the Deines is fixed and back as you know. Final bill there $543.00 just to repair an electric clutch. My first lawnmower cost me only $5.00 in Bay City Texas. What's wrong here. Moved a lot of landscape rocks from work back home as we are doing some different work there so have changed some at home also. Cut down a small walnut tree and some dogwood by the arbor to accommodate this. The hedge is coming along nicely so guess my spring pruning to short twigs didn't hurt to much. Will do the other one next spring. Cleaned all the small pines along the drive and am getting the camper ready for Spring brook. Looks like we will go camping on the 27th, Elaine, and be there about two weeks. I can't wait. Seen the old woodchuck again last week so he is still under the green house and doing well. Have some more cats to trap as they have chased away all the finches and birds. Not much time for the truck son son may just have to pull it to the barn and wait for you. Guess dad is just getting slow. Went to Brad and Heathers last night for supper so took them out and had a good visit. Guess this leaves me run down and just babbling so will close with all my love. Dad

Sunday Morning

Remember 9-11 on this third anniversary

12 Sept 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Been a fairly eventful week. Got much done at work. The compressor no one could figure out the oil leak on I decided to check and found they had the motor wired wrong and was turning backwards. How hard was that. Also told them to put a vibration damper in the air line and install some vibration mounts on the feet. Got the other scroll compressor installed and now some cooling is going on. Had them install some sight glasses so I could tell what it does. The new patio area is poured and one of the handrails are up. Got the big Dienes mower back at home and the new clutch is in. $ 345.00 Just for the clutch. WHEW!!! Got the country clipper running good again so will need to haul it over to the barn now. It has a small oil leak but will address that later. Had to tow Brad's car to the shop as it blew the drain plug. Who came up with the idea of making them all plastic. Still no paint on the porch or foundation and the door guy has not shown up yet. We are all fine here and Mom and I are feeling good again. Guess this will be a short entry as not much to say. Going to Tammy's today so won't be home till later. Love to all and God Bless you. Dad

Sunday Morning

5 Sept 04

Labor day Weekend

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Happy Labor Day to all but I didn't think labor day really meant that. Spoke to soon on the mowers as the electric clutch went out on the big mower so it is now in the shop. Had to haul the country clipper over from the barn to mow here and sure make me appreciate the the big Deines mower. We have all of Brad and Heather's brood this weekend as it is there 5th anniversary so they went out for a weekend alone. There are five kids total and makes me wonder how on earth my mom/grandma managed with us five plus all the neighbor kids she raised. She is a very special lady. Am making some headway at work and have put in a patio area and will order furniture for it Tuesday. Can do some major landscaping also so that will be nice. Had a meeting on the rest of the completion items so maybe will finally get that all done. Got the table saw fixed and have decided it had to much extension cord on it so would keep burning up the start capacitor as it wouldn't drop out because of to much current draw.  Finally have mom's windmill and area completed from mothers day and looks real nice. Got the day lilies and all in. Mom has the paint for the porch and foundation of the house but that's as far as that has progressed at this point and the door guy has not been back yet so still have that to hassle out. The renters are out now so have listed the rental again and the appointments start next week. Oh Joy!!! Was outside earlier and seen the woodchuck again but has maybe moved from our place to the neighbors. He sure is large. Mom is out in the garage now helping all the kids with some projects she had for them to do. This is all way to much excitement for me. Still struggling with static on the phone line and called them again and guess I will keep it up till they get tired of hearing from me and get it fixed. Computer is still great and downloaded Windows media player 9.0 with the roxio burner program and seems to work good. Did some CD's for Brad and they came out fine. Guess I have rambled on more than enough for another Sunday so will sign off with best wishes and God's blessings to you all. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

29 August 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Some what of a nothing week this last week. My wrist hurt at the first part of the week and then got better and then I sneezed and threw may back out and then when that felt better towards the end of the week I got an ear infection that hurt like the dickens along with some sort of stomach flu. To top it off I'm in big trouble with mom as she had a dream!!!!! about being chased by some monster and I would shut the door to keep her out just as she got there. She said I did this more than once. Guess it will take the rest of my life to live that down???? All else seems fine. Got the storm doors all up thanks to Brad's help and they are all very nice except they are so air tight they will not close with the closer unless you leave the other door open or open the window in the door. They are a storm door, why would you leave the window open. DUH!! The garage doors are installed but not the locks yet. Brad noticed one window in backwards so that needs fixed yet also. Got the gas line fixed on the farm mower so hope that is all for awhile. Not any more work on the truck son but will try to get more soon. Hope you got the E Mail about the guy that wanted $100.00 plus shipping for his air cleaner and piece of sheet metal. I told him I would pass. Found and old 54, I think, dodge truck in Sac City but not in real good shape. Manual floor shift, six cylinder, some rust and dents and cracked glass. Might be fun to try and fix. The yard is a mess and weeds everywhere but will get to that some day. Mom has been real busy this week, WATCHING THE OLYMPICS, so maybe next week I will introduce myself and see if she recognizes me. Glad they are about done as we are about out of clean dishes and clothes. Mom hasn't been on the computer much lately so it is still running great and the Zone alarm anti virus performs well. Had some problems with MSN not loading pictures to my home page and discovered it was with the ISP accelerator so need to turn that off when I do the home page thing. Still haven't found my VOM so had to dig out my old one and repair it so it works again. It is a much better meter anyhow. Guess this leaves me about run down again so God Bless you all and all my love Dad.

Sunday Morning

22 August 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Another week has came and went and the weather is just great for August. 70's and 80's during the day and 50's and 60's at night. Just perfect for me although the corn and beans are not happy. The garage doors are up and look real nice but still need the locks installed. One of the storm doors is up, thanks to Brad for his help, and one to go. Now we can start all the painting of trim, foundation, doors and so forth. Had a large lump on my wrist that was starting to hurt so went to the doctor and found out it is a ganglia but not serious just bothersome and sore at times. Got the Country clipper at the farm fixed and now find it has a bad gas line to the auxiliary tank so need to fix that also. Mom has been real busy with the Olympics this week so we haven't accomplished much. Made some progress at work as I found some of the problems with the new addition that the installers and engineers couldn't figure out. What's up with that. Had to change out the pump in the pond as the old one quit while we were at Elaine's but the fish are fine. Now I see we have more stray cats trying to get to them so will set the live traps again. Got the transmissions back from Wally but have not started on the install yet. Maybe this fall or winter. The dishwasher quit so had to get that fixed and is going again. Mom and I are fine and things seem to be going well so will close with all our love and God bless you all. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

15 August 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

I missed last Sunday as we were at Elaine's campout with out internet access or picnic tables as it was PRIMITIVE!!! Her security and maintenance personnel were great though!!  The great campout at Elaine's is over and it was a great success and fun was had by all. At 11:15 on Saturday night two squad cars pulled up and told us we need to quiet down some. Go figure we are in the country with one neighbor across the street and the next about 2 miles away and this is a once a year family gathering. She had games, showers, toilets and all provided and you can see the pictures of all at Lewzplace if you desire. The return home left me with lots of mowing to complete, camper to unload, van to get air adjusted, storm doors to install, dishwasher to repair, weeds to get rid of, garage doors to get installed, windows to scrape and paint, and on and on. I guess one of these days I should start some of that. Went to Fort Dodge with Brad yesterday to pick up lumber for his remodeling project and found some porch wrought iron railing at Menard's that may work well for our rail. Another project to work on. We had Crystal with us for the week at the campout and here and she was just a doll. She helped in yard and all and sure made me proud of her. Got back to work on Wednesday and sure was work. Bah Humbug. Wally got the transmission's apart and once again found the splines and shafts are different so no marriage there and will be just a 3 speed without overdrive in the truck. This will be fine for now and have posted for an overdrive unit so may find one some day. Guess this leaves me run down again and thinking about all this work to do has left me tired so may nap. God bless you all and will close with all my love. Dad

Sunday Morning

01 August 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

ARE WE THERE YET?

I'm so ready for some camping and this is the week to start. It's august and this is the first trip this year. What's wrong with this picture. The siding people are here this weekend for the garage and it is looking nice so will have that done. There has been so much going on this last year that I can't remember what we have done. Don't have the storm doors yet as I didn't check on them last week. Mom and I had the grand kids Faith, Sarah, and there cousins Mel, Steph, and Emily Friday night and Saturday so had some fun there. The bedroom floor was covered with cushions and was wall to wall mattress. Didn't take long for the reminder to soak in on how young ones start out in high gear and then really get moving. WHEW!! We had fun though and enjoyed it. They are all such good kids. Brad and Heather are watching them for now so they have 5 kids all of a sudden. Don't envy them but they are doing great. Have got some of the camper stuff completed and Crystal will be here tomorrow night for the trip with us so maybe will get some help from the young body people. The truck has progressed nicely and have the transmission and floor plate. The transmission is at the shop for the marriage to the overdrive and the floor plate has been to NAPA for sandblasting and now at body shop for metal replacement and paint. Maybe it will all work this time. Mom has been busy the kids and projects and the house stuff. The computer is still going great however Zone alarm has a new Beta version to test the BSOD crash that some are having. I would get the BSOD but after I turned off my data cashing it went away so don't know if I want to use the new test or not. It's working fine without the data cashing so if you have any info on this let me know. My thought is if it's not broke don't fix it. Guess I really haven't figured out what the data cashing is and what program installed it as none of my work computers with 98SE have it on them. The electric clutch on the mower went bad this week but got it fixed as was a shorted wire. The cherries are done and didn't get many picked so the birds ate well and the apples are about ready as well as the blackberries, grapes and so on so guess I will just go camping. Till next Sunday God bless you all and we love you. Dad

Sunday Morning

25 July 04

It's Sunday Morning and once again here is Lew

YIPPEE YAH the camper is out of the shed.

Transmission will be here Tuesday and the floor plate on Thursday so with the Lords help will have the truck on the road soon. Missed a car show yesterday we could have taken it to if the parts would have been here. Am still looking for the original air cleaner for the V8. Called Qwest DSL service Friday night for help with the phones but none there as they do no work with the lines. Really amazing though the next morning at my first connection after talking to them my speed was back up. It didn't last through the day though so go figure. Been a rather busy week but a lot accomplished. Went to the rental to trim some trees but that's a whole other story so will not go there now. Garage is fairly clean now and lots of yard work done. I think I finally got the sprockets fixed on the mower as they have remained tight the last couple of times I mowed. It cooled down last evening and was about 50 this morning so really nice that way for July. Mom is better this week and most of the aches are gone but still sore. She has been working on some shirt projects and crafty stuff so is staying busy there. Ben, Tammy and Crystal came down last night to spend the night and get some trailer papers done. Was really nice to see them but I think all my kids live to far away sometimes. Got the rack fixed on the Daytona for Brad & Heather so that is going again. Finally have got the Air/Automation at work going some better so am making headway there but not much help from anyone to do it. The storm doors for the house should be here this week so will have more work there. It is looking real nice though and am anxious for the garage to be done. Guess Mom and I have a real boring life as can't think of any more to write about. All my love Dad.

Sunday Morning

18 July 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

No more word from Qwest but my speed is part way back now at 26,400 bps but not 28,800 yet. It may be that they added the new DLC technology here at Carroll and that makes some difference so might check on my modem to see if it has that and then would be double or something and slow us up. Maybe can gain some there. Finally located a transmission for the 55 out in Bend Oregon and the check is in the mail so should be here in a week or two. No overdrive but can maybe make the overdrive and parts we have work with it. Sure hope so. Will try and keep the posts in the truck journal current for those that have any interest. Have some posts on the Dodge classic trucks page for the floor transmission cover, Oil bath air cleaner, also. Started work cleaning the garage and around it to get ready for the siding and the new doors so another big job there. Got it mostly done with moms help and a lot of stuff to the landfill. Mom was checking on storm doors and porch rails Friday and she fell down and hurt her foot, both knees, and smacked her chin but is okay so far. Real sore and not moving well but won't see the doctor yet. She did get two doors ordered and find a guy to do guard rails. Did some work and checking on Brad's Daytona and the rack is okay and is all tight when full of fluid. Found there is a leak and hope it is just a hose by the steering sector but if not and is in the rack it will need a new rack as I am told repairs are not very successful. Wally is going to look at it Tuesday. The sprockets on the tractor seem to be staying tight so maybe won there. The mowing is ahead of me again as is everything else so can't figure out how that always happens. Any clues. The new monitor is just great and I can actually see what I type now. I hope that is good. Jeff's wife Cindy joined Lewzplace so fill her inbox till her computer stalls. Hee Hee. Sorry Cindy. Was going to go to the water carnival at Lake View with Brad, Heather and kids but mom is to sore and achy so will just stay home. I guess that's all for another Sunday so God bless you all. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

11 July 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Qwest has been working on the phone line with no success and will be back Monday. The siding on the house is complete and looking real nice. After it was done the garage looked so bad we decided to side it also and not just paint. To many bad boards etc. At least the yard is clear for awhile now. Got a new flat panel 18 inch monitor for the computer and I can see clearly now. Got the new sprockets on the mower and it might work if I can keep the one on the bad shaft tight. Got all air back in the windows just in time as it has turned really hot again. Now just need to get all the pictures and things back up. Radio antenna and TV cables back in the house through the new siding but still need to seal the holes. Will use grommets I guess. Finally got all the mowing done so now just need to keep up. Haven't decided on the storm doors yet. Been checking some more on the truck transmission but no luck yet so will keep looking. Found a couple of people here in town that maybe can help. Finally caught Jeff on MSN messenger so some at least are online sometimes. The new zone alarm with anti virus is really great and doesn't mess with windows platform so knock on wood there. Only $19.00. Guess I better get this gone and get ready for church as it is about time. Have a good week and God bless you all. Love dad.

Sunday Morning

04 July 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Happy 4TH of July to everyone and I hope you have a good day. The rain has quit here and the sun is out so should be nice. The siding isn't done yet so there is stuff all over around the house and looks very cluttered here. It is looking nice but a few small problems. Think they can fix them. Been a bummer week as not in the mood for much of anything. Got the Blah's I guess. Have eliminated my computer and ISP for my slow internet connections so am trying to get a different phone line to the main switch. Be nice if that would work. We have decided to put some new storm doors on the house also as the old ones are getting very bad. Also been getting some of the storm windows fixed for winter that are working or sealing right. That should make the outside real nice so then back inside. Next year or later maybe start on the garage. The mowing is some ahead of me and the camper is still in the shed so is a real slow year this year. I think Mom and I need to get out more, we are becoming recluses. Rebecca's Garden and Sunday morning are over so TV is done for the week now just tennis and politics' are on. Had a great fathers day and our little Crystal spent the first part of the week with us so that was nice. Still working on the Deines mower sprockets so have ordered some new ones. Hope that fixes it and won't have to get a hydro as they are pricey. Guess I won't get on the radio today as the antenna is not back through the wall from siding yet so better get that done. Have checked out MSN messenger a lot but no one ever there so guess the only way that will work is like a schedule. Camera's and audio are all up and running fine so we could see and talk to each other. Guess I have rambled on enough for another Sunday so will close with all my love and God's blessings to all. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

27 June 04

It's Sunday Morning and once again here is Lew

The siding has started and already problems. The back door wont close right now so will have to fix that and then it needs replaced also. The ground wire for the phone circuit broke so had to fix that. The new garage door is up but it binds on two leafs so need to call them back. Front storm door is rotted so need to replace that. Ran new phone wire and a spare to be hid under siding. After it was in I found out it was Cat 3 wire not Cat 5 like I thought. Cleaned and rewired phone lines in house also. Isn't life a blast. I thank the Lord every night for all the blessings he has given me in order to have all these small challenges. Kris just made Master and in only 13 years, what an accomplishment. Congratulations Kris. I'm very proud of all my kids as they are all doing great. The yard is going wild and the trees need trimming with some bulbs that still need planting. Been a very wet year so have to pick and choose things to do around mowing the yard. Repaired the siding at the farm on the house as it had a rotten spot. Guess That's about all for my glamorous week so God bless everyone till next time. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

20 June 04

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Just a couple O rings and the van air is working again and I finally got the sill plate for the front door repaired. Now just need to paint it. All the outside storms are down and the Ham and TV antenna cables are set for the siding people. Still need to figure out the phone line. More rain this week but has cooled off some for the weekend. Got the Zone labs anti virus for the computer and immediately received the blue screen of death. Turns out my main board or a program I have has some data cashing FLashKsk.exe installed that it does not like. Turned it off and all runs fine. Zone alarm with anti virus seems to work fine now and is a great program from what I can see. Firewall and anti virus all together. Found the problem out myself as zone labs hasn't answered my questions yet. Will wait to see what there solution is. There first solution was some other firewall I had on the computer. Also connect speeds have been slower and slower so am trying a compression accelerator program that seems to work well. It can really speed up the the page loading, not the connection speed, but the higher you go the poorer the graphics. Pretty neat but not sure if it's worth $2.00 a month. Have 30 days free so will see. Living in God's country sure is great but all the techy stuff sure is slow coming out here. Must have some phobia about my set of Allen wrenches  also as this is the third time in the last month I have lost them. Go figure. Well I'm run down again so hi to Miss Scarlett and watch out for the smokey's, speed bumps, and road hazards and God bless you all. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

13 June 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Lots more rain this week and extremely hot weather. In the 90's and high humidity. Think I should move to Alaska. Good old Iowa thunder shower last night and the temp dropped to mid 60's so that was great. Got ready to go to Faith's birthday party yesterday and found the big van air conditioning don't work. Just great in this heat. Yes we celebrated it a week late cause the kids were busy last weekend on her birthday. We are all doing fine but mom has had a sore knee for some time now and me with my back. OH Bother. Caught an albino rabbit, white with red eyes,  in the yard and turns out it belonged to a neighbor at the other end of town. Have been very busy with the yard this week but looks like we haven't started. All the new plants coming along fine but many wet spots with all the rain. Several wild cats wandering around the yard after the birds so purchased a live trap to catch them. Hope it works. Had to put a new exhaust on the caravan and now it needs shocks also. Had to rewire the tornado alarm system at work so we don't keep getting trouble calls from the monitoring service. Isn't technology great. Bah Humbug. Also my notebook computer at work got stupid so have that here to check out. Got the birds fed this morning and that always goes well so what else can I expect. Still haven't got the sill at front door done so better get going on that and on some of the bad boards on the garage. Mom spent most of the week working on things for kids and Birthday's etc so not much done there either. Guess Am run down again so God Bless you all and be good to each other. Love Dad.

Sunday Morning

06 June 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Kind of a rainy week here at the homestead but nice. Had to redo the sprocket on the Deines mower as it came loose again. Maybe will have to weld it and then grind it loose if needed. Old equipment sure is fun. Finally got mom's windmill up but not permanent yet. Will do it better later. Got a few trees trimmed and cleaned some around the garage for the painting. Now to replace some boards etc before they come for that. Still didn't finish the door sill finished but did get the flag pole fixed and a new flag up for memorial day. Zone alarm with anti virus for computer said they will not take a check but can call and give them info over phone for a credit card. YA RIGHT. The world has went upside down. Guess I will look for some other product. I must be old school stubborn. Have a cat trying to eat the birds at the feeders so will try a live trap to catch it but ours is to small. Will get a larger one and see what happens. Helped Brad with some wiring on his remodeling project and that went well and sure is looking good. Had to put a new muffler on the caravan as it was getting loud. Have cleaned out around the drive way some but more to do there and need to spray then. Cut the hedge off to about a foot above ground to start over so hope that works. It sure looks bare there now. Mom still has a sore knee but going strong and think it is arthritis. Guess am run down for now so will close with all my love and Gods blessings for you. Love dad

Sunday Morning

Happy Memorial Day 31 May 04

30 May 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Another week has passed and a lot has been accomplished. Mom been busy with her projects and the house and yard and such. The indigo bunting has decided to stay and see them at the finch feeder every so often. What a joy. If some one would have told me years ago I was going to the birds I wouldn't have believed them but now am not sure. Cleaned the area around the garage getting ready to get it painted and hauled all the junk to the landfill. Some things from garage also. Did some tree pruning but lots to go there. Got a powered pole pruner and that sure is a help. It lets me reach from 12 to 14 feet or a little more with a ladder. Where were all these gadgets when I was young and then maybe I wouldn't feel so worn out now. Still don't have moms windmill installed but I better work on the front door sill tomorrow for the siding people and the flag pole for memorial day. Computer has been working fine since I took Norton off so am now looking at Zone alarm with anti virus. Have had real good luck with the fire wall. On Sunday morning today they had a piece on satellite radio. Ya Right. Where does this stuff come from. So now you pay a monthly fee to listen so they don't have to do any work to get sponsors for there programming. Before it cost you nothing to listen except for the silly people that went out and purchased the silly things they advertised like the satellite radio. I DON'T GET IT. What world am I living in. Guess I'm lost in the 50's again but then it's a real nice place in which to be lost. I guess before I digress any further I better sign off for this Sunday with all my best wishes for all your tomorrows and God bless you all. Love Dad.

Sunday Morning

23 May 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Lots of rain and severe weather here in Willey this week. Just from Friday till today have had 3 1/2 inches of rain in the gauge. A lot more in other areas. There has been tornado's, high wind and hail also but not right here. More work on all the lawn mowers but all going well again. Grass sure is jumping with the rain and warm weather. Need to prune a lot of the trees but dreading the hand saws, stepladders etc so am thinking of a telescoping power pruner. Rather pricey though so not sure if I can justify that. Have added and Indigo Bunting to the bird menagerie but probably will not stay long. Don't know why that is. The humming birds are here so all is well. The good Lord sure has blessed us. Probably don't mention it enough but sure am proud of all you kids and grand kids. You have turned out to be great adults in spite of us and the grand kids are growing up fine also. I guess I was blessed with great parents, the most wonderful wife who seen something in me and said I do, and then gave me all the kids and grand kids. Love you all very much. Not sure where all that came from but it's true. Mom is checking on some painters for the garage but not sure if that will work out. Guess life is just moving to fast or me to slow. Some days I feel like I'm 60 years old and that's probably a good thing since I'm beyond that. Probably have rambled on enough for this time so will close with all my love and best wishes. God bless you all. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

16 May 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

The week has been fast and furious but a lot accomplished. Took the input pilot shaft for transmission to Audubon but was told there also that it was to hard. Guess will put it back together and try some other avenue. Have been busy mowing all week and doing yard work. Got several solar lamps for my Bday and have most of them up and running. Still a large one like a lamp post to go. Will try to get it today. Got mom's windmill together but still need to get it placed. Maybe get that today also. Also need to spray for weeds and broadleaf and trim and prune all the trees. Got another mountain ash yesterday and planted it since the wind broke the old one off. Like we don't have enough plants already. Helped mom plant the annual plants around the patio and got that looking nice. Need to add more mulch to the beds for dress up and then cut the hedge short to start it over. Also could trim the arbors and get them clean again. The roofers are done at the rental and it looks real nice. Am thinking about getting the garage painted also as it is getting bad. Where does it all end. Still need to get the stoop fixed at front door before the house is sided so better get busy on that. Hope this finds all well and in good health and not getting to bored with this Sunday drivel. If this is to much let me know please and I can send it some other way or just post etc. Heather surprised Brad and took him to the Cities this weekend to see old friends and have some free time from kids. That sure was nice. Tammy and Crystal had girls night out and things are good with Ben yet and marriage is the plan now. That's also great news. Seems like mom and I just work ( much slower than we used to ) or find more to work on and sleep. Looks like I am rambling so will close for this Sunday with best wishes for all through the coming week. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

09 May 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Once again it has been a busy week. Got most of the porch completed and is real nice. Just have to wait for the siding now and the the roof and rail can be installed. I got Mom a windmill for her birthday and a birdbath and a small statue for the new porch for Mothers day. Had to mow over at the farm and it sure was tall. Needs it here at home again. Mom got the plants for the bed areas and still need to get them in. Have put back all the shrubs, plants and rock around new porch and it sure looks good now. Roofers are at the rental as the roof went bad so are putting on a new one there. Still haven't got the tree cleaned up that the wind blew over but will soon. Also have to put all the gifts together for landscape areas. Our new VCR with DVD went bad but it was already a month old so guess it wore out. Took it back and got another. I still listen to my old Philco radio built in 1946 and it works great but the new stuff just doesn't. Why is that. Both my Swan radios from 1964 are still going strong and our old cub cadet mower from 1962 is going well so don't understand the new stuff. Have been able to keep a pair of cardinals all winter long and now there are two pair, and the orioles are back and goldfinch by the dozens. Sure is getting pretty her in Iowa but could use one those good old Iowa sod soakers for the crops etc. Have to put a sill plate at the front door that got broken when the old step was removed. Not sure how to do that so will have to read some and study or maybe hire some one to do it. Mom got a new window fan as the old one just quit. We are still working on getting the new freezer back that went bad but they need to order one and then send in for the food lost. Kids will be here today so guess I better get going. Happy mothers day to all and God bless you all. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

02 May 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

It has been a very busy week and somewhat productive. Got the porch corner posts set and a good start on the framing. Fixed a flat on the rider and did all greasing, oils, tightening, etc and lots of mowing. Work was very busy what with the open house for our addition and the conservation class planting the grounds and planters and the landscapers there putting down sod, planting trees and bushes etc. We had the kids and grandkids most of the week while Heather was in Texas for her work so were busy there. Finally got the fish back in the pond and doing fine. Lost my favorite tree, a black hawk mountain ash to the wind this week so now need to replace that. Wind also took some shingles off the rental place so are working with the insurance for replacement there. Lost a grain cap on the barn but Glenn & Chad fixed that so the corn is still okay. Need to get over there and get that all mowed and trimmed also. Isn't all this supposed to let up and get easier when you get older. Ya Right. We got a new truck for for the wood shop at work so went to get some keys made as I am in charge of the vehicles, so I took the keys and the registration  and then when I got there was told they need to call DMACC to get approval to make them. When they called they were told Lew is in charge of that need to check with him but they insisted someone there needed to say okay so they receptionist said fine. What's that all about. The freezer went out last week and we were lucky and found that just before everything thawed so got another one the next day. Put all the food in and in 24 hours it all thawed as the new one didn't work either. Now the company says they need to figure out why our food thawed out before they can do anything. DUH!!!. Tuesday is Mom's Bday and still can't figure out what to get her. After all she has me and can't see what else she could need or want. Maybe I could fix the handle on her shovel or get a battery for the tractor. Any ideas. Guess that leaves me about run down so will close with all my love and kisses  and God bless you all

Dad

Sunday Morning

25 Apr 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Not much new this week and still no porch. Got a good start yesterday but the rain turned it into a big mud pile and stopped all work. Really needed the rain though so that was nice. The welding shop say's the input shaft for transmission is so hard they can't cut or work it so big loss there. What to do. Brad and kids spent most of the weekend with us so that is nice and had a good time. Faith and I built some domino trains and Knocked them down.  Roof is leaking at the rental so another problem there to fix. The current is in full bloom and very fragrant and hides the pig confinement smells some. That helps as there are a lot of them around now.  The mowing is clear ahead of me and seems to get more that way each passing spring for some reason. Must be growing faster and earlier each spring don't you think. Faith helped me fill the bird feeders for the finch since Crystal wasn't here and the gold finch are here in numbers now. The cardinals stayed so that is fine and trees are now mature. The trees with the rabbit damage seemed to make it in spite of the missing bark. Had some major power glitches Friday night in the rain storm but all came through okay. Computer was on but the UPS saved it all fine. Guess I am about run down for now so will close with all my love and best wishes.

Love Dad

Sunday Morning

18 Apr 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Another week has passed and we now have no porch on the house. Now that it is gone we can't decide what we want to do there. Why does that always work that way. Full swing on the mowing this week and a small amount of rain Friday  night so will grow even more. Most all of the landscaping made it through the winter in spite of the rabbits and we have planted two Colorado Aspens by the duck area. They are in the cottonwood family so should grow rather fast. Need to get the chain saw going now and trim a lot. Weather has been super warm the last few days, up to 90 degrees. Way to hot for April. We finally got Homestead back on the computer for mom so she is busy again with her site stuff. Have added links on both my main pages for them and they are neat. She went to a lot of work for them. Didn't feel so good yesterday so just goofed off and wasted a really good day. All the old fence posts are gone from the farm now and the drain tile is complete so ready for the farm planting to start. Still need a lot of rain though as it's pretty dry here. Had Faith and Sarah Saturday night and Sunday and they sure are a treat. Sarah is ready for her first step any day now. Mema and Faith are outside right now doing some work on the flower beds for planting but is so windy they are about to blow away. Sarah is down for a nap. The current is in bloom and sure is fragrant. Were you able to get to my page Tammy as all seems fine here. Are you up and running Elaine and where are you Ellen. Haven't heard from you Dee so hope all is still fine there and getting better. Going to try a little different format this Sunday so if it doesn't look right you can still see it at the link on Lewzplace. Guess I am run down again so will close with all our love and God bless us all.

Love Dad

Sunday Morning

11 Apr 04

HAPPY EASTER

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew

Another week has came and gone and sure has been busy. Happy Easter to all and thanks for all the well wishing prayers for Dee. She is progressing nicely as of yesterday and the good lord is watching out for her. Got the fish pond ready for the fish and the mowing has started. Mom has cleaned up a lot of the flower beds and has a good start on the outside work. The big van heat sensor and speedometer is repaired so am almost ready for camping. Lots of tree trimming to do this year. Have got a start on the front porch and the siding is set to go in May. Went to Andy's (Andrea) yesterday for the family Easter and seen Dee there and sure was glad of that. Mom & Tom there also and both okay. We had a great time and was fun to see everyone. Took a few pictures I will try and post at Lewzplace for those that want them. It is officially spring as the first goldfinch's of the season were on the feeders this morning. Mom said they were there earlier but it's not official till I see them. Mom and I hid the Easter eggs and then figured since the kids and grandkids weren't here we better find them before they start to smell. Colored them Friday and that was fun also. I think we found all except one piece of candy. Got an Email from Bob Fischer that said they would like another gathering next year in Texas for Aunt Ella's 90th Bday. Her Bday is 27 March 1915 and Moms (Myrtle) is 26 September 1915, both will be 90 next year. Computer went a little wacky and figured out it was Norton Anti virus, Removed it and all is well again. Thought these programs were supposed to help not crash your computer. Go figure. Guess I am run down for now so will close with all our love and Easter wishes. God Bless you all. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

04 Apr 04

It's Sunday morning and once again here is Lew.

Happy Birthday to me

You live in a tree

I am now 43

So Happy birthday to me.

If you haven't guessed that ditty has something wrong with it. Figure out what is wrong and respond by 10 pm last night and you could win a no expenses paid trip to Willey, Ia., OR, to the fourth floor which ever you desire or require. Hint, it might have something to do with the effect of the suns location on your thought process. Now where was I? Oh its Sunday again and all is well. The birds are up and the flowers are singing and so on. Guess I should get outside and get the pond going, the posts from the R.R. sorted and stored, The brush I picked up hauled, the porch started, flower beds cleaned, landscape finished, trees pruned, wood split, garage painted, and Whew I'm getting tired. Nice day here but rather windy with lots of sun. Had a real busy week at work with some progress and open house is coming the end of April. Hope we get it done. Maybe should just go camping. Lets here a vote on that. Mom's been busy all week with projects and Sarah's birthday. She is 1 year old now. Sarah I mean. Also she's been working on the railroad, and digging drain fields at the farm. Or something. We love you all very much and God bless you and keep you forever protected in his loving arms.

Dad

SPECIAL

Palm Sunday

Please put your palms together this Sunday for Aunt Dee Dee, My baby sis, as she has been diagnosed with a form of throat cancer and will have an operation on Monday for removal. Remember Her, Jim and family in your thoughts and prayers at this time of trial in their life's. I always think of Palm Sunday as Psalm Sunday in that the 23rd is my very favorite Psalm and Bible verse. At the darkest times in my life this one always gives me the strength and a light to follow. I'm sure you all have one that does the same for you so use it or whatever works for you to help Dee and family through this time in their life's. I love you sis and will keep you and your family in my prayers during the operation, the recovery and the weeks to come. God bless you and keep you in his loving Grace.

Lew

Sunday Morning

28 Mar 04

It' Sunday morning in Willey Iowa. and here again is Lew.

Sunday,Sunday and Lew is looking for parts for the 1955 Job Rated Custom Regal 1/2 ton Dodge pickup with the 331 poly engine to use for camping and hauling stuff.

Sunday,Sunday and Lew has the pilot shaft measured and at the welding shop for the 1955 Job Rated Custom Regal 1/2 ton Dodge pickup with the 331 poly engine. 

Sunday,Sunday and Lew finds the internet has absolutely Zero for the 1955 Job Rated Custom Regal 1/2 ton Dodge pickup with the 331 poly engine.

Sunday, Sunday and this should stop before mom throws me out the window.

Sunday, Sunday OPPS!!!! Lots of rain this week and the grass is ready for mowing so have got most yard stuff ready to go.  Mom is busy with some sewing and the siding plans among the many other directions she is able to go at the same time. Was really sick the first of the week as I threw my back out again and then the medicine for that made me sick as the dickens. I thought medicine was supposed to help. I see Andy has Easter so that should be fun. I wrote it down somewhere for the 10th but don't remember where. Mom will. Looking at redoing the front porch along with the siding so it is some larger. Have some trees coming from Earl May to plant and lots of things to clean up from the winter. We are all well as can be for us and hope this finds all the same. Will close for now with all our Love and God bless you all. Love Lew

Sunday Morning

21 Mar 04

Well it’s Sunday morning at the ranch here in Willey and all is <*&%#@$! >)* Fine. Having troubles with the truck son and hope the letter to the transmission *&^%)(@# works out for us. The bearing retainer thingy doesn’t fit in the old bell housing whatchamacallit along with the clutch input doohickey is to long for the pilot thingamabob and the new bell housing whatchamacallit is to long to fit on the cross member whatzit mount leaving the drive turny thing to long and the shift pushy pully things to short to reach the connection points on the go faster unit case. I think if we remade the whatchamacallit to fit the doohickey and threw out the thingamabob we could use the old whatzit and the turny thing would then reach the connection point and the pushy pully things could do whatever they do and we would be set to go. Unless of course the thingamabob is really a thingamajig and then I might be confused. WHAT do you think? The crocuses are out of the ground and the weather was warm yesterday but windy. Will be busy next week with siding people for the house to get estimates etc and decide on the garage door removal for window addition mom wants to make the garage a new room. Guess we will then need to paint the double garage also. Where does it all end? Got the bird feeders back up and filled this week and have a pair of cardinals that have been here all winter. That’s a first for us so the pines must be large enough for them now. Got some of the lawn equipment going for the summer and see there are some things that need repair. Almost lost the barn to fire yesterday as someone must have thrown out a cigarette and the grass fire was about 1 foot from the barn. Fire fighters got it out in time. Need to set a post for field marker today as our neighbor knocked it down last fall and I still haven't got that done. Guess that’s enough for this time so will close with all my love and God bless you all. Me

Sunday Morning

14 Mar 04

It's Sunday morning in Willey again and things are just fine here at the ranch. The little lady came out of the house and is steady so will be a nice dry warm day. Is anybody out there? Must be someone as I get lots of forwards in my Email but not any notes, letters, hi's, and so on just pages and pages of addresses. Sun is up and getting earlier every day and soon will be up before me. Got in touch with Eugene McDonald, Mac, who was the Chief of Maintenance while at Pruem Germany and had a nice visit there. Have other names from the old sites I can contact yet as time allows. Got a few measurements for the shaft on the old dodge and started to take the transmission apart. Will be very slow, as I don't want to damage anything seeing how hard it was to get this far. Mom and I are both fighting spring fever and ready to go camping. Things at work are still about the same. Been in the new addition two months now so have started the remodel on the faculty offices. Go figure. The rest is about the same nothing works and getting better. Earl May is supposed to have us two trees we ordered last year so guess we better get ready for them. Railroad papers are about ready and as soon as the drain tile situation is cleared the sale will be complete. Oh Bother. I'm thinking we should finish the library we started last year before we went to Texas. What do you think? We are looking at siding the house this year also as the paint etc is getting bad. Taped a show we saw on IPTV called Timeless Tractor's Old Iron. Reminded me of dad's first one the old Fordson. Him and mom are standing in front of it on one of the web pages. Saw his transition from horses to old iron and the steam engines for the thrashing machines and many wonders in our short lives. Things like Grandpa's radio on Friday nights so the batteries would last to live chats on the Internet. What a marvelous world we live in. Hope this finds all well and enjoying life with all the blessings of our Great Lord to watch over you and yours. Love to all Dad

Sunday Morning

07 Mar 04

It’s Sunday morning in Willey. Snow came again Friday morning but not much. I took Friday off so that makes sense. Mom is still working overtime to confuse the computer so all is normal there. She got a new auto cad program from punch software called super home suite. She can design floor plans, landscapes etc with it. Go Mom. Have added Ad aware and spybot to our software programs to get rid of the spy ware many of the pages want to load that slows us up. Seems okay so far. Have found some great Air Force AC&W pages that have many old sites and histories of places where we were stationed and sure brings back fond memories. Most all of them are gone now but sure fun to browse. Have added some links for them to my MSN homepage so have a look if you want. Go Air Force. Got the tires changed out on the vans finally and the old white one is headed to the recycle plant. Dodge Heaven. When the dodge finally gets there, it has nothing left to save. This one has completed the dodge hiway to heaven trip. Go Dodge. Still no further work on the 55 Dodge truck just waiting for Matt to see if the Las Vegas tranny guy has any parts to send us. Think that is a lost cause. I emailed the scanned pictures yesterday son but then thought you may not get that much so have included them in a folder at Lewzplace. The cab etc leads me to believe it is the C 3 B truck.  Got the new renters settled in and then the TV antenna system went south so need to see what’s wrong there. Must be Murphy’s Law and where did the term “went south”, come from anyway? Life is just a complete mystery isn’t it? Things at work are still not working right but the bright side is it can only get better from here. Ya Right. Well I guess this is enough of my rambling for today so will sign off till next time. Love to all. Lew

Sunday Morning

22 Feb o4

Yes it is Sunday morning in Willey again. The sun came up this morning and I woke up so life can't get much better. All new things are up and running on the computer but in checking some of the pages I had listed I see your family tree page is gone, Karla, where did it go. Need to work on messenger some and Net meeting yet to get them going but all else seems fine. Warm spell here as we warmed up to above zero and the snow is melting some. Get more tonight the way it sounds. Got the pic Bob and really nice. Going to Heather and Brads today to celebrate Heathers Bday. Had to get a new printer son and heard your advice but bought the good one, Epson, anyway. Hee Hee LOL. My reason was that it had More DPI and picolitre's than the cannon. Now all the old files want to format to this printer Etc. Oh bother. Mom has been trying hard to make it crash again but no luck. She wants to always make it do things her way and I keep telling her that’s not how it works in the world of computing but do the girls ever listen. Like she sets the microwave to heat a cup of coffee and now you need to push about 10 buttons to get 45 seconds heat. Where did this come from, push 45 and start, your done. Or the VCR rewind after pushing 15 buttons it stops somewhere or does something, hit rewind and it stops when done I say. Where did she get this. Must be from you kids or the left handed, red headed Norwegian thing. Work is going well but still real busy. Am asking for some part time help. Guess I have rambled on enough for now so God Bless you all and we love you. Me, Lew, Dad, Papa, etc etc.

08 Feb 04

Sunday Morning

It's Sunday again in Willey and are we ever flying down the information super highway now. If I click a web page I can’t even finish my cigarette before it is open. Got a new main board, 8 Usb ports, 512 Meg of ram upgradeable to 2 GB, Diamond stealth video with 30 meg of ram, 750 MHZ processor, Series ATA space for new hard drives, AC97 seven speaker surround sound, 350 Watt PS, SATA raid controller etc. What this all means is now when I send this email you should get it by Wednesday instead of next week. Should be quicker than the pony express now tied with snail mail. Ya Right I don't know what this all means. Would be happy if it stops the snow though. Sure is deep here, a lot of snow also. Been into work at about 4AM all week to clear walks etc and have cancelled several days because of snow. We’ve had about 28 inches of snow in the last week and more on the way. I just love snow. Go to LEWZPLACE the group album to see winter in Iowa. Mom is still fighting the cough and cold but maybe on the mend as she is feeling some better today. Sure hope so as I am out of clean clothes, dishes, food, and am getting hungry. Guess it’s time for macaroni with karo syrup. Truck is fine son but still no work on it. Sunday morning was on along with Rebecca’s garden so life is back to normal here. Hope this finds all well and in good spirits. God Bless until next time. Love Dad

Sunday Morning

01 Feb 04

Well here we go again. It’s Sunday morning in Willey Iowa and thought I would send this through LEWZPLACE and bore everyone instead of just my kids. The snow season has hit Iowa and we are about buried and more on the way tonight according to the weatherman. This week has been a very Joyous and fulfilling week. Snow almost daily so into work at 4 or 5 am and one day even shoveled the same snow 5 times. Isn’t snow wonderful? Temperatures have stayed mostly below zero, actual temperature, all week with wind chills to 40 below. Isn’t the winter cool down great for hot flashes? The pipes froze at our rental house so had to crawl 40 feet in a 2 ft by 2ft crawl space to thaw them out. After three trips in and out with no luck I found a bad power cord to one of the heat tapes and got it all fixed. Winter is such a great time of year. My computer went stupid again and now believe it is the motherboard going bad. It cannot find my floppy drives among other senility problems and keeps losing it memory. This sounds vaguely familiar but in visiting this young computer guru that might confirm my diagnosis if he could check out the computer I was told that my main board was 4 years old and it was time for a new one as they only last 3 to 5 years. At that point I told him I have a radio next to my computer table I listen to when on line and that its last service call was in 1939 and I still have my first Ham radio that operates great and was built in 1964. Don’t you just love that dumb stare that says ya right did they even have electricity then let alone electronics? Isn’t technology just the best invention ever? Work has been just great also, as none of the heat in the new construction area is working and those that do keep kicking off on gas roll out switches or freeze stats. How did we ever keep warm before all the new inventions were put in place? Then the other evening when we were going to bed mom asked if we put all the food away after supper and I said I didn’t why? She told me it would spoil and I thought probably not as it is warmer in the fridge than it is in the house. And then this morning I overslept and missed Rebecca’s Garden and Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood was cut in length for some sport thing, so what is that all about. All I can do I guess is count my blessings and thank the Lord that this week has been less hectic than most and when each day arrived I woke up and the bonus is I was able to wake up next to an Angel and contemplate the wonderful life, children, and grandchildren we have with great anticipation for the challenges and experiences of the future. God bless and keep you and watch over you on a daily basis. Love Dad/Lew