Grandma DeAnne

My New Favorite video.

2011-04-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

You don't have to be a religious person to like this video. Awesome!

Video I used to test Animoto

2011-02-22T08:25:00.002-06:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Sledding With Grandpa

2011-02-22T08:23:00.000-06:00

Sledding With Grandpa

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T20:46:00.000-06:00

And then......Grandpa opened his calendar for the "man shed" and Nick immediately covered his eyes! :) (She's dressed just very slim) But it embarrassed Nick.

Nick's Candy Dish

2010-10-31T18:57:00.000-05:00

Today Nick and I tried to make a mold of his hand and then poured plaster into it. We had tried this once before and it was a FLOP! But today....there was success...waa-laa....we are pretty proud of the finished product. I think it should stand up on the base but he thinks it should lay down and become..... a candy dish! Either way, its pretty neat.

You're A Grand Old Flag by Nick Luke

2010-10-25T20:48:00.000-05:00

Here's the video of Nick singing "You're A Grand Old Flag". He learned this in school and I think he does an Excellent job! He said at the end "I had to burp in the middle of the song, but thats ok". :) Hope you enjoy.

Lets get ready for halloween

2010-10-25T13:14:00.004-05:00

Nick was up for a little bit this weekend. He painted a ceramic pumpkin - and I had some white gords so he painted one of them and then of course we had to carve another pumpkin because we had carved one a few weeks ago but it shriveled up. While painting his pumpkin - he sang me a song and I have a video of it but am having trouble getting it loaded here. I'll keep trying so stay tuned - it is REALLY GOOD! And duh! I forgot to get a picture of the final jack-o-lantern results!

Fall Harvest Fun

2010-10-04T12:46:00.007-05:00

This weekend Nick visited us with Ryan while he and Grandpa combined beans. Bob Daily got Nick a Polaris 4-wheeler - he had a blast running all over the bean ground. It was great weather all weekend. Ryan rode the Polaris Ranger with Nick. Can't imagine how many miles were put on both.

Nick's Garden - Carrots

2010-09-17T13:31:00.004-05:00

This year Grandpa and Nick planted our garden. Nick was insistant that we plant carrots. He would check them every time he came up to visit. And would pull on each time to see how big they were getting. Se we started off with little itty bitty carrots and ended the season with some BIG ones.

Fall Sports for Nick

2010-09-17T13:22:00.005-05:00

Nick is in first grade this year and is actively participating in Football (flag) and Soccer. So we are off to Huxley early Saturday morning for football and back again on Tuesday evenings for Soccer. I don't remember sports starting at such a young age 30+ years ago. :)

Nick's visit

2010-06-28T16:35:00.005-05:00

Nick came up a little bit this weekend. He is growing up. Getting tall and doesn't have that "babyness" anymore. (I know its not a word but don't know how to explain it.) He isn't into the snuggling with Grandma so much anymore... :-( unless I beg to just sit with me and tell me what he's been doing this summer. While visiting with him he asked me if he came up and stayed 3 or 4 days could I take him to Hawaii? He remembers when I went and was so interested in the pictures on a calendar I had purchased over there. Funny how they remember. After dark we decided to do a few sparklers since he won't be at Ryan's over the 4th.

ASPARAGUS BUNDLES - yummy

2010-04-23T09:15:00.007-05:00

Got this recipe from "The View" one day. Wasn't sure how it would go over....but was well liked by both of us! Definitely making this again.

(sample pic found on internet - not my pic)

2 lbs fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
12 slices bacon
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 TBL soy sauce
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Divide the asparagus spears into 12 bundles. Carefully wrap 1 pc of bacon around each bundle starting about 1/2" from the bottom of the the tips. Lay the bundles in a low sided casserole dish. In a med saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, garlic salt, pepper. Bring to a boil. Pour hot mixture over the asparagus bundles. Put in oven for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and serve.

SOCCER HAS BEGUN!!

2010-04-15T09:01:00.004-05:00

Nick's soccer started this week. He did great. One of the smaller ones on the team - but also one of the fastest!! :)

HOT CORN DIP - Yum!

2010-04-06T19:44:00.003-05:00

Saw this recipe on "The View" show today. The ladies on the show went on and on about how good this was so I had to try it for dinner tonight. It is really good....addictive....

Serves 12

2 - 11 ounce cans MexiCorn - drained

2 - 4 1/2 ounce cans chopped green chilies - drained

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (8 ounce pkg)

3/4 cup grated Parmeson Cheese

1 cup mayonnaise

Corn chips or Tortilla chips for dipping

Preheat oven to 350 - grease 9x13x2 casserole dish

In a medium bowl, mix the corn, chilies, cheeses, mayo until fully combined.

Spread the mixture in the prepared casserole dish and bake, uncovered 30-40 minutes or

until bubbly around the edges.

Serve the dip warm from the oven with chips.

*Can keep the dip warming in a slow cooker and snack all evening!! :)

Easter and Birthday CELEBRATIONS!

2010-04-04T18:59:00.004-05:00

Had a good weekend. Nick came up on Saturday evening and stayed all night. We hadn't seen him for quite awhile so we had a great time. Colored eggs - hunted eggs - celebrated his upcoming 6th birthday this week. Ryan brought the ham for dinner today. It was wonderful. He got a new smoker grill for christmas - he did a good job.

RECOVERY

2010-03-24T16:20:00.004-05:00

I had a spot on my face for about a month. Decided to go to the doctor and they did a biopsy which came back as skin cancer. So yesterday I had Mohs Surgery done to remove it. It took about 4 1/2 stressful hours of cutting, waiting, cutting, waiting, etc. But the surgeon said she got it all. Now for the pain and swelling....and healing. So glad I decided to go to doctor - at first I was just waiting for it to heal, which of course it was not doing.
can't get my contacts in and the glasses don't sit so well on the bandages.

Can't wait to wash my hair!!!!

FRUIT DIP RECIPE

2010-03-22T10:53:00.003-05:00

I went to a candle party this weekend and the hostess made a REALLY GOOD fruit dip.

1 (12 oz) cool whip
1 individual serving size Vanilla yogurt
1 sm box instant White Chocolate pudding - (use the dry mix - don't make pudding)

Whip the 3 together - let it set a little bit so the pudding mix can blend.
Cut up your fruit and "wa-la"

For a lighter side.....use lite cool whip, lite yogurt and sugar free pudding.

HO-HO CAKE

2010-02-21T15:42:00.003-06:00

2 prepared 9" Round Chocolate Cakes

FILLING:
2 T flour
1 C milk
2/3 C sugar
2/3 C shortening
1/3 C butter, softened
3/4 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt

In small saucepan, combine flour & milk until smooth - stir in 1/4 C sugar. Bring to boil over medium heat and cook & stir 2 minutes or until thick. Pour in large bowl & cool. Beat in shortening, butter, vanilla, salt and remaining sugar until smooth. Spread between cake layers.

GLAZE:
1/4 C butter, cubed
1/4 C baking cocoa
3/4 C powdered sugar
2-4 T milk

Melt butter & cocoa in small saucepan. Whisk in powdered sugar & enough milk to make drizzling consistency.

HICKORY GROVE LAKE

2010-02-03T15:57:00.006-06:00

I had my camera with me today so I drove out to Hickory Grove Lake at noon to see what I might spot to take a picture of. The deer were unreal. I had 3 of them run right in front of me but they move so fast, I didn't have time to get my camera up and ready. Spotted them in the timber so zoomed. Then I ran across the squirrel who could care less that I was in the area.

SCRAMBLED EGG MUFFINS! Yum

2010-01-28T08:05:00.004-06:00

My boss has been bringing egg muffins to work with him and warming them up in microwave for his breakfast. Said it was a new recipe his wife had found and he really liked them so I thought I would give it a try and see how it would go over in my house. You know, I live with 'Mr. Picky'. This morning I gave it a shot and it PASSED as a these aren't so bad. I made half of them with sausage and the other half with bacon. You can refrigerate or freeze for a quick breakfast fix when running late. Just warm them up in the microwave. We just put one on a plate and cut up so you had a 'scrambled egg omelet'.

SCRAMBLED EGG MUFFINS
1/2 lb bulk pork sausage (I used half of that for 6 and put bacon in other 6)
12 eggs
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped gr pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (I used Kraft Four Cheese)

In a skillet, cook the sausage (or bacon) over medium heat until done. In a bowl, beat the eggs, add onion, gr pepper, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir in meat and cheese.
Spoon 1/3 cupful into greased muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. (I baked mine for 20 min and they were done)

Hope you enjoy!

ANOTHER IOWA STORM - ICE

2010-01-20T12:53:00.005-06:00

Woke up to freezing rain. Decided to work from home today. Will Winter ever end??

View out our East bedroom window - There is no view, its ICE covered!

Just a little ICE on the mailbox....and highway

A WEEKEND OF SLEDDING WITH GRANDPA

2010-01-17T17:28:00.006-06:00

Nick came up and stayed this weekend and brought his sled. So of course he and Grandpa Bob had to try it out since we've had so much snow. Me?....someone had to take the pictures and be ready to pick up the pieces if there were any 'accidents'. :p

Taking turns sledding down the hill

Sledding can really wear a person out.

How about some video??

Here Grandpa Bob and Nick try sledding together.

ANOTHER IOWA BLIZZARD

2010-01-08T20:58:00.008-06:00

Another storm hit this week leaving LOTS of snow and many closed roads. But no matter how high the drift......he got into his 'man shed'! :-)

A little snow is nice but this is ridiculous!

This is what the highway looked like east of our driveway this morning.
Yes, there really is a highway under that snow

This is what the highway looked like west of our driveway. Very large drift

Large drift in our yard by the highway.

CHRISTMAS 2009

2009-12-26T19:21:00.006-06:00

Weather cooperated today so we were able to have Christmas with Nick and Ryan. Ryan is fighting a cold. No wonder with the cold weather and he has to move snow for the neighbor ladies. Oh well thats just part of winter.

POLAR EXPRESS

2009-12-22T20:25:00.004-06:00

I took Nick to the Colo Library tonight to participate in the Polar Express show they performed. The kids were given a ticket and entered the train with conductor and all. Joanie, the Librarian read the story to the kids and then there was music, dancing, hot chocolate, cookies and SANTA! After the show they each got to talk to Santa and have a picture taken with them.

JINGLE BELLS SUNG BY NICK!

2009-12-16T08:55:00.004-06:00

While redecorating, he sang Jingle Bells over and over and over! :)

RE-DECORATING GRANDMA'S WINDOW

2009-12-16T08:52:00.004-06:00

Nick visited this weekend. I have a sleigh with christmas balls and reindeer in my bay window. He informed me that we needed a santa in the sleigh and some rope so he could drive the reindeer. So.... he found a santa on a shelf to use and took some ribbon off the christmas tree which he had decorated that with a couple weeks ago. And wa-la!

IOWA WINTER...& ITS NOT EVEN WINTER YET!!

2009-12-09T08:42:00.005-06:00

It looks like the state of Iowa is CLOSED today. Here are some pictures taken from inside so not real good....but then you really can't see that good outside anyway. YUK! I have a feeling its going to be a LLLOOOONNNNGGG winter.

BIRTHDAY

2009-11-18T16:31:00.003-06:00

Today I hit the final birthday before the big 50 next year. :(

Last night Nick and I went to HyVee to buy a frosted cake - then off to the frosting isle to pick out decorations and candles. When we got home he was decorating like crazy. He put the words "HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA DEANNE LUKE 49" "NICK 5" He covered it in smiley faces, peace signs and flowers and added 10 crayola candles. Then he and I sang to me and he blew the candles out. What fun we had.

HELPING A FRIEND & NEIGHBOR WITH HARVEST

2009-11-14T22:41:00.007-06:00

Today a large group of friends and neighbors helped the Torgeson family with their Harvest while Kevin is in rehab at Mary Greeley. It was amazing the turn out. Trucks were lined up at the coop to unload. Quite a site! And as a surprise to everyone, Kevin was given a 3 hour pass from the hospital so Linda drove him around from field to field to see everyone. He wasn't allowed to get out of the car - sounded like he was given very strict orders from the doctors. A bunch of us prepared a roast beef sandwich meal for the guys at noon. It was a great day.

DRIVING COMBINES AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE THESE DAYS!

2009-11-08T10:06:00.004-06:00

Nick was up to help Grandpa combine beans. As you can see, he even got to drive the combine. Pictures were taken from my phone so not real clear but he's the yellow standing behind the wheel coming in from the field. So proud of himself.

Great Sunday!

2009-11-01T22:03:00.006-06:00

What a nice day we had - NO RAIN! Nick was up and started the day off with a quick game of MarioKart Wii and then out to the shed to help Grandpa wax his 'new' (new to him) orange 'halloween' truck, as Nick refers to it.

Our Little Race Driver

2009-11-01T21:55:00.003-06:00

I got to take Nick trick-or-treating last night while he was at his Dad's. We had a great time. Two weeks ago he told me he was going to be a ghost but he showed up as "Jeff Gordon" and proud of it.

FALL

2009-10-20T16:19:00.002-05:00

Drove out by Hickory Grove Park last week. Leaves are starting to turn.

TURBINES ARE UP

2009-10-15T20:26:00.007-05:00

Slow but sure, the wind turbines around our house are up. I rode to Mayo Clinic with my friend today so Bob took control of the camera while I was gone. I have to say he did pretty darn good. Would you get up on the top of the turbines like this guy? Not me!

WIND TURBINE PARTS ARE MOVING IN!

2009-09-20T20:32:00.005-05:00

The wind turbine project is starting to take shape. The size of the parts are amazing. Nick and Grandpa wanted to show just how big they are. They are standing by one of the 3 tubes that make up the base. I also happen to be coming home today and witnessed one turning the corner.

CAMPGROUND

2009-09-20T20:03:00.005-05:00

Summer is almost over and we FINALLY took the camper out. We camped beside some friends that have a permanent spot at the campground. Nick came up and stayed with us. We had a great time even if it was one night. We grilled hot dogs, marshmallows and he even did some sparklers. This morning he and Grandpa went fishing and caught fish left and right! Nick would no more get his line in the water and "bam" he'd catch a fish (blue gil, bass and bullheads, which he didn't like at all).

RINGBEARER

2009-09-14T09:53:00.004-05:00

Nick was the ringbearer at his uncle Shane's wedding this weekend. Holly had made arrangements for us to pick him up at the reception and keep him overnight Saturday. He was so proud! These pictures are the "after" wedding view - we've removed the tie, untucked the shirt....but he was still proud to be in "his wedding clothes".

FALL SOCCER

2009-09-09T13:42:00.004-05:00

Soccer started last night. Nick is on the PURPLE team this year. He does pretty good getting right in there. It almost looks like he doesn't have much for legs with his long shirt and shorts.

NICK'S NEW PETS

2009-09-06T20:35:00.005-05:00

Nick came up and stayed with us this weekend. I was "resting" in the house when he came through the back door with his hands cupped together...."Grandma, look what I found!" My first thought and biggest fear was "A SNAKE". He opened his hands and there was a baby toad. He was so proud. So proud that poor Toady1 got dropped on the floor. But Nick scooped him back up real quick. Which made Grandma happy. Then when we got home from 'the neighbors' last night, he found another one in the driveway. So we had to find a plastic box for them. He named them "Toady 1" and "Toady 2". :) Trust me, the "toadies" went home with him and Ryan.

WHAT NEIGHBORS MIGHT DO TO WIN A BET!

2009-09-06T20:23:00.003-05:00

We get the "Our Iowa" magazine. They sent tall corn seeds. We planted ours and our neighbors planted some too. Bob and Linda Torgeson have a side bet..."who's corn is taller. They give each other grief, threatening to cut the other one's corn down. Well, we knew that Torgeson's were gone Saturday night so we put 2 'regular' stalks of corn together to make a tall one and went to their house and tied it to their porch. Notice Grandpa's assitant???? Holding the flashlight for him. Linda called this morning - said she ran to her corn patch when they got home at 12:30 this morning to check on her corn. Amazing what growns up will do for fun. :)

Football Friday - We Lost :(

2009-08-28T22:30:00.003-05:00

Garrett played most of the game. Came out with about 2 minutes left holding his left arm. We thought for sure it was his collar bone again - but after being checked out by the trainer he was back in.

Colo NESCO Football

2009-08-28T15:37:00.004-05:00

Tonight is the first game for this year's high school football. Let's keep our fingers crossed Garrett makes it through this season without an injury!!!!! Found these pictures on CN athletics website.

BAD FOR G'PA - GOOD FOR NICK

2009-08-22T22:56:00.004-05:00

Later today Grandpa's mower died in the front yard. He wasn't happy about it but as you can see Nick thought it was great! "Faster Grandpa Faster"

BUSY DAY FOR THE WIND TURBINE CONSTRUCTION

2009-08-22T21:44:00.005-05:00

The construction started at 6:00 am today North and East of the house. It is amazing to watch all the different equipment and the size that is used.

EASY Cinnamon Roll Recipe :)

2009-08-21T09:57:00.003-05:00

Cinnamon Rolls made with a cake mix!

2 1/2 cups warm water (100-110 degrees)

3 pkg of Active yeast

1 box - white cake mix

4 1/2 cups flour

Mix yeast in warm water. Let stand 10 minutes.

Mix cake mix and 3 cups flour in mixing bowl. Add yeast water. Mix well. Add rest of flour - 1/2 cup at a time mixing well between each addition.

Put dough on floured countertop and knead for about 8 minutes. Put dough in greased bowl - turning once so all is greased. Cover with warm, damp cloth for 30 minutes to rise.

Punch dough - roll out on floured counter top into a rectangle. Cover with melted butter, sugar, cinnamon and brown sugar (I don't have measurements for that- I just go by sight).

Roll dough into long log - cut 1" rolls - put in greased pan and let rise until double. Recipe said for 30 minutes but I let mine raise 1 - 1 1/2 hours on counter (covered with cloth)

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. I only baked 17 minutes and they were done.

FROSTING:

6 T marg or butter

3 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

2 T milk

Mix with hand mixer and frost

HAIL AND WIND

2009-08-15T08:24:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday a strong storm blew through Hardin County. We are thankful we did not get the hail that damaged Eldora. We did have wind. This week we drove a few miles north of us to see what damage there was. I've included a picture of a corn field our neighbor farms. Not the best picture - taken from my phone in the truck but maybe you'll get the idea. Its not what corn should look like right now. :(

NICK AT THE NEVADA POOL

2009-08-10T15:33:00.003-05:00

Nick came up Saturday and spent some time with us. It was SOOOO HOTTT on Saturday so I took him to the swimming pool in Nevada. He had a blast. This child is not afraid of water! :) He also could not get enought Corn On The Cob!

DUBUQUE

2009-08-10T15:21:00.004-05:00

Bob and I went to Dubuque a few days last week. I had meetings and he enjoyed the sites along the Mississippi River. We took a 1 1/2 hour cruise one evening and even were able to make a quick trip to Galena IL one afternoon. It was a good time.

Fun At The Farm

2009-08-03T12:37:00.003-05:00

Nick was up and stayed a few days with us. We had to set up the "shark" - I thought it might be too cold but he had a blast!

30 YEAR CLASS REUNION?

2009-07-30T10:44:00.003-05:00

Its been 30 years since I graduated from high school. Ugh. No reunion was planned but 3 of us got together last night while Darlene was in town. John and Vicki invited myself and Darlene (Varnum) Ricke to their house for dinner and conversation. So the 3 of us "Class of 79" members decided to call it a Class Reunion. It was a GREAT time, we reminisced and laughed all evening. Thanks John and Vicki!

Wind Turbine Project

2009-07-29T11:30:00.001-05:00

The trucks were rolling this morning for the wind turbine project. They were laying rock North and East of the house.

STORY CITY CAROUSEL

2009-07-29T10:45:00.001-05:00

I took Nick to the Carousel on Saturday and he told Grandpa we had to go back on Sunday to ride again!

Pride and Joy

2009-07-29T10:43:00.000-05:00

Ryan and Nick enjoying the town activities (photo taken from Melissa Wilson's blog) Good Pic Melissa.