Saturday, December 31, 2011


Happy Boofday - the entire songfest by Andrew. Including a scream from Jarrett which punctuates the ending.
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Saturday, December 31, 2011 - I decided to put this particular video on the boys' blog because it has the beginning of Andrew's Happy Boofday medley to Uncle Boogie and Uncle Wan. haha

The one I put on my website has the first part cut off. Well, that's because I was taken by surprise when he started singing so quickly. Say what? Yikes!

I'm hearing that the sun is shining in downtown Chicago. Here in the country, it's still foggy and overcast. What a difference 43 miles makes in the weather.

Gotta go. Happy New Year, djb

Thursday, December 22, 2011


Here's the ornaments that Diane sent me for Christmas. No, you're not seeing things, this picture is on BOTH blogs.
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Thursday, December 22, 2011 - Because these are Andrew and Jarrett ornaments, I wanted to put them on their blog!

Andrew & Jarrett - Forever in MY heart.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Bergy. Or as Andrew would say, "Happy Boofday, Uncle Boogie." That makes me laugh. bye, djb

Saturday, December 17, 2011


A view of Andrew & Jarrett's candles this morning at 6:58 a.m.
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Saturday, December 17, 2011 - Although I'm not too happy about the snow snowing all over the place, it does look nice when it surrounds the boys' candles.

I'll have to go into the cemetery later today to take a picture of the nativity scene with a light snowy blanket. It could be a lot worse. In fact, last year, you couldn't even SEE the nativity set.

All righty. I've got to find my skedaddling shoes so I can TCB. snow ya later, djb

P.S. I feel much better today. Finally!!!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011


Here's Andrew and Jarrett's grave yesterday. It would look way better with a little snow!
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Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - Every day we don't have snow, is a good day for me. If we don't have a white Christmas, I don't even care. We've had plenty of those.

Those two little green & white and red & white candles on either side of the nativity scene are solar powered. They look really cool at night because they illuminate baby Jesus.

And when you drive into the cemetery, those two ornaments on the shepherd's hooks are so bright and pretty, they catch your eye right away.....especially when the sun is shining.

Gotta go. God bless the saintly boys. later, djb

Saturday, December 10, 2011


This photo of the almost full cold moon was taken outside (temp 9 degrees) through the naked trees at 6:19 a.m.
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Saturday, December 10, 2011 - Today is the Full Cold Moon - it becomes full at 9:36 a.m. EST.

Here's the info on how they came up with the moon names on space.com:

A bright full moon on a dark, clear night is always an impressive sight, but did you know that each full moon of the year has its own name? Sometimes, the full moon of each month even has more than one name, all of which originated in antiquity.

Full moon names date back to Native Americans living in what is now the northern and eastern United States. Those tribes of a few hundred years ago kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred.

There were some variations in the full moon names, but in general the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England on west to Lake Superior. European settlers followed their own customs and created some of their own names.

Since the lunar ("synodic") month is roughly 29.5 days in length on average, the dates of the full moon shift from year to year.

When I came downstairs a little before 6 a.m., I didn't need to turn on a light because the moonlight was illuminating the entire downstairs -- coming in through the windows on the west. It was awesome!

snow and moon ya later, djb

Friday, December 9, 2011


Here's the view in the front yard. I always like to get a picture of Andrew and Jarrett's candles after the first snow. You can see Bud & Rose's nativity scene in their front window.


The other day, I took a telephoto picture of their nativity scene. This is what greets me every morning when I get up.
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Friday, December 9, 2011 - Bud & Rose have had that nativity scene in their front window for many years. This year, they lit it up the day after Thanksgiving.

Obviously, I took the above picture in daylight. What I see when I get up at 5 a.m., is a soft glow emanating in the darkness around the holy family -- Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I love it.

Happy Birthday, Jesus. peace & love, djb

Wednesday, December 7, 2011


Here's my TWO purple curly African violets. So gorgeous!
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - The other day, I walked over to check on the African violets to see if they needed water and I was amazed and pleasantly surprised to see two blooms.

We always associate African violets with Grandma Berg. She had tons of them in her north window on the farm.

I've never been able to duplicate her success at getting them to flower profusely, but at this point, I'm just happy to see the two flowers because two of anything always reminds me of Andrew and Jarrett.

And Happy Birthday to Jesus! bybybye, djb

Wednesday, November 30, 2011


Here's Krissy and Chad on Thanksgiving Day last week.
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Wednesday, November 30, 2011 - We invited Krissy to join us on Thanksgiving. Krissy is Andrew and Jarrett's cousin. And Chad was Andrew and Jarrett's friend.

So, appropriately and thusly, I put this picture on the boys' blogger blog.

We had a very nice time. see ya later, djb

Saturday, November 26, 2011


Andrew's goofin' around with Charlie - who's trying to save his drink. That's how they were. I think that's Mark on the left.
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Saturday, November 26, 2011 - When I came across this picture, I had to laugh. Those guys were always having a good time. They both loved to play baseball.

Well, Andrew did until the stupid coach in his freshman year wouldn't let him play. Never did figure that out. Oh well....we had fun while it lasted. see ya later. bye, djb

Here's Jarrett and Chad sitting on the grass watching the baseball game. Andrew's standing on the pitcher's mound.
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Saturday, November 26, 2011 - The other day, I came across some pictures from the good old days with Chad and Jarrett and also Charlie and Andrew playing baseball.

On Thanksgiving, Chad mentioned that he didn't like baseball because there was no ACTION. It was just stand around and wait for nothing.

That was also Jarrett's assessment of baseball. B-o-r-i-n-g~~ So funny. see ya later, djb

Tuesday, November 15, 2011


Sunday, 11/12/11 at 4:45 p.m. I saw this stunning sunset! I grabbed my camera real quick and ran outside to take this shot.
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Tuesday, November 15, 2011 - We have some really gorgeous sunsets this time of year. Not sure exactly why... but more times than not, we're treated to a spectacular light show when the sun departs.

Can you believe that this month is HALF OVER????? No, me either. In 15 more days, we'll be writing December on everything (or 12). Brrrrr and yikes!!! see ya, djb

Sunday, November 13, 2011


Last Sunday afternoon, I looked out the window and saw THIS. Elliot was helping his dad clean out the gutters. Nice clear telephoto shot.
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Sunday, November 13, 2011 - When I saw them up on the roof, I realized that I would have to clean out our gutters at least one more time. I've cleared out the one in front of the kitchen window twice already. First time was really gross!!

So, yesterday afternoon, I dragged out the ladder and cleaned the front one out for the third time. Then, I went out onto the deck and cleaned out the one that goes all the way along the roof from the front of the house to the spot where it turns into two stories.

Amazingly, it wasn't as full of leaves and sticks as the one in front was. What a nice surprise and that was good for me.

The only part where I had a small problem was right where the edge of the pool is too close to the downspout so I can't get a good angle to climb the ladder right there. As it is, that's the scariest part because it's soooo close to disaster on either side of the downspout. yikes!

And then sometime this week, I'll have to borrow my neighbor's ladder to do the gutters that line the garage on the east side of the house. Thankfully, most of the leaves have been blown down and if they haven't fallen off the trees yet, the winds today are forecast to be 45 to 50 miles per hour.

That should finish them off. oh boy. see ya later, djb

Sunday, November 6, 2011


Here's the golden leaf carpet covering the front yard one day last week.
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Sunday, November 6, 2011 - Every fall, I am thankful to my neighbor, Ron, who told me about the mulching blade! As soon as I could, I got one for the old tractor. Then, when I bought Juanita Querida, she had one on as standard issue. WOW!

It's so much easier to mulch the leaves as opposed to sweeping them up and burning them. That was the bad old days. And everyone smelled like a smoky fire for weeks. Although, there's still a need to burn yard waste such as sticks and gigantic branches that fall on the ground. haha

Don't forget to change the clock in your car. bye, djb

Friday, October 21, 2011


"They landed among the stars." Whenever I see STARS, I think of Andrew and Jarrett.
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Friday, October 21, 2011 - This day has finally arrived!

Today is the day that I'll be fitted for my own personal PROSE - the prosthetic device for my right eye. OMG!!!

It's 6:38 a.m. right now. I woke up before 5 a.m. so that I could get my three eyedrops in my eye, drink some coffee, wake up, take care of my blogger business, and relax a little bit before the drive into the city....which ALWAYS makes me crazy.

Getting up and getting ready this morning reminded me of all the years I worked in downtown Chicago. It took a long time to get there every day -- but it was worth it.

When I worked in the Research Department at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in the early 80's, it was the BEST job I ever had. Smart, witty people -- there were five Ph.D. economists among the staff. You'd probably think, b-o-r-i-n-g. But they weren't. It was always a hoot.

Gotta go. SEE ya later. I HOPE. djb

Wednesday, October 12, 2011


Here's a closeup of the almost full moon this morning - 6:41 a.m.
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - Here's another picture of the full moon that I took right after I took the one on my blogger blog.

Since I'm a day late (and probably a dollar short), I thought I'd put the name of the full moon yesterday on here for your amusement and edification. You're welcome.

October 11, 2011, 10:06 p.m. EDT – Full Hunters' Moon:
With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it's now time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox, as well as other animals, which can be caught for a Thanksgiving banquet after the harvest.

Since the moon arrives at apogee about 10 hours later, this will also be the smallest full moon of 2011. In terms of apparent size, it will appear 12.3 percent smaller than the full moon of March 19.

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So, now you know the whole story. No wonder that moon looked so tiny. all righty. see ya later, djb

Sunday, October 9, 2011


The ash tree BEFORE....


the leaves are going......


...the leaves have landed. Here's the carpet of leaves under the ash tree in the back yard near the burn pile.
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Sunday, October 9, 2011 - All this past week, the leaves kept falling off the ash tree. It looked like golden snow. Every once a while, the wind would blow them all over the place.

It really is a colorful fall this year. Plus, it helps that the weather has been so nice and sunny.

Pretty soon, all the trees will be naked and cold. Yikes! djb

Friday, September 30, 2011


If you look closely, you can see the A on Andrew's scarecrow and the J on Jarrett's.
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Friday, September 30, 2011 - Yesterday, before we got the 40 mph winds, I brought these scarecrows into the cemetery and stuck them in the ground in front of the boys' gravestone.

I thought they were absolutely adorable. Plus, I like the way they have their arms around each other. Awwww, isn't that sweet? YES!

Happy Boofday, Mom. Love you!

Thursday, September 22, 2011


Here's the boys' basketball hoop. Now, I play "horse" with Rachel. She actually has pretty good aim.
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Thursday, September 22, 2011 - I wanted to put something related to the boys on "their" blog. Of course, I got a photo of the hoop near the big, empty flower bed.

When the boys were ALIVE, they were always doing something in the driveway -- playing basketball, riding bikes, roller blading, whatever.

I remember one time Jarrett and Chad dug a HUGE hole in the midst of the evergreens on the other side of the driveway and put something over the top so that if a "bad guy" happened to be sneaking around in there, he'd fall in their trap. haha

Yeah. I made them fill in the hole with dirt. What if a skunk fell in there and couldn't get out?? Or me?

Their basketballs always managed to fall or roll or land in the big flower bed. "Sorry, Mom."

No problem, I told them. That's why I plant so many flowers. Just in case your ball lands on top of one of them.

And grass wasn't supposed to be perfect. It was the outdoor carpet for boys to play on. We NEVER put any chemicals on the grass in the back yard -- that's where they played. And the dandelions loved it. see ya later, djb

Thursday, September 15, 2011


SCARY PHOTO: This is what greeted me today!!!!!!!!!!!
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Thursday, September 15, 2011 - I knew it was cool outside this morning, but I didn't think we went all the way down into the 30's until I heard someone on the radio say that it was that cold in the far western suburbs. Say what?

So, I picked up the thermometer and was astounded to see the above reading! That is just plain scary. Ice ya later, djb

Tuesday, September 13, 2011


The full moon, minus one day, at 5:35 a.m. this morning.
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Tuesday, September 13, 2011 - This morning, the clouds were gone but the trees kind of blocked my view. Plus, I have to use a long setting so I have to remain still and hold the camera against the fence so it won't move.

Kind of nice to see the moon setting in the west while the sun is rising in the east. yeah. Sweeeeet. later, djb

Monday, September 12, 2011


Here's the Sears Tower (I mean Willis Tower) poking into the clouds on September 9th - taken from the Illinois Medical District in Chicago.
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Monday, September 12, 2011 - For some reason, when I was in Chicago last Friday, I felt a need to take a picture of the Sears Tower. It is interesting that Lake Michigan has such a profound effect on the weather down there.

I do remember when I worked "downtown," it would be snowing and cold but by the time I got home, it would be sunny and nice.

Of course, the people who lived down there, thought we took a covered wagon to work every day. After all, we were hicks from the sticks. hahaha see ya later, djb

Sunday, September 11, 2011


Sears Tower - December 1984 (now, it's called the Willis Tower)
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Sunday, 9-11-11 - I remember exactly where I was (in the kitchen, standing at the counter) when I heard about the first plane hitting the first tower from a special report on the radio. WHAT? I immediately turned on CNN and it remained on for the rest of the day.

The other thing I distinctly remember was wondering about Chuck because he lived in New Jersey. Not far from New York City across the river, as I recall. He could see it from work.

A few days later, I received some photos that he had taken of the devastation. Not sure where they are now?? That was 10 years ago and we weren't quite as photo smart as we've eventually become over the years.

Plus, back in my CME days, I stayed at the Vista Hotel during my only visit (for work) in New York City. That was the hotel between the towers. How weird to have been somewhere that got attacked by crazed lunatics.

Also, Andrew and Jarrett were alive ten years ago. Andrew's golf meet with Geneva was cancelled. The kids were NOT happy. The terrorists aren't coming to get us -- we're out in the middle of corn fields. We want to play golf.

Jarrett had me take him to the skate park in St. Charles because he told me that I needed to get away from the TV coverage that I had been watching all day. And he needed to practice some of his smooth moves.

I feel so very sorry for everyone who lost someone because of this horrendous attack. They have my complete and total sympathy. God bless them all. peace would be nice, djb

Monday, September 5, 2011


This picture of Jarrett and Grandpa Burkholder sitting by the fire at Woodhaven reminds me of this time of year & Grandpa's birthday.
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Monday, September 5, 2011 - Happy Birthday to Grandpa! We'd have his birthday party most years out at Woodhaven so that everyone could come to it since it was more centrally located or maybe because it wasn't -- maybe because it was where Grandma and Grandpa lived in the summer....

Any time I smell wood or leaves burning outside, my entire being is transported to Woodhaven. There was ALWAYS a fire burning -- if not in their burn pit -- then in someone else's. It was thick or overpowering, it was the way it was out there.

FLASHBACK: It must have been March 3, 2005 -- yeah, that's right. Bob and I were sitting at the gravestone bundled up within an inch of our lives (before noon), when all of a sudden, we smelled the distinct aroma of wood burning.

At the same time, we both said, "It's Grandpa." Back in those days, we were still getting signs. Now, not so much.

It didn't last very long at all -- then quickly as it came, it was GONE. So, what else could one conclude. Yes. It was Grandpa. And thanks again, djb

Saturday, August 20, 2011


Here's Andrew & Jarrett's evergreen trees earlier this summer.

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Saturday, August 20, 2011 - I couldn't believe that it was two years ago yesterday that they moved Andrew and Jarrett's trees to their present location. Yes, time flies....

It kind looks like there's a space in Jarrett's tree but since I took this photo in June, we've had more rain and his tree has really filled out nicely.

I thought I'd taken more recent photos of their trees but I hadn't. Of course, there are pictures in my mind. Kind of hard for others to see those!!

see ya later, djb

Saturday, August 13, 2011


After I went in to mail Grandpa's birthday envelope, I stopped by Andrew and Jarrett's grave to trim the plants.
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Saturday, August 13, 2011 - When I saw the picture Mark (who was with Matt) put on Facebook a few weeks ago, I realized that I needed to do some pruning of the Stellas because you couldn't even see their names any more.

I noticed that there are some new buds forming. That's why I like Stella d'oros.... because they bloom more than once. Plus, it's my Grandma's name.

Storm is coming or not... we'll see what happens. later, djb

Sunday, August 7, 2011


Here's the purple and yellow petunia plant with the two different sweet potato vines of which the chartreuse one is out of control!
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Sunday, August 7, 2011 - It's already the 7th of August - Happy Birthday, Julie....even though you'll never read this.

It's already 7:30 a.m., so that means I've been awake for three hours. Time flies when you're a busy body. haha

I have to take care of some business but I wanted to put that picture in here so I could see it. That plant is going to take over the entire deck pretty soon. see ya later, djb

Wednesday, July 27, 2011


Here's Grandpa Cardinal on top of the huge evergreen tree.
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - So, this afternoon, I vacuumed the carpet that's outside near the deck (where the bees used to live). It didn't seem to be working all that well.

Then, I found out WHY. When I opened it up to take out the bag, it full to overflowing. WOW! Plus, it was very heavy.

Seemed to be making a weird noise, too. So, I took everything apart on the bottom vacuum head. It was SO dirty.

After I cleaned it and put it back together, I thought I had it perfectly reconstructed. NOT. The rubber thing that goes around the teeth (can't remember the name right now) to make the bottom part move, came off.

I had to get a flashlight and use a screwdriver to get it back on a little mechanism far inside that I could barely see. But, I finally succeeded and was able to vacuum. Whew!

I know all of those parts have names but I just wanted to write in here so I'll remember when I cleaned the vacuum. bye, djb

Friday, July 22, 2011


It's star gazer day. These are such beautiful flowers and they smell good, too!!!
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Friday, July 22, 2011 - I can't believe it's already the 22nd of July. WOW! Pretty soon, it will be August and then Elburn Days, Grandpa and Gladys's birthday and then school starts.

It's getting darker here. I think the storm's getting closer. bye, djb

Tuesday, July 19, 2011


Andrew and Jarrett's pond garden 5 years ago. WOW!
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011 - After trying to get the pond in shape for the past few years, I finally had to fill it in with 27 bags of top soil. It just got to be overgrown and overwhelming to take care of.

Everything grew out of control -- especially in 2008 when I had the shingles in my eye. Then, the next year, I wasn't doing all that great.

I have to severely prune EVERYTHING. For some crazy reason, I love to grow flowers, trees, bushes, veggies.... whatever. Then, they get REALLY big. yikes!

Time to go outside and fry an egg on the deck. gobble gobble. later, djb

Monday, July 11, 2011


Here's a picture of froggie right behind Jarrett the Duck -- who is next to Andrew the Dolphin - next to tons of crap in the pool.
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Monday, Stormy Monday - July 11, 2011 - It was raining frogs in Elburn this morning (see accompanying photo).

Yesterday, the pool was pristine and spotless and gorgeous. Chad remarked that, "This is the best I've ever seen the pool look. It's perfect." Well, that was yesterday and today is yikes!

I have a lot of work ahead of me but if I clean everything up then Bob won't know how much I did because it'll all be done and he won't know what a freaking, ugly, nightmare of a mess it is out there.

"oh, we had a storm? It looks so clean."

Plus, I can't go in the pool to cool off. It is certainly a situation. later, djb

P.S. I talked to my neighbor, Brenda. She and Scott were driving back from south of Sterling. Brenda said that the corn fields out that way were FLATTENED. She was little apprehensive about what they'd find when they got home but apparently we got hit by the small hammer and the folks further west and up north got hit by the large sledge hammer!!! ouch.

A personal disaster: Here's where poor Shamu landed after he was blown by hurricane force winds this morning.
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Monday, Stormy Monday, July 11, 2011 - I just finished writing on Donna's Blog, so I thought I'd add a few more storm-related comments here on the boys' blog.

From The Chicago Tribune Website:

Driving rain and hail pelted the Chicago area as fast-moving thunderstorms packing 75 mph winds halted flights, stopped trains. As of 10 a.m., Commonwealth Edison reported 660,000 customers without power: 298,000 north of the city, 156,000 west of the city, 116,000 in Chicago and Maywood, 90,000 in the south.

In the Crystal Lake area, more than 10,000 were without power, according to the ComEd outage map. “There are quite a few power lines and trees down,” said Pay Alaynick, Crystal Lake Police Department office coordinator. “Residents need to be careful.”

The storms hit the area around 8 a.m., with Doppler radar showing a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing 70 mph winds and quarter-size hail.

The storms moved in at 70 mph. Midway Airport clocked winds of 75 mph and O'Hare Airport saw 63 mph winds mph as 65 mph winds hit Naperville. High high winds downed trees in Warrenville and other area towns.

This is wild! I'm thankful that things weren't any worse than they were. And to think that Saturday and Sunday were such perfectly gorgeous days. Especially Saturday. see ya later, djb

Sunday, July 10, 2011


Here are the three crosses on Keslinger Road that mark the spot where Andrew and Jarrett went to heaven.
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Sunday, July 10, 2011 - As we were driving back from Rosita's on Keslinger, I kept looking back to see if anyone was behind us so I could take a picture of the boys' crosses.

No one was. So I did.

They've done extensive pruning of the trees along that fence where the crosses are secured. Now, you can really see very well.

God bless whoever had the idea to put them inside the fence so I didn't have to go out there and weed whack the grass every week.

Plus, it looks to me like someone painted Jarrett's name darker? If so, that's sweet. ......now, I seriously have to go outside and swim -- well, it's actually doggie paddling. later, djb

Monday, June 27, 2011


Looking down the hill yesterday with Andrew's tree in the foreground and Jarrett's tree further down -- and way further down is their grave.


And here's what Andrew and Jarrett's grave looked like yesterday - the Stella d'oro daylilies are in full bloom. Just gorgeous!!
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Monday, June 27, 2011 - When I stopped by the boys' grave yesterday, I could NOT believe how great the Stella d'oros look. They've finally come into their own. WOW!

I just realized that I should also put a picture of their evergreen trees on here. Okay, let me go do that......done.

Jarrett's tree is growing like a weed. I took a couple of pictures looking up the hill at both of them. WOW! It's a good thing
Fred recommended moving them sooner rather than later or we'd surely be in big trouble.

Or someone would have had a nice Christmas tree last year. gotta go...bye for now. djb

Monday, June 20, 2011


Here's the Peace Rose that's on the lower right side next to Jarrett's tree (below). It totally surprised me by its bloomage and also the fact that none of the deer have eaten it yet. WOW!


Here's Jarrett's white pine tree that he got in third grade. It has really taken off. And, you can almost see the Peace Rose on the right side.
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Monday, June 20, 2011 - It's almost summer! As I write this, we're having a large group of thunderstorms moving through the area. At this moment, it's dark as night but very quiet except for the distant sounds of thunder rumbling...

Yikes! That could be the "calm before the storm." It's so weird to have it so dark in the morning. Usually, I'm trying to keep the sun out of my eyes when I'm sitting here. That's funny.

Better go put in a picture of the Peace Rose. bye, djb

Thursday, June 9, 2011


Here's the pool this morning at 7:36 a.m. Don't have to put any water in it today, Mother Nature is helping fill it up.
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Thursday, June 9, 2011 - Yesterday - early afternoon while the temperature was 92 degrees - I painstakingly vacuumed the pool, scrubbed it with the scrubby brush and skimmed out all of the leaves and little weasels. It was perfectly gorgeous & clear.

When Bob got home from work, he had to go in the pool to take a dip because by then, I think the temperature was around 94 degrees. At 9:30 last night, it was still 85.

Now, it's around 65 degrees. That'll be the high for today. We're in for a lot of stormy weather. Isn't there a song about that? haha see ya later, djb

Monday, May 30, 2011


This is a picture of the rain coming down in buckets yesterday! The cover is still on the pool. It is supposed to be coming off today around noon.
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Monday, May 30, 3011 - Memorial Day. We had a horrible thunderstorm yesterday....no, make that two intense systems that went through here in the late morning and again in the early afternoon dropping a total of 3.12 inches in Elburn.

I had planned to go into the cemetery to put some red, white and blue decorations on the boys' grave but had to wait until 4:30 before I could safely drive on the roads. Everything was flooded!!

I put two patriotic pinwheels in front of their evergreen trees. They already had the portable bleachers set up near the road by their trees. The pinwheels are cute and there's a lot of wind.

This morning, at 9 a.m., they were having the Memorial Day observance at Blackberry Cemetery as they have for many years. Bruce Conley always played Taps. I'm sure they'll play the tape of his rendition. He was the BEST.

They take such great care of our cemetery. It looks so perfect and beautiful. It's a very lovely, final resting place. God bless them all. djb

Saturday, May 28, 2011


Here's a picture of Annie Oaktree. It's not the one I really want to put in here but at least you can see how TALL she is.
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Saturday, May 28, 2011 - You can find anything you want on the internet. Amazing, isn't it. When I looked for beneficial fungus for oak trees, this is what I found at treehelp.com:

Mycorrhizal Fungi -
Mycorrhizal fungi is a relatively new soil treatment for trees. Co-existing with trees and plants in nature for hundreds of millions of years, these beneficial fungi provide a "safety net" for the tree in times of stress. By colonizing the roots and extending themselves further into the soil, the fungi enable the tree to take in more nutrients and moisture. The result is a healthier, more robust tree better capable of withstanding the many stressful conditions that exist in an urban environment.

The term 'mycorrhizae' describes a symbiotic relationship between beneficial fungi and plants. Mycorrhizal fungi live in and around the roots of most plants. In exchange for sugars and simple carbohydrates, the mycorrhizal fungi absorb and pass on minerals and moisture required for the plant's growth.

In nature, mycorrhizal fungi are found on about 99% of plant species, but in urban environments, the poor, compacted soils often lack this essential fungi.

from: www.treehelp.com

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The other day, I dug 40 six-inch deep holes around the drip line of Annie Oaktree so I could put the mycorrhizal fungi in and cover it up and soak the earth around it.

I did the first watering and Mother Nature did the next one. Hopefully, the fungi is going to fix everything. But on Monday, I have to dig more holes in the ground to put in the fertilizer that is specific to oak trees.

It's going to be 90 degrees on Monday (the REAL Memorial Day). That should be a fun job. see ya later. djb

Friday, May 6, 2011


Andrew's white pine tree. He brought it home from school when he was in third grade. And look at it now!
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Friday, May 6, 2011 - One of the main reasons that I wanted to have professional tree trimmers take care of the pruning job this spring was to clear the branches around Andrew's white pine tree so it can grow unimpeded.

A few years ago, I managed to chop off a few branches here and there on that offending maple but I don't have a tall enough ladder to reach the higher branches. Probably a good thing.

I love trees. And I love flowers. I'm beginning to like grass a little bit. But I HATE quack-grass. And for some reason, it likes to grow near the road in the front yard. yuk!!!

The only way to get rid of it is to kill it with noxious chemicals, wait a while and then plant some grass. Actually not a bad idea. haha Now, it's really time to skedaddle. later, djb

P.S. Word to the Wise: NEVER, EVER, EVER plant zoysia grass. It turns brown in the winter and looks ugly, uglier, ugliest!!!! (although it is soft underfoot....)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011


Andrew and Jarrett's grave on Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011).
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - On my way to the grocery store, Sunday afternoon, I stopped by the boys' grave to take a picture of the flowers coming up.

I can't believe they've been gone for 8 years. That just doesn't seem real to me. Time has stood still for so long.

God bless Andrew. God bless Jarrett. Miss you guys!! Love ya, Mom

Sunday, April 10, 2011


Here's a shot of the daffodils coming up in Andrew and Jarrett's pond garden.
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Sunday, April 10, 2011 - Last Sunday, I spent 4 hours cleaning out Andrew and Jarrett's pong garden, and I'm so glad I did because now I can actually see the bulbs that have come up and are now blooming.

Yesterday, on my sister's birthday, I didn't ever get to talk to her in person and wish her a happy boofday because I was up and gone early. Then, she was up and gone, apparently.

I called a couple of times. The last time, I did sing Happy Birthday. I'm pretty sure that probably broke the answering machine. When the boys were alive, and I would TRY to sing, they would beg me to stop. "Please mom, stop singing."

hahaha That makes me laugh. It's good to laugh.

Went to see Dr. Lee yesterday morning in Naperville. I had to drive on Interstate 88. Haven't had occasion to drive on a FAST road for a long time. WOW! I was going at least 75 and people were driving by me like I was standing still.

...and I was in the SLOW lane. If I went any slower, I would've been whacked. What a riot. At least, on Saturday morning, there aren't quite as many cars out there as on a week day.

Dr. Lee put collagen plugs in each of the tear ducts in my right eye. The difference is noticeable and remarkable. Whew! I'm SO glad that if I need to see her on the weekend, I can always go to Naperville. It only took 30 minutes to get there.

It's amazing. I guess that's why President Eisenhower suggested the interstate highway system be built soooo many years ago. God bless him. Just wish people didn't HAVE TO drive SO FAST. One mistake, and you're in big trouble. yikes!!

Now, I really have to go take care of business. If there are any typos or brainos in this, I'm going to blame this keyboard. It's hard to use. The spacebar doesn't space. Annoying!! bye, djb

Friday, April 1, 2011


To the left of the flowering crab tree and proceeding all the way to the honeysuckle bushes at the opposite end of the yard is where the destruction occurred. (the above photo is from many years ago.)
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Friday, April 1, 2011 - April Fool's Day!!!

This is not an April Fool's joke.... Much to my horror and dismay, those nasty moles made a tunnel inside the trench that was dug in the yard where the cable for the TV and the internet was buried last summer. They didn't bother the telephone trench - that has remained intact....for now.

Seriously? yeah.

Not only that but there are off-ramps from the main cable freeway that go in many directions around the yard. It is absolutely hysterical that those little moles were out there tunneling to their heart's content.

Have you ever seen a mole? They are certainly God's ugliest creature.....ever!!! A few years ago, we found one in the pond out in the back yard - creepy, ugly and dead. I can't even imagine what purpose they serve. Kind of like mosquitoes.

All right. I'd better go out and get the papers before it rains or snows. It's supposed to be a yukky weather day. Of course, it'll be nothing like what they had in Florida for the past few days. Mini-hurricanes....yikes! see ya later, djb

Wednesday, March 30, 2011


This picture of Andrew and Jarrett in front of the staghorn fern was taken (in Florida) in January or February 1990 - that's 21 years ago. But I gave Bergs the staghorn in 1980. So it's now 31 years old!
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Hap Birth to

I LOVE that picture!!!
It reminds me of so many happy times we spent in Florida in the winters when it was brutally cold up here. The fact that Grandpa and Grandma put up with us for a month is a testament to their strong and hardy constitutions. Being around the boys was never relaxing.

Although, when I now walk around Crystal Bowl Circle, I always remember the little park that used to be there. We'd walk over to play on the equipment. It would get rid of "some" of their extra energy.

I still can't believe they've been dead for 8 years. That just can't be true. How did all those days go by so fast??? And yet, so very slow.... One sad, pitiful day at a time.

I do pray for their souls every single day -- and every day, I wish they were here with me. It still makes NO sense -- and it never will.

What really impairs any sort of recovery from the hell I live in is that EVERYTHING reminds me of them.

Yeah, like in the past couple of weeks, their cousins, Karen, Gayla and Krissy, all had birthdays. And I have pictures of them with Andrew and Jarrett -- when they were younger.

Now, they're forever 15 and 17. Frozen in time. It's weird. djb

Sunday, March 13, 2011


This is cropped from a larger photo that I took at the cemetery on March 3rd. Ryan brought the flowers from their family. His mom always orders them from Kar-Free (I think that's how you spell it?) in Sycamore.
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Sunday, March 13, 2011 - I want to take a better picture of the flowers that Tim & Teri and Ryan gave us in memory of the boys but this is what I have for now. It has become an interesting adventure for all of us to try to get together on March 3rd or whenever we can ......

So, last night, we met Tim and Teri at the Claddagh in Geneva. Coincidentally, that's where Ryan's been working for almost a year. We had a GREAT time!!! And Ryan was our waiter. As I was typing the word claddagh, I wondered what it meant so I looked it up and here it is:

The symbol of the Claddagh Ring

Claddagh
The hands are there for friendship,
The heart is there for love.
For loyalty throughout the year,
The crown is raised above.


The symbol of the Claddagh Ring dates back to a fishing village in Galway known as Claddagh village. It represents the
fishing Kings of Claddagh, whose motto was "in love and friendship let us reign." Later in the 17th century the symbol was made into a ring which became a popular gift throughout Galway. Tradition says that the heart is worn outward to show that the wearer is "heart whole and fancy free." Many Claddagh Rings have become family heirlooms and are a gift to be passed down from the mother and worn by a daughter on her wedding day.

© www.of-ireland.info since 1999

Of course, since this is an Irish restaurant, they are seriously gearing up for St. Patrick's Day, which to lots of people means drinking green beer, etc. With the notable exception being my mother who really is 100% Irish -- she wouldn't touch the stuff with a 10 foot leprechaun! haha

It's always good to wake up every day and learn something new to keep your brain active. So, you've got Irish info here and Earthquake info on my blog.

Faith and beggorah to ya darlin' ~djb

Saturday, March 12, 2011


Jarrett was about 4 months old, Andrew was two. This was taken at Brookfield Zoo twenty-three (23) years ago next month. And I'm sure Jarrett's stroller was recalled years later. Plus, I don't drink Coke any more for soooo many reasons.
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Saturday, March 12, 2011 - If I write in one of my blogs, I like to write in the other one because I am a Libra, after all. And things must be balanced. No, wait. We seek balance...

It's one of those days where you wish you had gone on spring break to a warmer climate. Although, it's not all that warm in Florida today. Not like when we were there on February 27th.

We had the most perfect weather you could ask for. In fact, Granny did order 80 degrees for me because she knows how much I love 82 degrees. I know it sounds crazy, but I can tell when it is that particular temp.

Because I'll say, check the thermometer, I think it's 82. And 99 times out of 100, it is. I'm right. It's that one time out of 100 when it's actually 83 degrees. haha

Yesterday, I came across a photo on my old computer that I thought was absolutely gorgeous --blue cornflowers and a yellow finch. Yeah, it was a picture that I took myself. What a shock. I must find out where it is. That should be fun.

see ya later, djb

Saturday, March 5, 2011


The robins have returned from their winter vacation in Florida.
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These robins were digging in and tossing the leaves around. I have no idea what they were looking for. It was hilarious.
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Saturday, March 5, 2011 - I looked out the kitchen window a few minutes ago and this is what I saw. A couple dozen robins wandering around in the front yard.

Also, there was Sammy Squirrel and Papa Cardinal. Quite an animal reunion. We're getting flurries but no big snow storm is predicted. But, you never know.

It's wonderful to see them again! oh boy! Spring can't be far behind. later, djb