Thursday, December 27, 2012

Here's Charlie, Clyde, Chad and Julie on Christmas night.
Thursday, December 27, 2012 - I'm finally getting the picture I took on Christmas night posted.  Yesterday, my right eye was bothering me so I spent a lot of time dealing with that.  Today, it feels fine.  Sometimes, it's just an anomaly.  I just remembered something I have to do, see ya later, djb 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Andrew and Jarrett's crosses on the night of December 16th after I worked my magic. 
The original picture of Andrew and Jarrett's crosses I took on December 16th.
Thursday, December 20, 2012 - While we were driving back from Rosita's in DeKalb, I got my camera ready to take a picture of Andrew and Jarrett's crosses on Keslinger Road.
    There were no cars behind us all the way from County Line Road however, as I was getting ready to focus, what should appear but a car's headlights.  So, I had to hurry my shot and hope for the best.
     You can almost see a faint outline of the crosses.  This prompted me to go into my magic box and push a button -- voila!  The picture on top is what showed up.  How cool is that!  later, djb
    

Monday, December 3, 2012

Here's Andrew and Jarrett's grave this afternoon after I finished decorating.
Monday, December 3, 2012 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!
     Yesterday, I put most of the decorations out at the grave but I wanted to balance it so I put the little evergreen tree on Jarrett's side.  Now all we need are a few snowflakes to make it look even more pretty.  byebye, djb

Sunday, November 25, 2012




Here's the video of the garage heater screaming at me last Tuesday.  
Sunday, November 25, 2012 - The heater started making weird noises a couple of weeks ago, but Brian thought he'd fixed it.  It worked for a while, then when I heard this horrible noise, I knew it was over.  Apparently, the motor is shot.
     Bob just got an email that the new heater has been shipped.  Hopefully, it will be installed this week.  It has been an interesting adventure trying to keep the garage from freezing.  Right now, it's 56 degrees out there.  Oh boy, a heat wave.  brrrr ya later, djb

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Here's me and Diane after we spent a day at the beach turning into lobster girls.
Saturday, November 24, 2012 - I came across this picture last week.  I still remember how sunburned we got after being at the beach all day.  But who cares?  We LOVE the beach!!!!  Hopefully, some of it is still there after all the waves have been whacking it day after day.  Hey, I'd better go down and check on it.  Good idea!  see ya later, djb

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

At 7:46 a.m. (this morning), this is what the view was toward the west.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - They said it would be foggy this morning because there's no wind and the dew point and temperature caused this situation.  Seriously, this is what things used to look like when I had cataracts.  WOW!  As of 10 a.m, it's finally starting to lift.  later, djb

Monday, November 12, 2012

This African violet is about 12-13 inches wide - so gorgeous!
Monday, November 12, 2012 - NOT Veterans Day.  Another fake three day federal holiday.  duh!  Veterans Day was yesterday on 11/11.  If it lands on a Saturday or Sunday, it should NOT be celebrated on a day that isn't November 11th.  That's just wrong.
     However, in spite of people getting paid for not working, my African violet has been working on growing flowers all summer long.  I only gave it the Epsom salts one time it's been going crazy ever since then.  It look so darn healthy.  And, it's in the west window so it gets sun. hmmm  see ya, djb

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Here's the birthday girl with her best guy.  They were just getting ready to go to church and paused so I could take a picture of the earrings that Grandpa gave her for her special day.
Sunday, October 28, 2012 - Happy Birthday to Granny!  It took me all day to get on here and get this posted.  We had a very nice party -- lots of pictures.  The usual suspects were here.  The food was great, the presents were thoughtful, the cards were sweet and funny and we had a wonderful time. 
     Here's the link to the birthday page:  http://www.andrew-jarrett.com/october28-09journal.html
     see ya later, djb
    

Friday, October 26, 2012

Here's Liz (with the birthday balloon) next to Alan celebrating their October birthdays at Rosita's - where's the sombrero?
Friday, October 26, 2012 - Happy Birthday to Aunt Liz!  We all got together in 2006 at Rosita's in DeKalb to celebrate Liz's birthday but since Alan had just had his birthday three days before, we also celebrated his.
    At home, I have the sombrero pictures.  But I like the festiveness of the balloon.  And you can see Uncle Ron on the right.  Hope you have a wonderful birthday, Liz.  see ya later, djb

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Alan on the farm dressed for success because he was outstanding in his field.
Here's Alan in later years -- he just can't give up those overalls.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012 - HAPPY BOOFDAY TO UNCLE AL, THE KIDDY'S PAL.  I actually just saw two orbs in the above photo.  That's funny.  This picture was in Bergs' photos so when I searched for Alan on Picasa, this came up.  What a hoot!  He does look like he's having a good time!  Enjoy your boofday, Uncle Al.  have fun, djb

Friday, October 19, 2012

Marc and Diane last night at Bahama Breeze in Altamonte Springs.
Friday, October 19, 2012 - Since I wasn't here for Diane and Marc's wedding in August, I decided to take them out last night for a celebratory dinner.  They chose Bahama Breeze in Altamonte.  Believe it or not, I've never been there.  It was such a perfect place to go.  We sat outside but it's covered and there are fans creating a breeze.  The food was excellent and we had a wonderful time.  I still don't know why I don't live somewhere warm???  Congrats to the happy couple.  later, djb

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

We went under this bridge in a tour boat on Saturday.  It was so much fun!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 -  Diane and I went on the boat ride on the Chain of lakes in Winter Park after we went to the autumn art festival.  We had such a good time in May when we took the tour that we had to enjoy it again.  The weather was perfect.  And since we got there early, we got good seats....front row!!  Highly recommended.  djb

Saturday, October 6, 2012

These gazanias remind me of the bright colors that Jarrett always wore.
Saturday, October 6, 2012 - When I got up this morning, I checked the thermometer.... it was 30 degrees on my porch.  brrr  I heard them say it was 28 degrees somewhere around here.
    Yesterday afternoon, I heard that it was going to get to freezing in the western suburbs.  That's when I brought most of the flowers into the (heated) garage.  Oh, that planter that I made is still flowering.  Let me put in a picture of that.  It is still so beautiful.
This planter has gotten out of control and I LOVE it.  Red dahlias are so pretty.
     You can see that tiny golden gazania in the bottom left corner.  And on the right bottom corner, you can see the leaves that are starting to fall from the trees.  Oh yeah, it is FALL, isn't it.  ~djb

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Rachel went with me into Blackberry Cemetery to decorate Andrew and Jarrett's grave for the fall holidays.
Rachel spontaneously gave the Andrew and Jarrett scarecrows bunny ears which is hilarious because they did that all the time to each other.

Saturday, September 22, 2012 - After Rachel and I went out to Conley's Farm so I could check on the lilac bush I planted last week, I decided that today was the day to decorate Andrew and Jarrett's grave for the Autumnal Equinox and Halloween.
      Rachel figured out the placement of everything and she did a great job helping me.  It makes a sad place happy when you're with someone who is so full of life.  later, djb

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Here's the short video that I took yesterday morning of my burn pile 

Sunday, September 16, 2012 - The pile of debris mainly consisted of branches that fell from the trees in the yard.  A couple of them were almost 20 feet long.  That fire was so hot that it reduced them to ashes in record time. It was something to see.  Oh yeah, there it is.  djb 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Yesterday, the pool was perfectly clear.  This doesn't even begin to show all of the leaves and sticks in the pool.  annnoying....
The ferns fell over, and also the palm tree but for some reason the geranium is still standing. crazy.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 - It's getting darker and darker as I write.  I'm trying to get this on here BEFORE the next storm comes because you never know when the power will get knocked out.
     The deck and the pool are way worse looking than these pictures show.  These flowers never fall down unless the winds are really strong.  On the carpet side of the deck, there's another disaster.  Maybe I should put that blurry picture in here.  Let me try it.
You can sort of see the mayhem out here.  Grandpa Burkholder's Norfolk Island pine tree got blown over.  That's kind of interesting in view of the fact that today is his birthday.  hmmm
     Gotta go see what's happening and what's coming our way.  djb

Friday, August 31, 2012

These are some of the crab apples that are falling off of the tree.  They're so huge this year.  Plus, the leaves are also falling but they usually fall early in the summer.  weird.

Blue Moon Friday, August 31, 2012 - I've never seen so many crab apples falling off the tree before this year.  Maybe it was the drought that caused it.  I don't know, but they're so big and squishy that it's difficult to walk out there.  I'm not sure what a person is supposed to do with them?
     When I went out to take this picture, Charlie Chipmunk was running around.  Maybe he likes to eat them.  That would be fine with me.  And I know the boys would LOVE that.  haha  bye, djb

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Kitty cat on the deck -- picture was taken hastily through the window.

Thursday, August 23, 2012 - I was standing in the kitchen and some type of movement on the deck caught my eye.  When I looked out, I didn't see anything at first and then this guy appeared in view.
     I grabbed my camera and went over to the window, tapped lightly on the glass, then he looked at me so at least I got a picture of him although it's slightly blurry.  You still get the picture.  BIG CAT.  djb

Thursday, August 16, 2012

It's raining today.  The pool's getting filled up with rain water.

Thursday, August 16, 2012 - Right before I took this picture, I looked outside and there were big, huge drops causing a bubbling up situation in the pool. It was very exciting.
    Of course, I grabbed my camera to get a picture of it.  By the time I got outside, it was done doing that and turned into a minor drip.  So glad I mowed the lawn yesterday.  Well, except for that little part behind those evergreens in this photo.
    OMG!!!!  I JUST this very second noticed that the leaves on Gene's trees in his front yard (right across the street) have started turning orangey-red.  WOW!!!   And tomorrow, the high temperature is going to be 72 degrees.  yikes, djb  This is not good.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

This photo of the Andrew and Jarrett's crosses was taken Sunday afternoon (August 12th) on the way back from DeKalb.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - It's really hard to believe that this month is almost HALF OVER!!!  Where did the time go and what did I do??  It seems as though the drought this summer totally screwed up any sort of sense of normalcy to my usual routine.
     Most summers, I mow the lawn every week.  But this year, there were weeks that the grass didn't grow because it was fried.  Although the weeds seemed to flourish.  I'm beginning to think that we should all embrace the weeds because they're never going away.  haha
     Okay, it's time to check on the washer.  Gotta take care of business.  see ya later, djb

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Every year, I get a flowerpot full of coleus in honor of Grandma O'Malley.  She called them foliage. 

Sunday, August 12, 2012 - It was supposed to be sunny today but it's NOT.  I've been working on my three Sunday crossword puzzles. It's supposed to help your brain.  Who knows if that's working or not?  Certainly not me.  It's 11:30 a.m and it's time to go and do some chores.  I'm pretty sure some of the flowers are dry.  see ya around, djb

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Here are the "surprise lilies" that I took a photo of about an hour before the storm blew through yesterday.  It's always a surprise when they show up -- thus, the name.
On August 1st, I had to get a photo of the full Sturgeon moon.  It was so gorgeous in person.  This was taken at 7:25 p.m.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

This is a reddish moon from some other month.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 - FULL STURGEON MOON coming to a sky near you tomorrow night.  This is just a warning.

August 1, 2012 - 11:27 p.m. EDT --Full Sturgeon Moon, when this large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, such as Lake Champlain, is most readily caught. A few tribes knew this moon as the Full Red Moon because when the moon rises, it appears reddish through sultry haze (in 2012, The Old Farmer’s Almanac gives this moniker to the full moon of Aug. 31). Other variations include the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.

Another warning:  On August 31, 2012 - we will have a BLUE MOON - the second full moon in a month.  oh boy!  later, djb

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Here's one of my syringes that are filled with serum tears.


Wednesday, July 25, 2012 - After the storm battered us yesterday morning, we still had electricity.  I did thank God for that!


However, at 11:11 a.m., the electricity went OUT -- no warning.  It seems that everyone else around us had no electricity and we were turned off so that they could fix the problem for EVERYONE.


I was panic-stricken because the serum tears HAVE TO remain frozen.  Thankfully, the electricity went back on after a couple of hours and I'm looking at a new plan where I freeze each syringe individually in a baggie so that if we do lose power again, I'll have a larger frozen window of opportunity.

And, I have to do it soon, because it looks like we're getting another storm tonight.  Okay, must go back and continue mowing the yard because there are leaves everywhere!!!  It's a HUGE mess.  later, djb 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tuesday, July 24, 2012 - Here's Andrew the dolphin in the pool last night (when it was clean) with a butterfly on his head.
Here's the pool this morning after the leaves were blown into it.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Jarrett, me and Andrew on February 18, 1990 in DeKalb, IL

Sunday, July 22, 2012 - It's just before 1:00 p.m. and my andrew-jarrett website is still uploading but it's not going to take as long as yesterday or the days before!  haha very funny.

It looks weird right now but once it finishes its craziness, I'll go back and fix it so the photo doesn't cover the links to the pages.

To say that it just takes time would be an understatement.  later, djb


Friday, July 20, 2012

We have so many of these stinging insects out on the deck, that I had to find out who was who.  Yikes!!

Friday, July 20, 2012 - For some reason, this date sounds familiar.  Not sure why....

Right now (6:57 a.m.), I'm waiting for my andrew-jarrett website to upload to the Yahoo! server.  Yeah, it's already there but apparently it doesn't know that. In about an hour, this process will have been going on for 24 hours!!!  wow!

Okay, I just remembered something I wanted to do.  later, djb


Monday, July 2, 2012

Here is the moon on July 2, 2012 - almost full.

Monday, July 2, 2012 - Tomorrow the moon is full.  Here's the scoop:

July 3, 2012 - 2:52 p.m. EDT -- Full Buck Moon.  This full moon was so called because it occurs when the new antlers of buck deer push out from their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur.  It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, thunderstorms being most frequent at this time. Sometimes this is also called the Full Hay Moon. Since the moon arrives at apogee less than 13 hours later, this will also be smallest full moon of 2012. In terms of apparent size, it will appear 12 percent smaller than the full moon of Jan. 10.

That's the story about the full moon.  Be careful out there because apparently, the full moon brings out the craziness in the crazy people.  later, djb


Saturday, June 30, 2012

Freddy Fox in the back yard checking out the situation.

Saturday, June 30, 2012 - After we got back from Harvard last Sunday, we were sitting outside on the deck and way back toward the apple tree - near the bridal wreath -- was Mr. Freddy Fox.

It's always fun to see them in the yard because they are so used to being around this area that they don't run away when see people.

In fact, early Thursday morning, I saw a fox across the road rolling around in Gene's grass, then he got up and walked over here and took the fox highway on the north side of the house and went back through the bridal wreath.

Not sure where they go back there but I always love to see them walking around. And to think, they used to scare me.  later, djb

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Here's Aunt Gladys with Diane in July 2007 at the rehab center in DeKalb.

Saturday, June 23, 2012 - Years ago, my photo sorting program was wacky so a lot of my pictures are not located where they should be.  Probably has something to do with the camera being reset to the default setting, which is January 1, 2000.  Something like that.

I remember when we went to see Aunt Gladys.  After our visit, we stopped at Rosita's and had lunch on the patio -- that was fun!

And on the 4th of July, people kept stopping by to jump in the pool.  Plus, our neighbors across the street put on a spectacular fireworks show.  It's not illegal unless you get caught.

Wait a minute.  It's almost the 4th.  Time flies when you're having fun.  God bless America.  see ya later, djb

Sunday, June 3, 2012

This is the bubble mound that Rachel made. The wind kept blowing them away.

Sunday, June 3, 2012 - Yesterday afternoon, Rachel was staying over across the street while her mom was out with Grandma so she came over here and we started playing with the bubbles.

It was kind of windy, so we just decided to put the bubbles on the driveway so they'd last longer.  Usually, a big gust of wind would come and send them into the air.

It was fun.  later, djb

Friday, June 1, 2012

The pool, the palm trees with Diane and Marc in the back yard!  Where's Biskit?

Friday, June 1, 2012 - For quite a while, I've wanted to put this photo of the POOL in one of my blogs.  It is so peaceful in their back yard.  Well, except when Papa Mock was going crazy trying to protect his children to be.

We loved watching the mockingbird family.  Does that mean we are officially "old fogies?"  No way.  It was way too entertaining to ignore.  Especially, when Papa called in his posse to harass the blackbird.  Nature is awesome.  see ya later, djb


Sunday, May 20, 2012

This was Jarrett up on the roof many years ago putting up Christmas lights.

Sunday, May 20, 2012 - I knew I had this picture somewhere!  This is exactly where I was about 20 minutes ago ON THE ROOF!!!!!  I was cleaning out those gutters that Jarrett is sitting on top of.

Earlier today, I borrowed my neighbor's ladder (Steve) so I could clean out the gutters that border the garage on the east side because mine doesn't reach those.  The maple whirlybirds in there also smelled nasty.  Steve's ladder is just like mine only about three times taller.

As I was looking at the really high roof, I thought to myself, "I think this ladder can be extended and I can go up high."  So, I did and I did.  I asked Bob to help me hoist it up there and spot me.  Being on the roof was only slightly scary.  But the gutters are almost all cleaned out.  Only two more to go.  djb

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Here's Grandma and Grandpa posing for me right before they went to church.


Here are the sunflower seeds that I put in little cups last Tuesday.  Nine of them have sprouted.  It's very exciting.


Sunday, May 6, 2012 - The new format has me confused.  It used to be that the last picture I put in, went on the top. Okay, I figured it out.   Plus, I'm not used to the wide spacing.  It's a technical workshop....boring.
     It's supposed to be another hot day here today.  By the time it's over, and if all of the sun flower seeds sprout, Diane and the Bergs will have 83 plants.  66 of which are going to grow to TWELVE FEET tall.  Yikes!!  Can't wait to see those pictures.  haha  see ya later, djb

Monday, April 30, 2012

Here's Biskit with Aunt Donna yesterday at Diane's house.

Monday, April 30, 2012 - Grandpa and Granny and I were invited to lunch at Diane's house yesterday and Biskit was nice enough to pose with me.  This is proof that I am in Florida. haha

I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing on Berg's computer but as long as I'm patient, it usually works out okay.  The temperature is in the 80's every day and I am finally thawing out.  see ya later, djb

Monday, April 23, 2012

Monday, April 23, 2012 - Here's a picture of Abby sitting on top of the sofa by the window.  This is her special spot.  Oh, I'd better mention that this is Avis and Bergy's new puppy.  She just turned one and is full of energy!!!

Okay, so this time, the picture of Abby is on top of the page.  I'll NEVER figure this out.  Why do they have to change things?  djb

Tuesday, April 10, 2012


Here is a photo of Andrew & Jarrett's great-grandma, Sadie Ruth Vesta, age 14. That would be 1908. This photo is 104 years old.
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Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - When I started thinking about it, I figured that this may have been Grandma Berg's confirmation picture. They only took photos for special occasions back in the old days so this had to be something big.

Yesterday afternoon, I read through the 100 year history of St. John's Lutheran Church in Creston. Both sides of my dad's families are mentioned right from the beginning. The Vestas and the Bergs and their descendants. Very interesting.

It's time to find something else exciting. I love that picture of Grandma! It's like looking in the mirror. At least I know WHERE I came from. oh yeah. byebye, djb

Saturday, April 7, 2012


Yesterday, I put some Easter flowers on Andrew and Jarrett's grave.
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Saturday, April 7, 2012 - While I was shopping yesterday, I saw some grave flowers at Wal-mart, and I was amazed to see Jarrett's BRIGHT colors in the one on the right.

The bouquet on the left, for Andrew, is just as nice but different flowers and the REAL flowers are growing and blooming in front of it. You can't even see the purple bow that's on it.

All in all, it looks lovely. The grass is green and everything is coming up and blooming all over the place. God love ya, djb

Friday, April 6, 2012


From right to left: Malvin, Gale, Gladys, George, Aunt Clara (Sadie's sister), Everett. This was in March 1983 after Russell's funeral.
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Good Friday, April 6, 2012 - Happy Birthday, Malvin!

My Uncle Malvin was born 95 years ago today. I'm sure he's in heaven celebrating with his sweetheart, Gladys. It's one of the only ways we can comfort ourselves when someone dies...

...knowing they have stepped through the veil and are with those who have gone before them surrounded by light and love.

We really have no idea at all what happens after someone dies. Believe me, I've spent years contemplating that scenario. Oh sure, we can speculate but we don't really, really know for sure.

As I go through the old photographs, I'm reminded of my own mortality. If you have something to say to someone, say it NOW because you never know who's next to leave the planet. And you may never get a second chance to make your peace.

Have no regrets. My only regret when the boys died was that I wish I had been kinder to them. It's not that hard to be kind. Okay, Donna, take your own advice. Thanks, me. later, djb

Wednesday, March 21, 2012


Here's a close-up of the flowers on my African violet - inside the house. Flowers, flowers everywhere!
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - I took this photo of the African violet plant a couple days ago. This plant was started with one single leaf from the mother plant.

These are some of the prettiest African violet flowers I've ever seen. bud ya later, djb

Saturday, March 17, 2012


HAPPY ST. PAT'S DAY!
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Saturday, March 17, 2012 - HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY to you!

This afternoon, right around 12:45 or so, I got a call from Julie. She asked me if I was home and I said that I was. And she said that she was coming right over.

When she got here she gave me this balloon and a shamrock plant because I'm half Irish.

Wasn't that sweet!! Awww Faith and begorrah. What a good friend. later, O'djb

Friday, March 16, 2012


Grandpa Cardinal was sitting near the water on the winter pool cover yesterday afternoon. Hey, let's go swimming!
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Friday, March 16, 2012 - It's so much fun to have warm weather but it's kind of sad to look at the pool and see that the cover is still on it. This is perfect weather for getting the pool up and running.

Yeah, and then in a few weeks, we'll have a snow storm. Well, there's always ice skating... I C ya later, djb

Friday, March 9, 2012


There's the full moon - minus one day - this morning at 5:55 a.m.
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Friday, March 9, 2012, - When I got up this morning and looked toward the west, I saw the bright almost full moon getting ready to hide behind the trees.

I ran outside in the driveway to get a good shot, but la Luna had already gotten behind a few branches. Did I mention that it was 27 degrees and I had no coat on and no shoes? But it didn't seem all that cold.

Spring is on the way. I hear the robins singing. LOVE IT! djb