Summer Flowers 2006

This year was a little different from past years. Usually we have our plants in by early June. We didn't get everything planted because the roof was replaced and then the tree was removed. But, as you can see, Jan did a great job with them again.

Noisy Weekend

The Rockford Air Show was held at the airport this weekend. On Friday they were flying over our house. I managed to get a couple shots of the planes but the real thrill was hearing them. On Friday we must have heard a dozen sonic booms. We didn't make it to the show but I think we'll definitely put it on our list of things to do next year.

Another big spider

Hi everyone, Sorry we haven't posted to the blog lately. The other night we were outside on the deck and Mr Spider came out to dine. The next day I found his hiding place. The days are getting colder and I suspect Mr Spiders days are numbered. He's a big one that's for sure.

Crop Walk

Hi Everyone! Once again Jan and I are participating in the Crop Walk with Court Street United Methodist Church. We've walked 4 out of the last 5 years. Crop Walk works towards eliminating hunger and strives to promote self-help. They also provide emergency funds throughout the world. Our goal this year is $250.00. If we make this goal an anonymous donor will match it. We're hoping you will be able to help us out. The walk is scheduled for October 15th. If you would like to sponsor us we would really appreciate it. Give us a call so we can fill in our pledge sheet. Thanks, Jan and Dave

Rain, rain, rain and more rain

Last Monday it looked like it was going to rain and when it did it really let loose. We were fortunate. We got some water in our basement but that was it. Some of the neighborhoods close to us had water damage that included basement walls falling in. We've been running the de-humidifier and fans to dry out and we're in pretty good shape.

Darby Family Picnic

I added about 30 pictures to the Darby Family album. You can use the link on the left side of the blog to view.

Bigger Backyard Visitors

It rained hard here yesterday afternoon but surprisingly we had a couple unexpected visitors. We feed the birds and some of it falls on the ground. This attracks squirrels and chipmunks. Well, yesterday the chipmunks (maybe it was a mouse) attracked a Red tailed hawk. Lunch was served and he / she waited around for desert. To the best of my knowledge none was served. We also had a mom raccon and her babies pass through. However, I think they are living under the deck. Now that's a problem.

A little more of Severson Dells

It was neat to see the deer and the scenery is wonderful too! One of the trails took us through the woods. When we came out we walked along the prairie. I think we'll be spending a little more time out there.

Severson Dells

Jan and I went to Severson Dells last Sunday. SD is a forest / nature preserve southwest of Rockford. Jan's former employer, Fred Kalivoda, past away in August of 2005 and his memorial service was held here. It has several trails which all link together. They offer owl walks, Dr Pond Scum and other weekly events at the Education Center. We took the kids out there when they were younger. We also took Rusty out there. When we returned to the parking lot he ran to the car, sat down and refused to move. He was done walking and ready to go home. Anyway, on our walk Sunday we saw a couple deer. It was great. They finally decided they'd had enough of us and ran away. The first one shows a deer jumping over a fallen tree with tail held high. I'm sure Jess has seen a couple of those before.

End of July 2006 Fun

28th Birthday Laura Aug. 22, 06 ---Damon & Laura July, 06 Three Lakes

Backyard Visitors

We have 3 feeders in the backyard and they are attracting a variety of birds. They really like the safflower seed and Niger seed. Fun to watch!

Happy Birthday!

Guess who turned 21 today!

The Picnic Files

Here are a couple pics I thought you might enjoy.

Changes

Hi Everyone,

I made some changes to the blog. I changed the settings to allow anonymous comments. So if you haven't been able to enter comments because you weren't signed up you can now. To prevent spam there is a new sign in step. You'll need to type in the letters in the box provided. Next to "comments" is an envelope with an arrow inside. If there is a blog entry that you would like to forward to someone you can click on it, add the e-mail address and send it.

I linked the blog to a photography website called Shutterfly. The link is Davepics and it's located on the left side of the blog under (you guessed it) links! Eventually, there will be 3 (or more) albums created. One will be for my favorites, another for Darby Family pictures and another for Mills Family pictures. I'll post the photos I take at family events in the album. They'll be available for everyone to view and order prints. That way if you want a copy of the Darby family reunion picture you won't have to wait for me to send it to you which at times I've not been very good at doing. The Shutterfly Website also allows you to upload pictures to the albums I've created. If you want to share the photos you take at the family reunion, Christmas, Easter, etc., just upload them and they will be available for everyone. If anyone else has a site they would like to link let me know and I'll add it. If you don't want the album to be public I can password protect it. The problem with passwords is remembering the darn thing! King and Queen if you want photos I can print them out for you.

I'm planning to resend invitations to join the Darby blog (except King / Queen and Outlaw2 since they are already posting). This will allow you access to the blog to post entries. However, you do not have to be a member to post comments. If you have any questions you can always give me a call.

Inlaw 1, how was your trip to Canada? Any fishtails to tell?

See everyone at the reunion.

Sunday Duet

Jan sang a duet in church today. They did such a great job the congregration clapped.

Sam Campbell Hiking Trail

Bethany, Matt and I took some time to visit the Sam Campbell hiking trail. It's about a 20 minute drive from the cabin. It's located on Old Military Road which is just off Military Road which is just past Chicken in the Woods Road. It's a self guided hike with 18 stations. We left the pamphlet at the cabin. There's some hilly terrain but certainly not mountainous (is this a word?). We hiked / walked for a little over an hour. The scenary was beautiful and I am certain you would enjoy it, we did!

Fourth of July

We were at the cabin over the fourth this year and decided to see the fireworks show in 3 Lakes. There were a lot of people but nowhere near the traffic and congestion we fight in Rockford. If you're ever up there on the 4th we'd recommend it highly. The show was great. It was fairly easy to find a parking spot close to the park and there aren't any bad seats.