Riggins with little brother Charlie and little sister Sadie.

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Monday, December 31, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Was up at 04:30AM with my pretty bride for coffee, it was 37 degrees quite a bit warmer, then the last few mornings in the teens.

Rigg’s and I got a nap until about 07:30AM when I went in the kitchen I looked out back and it was snowing, I looked at the temperature and it had dropped to 33 degrees, Now we are looking at 3 to 6 inches of snow today and tonight.

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First snow of the winter here in Dardenne Prairie.

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Rigg’s was loving it, he didn’t want to come in until he was soaking wet.

Donna had to work at the truck company, but she will be off at the restaurant unless one of the young girls working there wants a night off to party, You just never know. Of course I remember for many years we would go out to a dinner dance with friends and neighbors and party until 01:00AM.

Those days are over, now Adam comes over to our house and watches the new Year come in from here, and his Dad will probably shoot a few rounds off in the back yard to celebrate.

Tammy will be going to a cousins house for a week or so I hope she comes back before flying back to Mississippi.

My son Andy & his Girlfriend Samantha made a grocery run just as the snow was starting to cover the roads, so we are set and won’t have to go out for a few days.

Poor Buddy, Tammy’s dog will be lonesome for his doggie buddies when he leaves, he is getting used to having Sadie and Rigg’s around, especially Sadie, and he likes running around and jumping up on the beds.

Hope everyone has a great New Years Eve and has plenty to celebrate in the coming New Year. From our House to your have a great Holiday and a great New Year. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Sunday Notes.

Was up 06:00AM for coffee with my bride, then Rigg’s and I got our nap. About 09:00AM I headed the truck toward Warrenton to pick Adam up, he called last night and asked if Grandpa could come and get him. I think his Mom is planning on New Years Eve out. Donna & I used to go to either the Church or the Legion every year for a dinner & Dance. With her working now that’s out. So Adam will bring the New Year in with Grandpa.

Donna had to work the day shift at the Restaurant today, so she said when she gets off at 04:30PM I should bring the rest of the gang and meet her at El Maguey's Mexican Restaurant. Looks like she is buying dinner for us.

A couple of Dos XX’s and a big plate of enchilada's sound good right now.

It’s a real slow news day here at the Ranch on the outskirts of bustling Dardenne Prairie Mo. It’s another cold one, 16 when we got up and the high will be right at 40 degrees. But I see it’s only 56 degrees in Inverness Fla. so it must be cold a over.

My son Andy & Tammy cleaned out the fridge today, not by eating but by scrubbing and getting rid of anything suspect of being old or out of date. Luckily for me I keep the High Life Light rotated enough so it is never over date.

That’s about it for today, Hope everyone's weekend is going fine. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

Was up at 06:00AM for coffee, it was 18 degrees out, so far it has turned into a sunny but cold day, it is 28 degrees now with a high forecast of 30 degrees. From the looks of it a lot of the country is getting a taste of colder than normal weather. Still waiting for an accumulation of any kind of snow, the big storm of Christmas went south of us and we had just a light dusting this morning, that blew away, to cold to melt. I don’t look forward to the plowing but, I know we will get some sooner or later, each year I get stiffer and colder out on the plow even when I put some antifreeze in my coffee.
Sure wish Donna could retire and we could head someplace warm for the winter. The beaches of Mexico look better and better. But I would even take the southern USA. for a starter , just to stay warm. That resort That Rick & Paulette is heading for looks nice but we are a bit farther from it than they are.
Donna has the restaurant tonight, so Tammy and I will do Pizza night tonight, Last night the kid’s all wanted Chinese, so that’s what we had. I think Donna said she is working the day shift tomorrow And after she gets off we will go out to dinner, sounds like a date to me.
How about some trains to break the monotony, here is a few for my Canadian friends so they don’t get homesick.
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Here’s one for Rick and all my other friends from British Columbia.
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Here’s one for Don who used to work for CN…
9748.1244757753
This is for Al of the Bayfield Bunch, Goderich & Exeter RR at Goderich Harbor.
via904pla
The last will be Via’s latest in passenger service.
That’s about it for today hope everyone is having a good weekend and be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Friday, December 28, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Was up at 04:30AM with my pretty bride for coffee then she was off to the truck company and then the restaurant.

Stayed close to the ranch today except for a quick trip to the super market for dog food for Rigg’s, I swear he goes through dog food like yesterdays news.

Here is a Christmas morning picture of my adopted New Jersey Grands.

Mehan,Katie&Luger12-25-12a

Meghan,left, Katie (The wild one) , and Lugar, Looks like Lugar is expecting Katie to land on him..

It is cold today and just looks and feels like it is going to snow, the forecast says snow showers toward evening.

It is a slow day at the Ranch, all three mutso’s had their afternoon nap so they are now in the kitchen trying to find out what kind of trouble they can stir up by stealing each others toys. No fights just friendly chasing around the cook station.

MY friends have the Cave Mobile on it’s way south think they have made it into Alabama, so one more state and they should start warming up a little.

My niece who is visiting lives in Saucier just outside of Gulfport La. and she says winters aren’t bad down there either.

that’s about it for today, hope everyone is having a good week and we get through the cold snap quick. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

Was up at 04:30AM for my morning coffee with my pretty bride. then she was off to the truck company and then the restaurant.

I figured today I would put some Christmas pictures on the blog. We had a great day and everyone was happy with what Santa left for them.

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The three Mutso’s waiting for their presents.

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                       Adam with a new Game.

Andy,Samantha Nick, &Chris12-25-12a

                         Andy, Samantha, Nicky,&Chris.

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                                        Nicky.

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                               Niece Tammy.

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                  Sam scores some tools.

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Grandma Played Santa and dolled out the gifts.

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                     Grandpa & the crew.

If only you could bottle those memories and on a slow day in the summer release the cork and let them out.

The kid’s are getting big enough to really enjoy and appreciate Christmas, and it is so much fun to have my Niece Tammy visit for the Holidays, she is like the daughter we never had.

I hope once before I am gone I can get my family in Pa.and New Jersey together, probably in PA for one Christmas together.

Everyone have a great week and don’t forget New Years Eve is coming up. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

A short blog for a busy day, waiting for the kid’s to get here.
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Merry Christmas from the Weibel’s
At the Weeb Ranch..

Monday, December 24, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Was up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my pretty bride, then she was off to the truck company this Christmas Eve Day.
Our family always started on Christmas  Eve with a big supper celebration with all the relatives at our house and then most of the crew went to Midnight mass.
When we got home all the adults exchanged presents  and then caught a nap before the kid’s got up and made a bee line for their presents.
I remember one night on the way home from Midnight Mass my Dad ran the car into a snow bank and couldn’t get it out, no problem we hiked it a couple miles in the snow home, and then the adults had a warm up drink and the kids hot chocolate. My Granddad asked about the car, and my Dad said it will be there tomorrow when I can get someone to pull it out. Life was so much simpler then.
so without further ado we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Holiday season from our house, The Weeb Ranch to yours, wherever it is.
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And for our friends down Mexico way.
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We know you all will be blessed like we are with family and good friends to keep you company on this joyous of all holidays.
That’s about it for today, can’t miss Miller time on Christmas Eve. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

Was up at bout 06:00 AM and had a coffee with my bride, then Rigg’s and I got our after coffee nap.
My niece Tammy arrived around noon hour and we gabbed for awhile and then made a quick store run.
Tonight is pizza night, the dough is rising and about 04;30Pm I will start getting it together, A nice big square cheese, that is what Tammy has been waiting , Adam had one last week and is ready for another. My nephew dog Buddy is a chair stealer, I left my chair open for a few minutes and guess who was in it when I got back.
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           Hey Buddy, that’s Uncle Sam’s chair.
I did tell him I would share it with him though.
Started out at 17 degrees this morning but now it is up to 48 degrees, I believe winter is slowly coming.
Not much doing Donna had to go in to the restaurant for the evening shift, she was home all day here though.
Don’t know about tomorrow yet. Maybe we’ll take a ride and try to see if the bald eagles are here on the Mississippi River, they winter here each year.
Well that’s about it for today hope all is well with everyone. Just be care full out there. Sam & Donna……..

Friday, December 21, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Was up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my pretty bride.then she was off to the truck company and then to the restaurant.
I have a new duty every Friday, on Fridays Schnucks Markets here in St Louis prints a coupon on it’s FB page and it’s usually a complete meal for $5.00. Since the computers where Donna works won’t allow FB, she asked me if I could cut and paste it into an e-mail and then she could copy it for the girls at work and they could stop on the way home for the deal. So now each Friday I send them their Grey Coupon. Guess what tonight it’s a pizza dinner with salad.
Speaking of pizza I am moving pizza night to Saturday for this week only here at the Ranch. My niece Tammy will be arriving tomorrow and she wants one of Uncle Sam’s big square Pa. style pizza’s.
Well we only got a light dusting of snow and it melted most of it today although the high so far is only 36 degrees. The line was north of us about 20 miles and from there up into Iowa it got worse and worse. Look’s like Hannibal had about 6 inches and Iowa was in the 20’s.
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                              First snow of 2012
I was glad there was no plowing or salt to put up with. that road salt to me is the worst thing you can get and only hot water will flush it out from under your car, cold water is a waste of time and water.
My Son Andy is off to pick Adam up for the weekend, don’t know yet about Nicole. Hope we have em both, they sure add a lot of life and noise to this place,
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Rigg’s & Sadie always on the alert next to the kitchen table.
As you can see Rigg’s and Sadie have the Kitchen Guard duty and never one to miss out on a sunny spot, Sadie was quick to grab the choice location.
Some days are just hard to find a worth while subject for blogging material. Like today, nothing going on in Dardenne Prairie, when we used to have cows at the back fence instead of neighbors, you could listen in on the latest cow gossip.
Well that’s about it for today, hope everyone is enjoying a fine week. Be safe out there, Sam & Donna…

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Thursday Happenings.

Was up at 04:30AM for coffee with my bride, then she was off to the truck company and then the restaurant.

Rigg’s as usual was already in his spot on the bed for his morning nap with Dad.

We were supposed to have snow this morning and then it held off until about 02:00PM and we got a little bit of a dusting with high winds,not enough to cover the street or even take a nice snow picture. I did have to go about a half a block up the street with the truck to retrieve my dumpster where the wind blew it, it is safely by the garage to do it’s duty this week.

I don’t see us getting much more snow, this time, maybe later in the week according to the map it is all north of us and Iowa and Illinois are getting it. I hope Dennis and Donna made a beer and wine run yesterday. I am good for at least one storm as I keep a reserve of High Life Light in the downstairs fridge.

My niece Tammy will be back Saturday to stay with us hopefully for Christmas. She will be going home to Mississippi after the first of the year.

My Son Tim in New Jersey had surgery today on his broken leg and I guess all is well, He will be off it for a little while.

Besides the weather it is another slow news day in bustling Dardenne Prairie, even the traffic on the street in front seems quiet. All is well at the Ranch.

Hope all is well for all our friends out there.Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

Up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my bride, also known as the brains of the outfit. Then she was off to the truck company and then the restaurant.

Rigg’s was waiting on the bed for his Daddy to join him in a good nap. What a lop.

Have a couple more pictures to share of the girls in New Jersey, Bonnie and Tim’s girls.

Katie,Meghan& Dude.

                          Katie, Meghan,&Dude.

Katie&Luger

                                   Luger&Katie.

Tim & Bonnie are vey much into a western lifestyle even though they live in New Jersey, Luger is a Drathaar he looks to be a hundred pounder like Rigg’s, They are bred to be gun dogs and hunt like Labs. Only better.

Can’t wait now for summer and maybe a trip to new Jersey to see the kid’s Donna should be retired by then..

Christmas is getting closer and closer, not much left to do around here.

Looks like it will be getting colder today the high was only 44 so far. and cloudy most of the day ,tomorrow they are saying snow showers in the morning, we’ll see, maybe I’ll have some snow pictures.

Not much else going on at the ranch going to throw some Ravioli’s in the pot for supper, The big ones that have just a little mint in them.

Hope all is well with all our friends out there. Be safe safe. Sam & Donna……

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

Was up early with my bride and we had our coffee, then she was off to the truck company, and Rigg’s and I got another hours knap.

No running around this morning just did some blogging and watched a movie. It looks like I may be having two more honorary Grandkid's in New Jersey, My son Tim has been dating his girlfriend Bonnie for awhile and she has two gorgeous girls, Katie, 5 and Meghan 8, Bonnie said Katie is the wild one and Meghan is more reserved.

Katie & Meghen

                 Katie & Meghen

Aren’t they little cuties, just can’t imagine being lucky enough to have more Grand's maybe. Got their Christmas card out today. Boy that was cutting it close.

Turned out to be a decent day today sunny and 60 degrees, it was 34 when I got up this morning the rest of the week it is supposed to be lows in the 20’s and highs in the 40’s and possible snow on Thursday. That sounds more like the weather we usually get this time of the year.

Not much else doing around here , it is a slow news day in Dardenne Prairie today, hope all is well out there in blog land. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Monday, December 17, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Was up at 04:30AM with my bride for coffee, then she was off to the truck company.
Last night at supper time, our cook station on the island decided to act up, It has an exhaust fan built in in between the main burners, ( its an electric stove) for several years the switch for the fan has been catching and you might have to hit it several times to turn the fan on and off. Last night when we were done no matter what we tried the switch would not turn the fan off, I finally shut the power off at the breaker and took the switch out and and taped the wires.
This  morning I spent 2 hours and went to four places only to be told the same it is not available any longer, no longer made , no supplier or replacement that will fit.
I came home and went to Jenne Aire Parts on the computer with the part number and after checking a dozen supply sources, I got the same answer, not available from any source. What to do now, I came home looked at the square hole in stove. Then went and got a small piece of black plastic sheet and trimmed it and glued it over the hole, Doesn’t look bad, The way the cook station is wired when the burners on the right are used the fan comes on anyway so we will live with that.
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                                     Sam’s fix.
Today was a cold cloudy drizzly day all day here in Dardenne Prairie soon as I was done with my running I put the truck in the garage, and watched a train movie.
Rigg’s was content with staying in most of the day, and even napped while my movie was going. My Son Andy and Samantha made the weekly grocery run. So we are set for a little while.
Hope all is well for everyone out there. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Notes.

Up for coffee at 06:00Am then I laid back and took another nap.Got up late to the smell of baking cookies and Donna had already made a batch of sugar-free Gooey-butter cookies for me. She spent the morning baking. Adam played his xbox and  puttered around the kitchen.

Around 012:00PM I had to drive Adam home to Warrenton. and then I got back around 02:00PM, Donna was finished with her baking for today. She will bake some more again before Christmas.

Decided to take the easy way out and we will boil some spaghetti for supper, easy to make, not much clean up and a good hot satisfying meal.

Not a bad day in Dardenne Prairie today, mostly sunny and it got up to 55 degrees again. Can’t help but think we will get hammered by cold and snow after Christmas like always.

Jealous of our friends down in XPU-HA Mexico with the warm water beaches and the great weather they have been having. They are just down the beach a short distance from the all-inclusive resort Donna & I stayed at when we went about 5 years ago. The water was a light blue color and just warm as could be, just know Rigg’s would love it.

And to all the rest of our blogger friends, we hope all is well and the weather is good. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

Rigg’s and I slept in until 06:00AM, had my coffee and Donna got up and got a cup a little later.

Adam slept late because he stays up late when he can get away with it, like and Grandpa & Grandma’s on the weekends.

When I picked him up at the bus stop. I asked him if he had heard about the school in Connecticut. and he said no. I guess all the other schools kept it quiet and left it up to parents to tell their kids about it. That was a good idea in my opinion. Adams Mom had called me on the way to the bus stop and asked me to tell him because she was so upset over it. We drove slowly to his house and I told him that 20 kid’s his age had been killed in a grade school just like his by a crazy man. I said we can be thankful for only one thing, and that is that he was safe. He was very quiet all the way to his house. When we got to his house I saw his Mom’s car there so I said make sure and give her a big hug and tell her you love her, if she doesn’t want you to leave for the weekend I will understand. He said I hope she will let me go, I really wanted to spend the weekend with you. Last night, two or three times he came into the kitchen and gave me a hug and told he was so glad that the shootings didn’t happen at his school and all his friends and his girlfriend Natalie were safe. I said why don’t you call Natalie, and he said I already did and she was crying. I said that is the way people relieve their grief when terrible things happen and there is nothing to be ashamed of by crying, I said when Grandpa first read about it he had tears in his eyes for all the parents, and so did the President when he was told about it. Adam Looked at me and said me to Grandpa.

Today Rigg’s got his new correctly sized vest, it looks really good especially with his two Navy patches on it and his name. Wait until his girlfriends Coco, Jodie & Sandy see him strut his stuff in his vest.

Pizza night went fine, the dough was especially tasty and Adam had some for lunch today. He is getting so big and boy can he eat.

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        Friday Night Pizza. Nothing beats homemade.

Hoping all of our blog friend are having a great weekend, Today turned out to be a pretty good day for December in Dardenne Prairie. It was sunny with a high of about 60 degrees. Hope our luck holds out for another mild winter like last year.

Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Friday, December 14, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Was up at 04:30AM with my bride for coffee, Rigg’s and I had a short nap.Got the word that Adam is coming so I will have to go out and pick him up at his bus stop. Tonight is going to be pizza night, all the ingredients are waiting.

Could not believe the ongoing news about the shootings in the Connecticut Grade school, why would anyone go into a school and just start shooting children, this school had Kindergarten to 5th graders, were talking very young defenseless kid’s like my Grand Kids. I pray for the families of all the victims and hope that there is a way to end this madness.

Had to make a Walgreens run to refill a couple of prescriptions. It is supposed to be about 55 degrees today but the sun is out and it seems a little warmer in the sun.

Donna is feeling a lot better I think she had a little food poisoning, makes me wonder about these stir fry bags, if they are safe or should have an expiration date on them someplace.

I will have to head out to Warrenton Mo. in a little bit, I hope the rest of us have a better day and good weather. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Tuesday/Wednesday Musings.

Was up at 04:30AM with my bride, but she had bad food for supper (some kind of Chinese Orange stir fry) so she was up all night with an upset stomach, she decided, no truck company today but she would try for the restaurant tonight.

Today it is cold but sunny and may make it into the 50’s if were lucky, my Son made the store run, so all I have today is to bring the dumper and the mail back up from the end of the driveway. Rigg’s is enjoying having his Mom home and going in and out. I did some picture work on my backup drives and now both ate up to date. I keep to external hard drives , one for each laptop with all of our pictures on them so it is a constant battle to keep them both up to date, although this time of the year I don’t have many new pictures.

I have to get out one of these days and finish my Christmas shopping. The days are flying by and before you know it the big day will  be here.

I am not planning much for the holiday, maybe my niece Tammy will be here. She will be going back to Mississippi after the first of the year. Rigg’s must be worried about his new shirt because he is being good so he will get presents this year, actually except for a couple trash bag raids he’s been pretty well behaved. I think his nose gets the best of him when he smells something in a trash bag and can get to it.

That’s about it for now . Hope all is well in blogland, be safe out there. Sam & Donna……

Monday, December 10, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Was up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my bride, Then back for my nap with Rigg’s.

It is a cold one here in Dardenne Prairie, at 10:00AM it was still only 27 degrees out, so I decided it would be an inside day for me. Donna as a doctors appointment on the way home from work, just her usual checkup every 4 months.

We got an e-mail for Rigg’s from his nephew Ralphie in New York City.

It was titled.     It’s Doggie Abuse, here I’ll share it with you;

“Uncle Riggs, what else can we call it?”

“I know Ralphie, here we are 2 handsome males and our Dad’s make us
Look like fools. All that anyone has to do is look at our faces to see how
Embarrassed we are.”

“Uncle Riggs, isn’t there a DCLU, you know a Doggie Civil Liberties Union.”

“No Ralphie, there isn’t, but there should be. Here I have all this muscle and after
They put this stupid shirt on me my Mom said she was going to put me on a diet
Cause it looked like I’m getting FAT.  Me fat…the fastest swimmer at the doggie park…its
Not fat it’s MUSCLE!”

“Uncle Riggs, what does it mean on your shirt, ‘we need to talk’. Does that mean Santa isn’t
Going to bring you anything for Christmas.  You haven’t been bad have you?”

“Of course I haven’t been bad, trash snooping, taking up Mom’s spot on the bed, stealing Adams sandwich, and pushing
Sadie around…well that’s what dogs do, right .”

“And anyway what do we need with shirts, we have permanent fur coats.  I’m too small for
Anyone to think I’m a reindeer and not even Rudolph has RED antlers.  Also what would a reindeer
Be doing in New York City?”

“Well Ralphie, guess we are just going to have to put up with the silly things our humans do, hopefully they
Will give us some extra pupperoni for all this humiliation. Hopefully next pictures people see of us will be more
dignified.”

   clip_image001

See What I mean Rigg’s.

Rigg’s and Ralphie, your Dad’s are just trying to help celebrate the season of Christmas, and maybe you will be getting a few gifts this year.

I did trim Rigg’s shirt and made a muscle shirt out of it just for his big muscles.

Not much else going on here at the Ranch today. I hope this finds all our blogger friends well and enjoying their week.

Please be safe out there, Sam & Donna….

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sunday Notes.

Was up at 06:00AM, my normal weekend time for a coffee and two cupcakes with no icing that Donna baked yesterday.The cake mix box said sugar free, so I am probably safe.

Donna went to work early to do some shopping, and it looks like Rigg’s and I were the big winners, I got a pair of flannel Jammies, and Rigg’s got a Christmas shirt,

Rigg's 12-09-12b

Doesn’t look to happy about modeling it. but he did the same with his orange vest that had to go back, this one is tight around his legs so Donna said she would alter it so his legs have more room.

Rigg's 12-09-12a

Oh. OH looks like Santa’s been watching and got him pegged for a talk.

Hope my report comes back ok I know I’ve been nice a couple of times. I know we got a good report from both of the kid’s so Adam & Nicky can look forward to some presents this year.

I’ll have to get moving and put the tree up this week, then it will look a little more Christmissy around here. I wonder if I should put the house numbers up on the roof so Santa will find us easier.

Donna had the day shift at the restaurant to day so we will have dinner at home. Been a slow news day around here that’s for sure, watched another train movie and that was about it. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Saturday Notes.

Was up at 06:00AM and had coffee, Donna slept a little later since she didn’t have to work.
Adam was supposed to go with his Mom to the GM Employees Christmas Party  but she called and said she wasn’t feeling well and would we keep Adam for her. Of course I hated to see him miss the party, but he played around here all day.
It was cloudy and cool here in Dardenne Prairie, just like December is supposed to be, didn’t get anything done except watch a movie. I am looking forward to the holidays now, but we don’t have many relatives so it isn’t a big family thing like when I was a kid. Adam & Nicky are about the only kid’s left. Although my Son in New Jerseys girlfriend has two daughters Nicky’s age so if they stay together I may have some more Grand kid’s out there. But that is still a long way away.
Still haven’t got the fiver covered, Andy took it up the other day to put on and the wind kicked up and almost blew it into the back yard, so now we are waiting for a warm windless day, that he is home.
Adam is playing his xbox Black Ops 2, he is pretty good at it and connects with his friends to play with them.
That’s about it from The Ranch for today, I got up in the middle of the night and took another dose of cold and flu and it seemed to knock me out pretty well but when I got up I haven’t coughed all day, but still feeling  little run down, maybe one more night of sweating it out.
Everyone be safe out there, Sam & Donna……

Friday, December 7, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Up at 04:30AM for coffee with my bride,still feeling the effects of whatever has had a hold of me the last couple days, but the medicine seems to be working.PearlHarborDay

Hope we all take a minute to remember the men who were at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked by Japan.

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This picture has always haunted me, in the whole thing I can only see one sailor with a rifle, were we that unprepared to defend ourselves, a few years later America was described as “The Arsenal of the World”sure doesn’t show it here.

Anyway a cloudy day here in Dardenne Prairie, I did make a Milk and Bread run to the store. Now this afternoon, I will get Adam at his bus stop and he will be spending the night at the Ranch.

Gonna take a nap with Rigg’s before I head out to get Adam. Not much doing here.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…….

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

Was up at 04:30AM with my bride for coffee, went back for my nap with Rigg’s and have been in bed most of the day with some kind of either cold or flu symptoms. Not a thing accomplished and I thinks I will stay there for the rest of the day, never got out of jammies today. haven’t done that in a long time.

Oh well tomorrow’s another day. be safe  out there. Sam & Donna..

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

Was up early and had my coffee with my bride, Then she was off to the truck company, and Rigg’s and I got a nap.

Finally after several years I made contact with my Son Tim in New Jersey, he is really into cowboying and sent me a couple pictures.

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TimBullRiding2012

                         Anyone for a Bull Ride.

Looks like he is enjoying himself  but I prefer the comfort of my pickup. But his love of horses has been passed on to his Daughter Allie. Grandpa is glad of that. Donna always liked horse riding.

It’s been a pretty slow news day in the metropolis of Dardenne Prairie only time I left the house was to take the dumper to the end of the driveway, Tomorrow is pickup day.After all that excitement was over I just sat around and at 04:00PM I decided, to make an executive order to move happy hour up one hour and I opened a High Life to wash down my afternoon pills. Sometimes is does pay to be sick.

Have you ever noticed every single prescription has a tag on it that says, Do not take with alcohol. You would have thought that as big as the Brewing industry is they would have been able to stop that. I am living proof that it won’t hurt you, been washing my medicine down every day with a beer. No side effects,unless you kind a couple of really neat dreams every once in awhile.

Rigg’s is being good he is enjoying the warm spell and staying outside for long periods of time, came just long enough to get an hour nap and then went back out again. I just let him in so he could finish his bowl of food, he is running late on that.

Not much else going, so I will say See Ya tomorrow, everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna…….

Monday, December 3, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Was up and at em at 04:30AM, had my coffee with my bride and then she was off to the truck company. Rigg’s and I crashed, or should I say Rigg’s was already crashed and snoring when I went in after coffee. Donna is meeting and old co-worker Vee, after work for Dinner so I will fend for myself. I think a three course meal is in order. Course one a Miller High Life Light, Course 2. Some Tortellini's, Course three some Pretzels. Sounds good to me.

Rigg’s got his new vest in the mail, but it has to go back I listened to the people at Pet Smart who said if you order a vest for Rigg’s order a XXL because they always run small. Well the XXL they sent he is swimming in, I am sending it back tomorrow in exchange for a XL. That should be more his size.

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               What do you think, To big Dad.

He will have to get used to wearing it when the weather is cold, he wasn’t to happy suiting up today.

We had another gorgeous day at 04:00PM it is still 74 degrees, sunny all day with just a little wind. not enough to make it cold. Definitely not December in MO. weather, but I won’t complain. If this is climate change I can live with it.

Donna found a picture of a bear that had 5 cubs, an extreme rarity.

 

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                       Momma and her 5 brood.

They will be a handful in a few years.

That’s about it for today in Dardenne Prairie, made a quick run to the store and saw the local Deputy enjoying the nice day sitting in his car. A great day just to sit and watch the cars go by.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

Was up at 06:00AM, it is later because Donna doesn’t have to get up on Saturdays, I got up and had coffee then Rigg’s and I took a nap in the guest room until Donna was up. It turned out to be a cloudy but warm day as it got up to71 degrees this afternoon, I got an email from our friends Paul & Helen who are in Mexico. They are in a small town called Xcaret, which is just south of Playa Del Carmen, in Quintana Roo. Paul said they have a great pizza place there that even delivers, he said they didn’t miss Friday night pizza night like I did. Imagine he is 2672.1 miles south of Dardenne Prairie and he can still order a pizza delivered to his campsite. Some guys just know how to live. If there was any possible way to do it I would have the rig headed south since he said they are staying a month there. but alas with Donna still working it will have to wait until next year. I believe he said the rent is $400 a month for the MH, 2 people, and 1 dog, they have to pay extra for the other two pooches. Close to the beach and warm clear water to snorkel in. I think it wouldn’t take long to get used to that. When we went to Mexico about 4 0r 5 years ago we stayed at an all inclusive Resort called The Copa Cabanna, which was really upscale and nice,They had marble showers that 5 people could shower in if you wanted. just huge rooms. everything marble and stone work. No matter where you went they had these drink hutches in case you ran low. White sand beaches, just a great resort. If I remember right for 5nights it was $700 including air fare from St Louis. Per person, probably more now with fuel gone up..

Hope everyone is having a good weekend, Donna is working the restaurant tonight. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Friday, November 30, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Was up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my pretty bride. Then she was off to the truck company and then the Restaurant. Rigg’s couldn’t wait and was already waiting for me on the bed for his after Mom leaves nap. He is so spoiled.

It is a beautiful day here in Dardenne Prairie.It is sunny and 66 degrees right now. I took advantage of it as I hadn’t started and run the generator in my truck since the Rally about a month and a half ago, Good thing I checked it as the battery barely cranked it over so I put the charger on it for a half hour, it is a very small battery like something you would find on a small motorbike. I think when it goes out I will just replace it with a lawn tractor battery. Anyway I let it sit and then cranked it over and it caught right away so no damage done by being overdue in running it, I let it run for about 30 minutes and even ran a grinder with it so it had some load on it, I had to cut some pipe anyway. Now I can wait for about Jan 1st to roll around run it again. Aside from the monthly runs we haven’t had to use it since we have had power wherever we went and no power outages. But the reason I bought it was because of a campground outage which caused Donna’s breathing disorder to flare up. I know better to have and not need, than need and not have.

We are supposed to have a nice weekend, before some rain rolls in on Monday.

No kid’s this weekend they both have stuff to do with their Mom and Dad’s.

Looks like a pretty lazy day here at the Ranch, I forgot to take out some dough to thaw so no pizza this week. I have other thing left in the ice box so I won’t go hungry.

Hope everyone has had a good week and is looking forward to a good weekend. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

Up at 04:30Am for my coffee with my bride, then Rigg’s and I got our nap. Got back up at 08:00AM and about 09:00AM Tammy came into the kitchen, she said she had a late night and trouble falling asleep.

WE had a good morning together and then around noon I took her and Buddy back to her girlfriends house, they are going back down to Lake Ozark MO. But she will be back for another visit soon.

When Donna gets home from work each day the dogs wait for a treat from her. Looks like she has their attention here.

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                      Rigg’s, Sadie, & Buddy at attention.

My Son Andy’s girlfriend Samantha, made Enchilada's for supper last night. Boy they were great, she made a tray of meat one’s and a tray of cheese ones.

Not much else going on at the ranch, today Donna has the restaurant after the truck company. But there are plenty of tovars in the fridge, Spaghetti & meatballs sounds good.

Everyone have a great week out there. and be safe. Sam & Donna.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

Was up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my pretty bride, about 05:00AM my niece Tammy stumbled into the kitchen for a coffee. After Donna left for work Rigg’s and I went back for our usual nap, I think Tammy & Buddy went in for one too.

Later in the morning we went to Wal-Mart for a couple things, and on the way out I had to take the dumper down, tomorrow is trash day, I decide this week to do it early while it was daylight after my run-in with the deer last week.

Samantha is making a batch of her world famous Homemade Enchilada's for supper tonight. Boy the Weibels are eating good this week.

I ordered Rigg’s a safety vest from e-bay, they said they had XXL that would fit a hundred lb. Lab, I hope so.

Sadie has a winter vest for when the snow flies, I ordered safety orange for Rigg’s for when we are walking him in camp grounds and near roads.

Other than that it is another slow news day here at the Ranch. We hope everyone is getting settled in their snowbird nests for the winter, I am hoping we don’t have much snow this year here in Dardenne Prairie. I would take a year like last year.

Everyone be safe out there.  Sam & Donna….

Monday Meanderings

Was up at 04:30 with my pretty bride for coffee, then she was off to the truck company, and Rigg’s and I had a nap. Adam got up we had some breakfast together. Leftover cold pizza, I love it for breakfast. About 11:00AM I went to Shop & Save and got to some meat and stuff to make some of my Grandma Genett meatballs from scratch. My niece Tammy is coming over for a few days and she wanted some.
Tammy called and said she was running late and to pick her up at 03:00PM so I made and fried the meatball and put them out on the sun porch to cool about 2:45PM I got the sauce started and put the meat balls in to simmer, until 05:30PM. Then I went to get Tammy.
While I was picking her up Adam’s Mom got off work early and cane and picked him up so he was gone home when we got back.
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                          Tammy & Sam.
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Donna has Rigg’s & Buddy’s rapt attention as she dishes out the plates.
A great dinner was enjoyed and then we had a couple after dinner cocktails and good conversation. Tammy lives in Saucier Ms. about 5 miles from Gulfport, and she says she has room for a fiver at her place, so we may plan for a winter visit once Donna retires this spring.
The temp her in Dardenne Prairie this morning is 27, Saucier is 60, so I could live with that in the winter.
That’s about it for today, everyone be safe out there in Blog Land. Sam & Donna………………….

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday Notes.

Up at 06:00AM for my morning coffee, I think the smell of the coffee woke my bride as she came in the kitchen a little while later for her first cup, after coffee we just laid around and tried for a nap.

What an awesome morning, Adam got up around 09:00AM, he stays up late playing his game with his buddies, so he sleeps in n the morning. First thing he said was, “Grandpa I called my Mom and since I am off school tomorrow I told her I wanted to stay another night at Grandpa, that;s okay with you isn’t it.” I told him he is always welcome to stay with us as long as his Mom doesn’t mind, but don’t forget you have been here since Thursday so your Mom may be missing you. He said I know but I have school the next day so I will have to go home tomorrow. So it was me and Adam today since Nicky’s Dad had some Sunday plans so she went home with him..

Donna had to work the day watch at the restaurant so Adam & I got to do whatever we wanted without any adult supervision. I will be making Ham steaks, Mac& Cheese and a vegetable for supper tonight. Ham is high on Donna and my list, and we have been having it more often lately.

My niece Tammy will be coming over tomorrow to stay a few days with us, she will be alternating among all her friends until after the first of January when she will fly back to Mississippi. Hard to believe the little girl we used to take with us on vacation is now in her 40’s, she is the same age as my oldest son Sam Jr. They were pals growing up until Sam moved to New York City, and Tammy moved south. I have a feeling he will be scheduling a visit to the Ranch while she is still in town.

Well that’s about it for the news around Dardenne Prairie, Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

Was up at 06:00 at had coffee with my bride,then back for a nap with my bride and Rigg’s, Rigg’s is getting to be quite the bed hog when Donna and I are on it, he normally doesn’t fit, but somehow today he wormed his way in. It was funny because when I got up I noticed Nicky’s door was open to the guest bedroom and there Rigg’s was snoozing on her bed with her. When she got up she said she didn’t even know he got up there with her.

Today was a great day for Grandpa and the kid’s, Grandma  made a couple eggs this morning and thinks one or both of them were bad as she got sick from breakfast, she went back to bed. So I decided to take the kid’s out to Planet Fun for a few hours of playing and a lunch there.

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                                  Nicky & Adam.

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                              My Granddoll Nicky.

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                     Adam stuffing his face.

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                             A Happy Grandpa.

The Planet Fun is a great place for a kid to run and play and meet and play with other kid’s, we generally spend about 3 1/2 hours there and believe me when we get home the kid’s are tired. I just get tired from watching them run.

When I got home I found out that Donna’s stomach was still acting up so she was taking the night off from the restaurant. But at least she got some rest while we were gone and I will make some soup or something for supper and she will get some rest tonight. I hope she is feeling better tomorrow as I bought some Ham Steaks for tomorrow’s dinner.

Well that’s it for today, I sure hope everyone is having as great a weekend as we are. I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have these Grandkids on the weekend and the enjoyment they bring to our home. God has been so good to us in so many ways that a lot of people take for granted, and don’t to stop to enjoy it while they can. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Friday, November 23, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Was up at 04:30AM with my bride for coffee, Then she was off to the truck company, last year she got off at noon because, nobody else was open, so we will see what happens today. She will still have her shift at the Restaurant tonight.

About 09:00AM I went to Wal-Mart to get a couple groceries, I prefer Shop & Save, but Wal-Mart is the only game in town for hard rolls and their deli is cheaper for cold cuts and they have the same brand names. so that is basically what I did.

Couldn’t believe it when I drove up, for Black Friday there were hardly any cars in front and when I went in there were probably only a dozen customers in the store, an employee said they busy up to about 07:00AM from last night but then the bottom fell out.

Just out of curiosity I walked around, The Electronics section looked like someone through a grenade into it. They were about sold out of TV’s, Camera’s, laptops, and computers. Just about everything that was in the overnight ads was gone. Even a lot of display models, with empty display shelves where the camera’s usually are. I’ll bet they made a fortune in this new overnight thing.

Adam got his team picture from football, here is my favorite.

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He sure is growing up fast, not the little shadow I had a few years back when he had to be wherever Grandpa was going. I miss those years.

Today we will have to have a project or place to go, haven’t decided for sure yet.

Looks like everyone had a good meal yesterday and most will feasting on Tovars today, Wonder how many turkey sandwiches will bite the dust today.

It is cold today the temp was 34 when I got up and the high is only supposed to be 43 today, but the sun is out and it does look cheery out there.

Almost forgot today is Pizza day and th Grands wanted to help, Nicky is working on her Pizzamaker 2nd class promotion.

 

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Nicky and her pizza before the trip to the oven.

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                   The finished product, Yummy.

That’s about it from the ranch today, Hope everyone will enjoy their long weekend. Be safe out there.. Sam & Donna……..

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thursday Thoughts.

 

thanksgiving

From Our house to yours,

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Holiday.

We are hoping all our friends will have a great Thanksgiving Holiday, no matter where you live.

Here are a couple of reasons to be Thankful on this day.

Thanksgiving Dinner 1

Thanksgiving Dinner 2

Also we are Thankful for the remarkable pace Donna’s co-workers son Tyler Jeffries is making at Walter Reed Hospital.

2012-11-Tyler & his service dog.

Tyler and a visiting service dog who is helping

his rehab.

So now we will relax and later today feast at the local Buffet at least Donna will, me not so much, one or two plates at the most normally does it for me. Then we will come home and have a cocktail and toast our good fortunes in life.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….