Christmas on the Ranch

Fully decorated, space is small but no Bah-Humbug around here. Oh yeah, and no snow but lots of rain. We wish you all a great Christmas and the most perfect New Year. Please come for a visit, we miss you all.
Love
Uncle Spud and Aunt Jo Jo

"Ireland's Best Photo Album"

Click on the link below to enjoy the photo's of Jody and Cleota's trip to Ireland.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jodybnewell/IrelandsBest?feat=directlink

ENJOY!!

Two Years and Counting

Yep, two years under our belt in Elkton and no signs of pulling out anytime soon. Those of you that have stopped by know what a cool place we have to hang our hats. We have become somewhat embedded in the local culture, getting to know our neighbors and other folks in the area. The workload is seasonal, weeding, mowing, fishing, planting, trimming, fishing, pruning, painting, fishing, you get the picture. The pets like their home, sharing with all the other wildlife, deer, elk, raccoon, skunk, bear, cougar, geese, duck, eagles, we get to see most of these on any given day. Jody and I would like to extend a formal invitation to come and camp in our park like setting and go fishing, hiking or just sitting around in a quiet beautiful place. See you soon!

The Travelers

Two weeks and several thousand miles on planes and driving the girls are finally home from Ireland. They had a wonderful time and with the luck of the Irish everything went perfect. In country they went from Dublin to Belfast in northern Ireland to attend the National Sheep Dog Trials. Cleota's favorite herder Mike Gallagher won the event and they got cold and wet. Next they headed south to Cork county and spent the next week doing day trips around Ardmore, visiting castles and museum and kissing stones and finding headstones of ancestors. The list of all there stops is quite long, JFK Arboretum, Blarney Castle, Giants Causeway, Horseback riding, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Lisemore Castle, a lot of great scenery while driving. Jody did a great job getting them to all the different locations and in the end the rental car was returned with nary a scratch. Unsolicited help came from everywhere, anytime they looked like they were lost a helpful person would stop and give them directions or guide them to there destination. So the general consensus was the favorite part of the trip was the people, and now the thought of a return trip is being considered, and I get to go this time! Can you say Guinness?

Well, I guess it's time to catch up a little. Yes we are back from Anaheim and another Shaklee Convention is history, I thank Shaklee for our continued good health. Disneyland is still there and doing well by the large amount of people. Jody is on a campaign to irrigate the newly planted trees and has been very successful and our young forest is flourishing. I was asked to play for the Fort Umpqua Musical Pageant over Labor Day this was the 8th year it's was a lot of fun, met some good musicians and learned a couple of song to add to my list. Boss was on site for few days to supervise the Island and Creek modifications, got alot accomplished in 3 days. Took Jody to Portland for a flight to Las Vegas to meet up with her Mom for a trip to Ireland, so I will be lonely for my honey for a few days. The cats are still adjusting to Jody being gone. Getting ready for the Bosses visit in October. Going soon to pick up Jody, I miss you Honey.

Off to Anaheim

Leaving for Anaheim in a few days, going to annual convention. Thought we were going to visit the mouse, nope Mickey didn't make the agenda this trip. Besides, been there done that . Though I would like to see a ball game, Angels are out of town and the Dodgers are playing the Padres, yeah that's the ticket. Need a little time off from the farm, all the brush is hogged, all the trees are watered, most of the weeds are pulled or sprayed(never ending), the pond is full and the fish are doing great, lots of baby bass and bluegill. You all got to visit next year to catch some of the monster fishes in our big hole in the ground full of water. Well got to go pack my toothbrush.

Flag Raising on the Farm

This morning we conducted a military style flag raising with honorary flag bearers Tommy and Trent ( Tom and Pat's grandson's ). The boys did a great job, the remainder of the day will include sedge planting, BBQ chicken, smores, and fireworks if anyone is still awake. Have a safe and sane 4th.