Dennis and Ursula's Blog

More Opaisms

2010-12-10T20:38:00.002-07:00

Last week we were called in to Opa's home to fix a flat tire on his scooter, again! Last year we replaced one and it seems that it went flat again. So, we went and dad fixed it and Opa went off again. The next day, another flat on the other side but this time he was riding down the hall, with the flat, leaning as he went. It was so pathetic. Dad fixed it again and all is well.

When we moved him to a smaller one, we had to move all of his stuff minus a few furniture pieces all by ourselves. It was horrendous to say the least. Opa didn't understand what was happening so we left him to get settled and returned in the afternoon to see how he was faring. He asked us, "How do you like my new room?" He had no idea that we did that and now he asks us, "Did you know they moved me?" or "Did they tell you where my new room is?" he has no idea. Maybe that is good. I think he is okay with the move.

The Fabulous Mountains

2010-09-14T13:32:00.000-06:00

Dad and I went to Zion's and Bryce Canyon National Parks last week and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Aren't these the most beautiful mountains you ever saw? All I can say is, "WOW!" Our God and Creator did a fabulous job and no one can take the credit for them except Him. Thank you Lord!

My Creativity

2010-05-02T16:18:00.000-06:00

I took lots of pictures with my camera and I selected these to show you how creative I can be. Pretty bad, huh?

What????

2010-05-02T15:53:00.000-06:00

This is a sign we saw on our cruise and I still don't know what it means. Any ideas???

Thought I'd Seen It All!

2010-05-02T15:43:00.000-06:00

I have to share this with you. Having been in ministry over 30 years, you would think we've seen it all, but alas.....
This morning during the Lord's Supper, an elderly man who had been sleeping, placed a twenty dollar bill into the communion plate with the bread as he thought he was putting his giving into the offering plate. The funny thing about that is the usher who was passing the plate is nearly blind and didn't see the money on top of the bread! I removed the cash and put it into the usher's hand and he quickly pocketed it not knowing what it was and probably thinking I was giving him a gift. Can you picture this scenarion? I am still laughing.

Christmas Joy

2009-12-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are at our tree! We just finished our Christmas program and went out for a Chinese Dinner so I don't have to cook. John and family will be here Tuesday evening and we are expecting snow again.

Wishing you all a very Blessed Christmas and New Year.

Christmas Blessings

2009-12-11T14:55:00.001-07:00

For unto us a Child is born! Unto us a Child is given.

God sent His Son! May your heart overflow with gratitude as you reflect on God's perfect Gift and may His peace fill your heart at this very special season.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

2009-12-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

This morning the temperature was -2 and it was COLD. We cancelled church services tonight and there will be more snow this weekend. Is this really Colorado or are we still in Minnesota? Is it warmer anyplace else? Let me know and maybe I'll visit you very soon.

12/12 Can you believe it was -12 this morning? I really think someone left the door open in Alaska or is it Minnesota? It is so cold, your snot freezes! Really!

Let It Snow

2009-12-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

This is what we woke up to this morning and it is the worst snowstorm we have had in almost 10 years. Yes, it has been that long! I hate it!!!! It is pretty though but not the shoveling part just ask Dennis!

Opa Quips

2009-12-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

Opa is always coming up with new conversation quips and here are just two from Sunday.

Opa's silverware kept falling out of his hands while he was eating. Finally, he said "Your silverware is too heavy!" We just got a new set and they are a bit heavier but not that heavy!!

While we were being served communion, Opa started coughing after he drank the little cup (you know how small they are) so I asked him if he was alright and he said, "it went down the wrong pipe!" He was fine.

My Rippling Brook

2009-08-20T21:55:00.000-06:00

Here is my version of a rippling brook sound and a waterfall all in one. I searched high and "LOWE'S" for this one! I placed it outside our bedroom in the corner and it is so peaceful. We love lounging out there and just listening. I can actually picture my cabin in the woods by the rippling water as it flows ever so gently over the rocks and empties into the stream. Dream on! Come see it for yourself and you will pull up a chaise lounge and join us as we sip our iced tea together. Ahhhhh

"44 YEARS AND GLOWING"

2009-06-05T19:24:00.000-06:00

This is us celebrating our 44th wedding anniversary at Olive Garden where the waiter was kind enough to snap this shot of us. It doesn't seem like 44 years, but after having 5 children and 11 grandchildren, we are blessed.

Hummingbird Nest

2009-05-31T14:34:00.000-06:00

Can you believe that I have a real hummingbird nest right in the tree in front of the house where I can see it? It is very small but Dad was able to capture a picture of it and the mommy was in it at the time! I have a feeder hanging in front of my kitchen window and the mommy would drink from that first and then fly over the house to feed her baby. I don't know how many eggs are in there but they have either one or two. The other day this little hummingbird was fighting with a dove to keep it away from her nest. It was the funniest thing to see this tiny bird dive bombing a dove that is way bigger than her. The dove's nest was above hers. Boy, where is the video camera when you need it?

Here are some more pictures, although not mine, they accurately show what I am viewing from my front door.

A Blast From The Past

2009-05-12T14:56:00.000-06:00

While Dad and I were at a Regional Meeting this past week, we saw a very old Wal Mart store that looked like it was from the 60's. I took these pictures with my cell phone because I had to show it to you. We went into the store and were totally awed by the cleanliness of the place and the exact order everything was in. Aisle after aisle, nothing was out of place. The manager was walking through with his ear-phone and was checking everything out. I felt sorry for any employee who did not clean up. Just wanted to share that "blast" with you.

2009-05-10T14:47:00.000-06:00

Well...Mother's Day has arrived. Mother is happy, for she received two lovely floral arrangements yesterday from Suzanne and Stephanie. Here are some pictures. Today she sat by the phone and got some more calls. Yippee! It's a beautiful day with temperatures in the 80's with the sun shining. Opa is with us at home for the day, and all is well. Hope all of you, especially our three daughters and two daughter-in-laws, are also having a wonderful Mother's Day too!

BIRTHDAY PARTY

2009-03-26T18:41:00.000-06:00

Well Opa has hit 92 years old today, March 26th. We took him out for dinner this evening at Red Lobster, his favorite restaurant.

The servers sang to him. Here are some still pictures too. I took a video but it wll not upload for some reason. I'll try later.

BTW, if you tried to call Opa on the phone. It was out of service. He backed up with his wheels and knocked the power cord out. I fixed it this afternoon. He thought he was 90. We love him!

Two sick people

2009-03-13T11:58:00.000-06:00

Well, the nasty viral bug has gotten us both very deeply. Mom seems to have it worse. She has been throwing up quite a bit. Poor thing.
I've not had that, thankfully, but all the rest as we both are worn out coughing, aching, dizzy, tired, and just plain sick. Oh well, this too shall pass.

Opa's Pithy Sayings

2009-02-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

"Dennis, I'm in trouble!" This is how he starts his conversation when something goes wrong.
"I have a flat tire on my scooter." How in the world?????? Dad is taking his "flat" to be fixed.
"I can't find my remote for the TV." It was at the front desk after having been picked up in the hall.
"My TV doesn't work." He had fiddled with all the dials and messed everything up.
The next time was when he knocked the phone jack out of the wall with his scooter while maneuvering his chair.
"My phone doesn't work." He didn't have it on the cradle correctly and it wasn't charging.
"My foot hurts in these shoes." Dad cut a small hole in the area which was hurting and it is fine now. It was a bone sticking out.
"I have no underwear and my laundry isn't back." Well, he had put them into his drawer and forgot. He had plenty.

As I think of more, I'll add them to this list so you all can laugh too.

Latte Anyone?

2009-01-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

This is my coffee corner with all the trimmings. When you come visit, you won't have to have a "Latte" withdrawal. I am limited to what I can create though. I am still learning.

2009-01-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Mom and I went to Montrose, Colorado yesterday and spent it with two good old friends who used to be with us at our Church, Ben and Dottie Coleman. We enjoyed reminiscing and fun things, had a wonderful dinner together, Dottie is a good cook, and at the end of the day traveled home again. Here's Mom and Dottie together.

Dizzy Christmas Day

2008-12-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

So, here it was Christmas Day and we were having dessert with Opa at the Residence when all of a sudden I got very dizzy. Thinking it would pass, I ate some more pie. After a few minutes, I realized that it wasn't going to go away, so Dad helped me to the bed. Opa scooted to the nurses' station and she came and took my pulse, which was okay. Dad put me into the wheelchair and took me home where I went straight to bed. Seeing the ceiling moving in circles and the fan gliding across the ceiling was something else. I closed my eyes and waited for it to go away. After a few hours, I was better and able to get up. What a Christmas to remember!

Our Christmas Dinner 2008

2008-12-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

Well, Christmas has arrived, and both Mom and I are spending it alone. As some of you know my eye troubles negate me from being able to pick up "Opa," to join us, so we enjoyed our Christmas rib roast together. Here's a picture of us. Hope all your Christmas celebrations are fun and that you enjoyed them with both family and friends. We love you all.

A Blessed Christmas

2008-12-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

We want to wish you all a very Blessed Christmas. Our tree may be small, but the true meaning has nothing to do with a Christmas tree. Size does not matter either. What does matter is how you remember what Christmas is all about, the receipt of God's gift of Himself, in the person of His Son.

Espresso Madness

2008-12-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

I have wanted a really nice espresso machine for some time now so I checked online and found a reconditioned one at a good price with $24 shipping. Dad encouraged me to order it and to stop being so cheap. What? Me cheap? Well, being a dutiful obedient wife, I did it! So, it gets here, I brew a cup and started the steam froth thingy. The machine was thumping on the counter with each pulse of the motor! Packed it up, sent it back. SO after spending almost $50 in shipping to and fro, I still don't have a professional espresso machine!!!!I am not a happy camper. I have a small Black & Decker one which I decided is working just fine. Cheap? Yes! I admit it. But right now I need a Latte.

2008-11-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

Well, we had our Thanksgiving Day celebration with some of our family. Aunt Rosemarie and Uncle Jim along with Opa helped us celebrate. Here's a picture. We'll put up some of our recent trip scenes too a bit later on.

Trunk n' Treat

2008-11-01T15:16:00.000-06:00

Last night under the stars, and cool weather, our church had its first Trunk n' Treat night. It was well attended and everyone had a great time. As I sat there and the sun set, it got pretty cool. Don't let the atmosphere fool you. We decorated our car as a beach scene with a dummy in a bathing suit cause it was too cold for us to wear them. Hahaha

As the evening wore on and the temperatures cooled, I was rescued by our music director whose daughter brought me a Starbucks Coffee! Thank you, thank you!

tomatoes, tomatoes and more!

2008-10-14T13:46:00.000-06:00

You all realize "Mother Finnan" changed the background. It certainly doesn't reflect Poppi, but I like it.

We've been busy these days as Fall is in the air. Our tomato plants have gone wild. Every day about a dozen or more come ripe. I don't know what to do with all these tomatoes. I eat about three a day. Mom is sick of eating them so she is cooking some down for sauce. I just pick and continue to eat them. A picture will follow later tonight.

MY NEW MAKEOVER

2008-08-22T22:16:00.000-06:00

Here's a before and after picture from the new rejuvenating cream Dad bought me. After my insult at the Assisted living home where Opa resides, I knew I needed a makeover badly.

So here it is, as you can see, the "NEW ME!" Like it? It really is me!!

SEE HOW WELL
THIS CREAM WORKS?
Want the name of the cream?
Sorry you can't have it

Are You New Here?

2008-08-21T18:57:00.000-06:00

Some of you have heard this one before, so bear with me. :)

Dad and I were picking up Opa one day, at the Assisted Living Home, and as we were walking down the hall, this elderly lady came up to us and said, "Are you new here?" Since Dad was a few steps ahead of me, he thinks the lady was talking to me...Wow! Is he kidding me? Who has the gray hair?

I am taking a collection for a complete makeover starting right now. Paper or plastic? Doesn't matter. Just send it to me personally and I will send a photo of me before and after. Gotta love it!

Lost Wedding Band

2008-08-10T13:33:00.000-06:00

The loss of my wedding band, representing 43 years marriage, has left a hole in my heart. It isn't so much the ring itself, although that is very important to me, but it is a symbol of a vow Dennis and I made to one another on our wedding day back in 1965 when we exchanged those golden bands. We worked and saved for those bands a long time, had them engraved and wore them with love for one another.

In a moment of time, mine was gone, and now, being several weeks later, I still have not found it. I know that the Lord is aware of my loss and I still pray that He will show me where it fell. My love for my husband has not changed by the loss of my ring, but whenever I see his on his finger, I feel the loss on mine. The rings represented our vow to each other and that will never change by the loss of a ring.

Family Rules!

2008-08-09T13:53:00.000-06:00

I sat down last night to begin my "blogging" and stared at the computer until I decided to head off to bed. Where does one begin? We just had our Family Reunion here at our house and had 22 people for meals every day. It was a blast! I think it all went pretty good and the grandchildren, all 10 of them, were the best. The weather was hot and humid, which it never is, and we had all our meals outside on the patio. We love our children and their spouses and all the grandchildren so very much and will miss the activities around here. We lead a very quiet, boring life with no children nearby us to visit. There I go again.....lamenting over where God has placed us for ministry without our family near. He knows what's best for us but.......

Our Grandchildren

2008-08-07T21:32:00.000-06:00

Hasn't our family grown? These are our 10 grands from age 14 down to 1 and also my Dad.

Our Children and grandpa

2008-08-07T21:10:00.000-06:00

Our family reunion shot featuring our five children and my father. We have lots of pictures and will post them as time permits.

Here's a picture of us

2008-08-07T05:58:00.000-06:00

Still learning how to manipulate things. I placed the above picture of us taken about a year ago. I'm not sure Nani will like it - if not it will be replaced. What do you think?

Just trying this out

2008-07-30T13:20:00.000-06:00

I've found it difficult to add messages to our blog. Let's hope one can see this.

A New Beginning

2008-07-30T12:59:00.000-06:00

Well, reading all my children's blogs, I guess Nani and Poppi have to get in on this. So this is my first blog. Not much to say yet, but we'll get it going.