My friends, Barb and Jill, and I at the Pheasants Forever banquet in February. The top picture shows the game that Mark was in-charge of manning. Standing next to him is our friend Jeff and Mark's dad, Van.
I'm afraid I've been quite neglectful of the blog. I will try to do a better job with my postings this spring. The weekend of Dad's birthday was also the weekend of the annual Dane County Pheasants Forever banquet. Mark is very involved with this organization and helped coordinate this large event with about 12 other men. The banquet itself includes a variety of games and auctions as well as a nice dinner and the money generated is used for youth outdoor educational progams and prairie restoration projects around the county.
Our friend Dan Dresen and his 2 daughters, Megan and Carmen
Smile! Billy, Jill and Dan Howard
Sudsy Mingo
The entire month of March was unseasonably warm and dry. I think we only had a trace of snow early in the month (we average around 8-10 inches in March). Of course as dog owners, we relish in the warmer weather for walking our dogs, but also have to contend with the mud that comes with the thaw and the rains and--worst of all--all the little dead things that seem to "pop-up" all around. Unfortunately, this mud and the annoying "need" dogs have to roll in the smelliest, most disgusting decaying thing on the ground means us having to watch our hounds extra carefully as they do their rounds in the yard
and having to give them extra baths when we're just a second too late...
Poor Lily awaits her turn for the dreaded shower...
Although Mingo does walk to the utility shower without assistance, Lily is still reluctant and often needs a helping hand from Mark to get her in there.
Although Mark speaks to her softly with reassurance while he's washing her off, he still likes to have a little fun with her too!
Mark and I enjoying some quality time with our kids; me with Mingo on a lovely spring day and Mark with Miss Fanny, a rare occurence indeed, when she snuggled with him for a little afternoon catnap. (I told ya'll she can be sweet!)
The Valaskey Garden of 2010 began a couple weeks ago. This year the garden will be eight feet wider! In this picture, Mark and Greg are removing sod. In this new section rhubard and asparagus was planted.
From this view you can see Van and Judy's composting area. The large black cylinder is a composter which stores the table scraps and leafy plants inside. The material is "cooked" in the black container stationed in the sun and is occasionally rotated by a handle located on the side. This hastens the breakdown of the compost.
Mark pushes a load of sod away.
Mark has been working for almost 2 months with Wirtz Beverages, a wine and alcohol distributor. He mostly sells wine, but also has Kettle One, Stoli, etc. He has been enjoying the new job and WE are excited about him having "normal" hours (including weekends!!). He still helps out at Captain Bill's and remains involved with Madison Originals.
Here he takes a second to hug Britches.
The bathing and grooming continue for our stinkhounds, who still find plenty of mud and mystery smells to roll in during the spring thaw.
Lily gives me a kiss and hug after having to endure a bath and brush.
Van and Judy's dog, Lizzy, poses nicely for her portrait.
This was taken last weekend behind Van and Judy's house. I wanted to get a picture of their lovely redbud tree (it is on the far right), but it sort of "washed" out by the roof and bright blue sky.
Spring time is soooo great in Wisconsin!!
Van and Judy planting potatoes in the garden.
Greg and Renee's dog, Sam.
Abby and Lizzy (under the trailer) relax together and monitor the activities of their people.
Another sure sign of spring--exquisite fiddlehead ferns!
A different variety of fiddleheads.
