12022021 or 12022021

Today is:

Backward, it is:  

Upside down, it is:

Thanksgiving 2021

We returned to Topeka in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with Dad. SACII joined us as did a long-time family friend, Eddie. (Photos of Eddie to follow.) Lynn made magic with a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner.

Sam performed surgery on the turkey and placed the carvings in Mother's Sunflower bowl/platter.

Thanks to Lynn, Thanksgiving 2021 was a special and memorable day. 

There is a lot to be thankful for.

Off to California

 Off to California for several days while Samantha and Jake traveled. We had a blast with the 3 grandkids.

Can't wait to go back.

Potwin Halloween 2021

It was a brisk and windless evening. From 4:30 to 10:30 we handed out treats. Maybe 1,800. Maybe more. Here are some of my favorite visitors: 

Cool wheels.

The wonderful Timmer Family.

These cute vampires couldn't find vampire teeth in the sold-out stores ... but they found them here.

Our neighbors had been decorating for a month.

We were lucky to have the premier view ... complete with eerie sounds.

Thanks to the help of Nancy, Toni, Paul, Jason, Haley, Hadley, and Eleanor, we survived ... and had fun.

Happy Halloween 2021.

COVID booster

Got mine. Helen got hers. Dad got his.

6 month summary and review

More than 6 months have passed since my last World of Crow post. It's hard to say where the time has gone. This post cannot fully document those forgotten events and photos. But, since this blog serves as my journal, here is an attempted summary.

April 2021 - food:

 As it ends up, Helen can really cook. Yep, the secret is out. She has excellent skills and even better instincts. Healthy food is much tastier than unhealthy food. Together, we have created some cooking masterpieces. No, nothing that will win awards, but lots of yummy, healthy, and pallet-satisfying meals created on our 60-year-old Hotpoint Range. Here is an example or two:

California: 

As soon as our vaccinations matured, we got on an airplane to California. It had been 14 months since I'd hugged my kid ... and her kids.

April snow:

Ya gotta love Kansas weather. Upon our return from California, we enjoyed an April Winter Wonderland.

May 2021 - Dad turns 95:

At 95, Dad does remarkably well ... thanks to the kind and gentle care he receives from Kathie, Susan, and especially Lynn. SACII came to town for a quiet celebration. A cigar seemed appropriate.

Arkansas golf: 

After missing 2020 due to COVID-19, our golfing group traveled to Bella Vista, Arkansas, for 5 days of golf and friendship. Play it where it lies, Brent.

Memorial Day:

June 2021 - Back to California:

Can't get enough of those grandkids.

(What is George doing?)

July 2021 - Andy and SACII visit:

The 4th of July brought Andy from Florida and SAC II from Springfield to visit Dad.

Knocked down, but not out:

Helen loves to reward the delivery people ... especially during COVID when we've relied on them so much. She places Peanut M&Ms on the front porch for them to take as they please. PROBLEM: Our yard is full of squirrels and THEY love the peanuts. After trying many (many) containers, Helen may have finally found a winner.

August - a visit from Grandkids:

Shortly after they left Kansas, Helen flew to California for more Grandchildren time.

September:

We have some time together before Helen returns to California again for even more Grandchildren time.

Tree trimming and removal:

Maybe cutting down the walnut tree will convince the squirrels to relocate?

There you have it ... a seven-month summary.