Monday, August 31, 2015

George turns 2

We recently returned from California where we helped George celebrate his 2nd birthday. George loves trains. So, his party was all about trains.
It even included a masterpiece train cake made by our dear friend, Emily Liggett.

We all had a blast. 
Even baby Aria liked hangin' out with her big brother.

Happy Birthday to George. 
Choo-choo.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Luna moves in ...

Several months ago we were electronically introduced to Luna by our friend, Thad Alton. 
A student at the University of Michigan, Luna was coming to Topeka for her photojournalism internship with Thad at the Topeka Capital-Journal. She looked like fun. We insisted that she stay with us. 

Luna is totally fun. In the short time she's been here, Luna has done tons of fun and interesting things. She has made gobs of friends and photographed countless Topeka events. She knows everything that's going on in Topeka. She is a constant whirl of energy and enthusiasm. 

As she ends her internship and prepares to go back to Michigan, I reflect on her free-spirited personality. I admire her quest for adventure and respect her love for humanity. I will miss her. I watch with eager anticipation of her next worldly (and fun) adventure.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

1,000,000 views

Several years ago I posted a video on You Tube captioned Cat Protects Old Dog.

Made merely to share with our neighbors the encounter I had while "walking" their 17 year old dog, I had no idea that the primitive smart phone video would become popular. It has elicited 500 comments, 2,000 "likes" and 1,000,000 views. While that number pales by comparison to the mega views on other videos, it still amazes me.

More amazing yet is the never ending parade of passionate comments. Many of them are focused on the "cat vs dog" rivalry.

My 20 pound cat chases ma neighbor's yellow lab "Daisy" all the time =D Chuck is the king of ma hood.

The cat would scratch the dog what, once? Maybe twice? Before the dog brutaly murdered the cat.

A cat may be able to get a dog to stop attacking it, but if both are committed to fighting to the death the cat would never win. Depending of course on the size of the dog.

I agree, pound for pound, a dog is NO match to a cat...cats are incredible fighters...

Y'know I don't really like cats, but I have to give credit where credit is due; this cat ain't takin' no sh*t.

That cat, no matter how brave, could end up in multiple parts scattered around the yard.

Many others are fun and witty zingers criticizing the video quality.

Footage so blurry I thought it was bigfoot and two chupacabras.

I like the part when the orange pixel protects the white pixel.

how did you record the video? with a toaster? :D

What pixel exactly is the cat? :)))

Great quality....  This must be the 'berry' flavor Captn' Crunch box camera. 

This has been fun. Please watch Cat Protects Old Dog. Tell your friends too. Especially the clever ones that are willing to post comments.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Yankee Gutters - Garden Tractor Pull

Our old house has Yankee Gutters ... which are gutters that are built into the roof line itself and not attached to or hung from the facia. 
The repair and maintenance of Yankee Gutters requires a craftsman who knows how to rebuild them. 
Lucky for us, we know Dob.
Dob is a very interesting guy. For fun, he competes in Garden Tractor Pull competitions. Last Friday night we ventured to Meriden, Kansas, to watch him compete in the the 39th Annual Meriden competition. He competes in two separate weight classes. Here he is in action.

And here he is with his two award plaques ... one for each weight class.
Yay, Dob.

Monday, July 06, 2015

July 2nd - Aria is born

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for the states to declare independence from Great Britain. The future 2nd President of the United States, John Adams, wrote his wife, Abigail saying: 

"The second day of July will be the most memorable Epocha, in the history of America. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shrews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

239 years later, Aria Ruth Quist was born on July 2nd thereby affirming Mr. Adams' prediction.
Mother and daughter are doing fine.

Here is Jake's idea of Take Your Daughter to Work Day.

And here is the Quist Family 4
Aria is the squished one.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Father's Day 2015

Father's Day in California
and here.

Fathers and sons hug and smile.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Mother turns 90 - Ruthie's Rollers

On June 13, 1925, a wonderful person was born in Valley Falls, Kansas. 
Known as Ruth, Ruth Marie, Ruthie, Mother, Granny, Aunt Ruthie or GreatGrandma ... she turned 90 years old today. In her honor, Heidi organized a team to participate in the June 13th Alzheimer's Walk. We named our team Ruthie's Rollers.


After the walk, and after meeting Nancy's new puppy named Dexter ...
 we headed to the Kansas State Capitol Building to admire the multi-year $325,000,000 rehab. It is breathtakingly beautiful. 

The frozen custard snack afterwards saw Hope lead her mom and Carly in an impromptu dance performance on G's stage.

Mother's 90th Birthday dinner brought us all together again. Melissa even drove in from St Louis.
Thank you, Mother for being who you are.
Happy 90th Birthday.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Arkansas 2015 - Swingin' in the Rain

2015 marked the 20th straight year our golf group traveled to Bella Vista, Arkansas, for a multi-day golf marathon. This was the year of Swingin' in the Rain. 
Not to be deterred, rain gear was donned, 
casual water was crossed
and swollen creeks were forded.

Despite the wet conditions, golf was played 
and white golf shirts were worn.
We had a blast!

Thursday, May 07, 2015

Sports weekend in California

Last weekend I traveled to California to see George ... and his wonderful parents. While Samantha and Jake are doing a great job of raising George, they are not exposing him to nearly enough sports. Ta-da ... Gramps to the rescue. We did some lawn bowling
flew some kites
and shot some hoops.
Sports are good.
And so are George and his parents.

Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Dad turns 89

Dad turns 89.
Crows gather to celebrate.