Basketball, Basketball, Basketball

Yes it's finally over for the season. And yes, I realize there are still plenty of games on TV, but we're done traveling to games for the year. Didn't go to a lot of local HS games, but did get hooked on Sterling College. Our friends, Danny & Linda, have a son, Mac, who was a senior on the team which got us there. But they were so much fun to watch, that we went to nearly every home game, a few of the away games, and even went to Branson, MO after they qualified for the NAIA Div II national tourney!!! Of course it doesn't take much prodding for an excuse to go there. :) Watched BBall, shopped, ate out, visited grandson Drake's grave, and just had fun with our friends.

Mac also received the Champion of Character award at the tourney (pic) which is determined by leadership, servanthood, respect, responsibility - in other words Mac is a great all around guy and Danny & Linda were quite proud of his award.

Then this week was the NJCAA tourney in Hutchinson which we have season tickets to. So it was off to Hutch every day this week. I managed to get out of...I mean, I reluctantly missed Friday because I worked at the nursing home that night.

Only found time to ride my bike once this week. I really need to get with it consistently if I'm going to be able to ride 50-75 miles/day for 4 days by June. But I did go 23 miles! The weather doesn't sound too conducive to riding this next week unless I just get someone to take me to OK and ride home with a 30mph tailwind.

Hi again!

I know, it looks like I've forgotten all about this. I haven't forgotten, just don't have time when I think about it, and when I have the time, I don't think about it. How's that for an excuse? :)

Last night, Hannah had her first slumber party with 6 other little ladies to celebrate her 8th birthday. Needless to say it was a night filled with lots of squealing. I was honored to be the Bingo caller for them. We ate pizza & cookies, then I went home. Too old for the all nighters anymore.

Well, I actually took the big step this week and registered for the BAK (Bicycling Across Kansas). I'm not going CLEAR across Kansas - that's eight days and over 400 miles. My plan is 4 days and just halfway across. The 4th day goes through Abbyville (a key factor in deciding THIS is the year). That day ends in Halstead, but I may just conclude my trip in my hometown. I bought a road bike this week and have about 37 mi on it already - 18 today in the beautiful weather. Got home about 10 minutes before a storm moved in. Yes we are in Kansas - you've got to jump at those perfect weather times, because there's a good chance it will change rapidly.

The school where Hannah is a second grader holds a Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser each year for the American Heart Association. This year Hannah was the top money raiser for the entire school and her class was the top class money raiser. On her fund raising packet, there was a place for her to indicate someone to honor. She chose Gramps (my father who passed away exactly a year prior) who died from heart disease. I heard her ask some people at church for donations and she always included that she was doing it in honor of Gramps. He would have been proud as am I.

Jessica and family have been home for 3 weekends this past month for various circumstances. Although unusual for them to be here that much, it has been a joy to have those 2 little boys here getting to know us better. Nolan loves to go with "Papa drive moos". One of the occassions for their visit was Hannah's family party last weekend where the following pic was taken of Nolan, Kevin, Hannah, Curtis' Uncle Rodney (who adores the kids), CJ, & Ty.

I'll finish today's blog now and try not to wait so long till the next one.