Frankie

Meet Frankie. He's our new rooster. My friend Tammy gave him to me. Frankie is fabulous! I never thought I would own a rooster, let alone fall in love with one. Frankie thinks he's a dog. He comes when called, knows the command "speak", and loves to play with Abbie and Kolah. Today he hung around outdside my home office window because he missed me (or so I thought). What a crazy bird! He's new, so I don't have many stories yet...but rest assured there will be stories galore in the weeks to follow.

Prom 2010

Sarah and Cole Mortel went to prom together this year as friends. What a handsome couple! Sarah is dating a boy from Grantsburg but before they met he had already agreed to go to prom with his friend Emily, so Sarah decided to ask Cole. Gary says they are great friends. What a nice class 2011 is! Graduation next year will be bittersweet - a lot of fun but sad to see many of the kids leave our community as they embark on their early adult adventures.

FCM Plane Crash Involving My Former Boss

A twin-engine airplane, flown by my former employer Alvin Bipes of A.B.Flight Services, crashed into the Minnesota River on April Fool’s Day near the intersection of River Road and Flying Cloud Drive. However, this was no April Fool’s joke!

"They took off normal and when they got up maybe 50 feet, that's when it suddenly went down, like he lost complete power," said witness Wallace Check.

Al Bipes and his best friend Tim Jacobsen were on their way to New Richmond, WI where they were to drop off the plane and drive back to Minnetonka.

Their small plane, a Beech Travelair that Al was borrowing form a friend, crashed just 500 feet from the runway and luckily into the water, which is there as result of seasonal flooding, thus buffering the landing.

Emergency workers pulled out Al and Tim, both conscious and alert, and sent them to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis to treat some serious but not life-threatening injuries. Al suffered a broken back, ribs, facial bones, along with facial lacerations. The same goes for Tim, minus the broken back.

Having spent two years working for Al as his Business Development Coordiantor/Travel Manager, I personally have flown with Al many times. I can say with confidence and pride that he is a damn good pilot and his skills saved both the life of his best friend Tim, and his own. I would gladly fly with Al any day before any other local pilots out there.

God was certainly watching out for you that day Al, but good job on the flying too. God Speed!

My Little Tiger

Another Olympics is upon us...and Kaylin Richardson, my little tiger (I've always called you that, you know), I couldn't be more proud of you and to have been your first ski coach with USSA Gilboa Racing Club. How many years did I coach you? Five? Something like that. I always knew you were going to go far. And now, your second olympics in BC! What an achievement to be there. Ski well my little tiger. No matter how you place, you are my hero and my champion! Soak it all in. You are the bravest, the strongest of heart, and the most adorable. I'm glad you liked me as a coach and I'm happy you got your french fries every time we skied. It was all about having fun, and fun we sure had! Ski fast and enjoy the ride. You deserve all that you have achieved. I'm so glad I could be part of it all. Love, your biggest fan, coach Paula!

5 Years of Wedded Bliss

I can't believe five years have gone by already. Where does the time go? On Februray 12th Todd and I will celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary. It seems like he has been by my side for so much longer (*sigh*). I am grateful to have met Todd, and cherish the fact that he is my husband. We have had tons of fun together in that short amount of time. Todd, I love you with all my heart and look forward to the rest of our fun-filled years together. We are the perfect fit, "like peas and carrots" as you always say -- you are the best! XOXO Happy Valentines Day!

Gift Ideas for Todd

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. To Todd, scotch. :)

Christmas Entertainment

Type in the name of a Christmas song and watch these guys sing it for you (especially Rudolph, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas) - http://www.sundog.net/carolofthechins/flash/card.swf

Watch the Christmas lights synchronized to the Black Eyed Peas We Got A Feelin'(too funny) - http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/christmas-lights-set-to-black-eyed-peas/1abptk01a