Grandma & Grandpa Rouse

Well, here we are with new granddaughter, Lauren Paige Rouse. She's 1 month old already!! I hope to get back out to Chicago soon...

I think back on all the things I remember about my grandmas...and there are lots of really special ones...and now I can look forward to making those kind of memories with Lauren, and all the future grandkids to come. How wonderfully blessed we are!

Another person in my department at work resigned, so one other accountant & I are "absorbing her workload as well. I took on all the Accounts Payable duties at the end of June when our A/P clerk got engaed and moved away. Since our company is under a hiring freeze at present due to the economy, that's the way it goes...more work, same pay. I guess I should be grateful I haven't been laid off...or had to take a pay cut like so may others. Just hope this old girl can keep up without getting burned out.

I found a new blog to follow...written by a Christian, conservative mom of 7 who is part of a movement to organize moms of all ages to be heard by Washington, DC. If interested in finding out more, go to www.marymbaker.blogspot.com. She and two other women were on Glen Beck's show this weekend, and this is a REAL GRASS ROOTS MOVEMENT defending the family the way God designed it. Please visit Mary's blog and find out more. These women are working hard to make sure our children's and grandchildren's future is centered on Christian values and principles.

Quick Trip to South Dakota

We just returned from our motorcycle trip to South Dakota...5 fun-filled days on the Harley. Thankfully we avoided rain the whole trip, but did have to battle a 50 - 60 mph cross wind on Friday as we were travelling the last 40 miles into Rapid City. We also had a small mechanical problem, so instead of stopping and waiting out the wind, we needed to proceed to the Harley shop in Rapid City as quickly as possible. Once there, they were able to replace the broken bolt that was causing us to loose all oil from the right front fork, and replace the front tire in about 3 1/2 hours. We wandered around the store and all the vendors who had set up in the parking lot for Sturgis Bike Week.

Saturday we rode up to Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park, Needles Highway, Hill City and then to Sturgis.

Pictures are of Gary @ Mt. Rushmore (which has changed alot since the last time I was there) some of the Needles Highway, and a "John Deere" Motorcycle we say on Mainstreet in Sturgis. It seemed strange to get back home and have the cars outnumber the motorcycles!!

Anyway, we had a great trip & got alot of sun (but no tatoos!!)