SarahBPics

Superbowl XLV

2011-02-07T12:28:00.001-06:00

Superbowl XLV
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Yesterday we had the Superbowl party at Mom & Jeff's and the PACKERS WON!!!! Jeff was so excited and such fun to watch. We've got plenty of photo and video of event to use for the upcoming year.

We had a pot luck with a number of tasty food items. It was a full afternoon of grazing, topped off with Bday cupcakes for Ted's bday.

I don't think Jeff can talk today and Lonnie (Jeff's brother) was hoarse before the game started so I'm guessing he's not doing much better.

Good Times.

Lynch Mob featuring George Lynch @ Station 4

2011-01-28T16:12:00.001-06:00

Lynch Mob featuring George Lynch @ Station 4
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

My friend Dave and I took road trip to St. Paul on Wednesday to re-live our 80's metal, guitar god, thrashing past. George did not disappoint. He's still got the chops and I found myself standing there mouth gapped open as his fingers moved crazily. He makes it look so effortless. Dave had a front row spot and we got some signatures after the show. So all and all it was a great night. We both have paid the price since with some sleep deprivation but I know I can say it was defineatly worth it.

Colton's 1st bday

2011-01-15T14:59:00.001-06:00

Colton's 1st bday
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Colton's celebrated his 1st bday today. His birthday was actually yesterday, I can't believe that he is a year old. The years seem to be zooming by faster and faster. We celebrated by going out to eat at The Creamery in Rushford. We took over the whole back room practically , with kids running all over and the adults visiting loudly. Colton got lots of good looking clothes and a few toys. His uncle Dave even bought him a "So You Can Read" DVD. Mom & Dad were excited to try it out. As for the gifts Colton seemed to be interested in the candy cane he was chewing, wrapper and all.

As for the rest of my weekend, I think I'll go over to visit with Gma this afternoon. Tomorrow I'm gonna try to get to Rochester to see my friend Tom play at the Eagles Cancer Telethon.

James & Roger have snowmobiling fever. Roger picked up a Polaris Indy Sport 440 this week and they are working on getting James's Articat 300 to get it running. After that I anticipate I won't see much of them on the weekends as long as the snow is on the ground.

LaCosta & La Jolla

2010-12-08T23:21:00.001-06:00

LaCosta & La Jolla
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

This week I spent a few days in California for a conference on Mobile Technology and Education. The weather was great in the mid-60's. Weather in MN was in the low teens for a high. Unfortuneatly, when I get back on Thursday it will still be cold. Today the conference got over at noon. I made plans to go do a bit of sight seeing with a friend of mine that used to work in SMU. Lee and I wnet to La Jolla to see the seals that come up onto the beach to sun themselves. I had no idea that you could see seals in the wild. Tomorrow morning I have an early flight from San Diego. Not looking forward to the security checkpoints. Also hope to get home with out any delays. I'll miss the warmer weather that is for sure.

December is HERE!!

2010-12-01T00:37:00.001-06:00

2010-11-21 family photos 130
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

I can't believe that it has been 2 months since I've add an entry to the blog. Wow time sure does fly by. Well Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone. Soon snow will be here to stay and Christmas and New Years will be upon us. Where did 2010 go? I have no idea. We had a good year in total although I'm sure the loss of Roger Horning will be felt during this holiday season and as we celebrate the first of his birthdays without him and the anniversary of his death.

Grandma has been doing well and the younger great grandkids have been keeping her occupied. She can be seen in the picture with Colton Bryce, DeLane & Patty's youngest sitting in her lap. He's getting big enough now that I don't think that Great Grandma will be able to get him in her lap much longer. I'm sure she'll be sad to see that time pass.

I'm sure with the holiday season and New Years you'll see at least one more posting from me in 2010. If not have a good one. You can review nearly all my 2010 pictures by going to http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahbpics/sets/72157623870761486/show/

2010-09-25 SaturJay

2010-09-30T16:17:00.001-05:00

2010-09-25 SaturJay
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

I went out last weekend with a bunch of friend to see Jay play in his new band Southbound Train. Everybody seemed to have a great time. Although some of us were moving a bit slow the next day. In the pic with me are Don and Heather Cowles, a couple from the Rockfester crew.

Joseph Walter Jackson Nagy

2010-09-21T09:25:00.001-05:00

2010-09-18 Joseph Walter Jackson Nagy
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

My best friend Shari's youngest boy Ron had his first child born last week. Josie, Brianna, Gma and I went to visit with Ron, Riley and Joseph on Saturday. He is a very cute tiny thing. Mom, Dad and Big Brother, David, are very proud to have this little edition.

It's been crazy around here with the beginning of the school year for my kids as well as the University getting back into full swing after the undergrad summer hiatus. I'm starting to settle into a groove so hopefully that means I can get started with some long overdue projects.

James started 8th grade football this fall and the season is nearly 1/2 over. They are undefeated. James has also started wearing contacts and seem to be getting along fine with them.

Josie is waiting for GirlScouts to start up again. However, homework and weekly trips to Grandma Passows are keeping her busy.

Mom is getting ready for her annual trailride so we have been try to work in weekend with Gma to keep them both from going stir crazy.

That's my update for the Month.

Scott & Marilyn Snell's 25th Anniversary Party

2010-08-01T09:36:00.001-05:00

Scott & Marilyn Snell's 25th Anniversary Party
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Well it's probably been 25-30 yrs since we took a group pic like this one. If you were in Fillmore from the 79-82 you probably ran into this Motley crew. Andy, Anna, Catie, Sarah, & Maria.

2010-06-13 RockSumFest

2010-06-14T15:02:00.001-05:00

2010-06-13 RockSumFest (43)
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Rockfesters families got together at Shari's in IA this last weekend. Even though it was overcast all weekend we did manage to dodge the rain pretty well. My family went to the Spam Museum in Austin on Saturday morning with Shari and Wesley. It was a great way to kill a few hours, buy some spam and say that you've been there. Campfire sing alongs on Saturday were fun as usual. We might not always hit the right notes or remember the words but we do sing with heart.

I've got a number of things going one over the next few weeks. Steamboat Days in Winona, Kids to GoodEarth Village, Jackyl and Mini-Kiss next weekend, Josie's Bday, 4th of July Camping, Rock-fest. The summer will go too fast I'm sure.

2010-06-06 Rainbow

2010-06-06T21:27:00.001-05:00

2010-06-06 Julias Party and rainbows 009
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

We had a big rain storm move through today. It moved through fast and left behind this beautiful rainbow.

2010-06-05 RhubarbFest

2010-06-05T21:16:00.001-05:00

2010-06-05 RhubarbFest
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Today I had a good Family day. Josie and I took Gma to Lanesboro to enjoy a little music and everything rhubarb. Josie played in the rhubarb olympics and I tried a little rhubarb ketchup on my hotdog. After the fest we hit a couple of garage sales. Then we had an impromptu cook-out and movie watching at Mom & Jeffs. Good time. Tomorrow is Julia's graduation party at Anna & Bruce's. I hope the weather is nice for that.

2010 Memorial Day Wkend

2010-06-01T08:23:00.001-05:00

2010 Memorial Day Wkend
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

What an awesome weekend. We were camping all weekend in Wiscoy with "the crew". Shari, John, Wesley and Will were able to join us for the weekend which was a great added surprise. Josie enjoyed babysitting Brett Horvedt on Saturday. On Sunday and Monday we went over to the pond for some swimming. Boy did that feel nice. James and Hunter had fun lighting fire crackers and staying up late. John, Hunter and James even attempted some late night racoon hunting. They didn't see anything though. It seems these weekends go entirely too fast. However, the summer camping season has just begun. For the first time every I think we were able to get supper cooked and the campfire started while we had daylight. Hopefully that is a trend that will continue. The campground will have some changes this summer. This weekend the guys planted trees to line the fence area. We are hoping to get a swing-set down there with a big sandbox area. Also we will be putting some more cement in for a grill patio. It all gets done in stages.

2010-05-08 MIB Graduation

2010-05-09T00:13:00.001-05:00

2010-05-08 MIB Graduation 012
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

today was a great day. While I had finished up my Master's Degree in December I didn't officially graduate until walking through today's 2010 SMU SGPP graduation ceremony. It was great to see my friends from the MIB program today. I found out that some are settling into jobs while others are going on to more school. I hadn't seen most of them since the China trip and it was nice to catch up. The ceremony went well and I'm glad that I decided to walk.

After the ceremony was I surprised by a party with my friends and family. I have AWESOME friends and family. I had a great time and some laughs. We enjoyed eachother's company. Although since I was the guest of honor I didn't feel like I got to spend as much time with each person.

I had friends from Iowa, Northern Wi and MPLS make the trek for that party. There even a few guest that I hadn't seen for a few years.

It's after midnight now and I'm home. I should go to bed as I need to get up in the morning for a Mother's Day program at church.

I had a great time tonight. Thanks EVERYBODY!!!!

2010-04-25 Rogers Tractor

2010-04-25T21:45:00.001-05:00

2010-04-25 Rogers Tractor (2)
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Roger got a new tractor this weekend. He bought a John Deere 3010 that he found on CraigsList. His WD Alis-Chalmers experienced some mechanical problems earlier this month and he wasn't sure it was going to be able to be fixed. He's been saying that he needs a bigger tractor for about the last 10 years so we took this opportunity to look for something bigger. As it turns out he got his Alis fixed. Now we just have to decide if we are going to sell it or keep it to pull wagons around the yard.

Roger is quite the happy guys. It is true what they say about Men and Boys. The only differance is the size of their toys.

Look at Those Pretty Girls

2010-02-12T11:12:00.001-06:00

2010-02-05 Pictures Taken at Roger Horning's Memorial
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Last week was a tough one. Roger Horning, the man I considered my dad from ages 4-12 passed away. He had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer in July, but I don't think we'd all dealt with the finality of that. On Friday he suffered from a bowel rupture and that sent him on the fast track to heaven. I was very thankful to see him on Saturday when his pain was under control and his mind was active. We shared some laughs and I told him about the latest Star Trek movie that he hadn't seen yet. Josie and I visited all morning and then told him that we'd see him again on Sunday afternoon. By Sunday afternoon his body was failing and tired. He didn't say much and would only open his eyes periodically. Josie and I left at 9pm. DeLane and Nancy stayed with him until the end. He passed away around 9am on Monday morning.

The Memorial Service was on Friday, February 5th. It was a great service. You almost couldn't walk out of the church sad. We took LOTS of pics with the Horning family. Anna also captured a pic of all the girls cousins on my side of the family. Aren't they darling?

Colton Bryce Horning

2010-01-16T17:54:00.001-06:00

Colton Bryce Horning
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Josie and I went to see my new nephew today. Colton Bryce Horning was born to Patty & DeLane Horning on January 14th, 2010. He is such a little cutie. Brianna is being an awfully good big sister. She like to hold Colton and would like to feed him when he wakes up in the middle of the night. She is calling him "MY COLTON". As you can see the boy is already waving at the camera. =)

Memories - This reminds me of my Gma Sutton

2010-01-13T12:11:00.002-06:00

Deer damage to the car

2010-01-03T11:16:00.001-06:00

Deer damage to the car
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Starting the New Year off with a bang!!! We had a big doe hit the car on New Year's day AM. Roger and I were fine. Roger said the deer walked away. My car however has a bit of a dent in it.

2009 NYE @ Dareck & Tammis

2010-01-01T10:23:00.001-06:00

2009 NYE @ Dareck & Tammis
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Happy New Year!!! 2010 is here. We have a great night at Dareck & Tammi's last night. Ron and John made a surprise visit. It was great to see them and hang out.

Christmas was good for all this year. We still have a couple more to go. Today is the Bearbower Christmas gathering and tomorrow will be Roger's Mother's side of the family getting together.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-18T15:29:00.001-06:00

It has been a busy year for everybody here at casa de Bearbower. I’m not even sure where to start.


I’ve been working on my Masters in International Business degree for about 5
years now.  I’ve taken one course at a time and that has been plenty.  This
May, as part of the program, I traveled to China with about 20 other students
from the program.  We visited the cities of Beijiing, Xian, Shanghai, Hong Kong
in China and Tiapai, Tiawan.  Seven months later I’m still having a hard time
describing to others what this experience was like for me.  All I can say is
that it was an AMAZING experience and that if you ever get a chance to travel to
Asia you should do it.  During our trip we visited a number of the tourist
sites; The Beijiing Zoo, The 2008 Olympic Village, The Forbidden Kingdom,
Tianamen Square, The Great Wall, the Terracota Soldiers (pic of me on card), The
YuYung Garden,  The Tiawan National Museum and Taipai 101.  In addition we
visited a number of business in each city and enjoyed a number of markets as
well.  In Beijiing I had Peking Duck for the first time and it was awesome! I
also experienced eating at a HotPot.  This is a device that reminds me of a
fondu pot except you use hot water or broth instead of oil.  You put various
meat and vegtables in the liquid to cook it and then eat.  In Xian I had
dumplings that were also great.  I also finally learned how to eat with
chopsticks while on the trip, which was a handy thing to know.    If you want to
view all my field study pics you can go to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahbpics/sets/72157618180578900/show/.

As far as the Master’s degree I am officially finished after I turn in one
last paper over Christmas break.  It will be nice to have this accomplished.

Josie turned 9 in June, can you believe it!!!!   She is still in girlscouts.
She is an avid reader and seems to be doing well in school.   She has started
taking riding lessons from Grandma Passow this summer.  She enjoys riding Breezy
and Grandma reports that she’s learning fast for such a late start.  Josie is
in her 2nd year of piano lessons.  She took recently put on a Christmas recital
at the church.  You can view that at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuKwZhyVoiw.

James is in 7th grade.  This year he started football.  He played offensive
tackle, defensive end, was on the kick off,kick return and punt teams.  The team
was undefeated and is looking forward to next year as the 8th grade team.  James
is in his 2nd year of guitar lessons.  He also put on a Christmas recital
recently.  He played as part of a group of students.  Pictures can be viewed at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahbpics/sets/72157622874394081/show/. 

James does well in school and is turning into quite the young man.  As you can
see from the pictures he is nearly caught up to his dad on height.  He passed me
up last summer.

Roger continues to work at Semcac on the weatherization crew. He has been
holding down the fort as I spend additional time with my Grandmother, finish my
degree and get those unexpected calls to go into work.  He’s looking forward
to taking a hunting trip to Texas at the end of January.  He is going with a
group of guys to hunt wild pigs.  (I don’t get it, but he’s very excited.)
James would LOVE to go as well.  However, we feel that he needs some local
hunting experience before making a large of investment for a big game trip.

I hope that you and yours are doing well.  I hope that you have a wonderful and
safe holiday.

Lanesboro Farmer's Market

2009-10-02T08:43:00.001-05:00

Lanesboro Farmer's Market
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Grandma and I went to the farmer's market in Lanesboro last weekend. They had a great assortment of items. We bought cashew crunch, pickles, and some misc veggies. After that we took a road trip to Wykoff as it was Fall Fest. Gma got to visit with a few old friends. It seemed that everybody was glad to see her. I was thanked many times for bringing her to Wykoff. This weekend is the Brush Poppin Ranch Trailride. I'll be busy helping prepare the meals for 100+ cowboys/cowgirls. It's always a good time but I'm sure I'll be very tired by the end of the weekend. I'm taking Monday off work to re-cooperate. My girlfriend Karmen's sister Amy was in a roll over accident last weekend. I'm hoping that I can go visit her in Rochester on Monday. I'm not sure if they will be accepting visitors that are non-family yet. The rest of the family is busy with all their school and after school activities. James has been enjoying 7th grade football is already down to the last 3 games. Josie has started back up with Girlscouts. She has moved up from a Brownie into a Junior GS this year. Add that that guitar lessons for James. piano lesson for Josie and graduate classes for Mom and we keep plenty busy.

2009-09-10 James plays FootBall

2009-09-10T19:23:00.001-05:00

2009-09-10 James plays FootBall
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

James started playing 7th grade football a couple of weeks ago. They had their first home game tonight and we got to see him play. He plays Defensive End and Offensive Tackle. They are a new team and play very timidly yet but they have won both of their games. He seems very excited about playing FB. First thing I've seen him get real excited about. As you can see from the pic he's nearly as tall as his dad and he by past me last summer.

An update continued

2009-08-31T20:59:00.001-05:00

Wow, I've realized that I haven't been doing a good job of update my blog. I guess i've been using my facebook status as a replacement. However, I don't think that the disjointed nature of facebook really works for a journal. Over the last month the family took a trip to waterville for a Bearbower fishing weekend. We had a good time. The kids and Roger did some fishing. James has started football practice and will have his first home game on the 10th. Last weekend I spent the weekend with Gma as Mom and Jeff were at the MN State Fair. Gma and I went to visit Florence on Saturday. On Sunday we went to lanesboro for the community play. Kids start school next week. We get one final camping weekend in Wiscoy this next weekend. I sure hope it gets warmer.

An update

2009-08-31T20:44:00.001-05:00

4th of July Camping

2009-07-07T11:03:00.001-05:00

4th of July Camping
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Four days of fun, food, camping, fireworks, swimming and sun. We had a great time down in Wiscoy. Dareck used his smoker while were down there to smoke brisket and a variety of other meats. The weather was perfect for us. With the additional use of the ponds this year we were able to go swimming in addition to the kids using the creek for creek splashing. I was happy to get a good base tan going before I go to Rockfest in a couple of weeks. The next camping expedition to wiscoy will be over Labor Day. I can't wait.

Back to Reality

2009-06-07T16:58:00.003-05:00

Well I've been home from China since Monday. I've been on the go since my return. Spending the week with the kids and Gma. Went to my sisters yesterday and today Roger and I have been bumming around. We went to Winona and saw Terminator Salvation. AWESOME special effects. Good storyline but they are never as good as the original. I was VERY surprised that Arnold put in a cameo appearance. Tonight some of us are going to see the Star Trek movie in Harmony. Not Roger's cup of tea so Mom, Jeff, Ramona and I are going. Monday I go back to work. Although I think I'm working 7:30 - 4 shifts for the next couple of months so that gives me a little extra time in the evenings. I need to concentrate on reflecting on my China trip and putting my finished product together for the coursework. I have tons of pics, multiple recordings and other notes but it is a lot of information to synthesis into something to turn in. The kids are staying with Anna and Bruce until Thursday so hopefully that will cut down on my excuses for not dedicating time to my coursework. (RIGHT!!!) Anyway, it's been a great 3 1/2 weeks. I'm sure that everything will be exciting and fresh when I get back to work.

2009-05-25 Day 11 - Shanghai - Chinese Garden 018 (12)

2009-05-30T04:40:00.001-05:00

2009-05-25 Day 11 - Shanghai - Chinese Garden 018 (12)
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Enjoying China. This day we were at a Chinese Garden in Shanghai and I had an EXTREMELY bad headache. it was nice to relax in garden on the benches and relax. Unfortuneatly I didn't get to see much of the markets in Shanghai due to the headache. I missed out on some good deals. However, one of my classmates is going back there so hopefully she can get me a couple of things. Now I'm in Taipei, Taiwan. We leave in 2 days. It's been a long enough trip but I feel like I've only gotten a taste of each of the cities. I'm glad that I've taken this adventure. I'm coming out of this trip feeling comfortable with international travel, eating with chopsticks, ordering new foods, and herding cats.

2009-05-20 Day 6 - Beijing trade show, walking and Peking Duck 026

2009-05-20T19:54:00.001-05:00

2009-05-20 Day 6 - Beijing trade show, walking and Peking Duck 026
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Peking Duck is excellent. We all went out to a restaurant in a mall in Beijing and had some Peking Duck. Sarah Kay even tried the duck head... MMMMmmmm. Earlier in the day we went to a security trade show. Lots of equipment for police, air flight security, small cameras in belts/purses/button cams, etc. It was fun. Although it was mostly communication via sign language. After that I spent the day walking around the area near the hotel and people watched. I did a little more shopping and also took a taxi to Tienanmen Square. The exciting part of the day was being escorted about 5 blocks by two security guards to get to the taxi area. I wish I could have had a picture but they don't like their pictures taken. I did see a guy on the side walk with a camera taking our pic. Maybe I can find it on line some day. Today we travel to Xian. We will be leaving for the airport in about 30 minutes. We hope to arrive at the hotel around 4pm. I think I will need to check my suitcase this time as I've accumulated a few things in Beijing.

2009-05-18 Beijing Day 5 - The Great Wall Tour 012

2009-05-19T04:34:00.001-05:00

2009-05-18 Beijing Day 5 - The Great Wall Tour 012
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Today we took a bus for about 2 hours to the bottom of The Great Wall. Then we proceeded to walk up 1500 steps to get to the wall. I thought I was going to die.... Ok maybe not die but I did get close to loosing my breakfast at one point. That was the longest set of stairs I have ever done in my life. However, it was worth it. The view was spectacular and it was great to see the wall in real life. During the trek up I was thinking of my friend Barb the whole time. She would have loved climbing these steps. Especially once she got to the top. Another fun part was a sled ride back down to the bottom. I really enjoyed that. I'm not big on the ski-lift chairs and that was my other option to get down the mountain. I have some video of the sled ride but I didn't post it yet. Maybe I'll put it on youtube later. Tomorrow we will be having a business trip. Sounds like we will be going to a trade show. I'm very excited about that. I'm hoping we will be able to walk around on our own a little there so I can do some interviewing. Tonight I think I'll be taking it very easy. I might just go to Pizza Hut for supper and then hang out in the market for a bit before making it an early night. BTW, Pizza Hut is a little more upscale in China than in the states, that's why I'm going to check it out. More later. Stay tuned.

2009-05-16 Beijing Day 3 - Beijiing Zoo & Markets 036

2009-05-17T09:33:00.001-05:00

2009-05-16 Beijing Day 3 - Beijiing Zoo & Markets 036
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Hello folks. Well today I got initiated to public toilets in Beijiing. It was quite an interesting experience. Good thing I've lived in the country all my life and have had to use the roadside on occasion.

Today a bunch of the MIB students got in. A group of 8 of us took the subways and busing system to the Beijiing zoo today. We saw Pandas, Lions, Tigers, Elephants, etc. We also went to another shopping market. i got lost... We were going to meet back at the entrance in an hour and the market was so big that it had 3 different entrances. I couldn't find the correct one. At one point I walked out of the building and started walking around the building on the outside to see if I could spot anyone. I ended up in a different market building be they had a public phone and an information desk that could assist me. So I got hooked back up with the crew.

Tonight we had supper at a place called a HotPot.. The concept seems similar to a fondue pot except they use hot water to cook the vegetables, noodles, tofu, & meats. It was good.

They found me.

2009-05-15T05:25:00.001-05:00

2009-05-15 Arrival in Beijing 003
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

I knew it was only a matter of time before the men in the white suit found me to take me away..... JK. Well I arrived safe and sound in Beijing. We had a little bit of excitement as someone on our plane and a fever of 101 degress which lead to a long wait at the airport and a some of the passengers going to quarentine. I'm glad I wasn't sitting close to that person. I'm checked into the hotel now. I'll be calling the family shortly on Skype and then going out and about for a bit. Think I'll try to go to bed at a decent time as i only slept about 5 hours on the plane. Stay tuned for more.

2009-04-19 Granny Wilde 005

2009-04-19T19:39:00.001-05:00

2009-04-19 Granny Wilde 005
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

We spent most of our afternoon in Iowa today. We went to Manly to visit Roger's granny (lady in the purple). We hadn't been down to see her in awhile and she sure seemed happy to see us. She reminisced about the days when Roger and Randy would come and stay at her house. Roger would follow her around the garden and when it came time to shuck the peas he would eat them as soon as she shucked them. After we visited with Granny we went to Bob, Pat & Shari's for supper. Good food and a quick visit. Shari is having surgery tomorrow to have her kidney removed. She is still in quite a bit of pain. Hopefully pulling that kidney will take care of that. It was a great weekend. Got lots of work done in the yard yesterday. We filled a 10 yard dumpster full of junk. I think we'll need another one to go through all of Roger's sheds.

Gma home for the day

2009-04-12T19:25:00.001-05:00

Gma home for the day
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Easter Sunday was a good day. Josie and I went to Lewiston this morning and picked up Gma. She spent the day at home today. It was a good day with good food and lots of family. Patty and Jeff had to work but the rest of us were available. The kids had fun playing and hunting for candy. At the end of the day James and my Mom worked with his pony while Gma and I went through yet more boxes of knick-knacks. (I swear they never end, maybe they multiply in the back room). Mom took Gma back to Lewiston so I could get home with the kids to finish up homework. I think the day went very well. Gma still needs to be a bit stronger I think. Still very shaken when getting up from a chair. Also can't "walk" very far, even with the walker. However, time will take care of this too.

Long Lost Family

2009-04-04T15:06:00.001-05:00

2009-04-04 Eric Nagy's visit to Iowa
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

I went to Iowa last minute yesterday to visit Eric (on the left) and his family. Eric came up from Indiana for the weekend to see Shari & "the boys" as well as Bob & Patty & family. It has been a long time since we had everybody all together in one place. I had great fun. Shari has some kidney problems and will be going in on April 20th to have a kidney removed. In the mean time she is on some heavy antibiotics for an infection and pain killers. I can't wait for the next family get together. Eric, his wife and 2 boys made the long trek west. I'm glad they did.

Gma's Big Outing

2009-03-28T19:24:00.001-05:00

Elton & Sharon's Anniversary party
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Today we took Gma out of the nursing home for the 1st time since she broke her hip in mid-January. Transfers from the car to the wheelchair went fairly well and after we did 3/4 of them I think we were all getting the hang of it. We went to Wykoff for Sharon & Elton Sikkink's 50th wedding anniversary party. It was held at the Wykoff Community center and Gma got to visit with a number of her Wykoff friends. I don't know what rumors have been going around town about her but everybody seemed very surprised to see her out and about. They all were commenting on how good she looked. I really think she enjoyed seeing some of her friends, although it was very loud so I think she had a hard time hearing what was going on .

After we left the Community center we stopped in to visit Florence, her sister-in-law, at her home. (this is the pic)

It was a great day. Check Flickr for more of the pics from the community center. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahbpics

Delta Mu Delta Honor Member

2009-03-28T10:26:00.001-05:00

Delta Mu Delta Honorees
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Yesterday I was inducted into Delta Mu Delta's international honor society in business. Delta Mu Delta is a business honor society that recognizes and encourages academic excellence of students at qualifying colleges and universities to create a DMD community that fosters the well-being of its individual members and the business community through life-time membership.

Airplane ride

2009-03-17T14:03:00.001-05:00

2009-03-03 Visiting Gma

2009-03-03T19:43:00.001-06:00

2009-03-03 Visiting Gm
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Look at that Flaming Star Amaryllis. This flower is HUGE. It took a little over a month for this flower to grow to this hieght and flower. We don't know how long the blooms will hold but we hope it will stick around for awhile. Grandma is doing well. They've started having her take steps in physical therapy. I haven't had a chance to talk with her therapist to see how it is going. Grandma reports that is is going well but it does hurt.

Gma's Dr. Appt

2009-02-25T23:00:00.001-06:00

Greg's Visit
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Well Grandma's 6 wk Dr. Appt went well. The doctor says that she can start putting 50% weight on the leg and he will see her again in 6 wks. At that time he suspects that she will be able to put 100% weight on it. This is all VERY good news. We are going to be starting to work on plans for getting her home again, althougth it may not be for 4-6wks. It really depends on how well she does in therapy. Greg, my cousin, has been up visiting for a couple of days with week. it has been fun having him up. The visits always see too short. Gma was happy to see him and we plan to go back tomorrow if the weather doesn't keep us away.

2009-02-20 The Pretenders

2009-02-21T19:46:00.001-06:00

2009-02-20 The Pretenders
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Last night Barb, Tom and I went to First Ave. to see The Pretenders. It was a VERY good show. The opening band, American Bang, also Rocked. I would highly recommend checking them out. Three encores later The Prentenders left the stage. Then we went to meet waiting friends at The Outpost in Ramsey. We didn't get to hang out too long. The only sucky part of the whole event was the snow and crappy roads. How is that I'm also go to shows in crappy weather?

FW:PictureMail

2009-02-21T00:49:00.001-06:00

Shelley and Heather wait for us to arrive. They text and picture text.

Fun in Wiscoy

2009-02-16T12:37:00.003-06:00

2009-02-14 Weekend at the Cabin
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

We had a good time this weekend down at Dareck & Tammi's cabin in Wiscoy. The guys and kids spent time out on the ice doing a little icefishing. We had some injury's due to slipping on the rocks. I did do quite a bit of reading for my class but took time out to visit as well. Tell (the boy making the funny face) was just a jabbering away all weekend. I may have found a kid that talks as much as Josie. =) I could go into details about nightly conversations but let's just say I laughed so hard I cried and leave it at that. Somethings I think you "had to be there" to appreciate.

Josie and I did go visit Gma on Sunday. She's doing well. Not much changes but we are starting to count down to her next Doctor appt.

View all the pics from the weekend on my flickr page. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahbpics/sets/72157613937674756/

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T11:03:00.002-06:00

We will be "off the grid" this weekend. We are going to a friends cabin in Wiscoy valley. I wish I could say that I'll be relaxing but I have A LOT of reading to catch up on for my class and a research paper for said class. However, I think the kids and Roger are planning to do some ice fishing and general hanging out and having fun. I can't find my charger for my camera so I'll hopefully be able to get pics from another source and post some.

Tonight I'm going to see Gma. She is doing well. We are just waiting for her to heal up so she can go home. The physical therapy person believes she is doing well and is itching to try to get her to take some steps. However, he will wait for her DR appt on the 25th to get permission from the doctor.

Good time at whiskey junction

2009-02-01T09:37:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I spent the whole day in Burnsville helping a girlfriend move. My legs hurt today from all those steps. Last night we meant so additional friends of mine at Whiskey Junction. An Ac/Dc tribute band called TNT played. I had a blast

Gma's Dr. Appt

2009-01-28T16:12:00.002-06:00

Well Grandma had her Dr. appt today. The doctor gave permission for her to use the standing lift so that should allow for her to use a regular toilet. Grandma will be happy about that. On a side note Mom thinks she has a blatter infection. It's probably due to not drinking enough and waiting too long to go. The infections at the staple site was a surface infection the dr felt. All the staples are out now so that should stop bugging her. Grandma has another appt in 4 weeks. At that time they will be able to decide if she can start putting more weight on the bad leg. She is not able to do anymore than she has been at therapy. I'd still like to get her out of the nursing home for an outing, but I don't feel comfortable transferring her. If anybody has any ideas on that let me know.

Today's Update

2009-01-27T21:29:00.002-06:00

Grandma had a full visitors list today. Mom & Dusty were there early in the afternoon. I came up after work had supper with her. DeLane, Patty and Brianna came in shortly after supper to visit. Brianna had fun getting Cheetos from Great Grandma. She was a good entertainer until she got tired for the evening. Grandma is hoping that the Dr. appt tomorrow gives us some good new on her healing progress and allows her to get onto the standing lift. She was in a funk earlier today. I think that Brianna provided a good diversion for the night. DeLane and Patty took pics tonight. Once their posted I'll add one to this posting. Pray for a good diagnosis tomorrow.

Grandma on antibiotics

2009-01-26T20:37:00.003-06:00

Today they found that Grandma's staples on her hip are infected. They put her on a very strong antibiotic and she had her first dose tonight. Other than the fact that she'd like to go to the bathroom on a regular toilet she's doing well. She has an appt with her doctor on Wednesday. The doctor will do x-rays to see how her hip is healing. Say your prayers that the bones are healing properly. We are hoping that everything is going well in there and that we can get the Dr. to allow the nursing home to use the standing lift. This will allow her a bit more independence in her night time duties. I think she's getting a little depressed about being so helpless. I told her to keep her thoughts up and to be patient. Healing will take time. I'll be going to visit her tomorrow night. Sylvia will go with her to the Dr. appt on Wednesday. I'm out of town this weekend so hopefully others can get to visit Grandma on the weekend.

Grandma doing well

2009-01-23T21:40:00.001-06:00

I went to visit Grandma tonight. She's doing well. She said that her leg hurts. She's doing her physical therapy. She doesn't like the food. I'm going to take something to here on Sunday. I was thinking that I'd like to borrow a van with a wheelchair lift so we could take Gma out. Although she said that she didn't want to go anywhere until it gets warmer. So I guess by then she will hopefully be able to get in and out of a wheelchair.

James turns 12 today. He had friends stay over night at Mom & Jeffs. We'll continue the party tomorrow.

Sent from my iPod
Sarah Bearbower

2009-01-20 Gma at Lewiston

2009-01-20T21:05:00.001-06:00

2009-01-20 Gma at Lewiston
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

As promised here's a pic of Grandma in her nursing home room. She was doing well again today. She had physical therapy today and the therapist said that she was in great shape considering she is 90. He thought that she will be able to be back in shape and be able to do the same things should could before. This is all great news. If you have the ability to come visit she could use company. We'd like to have somebody visit her every day. Let me know if you are going to be able to make it.

Grandma in Lewiston

2009-01-19T20:41:00.004-06:00

Grandma moved from the hospital to the Lewiston nursing home today. I went to see her after work today. Josie and I had supper with her. She didn't seem too confused tonight. When I left at 7:30pm we already had her in bed and she said that she was going to go to bed. She's still frustrated that she can't make her leg work to roll onto her side. I think Mom is going to try to take Dusty over there tomorrow to visit. I'll stop there after work again tomorrow. I don't think I can stop on Wednesday or Thursday. We are hoping that hopefully the nursing home will be a more social atmosphere so that grandma won't get so worried about where she is. I'll try to take some pictures tomorrow. Assuming I remember the camera. Well I better get to my overdue reading for my class tomorrow.

Gma out of the hospital

2009-01-19T13:18:00.002-06:00

Grandma is being released from the hospital today. The only nursing home in the area with an opening is Lewiston so that is where she will start out. We are hoping she can transfer to Rushford when an opening arises there and she's still on the waiting list.

Last night we had a really rough night with Gma at the hospital. She was very confused about where she was and didn't want to go to sleep. She kept attempting to get up. I spoke with her on the phone at about 11pm and talked her into trying to go to sleep.

Mom said that she seems fine this morning. So this may be related to how tired she is. I wish that she didn't require so much care and we could just bring her home today.

Mom took some of her bedroom belongings with her so we are hoping that some of these familiar items will help her at night when she gets tired and mixed up.

I'll be going to see Gma after work. I'll report her condition when I get home tonight.

Visiting with Gma

2009-01-18T19:24:00.002-06:00

Josie, Mom and I went to LaCrosse today to visit with Grandma. We got there about 10:30am. We chatted, played 500 Rummy, had lunch (Gma didn't eat very much) and visited a bit with Elton & Sharon. Grandma did very well until around 1:30pm or so. Then she seemed to get more confused and wanted to go home again. Even though earlier in the day we had talked about the fact that she would be going to a nursing home tomorrow for more rehab on her hip. We are hoping that she just needed some sleep since she had been better in the AM when we first arrived. When we left she seemed frustrated but I think we talked her into taking a nap before physical therapy. Tomorrow they will move her to a nursing home. Mom & Josie will be going back to the hospital in the morning to help with the move. We are hoping that she gets in at Rushford, but Houston is our second choice if they have a bed they could keep her in until Rushford has an opening. Nobody had indicated how the bones are mending but I suppose they don't even know anything until the 6 weeks are up. The bones & the mind are our primary concerns. We did have a good time playing 500 rummy this morning. I hate broken hips.... =( Stay tuned for more details.

Went to visit Grandma

2009-01-17T18:16:00.002-06:00

Yesterday after work I went to visit grandma at the hospital. They had her up in a chair and she ate some solid food for supper. She seemed very confused. She didn't seem to know why she was in the hospital and seemed to be ready to leave the hospital that day. Today, Anna, DeLane and Patty went to see her today. Anna said that Grandma wasn't any more confused that normal today. She also said that Grandma ate all her breakfast and most of her lunch. I will be going to see Gma tomorrow. Hopefully she'll be released on Monday to a nursing home. We'd like her to go to Rushford but she may have to go Houston until Rushford has openings. We are hoping that her bones heal well. Please keep her in your thoughts.

Waiting at the hospital

2009-01-15T16:21:00.004-06:00

Grandma's surgery went well and she is already out. She should be back in the room around 5:30pm or so. I'll keep everybody posted here.

2008 Sarah's Family Christmas

2009-01-14T22:41:00.001-06:00

2008 Sarah's Family Christmas
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Tonight my Grandma fell while getting out of the truck after an outing with Mom & Jeff. She may have broken her hip. They called an ambulance to go and pick her up. I'm waiting to hear more details. Please keep Gesina in your thoughts. She is very dear to us and will have a long recovery if she did break her hip.

2008 Sarah's Family Christmas

2008-12-27T19:24:00.001-06:00

2008 Sarah's Family Christmas
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

We had a good time with family over the Christmas holiday. 5 Christmases in 4 days. This Grandma and all her Great Grandchildren.

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-25T06:36:00.001-06:00

2008 Sutton Family Christmas
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Today is full of Christmas activies with the Bearbower and Passow Clans. Last night we were in Rochester with the Sutton family. Everybody had a great time... Just look at those smiles.

Family goes to the Creamery

2008-12-21T20:57:00.001-06:00

Family goes to the Creamery
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Nearly the whole clan went to the Creamery today after the HP Christams program. I took advantage of their decorations and got a pic of the next generation on my side of the family. James (11 nearly 12), Kira (6), Santa (?), Annika (1), Courtney (8), Josie (8), Brianna (1).

Josie's first piano recital

2008-12-14T17:42:00.001-06:00

Josie's first piano recital
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

We had a busy weekend. Friday night was the Passow Custom Ag Christmas party, Saturday I went shopping with Grandma and then we watch the Parade of Lights in Rushford. Sunday we had Sunday School program practice, church, lunch and Josie's first piano recital.

Josie was very nervous. There were some long pauses as she played but she stuck it out and played the whole piece. When she got back to her seat she told me she had been on the wrong keys. Poor Kid.

Next week is busy with James's band concert, SMU Christmas dinner, and James's guitar lesson. As well as the typically daily tasks

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-04T12:18:00.002-06:00

I made it through Thanksgiving holidays. Unfortunately I caught a head cold part way through that is still hanging on.

Thanksgiving day was a full day filled with Turkey day at Anna and Bruces's house followed by packing a trailer full of Gma's stuff to take home and unload. I think we've got most of the stuff that she is concerned about. There's a couple pieces of furniture that Anna and Bruce are using and the stuff in the ominous "keep" room.

Saturday I hosted the Bearbower Thanksgiving at my house. We came, We saw, We stuffed ourselves, We left.

After that is when the head cold took me out. Also believe it or not I didn't take a signal pic. I'm sad about that. Did anybody else take any pics? I'd like to get ahold of some.

Monkey Wrench at Alumni Inn

2008-11-17T10:08:00.001-06:00

Monkey Wrench at Alumni Inn
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

I had a GREAT Rock -n- Roll weekend.

On Saturday night Barb, Tom, Amy, Amy's Date (sorry don't remember the name), and I went out to see Monkey Wrench. AWESOME time.

Sunday night I went to the LaCrosse center and saw Buckcherry, Avenge Sevenfold, Saving Abel, and Shinedown.

I think I've given myself whiplash.....

2008-11-13 New Do

2008-11-13T15:38:00.001-06:00

2008-11-13 New Do
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

See, Told U.

2008-11-13 New Do

2008-11-13T15:37:00.001-06:00

2008-11-13 New Do
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

It's short. =)

2008 Colorado Elk Hunting

2008-11-09T08:46:00.001-06:00

2008 Colorado Elk Hunting
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

The Might Hunter returns. Roger was happy they saw elk this year and he even bagged one.

2008-11-01 Halloween Party 005

2008-11-03T08:40:00.001-06:00

2008-11-01 Halloween Party 005
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Halloween Party in Preston was a blast.

Josie Lynn

2008-08-22T19:18:00.001-05:00

Josie Lynn
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

My beautiful 8 yr old girl. Hard to believe she'll be in 3rd grade this year.

Rockfest 2008

2008-07-23T13:18:00.003-05:00

Rockfest 2008
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Well Rockfest has come and gone. It always doesn't get here quick enough and then is over too soon. Memories include: Dave splashing in the puddles, slip and slide (Sarah mostly slips), "Serious Wood", "Go Wide", "Real Hard", "Someone Broke Sarah", Kilt wearers with a little "Captain in them", sharing a camping chair with Barb & Tome, and much, much more.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-06-13T12:24:00.002-05:00

Life has been crazy. In the last few months I've been at Grandma's on the weekends, work during the week, Auction in May, Memorial day camping, Gradutions, Colorado trip for work, etc, etc.

I've uploaded a number of pics to my flickr account. Go check it out.

Horning boys 2007

2008-04-30T20:36:00.001-05:00

This is my attempt to send information to my blog from my iPod.

2008-04-30T15:22:00.001-05:00

This is my attempt to send information to my blog from my iPod.

Blogger

2008-04-30T08:54:00.001-05:00

http://www.google.com/m/products/blogger?output=xhtml&source=mobileproducts

Sent from my iPod
Sarah Bearbower

Catch up

2008-03-29T18:13:00.001-05:00

Over the last couple months I've been spending most weekends at Grandma Brueggeman's. We've picked a date for an auctions. Tools, guns, household item, antiques will all be include on May 18th.

So for the most part my life has been work, home x5 then grandma, home x 2 then away to work again.

I did go see Bon Jovi in concert on March 18th and I am VERY excited to be seeing Dan Wilson at the Fine Line on March 31st.

Thanks for checking in.

Floyd Bruegeman's Wake

2008-02-09T14:29:00.001-06:00

Floyd Bruegeman's Wake
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

On January 29th my grandpa died. I will miss him more than I can ever say. He was wise, kind, and humorous. He took very good care of my grandmother and loved her dearly. His passing, although not entire unexpected, was sudden.

Packer Playoff Party

2008-01-21T09:42:00.001-06:00

Packer Playoff Party
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

On Sunday we cheered on the PACK during the Playoff game. More Pictures can be found at my Flickr site.

Or you can click on the link to view a slideshow of the Playoff pics. http://flickr.com/photos/sarahbpics/sets/72157603764806994/show/

Jeff's 20yrs Sober Celebration

2008-01-21T09:40:00.001-06:00

Jeff's 20yrs Sober Celebration
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

On Sunday we celebrated Jeff's 20 years of Sobriety. More pictures from the event are on my Flickr pages.

2007-12-29 Outland - Jeff

2008-01-08T17:31:00.001-06:00

2007-12-29 Outland - Jeff
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Outland, a band that my co-worker Jeff is in, played at the Alma Hotel on the 29th. A great time!!!

I'm planning on being there in March. You should too.

Josie and Eagan

2008-01-01T09:49:00.001-06:00

Bearbower Christmas 2007
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Look at those smiling faces from the Bearbower 2007 Christmas.

Check out more photos at Flickr. http://flickr.com/photos/sarahbpics

James and Sweety

2008-01-01T09:47:00.001-06:00

2007 in Review
Originally uploaded by sbearbow

Summer 2007 - James and his doggy. Smiling for the camera

Inspiration

2007-12-31T09:24:00.000-06:00

I've been inspired by another to create a Blog. This will be mostly to share pics that I've taken of my family or specific events. It will be an easy way to share with my friends and family.