Marshalls, Meet Your Foe!

So a few days ago Joel and I were removing some debris from a house, including a very large dog house. In order to break the dog house apart we tipped it over. As we did we were swarmed with yellow jackets which decided to follow us all the way to the front of the house and finally our truck - Where I was stung twice (the wrist and over my left kidney). Let me tell you, that is nothing like a bee sting. Joel somehow got away with no stings.



These mini-creatures had built their home right under the dog house into the ground. I had no idea that these things would build under items such as that dog house. When we got home I did a little research to make sure of what these angry stinging things were and discovered that yellow jackets and other such creatures are very common here in Colorado. That extension office webpage seemed to scream at me, "Meet your new foe!" I guess we'll know next time to be careful when removing large items from long abandoned houses.

Here's a guy that had a lot of fun getting rid of an underground yellow jacket nest! I wish I could have done this to that nest.

It just goes to show that no matter where you live there is always something to deal with and that no place is perfect.

Dad Update #2

This last weekend Jerry, Shelby, Joel, and I surprised Mom and Dad with a visit. We got to the hospital Saturday morning. It was great to see them both and I think that Dad enjoyed the change of pace. Dad actually seems to be doing very well, much better than after the back surgery last year. He is eating, has color back in his face, and is walking with his back STRAIGHT! Praise God for the difference already!


The doctors only went in from the front. He has a cesarean-like incision and they actually took all his “guts” out for the surgery. They fused a few more vertebrates and plated them and then put spacers between the vertebrates that were worked on before, as there were none put in the first time. The doctor also said that there wasn’t as much damage as he was afraid there was and the surgery went very well.

Saturday the doctor came and released Dad- much to his relief! He still has a long way to go and will need to be patient and do very little for the next 6 months, but I think he has a good beginning. Thank you to everyone who has been remembering Dad in your prayers!

Jennifer

Early Morning Visitor

Joel and I are definitely what you would call night owls, especially for working people. Last night (or this morning) we got to bed at about 12:45 and I had just began to doze off when we were both startled by a loud bang and Molly (our big Chocolate Lab) viciously barking. She doesn't bark often but when she does she means business. We both made our way through the dark house and flipped on the back porch light.

There before us, perched on top of the fence, holding on for its life was a large raccoon! It ended up jumping off the fence and running away. However, we were plagued for several more hours by being awakened by Molly charging the fence every few minutes. Apparently the raccoon was determined to get in the fence to eat Molly's food... It didn't happen.



I love seeing all the wild creatures up here. Of course we have raccoons but we also have tons of mule deer that run around town in the mornings and evenings. We were warned when we moved in to watch for the bears - apparently the black bears like to come down to rummage through the town people's garbage every now and then.

Please keep Dad in your prayers, his surgery is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12:30. Thanks and have a great day!

Jennifer

A Picture Tour

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is having a great weekend! We have had a nice weekend. Today (Saturday) Jerry and Shelby came up and we all had brunch and then we drove out to Beuna Vista to see my Great Uncle Phillip and Aunt Shirley. We had a really nice visit with them and the girls won the fun-as-ever Skip-O game.

On the way back home we were exploring a country road when we spotted a porcupine. It was my first time to see a live porcupine in the wild. Joel grabbed the camera and ran after it. He got some great pictures, but the thing was definitely on the defense and would not let him see his head.



Some of the most gorgeous views in Colorado are on the way to and around Beuna Vista. Beuna Vista is surrounded by the fantastic Collegiate Peaks. All the peaks out here are starting to get covered in snow. Thursday night the weather guy said that we might get our first snow but it didn't happen.


So for all the family who have been asking to see pictures of our new house I thought I would include a few here. We are still settling in (a very slow process for us) so you have to excuse any messes you see.





I know those pictures were exciting, but I hope no one got too excited. Talk to you all soon!

Jennifer

Dad News

Dad's surgery was rescheduled for September 17th. After I expressed my frustration to Mom she pointed out that it's more time for God to work a miracle. We'll just keep praying!

Jennifer

We Made It!

Well guys, we have made to Woodland Park and we are settling in. We still have a ways to go, but we've gotten a good start and have began receiving work here. The weather has been fantastic and I totally understand why nobody has air conditioners at this elevation. We haven't used the fireplace yet (we haven't gotten a screen yet) but we have used the heater at night and in the mornings.

I also wanted to update you all on Dad. He is actually undergoing another back surgery today. After running several tests the new doctor decided that there are more discs that are damaged. They won't be sure what all they will work on until they get in there. This time they are going in from the side and plating and fusing the front also. Recovery will be more painful as they will also be cutting through some ribs. Please keep him in your prayers, he is really nervous and will need a lot of patience.

Now that we have everything up and running I'll be able to catch you all up on our Montana trip and the happenings in our new home. I'll write more soon!

Jennifer