Life in the rehab-by Dad

All of us old folks enjoying our beautiful view from the dining room.

Our Christmas tree made it feel a little bit more like home.

Waking up or going to bed with this beautiful sunrise/sunset view is not a bad way to live.

This may be what I look like when I get out of here.

We love the South!

Snow Day!

The big storm left over a foot of snow. Certainly not Donner Summit stuff, but pretty big time for this part of the country. So much for global warming... The sun is shining and it's beautiful! Gene has been out most of the morning on the little tractor, plowing the canyon roads and people's driveways. I just came in from driving the hoopty over to the horses and it was a real thrill ride! The wind has drifted snow back into the roads, so you just go fast and blast through the drifts! Birdie was having a hard time staying on the passenger seat, we were bouncing and fishtailing around so much. Woo-hoo!

By the way, the temperature is finally up to 11 degrees. That does not include the wind chill, which probably has it below zero. Doesn't matter, it's still beautiful! I hope it sticks around so we have a white Christmas...

Christmas in CA

So we've decided to come to CA for Christmas. John will be arriving into Ontario on Dec. 22 (we cashed in two free tickets--it was the only time available), Melinda and Rachel will arrive on Dec. 23 for a few days with the Perrys and a few days with the DeVitos. Looking forward to seeing you all!

dog-umentary

someone with too much time on her hands!

Second in State

Here's a couple pictures from Friday night's postseason football game, where the girls were honored. This was a special team with great girls and wonderful families.

Tis the season

Here is Gene, all camoed out, just showered with a special body wash that gets rid of human smell, and probably sprayed some fox urine on his boots, just for good measure. So, not only can you not see him, but you can't smell him. At least, that's his story. He's on his way out to the scent-lock deer stand with his bow and a paperback. There have been lots of "big boys" visiting the feeder, so this may be the year he takes a big buck. Lord, have mercy.

Halloween at Brick's

Congratulations to RR and her volleyball team!

Last night, the band played a Halloween party at Brick's. We didn't dress up, but lots of other folks did. And you know, you can't have a costume party in Kansas, without the Wizard of Oz crew showing up. Next to them, are the Tacky Tourist, the character from Scream, a Bee Keeper and the Joker. All were prize winners. Other than a few technical difficulties, we had a good time. So today, I'm really tired.

And now it's November....how time flies

Joan

agony of defeat

runners up. great girls!

We won-- and now on to the finals!

It was a hard fought battle. Lost the first two sets fast, won the third, they had match point on us and we rallied back to win all in the fifth (at nearly midnight). Whewwwwww. Give an OLD mamma a heart attack! We play the finals at noon today. Our games are usually streamed live on the Father Ryan.org website. Not sure about this one. Love to all!

Finally...

a word from the "hood". I'm sorry, I've been THE worst blogger of all. The whirl of playing nursemaid to my big patient (he's doing great-- i think-- i'm not sure he'd tell me if he wasn't : ), Rachel's busy life, helping with our church, etc. I've been an awful correspondent. So, finally, I send much love and a very brief summary from our long distance...

Road to the RING! (State Volleyball Champs ring, that is)

Here's a picture from yesterday when the moms and some dads met to decorate the bus, give them goodies and cheer them on as they left for the state tournament.

Big News: Father Ryan High School Volleyball advances in the semi-final round

(and as a proud mother, i might add that-- Rachel's the only sophomore on the team). This is a picture after a recent tournament victory. We play tonight at 6:00 pm, the semi final round, and if we win (double elimination), we'll play the final round tomorrow at noon, in Murfreesboro at Middle Tennessee State University. Anyone want to catch a flight?

New mother/daughter group formed

Other news: In Nashville there was no official organization to help youth serve the community. So, I asked a few of my friends to meet, find needs in the community and bring our daughters to serve. We had one meeting in August, and thinking we might get 10 girls to sign up-- the word went out we've had nearly 80 young women want to serve-- with their mothers. Here's a picture of our first event of service-- Amy Grant's Yard Sale. (Rachel is on the far right with her USC sweatshirt on! oh, yah and Amy is third from left-- and her husband, Vince Gill was there sippin' hot chocolate and selling his golf bags) All the monies benefited a local group called Project Redesign which helps people in the projects. Check out our website.

DeVitos possible move to Nashville

Big news about my parents is that they might move to Nashville. For some time they have been contemplating a move somewhere and each time they visit they love it here. For fun, the last few visits we've looked at houses. In September, Mike and Kristi and my parents were here for my mom's 75th birthday-- and they found a home we all loved. My dad decided he would resign from his Mayor post and list their home. So they are waiting to see if their home sells. If not, he'll ski more and just goof off, while they can. Stay tuned.

Here's the quote that went with this cartoon from the Ojai Valley News:
"Our long-time councilman/Mayor Joe Devito has announced his retirement and abdication as of the first of the year. He is an avid downhill skier, loves Mammoth, so he and his wife have put the house up for sale and are planning to move to... Nashville??? Yeah, the daughter and family are there. Isn't that what is most important? Well, I feel that way, anyway. Bon voyage, Joe and Mary!"

The Band

We played last night in Manhattan, hopefully our last outdoor show for the season. Fansler, the mandolin player said he had frost on his mandolin. I think he may have been exagerrating just a little...but my hands and fingers were cold by the end of the evening. We could see our breath when we finished.

Gene just borrowed an electronic keyboard from Dale, and I'm already impressed by how much he can play! He never ceases to surprise me. Gene has been composing lyrics lately and wants to figure out the melodies for them.

All is well here, it's feeling like autumn and it's beautiful. May have to put a blanket on the bed soon...Take care everyone!

Joan

Family Photo

Just a quick post with the "almost complete" family photo. By the way, Dylan is standing on the hearth (at least, I'm pretty sure he is), he can't possibly be that tall!

More later...

Joan

Visit to Maryland

Gene and I just returned from 6 days in Maryland. Flew in/out of Baltimore and stayed with Maureen and Brent. Visited DC one day and saw the Smithsonian Museum of American Indians, along with the Roosevelt Memorial. While we were walking around, Marine One (Presidential helicopter) flew overhead. I waved, just in case the President was on board. I'm sure he waved back. And across the river, where the Pentagon is, there is now a memorial for 9/11 that you can see from a distance.

Saturday evening, we were invited to Alan Kelly's home in Potomac, MD for an "end of summer" party. Met some of his family, friends and neighbors. The next day, Alan joined us for dinner and a movie ("Julia and Julie" or something like that, the one about Julia Childs). The movie was great, I would recommend it to anyone! We laughed a lot, especially since Alan does a spot on imitation of Julia.

Monday, Brent took Gene and I out to Antitem, major battle site of the Civil War. Really interesting and oddly moving. Then across the river to Harper's Ferry. Lots of history.

So, happy to be home, if only for a week or so before we head out to California. See you there!

Joan

Home at last...

Returned home last night from our South Dakota road trip. I always consider it a success, if upon returning home, my critters are all still alive and the house is standing. We had a great time, and Maddy and I decided that Mt. Rushmore was our favorite place. Since I can't seem to control the placement of photos, I'll just tell you what they are...the bear is at Bear Country (clever, eh?) where we saw loads of Black Bear, then there's Jenna, Maddy and Gene and "hawgs" in Hill City.

(I really need to learn how to place pictures...)

So, glad to be home and back to our routine until Aug. 13 when we take off for the Washington DC area to visit Maureen and Brent Hanson, and Alan and Kim Kelly. Jet-setters!

Joan

Good Day!

Hey everybody!

It's been a while since I've checked this blog, but I am very happy to see that everyone still posts things up here! I LOVE seeing everyone's pictures and reading about your adventures! Joan...I am LOVING your pictures with your band! You guys are the real deal; rock on!

Anyway, just wanted to check in and make sure everyone was doing well! I have started a new show at Disney called "Celebrate: A Street Party". It's a high-energy dance party that stops 3 times along the parade route to interact with the audience and really get them involved. We have a swing section, a rock section, a latin section, a congo section, and a giant Finale, filled with confetti, air flames, drums, and shiny banners! I am doing a new role known as "Stand-By", in which I do just that. I know every single spot in the show (every dancer spot, stilt walker, character, and bike rider spot) and I come in everyday not knowing what I'll be cast in for the day. And they use me to do spots for the people that don't show up that day. It's really exciting because the rush of getting switched 2 or 3 times into different spots in the period of 45 minutes before the show starts is always a good time. So it's been quite fun getting to do something different everyday and not have to be stuck in one spot all the time. :]

But other than that, not much is new. I am still auditioning as the right auditions come along. I have an audition in 2 weeks for the national tour of Hairspray the Musical. So I am really excited about that. And I am hoping to go to NYC for a couple weeks sometime in the near future to audition out there and see how it goes. Anyway, I miss all of you and hope all is well! Here is the link to an album of pictures from my show! Love you guys! :]

Click HERE for pictures :]

On the Road Again...

Glad to hear that John is doing well, what a day Melinda had too! Hope RR is feeling better...

I neglected to tell you about the drive from Sioux Falls, SD to Hill City, SD...we stopped at the 1880's Town, which Maddy loved. Then a drive through The Badlands. It is amazing! When I get home, I'll post some photos. Then a stop at Wall's Drug, which is actually a city block in size, at least, and Maddy wanted to look at everything! Finally got to our cute motel in the Mt. Rushmore area and met a kitty who had lost 3 feet in an ice storm. Sweet little thing also lost her ears so I loved on her a bunch, since I'm missing my Kitty big-time. Already told you about Mt. Rushmore. Yesterday, we did the Reptile Gardens (not my fave), Bear Country (fab) and Big Thunder Gold Mine (I did laundry, someone has to be the mom). Big day. And all this time, there are hundreds of Harleys everywhere as the annual Harley Davidson Rally in Sturgis, SD starts this weekend. Everyone we met was very pleasant, these are not Hells's Angels, just folks with nice bikes.

So today, we left early and drove for almost 8 hours to Kearney, NE. Just before we arrived here, we took a small detour so Gene could visit a wild horse sanctuary. I was more than a little afraid we might be bringing one home...it's a dream of his to have and train a wild mustang.

Tomorrow, we head home, and I'm ready, I miss my critters. That's all for now, take care everyone, this family is an orthopedic nightmare!

Joan

Update from the Perrys

Well, you'll all be happy to know John's doing great. This morning he wanted the Wall Street Journal and his laptop! We saw the doctor and he reported that it took him the most time to straighten out his bowed legs-- but he did it. So, John might be a little taller! He didn't get into his room and settled until 9:30 last night. But they had him up and walking the hall this morning. He's really doing better than I thought.

Oh, and yesterday was quite eventful-- besides witnessing a bicycle injury/car accident-- hit and run (john had to walk to the hospital and admit himself while i gave the police/ambulance all the info)-- after that a red light went on in my car and the shop did not want me to drive it, so it got towed to the repair shop-- so I shlepped all john's stuff for the hospital (walker, suitcase, laptop, reading material) to the hospital. I looked like a bag lady. And then this morning, if that wasn't enough fun... Rachel got the stomach flu. Although I want to be with John, I'm home cleaning up from sweet Rachel Ray. That's probably more than you wanted to know-- but alas-- life is colorful-- all colors! It is a wonderful privilege caring for my family. I believe John will do just fine. He's been working out hard the last several months, so I think he'll come back strong. We're delighted he might not have as much pain. Y'all know better than anyone! Just wished I could be two places at one time-- right now Rachel wins the "most needy award".

Well, actually I wished we could be three places at one time-- we'd all like to be with Dick as he's healing-- we miss you all especially when someone is sick-- that's the hardest time to be so far away. I send much love from us all here!

Home sweet home!

Here's a couple pictures from our backyard. It's been a mild summer-- so we've really enjoyed the back yard. You'll see our giant birdfeeder. John has become quite a expert-- on "his" birds! Simple pleasures!

Visit with the Silvens

We were at a tournament in Dayton (in the Spring) and stopped to visit Helen and Warren. What a great time! Thought you might enjoy seeing the pictures.

Mt. Rushmore

This morning we woke up to a light rain, but decided to go to Mt. Rushmore anyway, after all, that's why we came here! We got lucky and dodged the rain all day, but it was very cool and we were glad we had jackets. Mt. Rushmore is soooooo impressive! We took the hike which includes a zillion stairs, thank you Aleve! Then we drove by Crazy Horse then took the scenic loop through Custer State Park, viewing bison, pronghorns, prairie dogs, burros, mule deer and turkey. Beautiful! I commented on how much it looks like the Sierra! Tomorrow we're off to the Reptile Farm (I may wait in the car), then Bear Country. Everything is going well, no glitches in our travel (knock on wood).

Still waiting to see news on brother John...

XOXX Joan

Road Trip

Greetings from Sioux Falls, SD! Gene and I are on a road trip to Mt. Rushmore with his daughter Jenna and granddaughter Maddy. Yesterday, we drove all day to spend the night here in Sioux Falls. While here, I bought another guitar, one for camping and traveling. Fun! Today, we will drive to Hill City, which is near Mt. Rushmore and spend 3 days there. More to follow...

Good luck brother John on your knee surgery tomorrow!

Joan

Coco Bolo's

The band had a show last night in Aggieville (college town-KSU). Great crowd, even got a $100 tip from the owner! I think he likes us... Notice the stand-up bass player in the background, we were really crowded and the poor kid was constantly dodging Steve and his guitar. The 2 guys in Sonic Wood T-shirts are "Knot Heads" (get it?) It was a really fun night, and Gene's sister Lucia and her husband Jerry joined us from Independence, MO.

Hope everyone is well and have a great weekend!

XOXX, Joan

Lake of the Ozarks

Last weekend, Gene and I, along with his sister Lucia and her husband, went to Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Lucia's daughter and family have a lake house and invited us to visit. They've got a lovely place and lots of toys. It's a really big lake with loads of people, houses and boats. Fortunately, their place is on a quiet cove. The weather was a little iffey, but we did some boating, played Scrabble, fished from the dock and visited. A very nice weekend.

In the studio

Here's how I spent my day... Steve and I played guitars for 7 hours, laying down the rythm tracks for 5 songs. Next week, we go back and do 5 more songs. Then Dale and Sparky (aka Fansler the mandolin player and studio owner) will lay down lead guitar and mandolin tracks, and then...we sing on top of it all. Whew! The end product should be a fully engineered CD that we plan to sell at our shows. Can you believe it? Just when I thought it couldn't get any more fun....

Sonic Wood on the web

Good morning all! You may now view our website by clicking on http://myspace.com/sonicwood. Please keep in mind, the recordings were done in Dale's garage, and aren't great, but we're having fun. There are no songs with me singing lead, just because I'm so self-critical I wouldn't allow it. Maybe later...

Thunderstorms and rain last night, more than 2" and more forecast for today. Getting into that time of year, severe weather season.

Gene left early this morning for his mom's house, and will be back tomorrow evening. Then it's my turn Saturday/Sunday. It's a tag team effort.

I think there's a new car in our future. Yes, I said NEW. As in, less than 50 miles on it! I'll post a photo when it actually happens...ALERT THE MEDIA!

Have a good day and we're sending good vibes in Uncle Paul's direction, in anticipation of his upcoming surgery.

Love, Joan

THE LITTLE GRILL

Sonic Wood played The Little Grill last night, a hopping Manhattan restaurant/bar that serves Jamaican jerk grilled food. They have music almost nightly, so it's considered "the place to be seen/heard". We were on the patio, which was nice, but as it got dark, the bugs were attracted to the lights and we were bombarded! Trying to stay focused while a skeeter is biting you, and a June bug has landed on your head, took an awful lot of concentration. Finally, during a break, we discoved a can of OFF and hosed down with it. Much better. We got a standing ovation for "Fire on the Mountain" and an encore. It was a really good night, we made some new fans (affectionately called "knot-heads"). The little dude singing is Dale's grandson Griffin, a future honky tonker and current "splinter" (little fan, not quite a knot-head yet). The kid has guts and can sing too.

Gene is officially retired now and loving the fact that he doesn't really have to do anything...except his chores and "honey-dos", but that doesn't count. Now he's thinking he needs to ride the Continental Divide, on horseback. There's a trip I may not be taking...you know that goes from Mexico to Canada?!

Love to you all and hope you have a leisurely holiday weekend.

Joan

Our Sorrow

Gene's mother, Arlone Nelson Cockburn, passed away this morning. She got to see or speak to all her children and grandchildren. There were even 2 jokes she told Carole early this morning! Gene and his sister have been with her since she fell ill yesterday morning. Arlone would have been 90 years old, next month. She was a good and faithful woman and will be dearly missed.

Joan

Another One

Last night, Sonic Wood played at a very rural Catholic church. They had an Italian dinner, complete with wine (my Catholic friend Sue, says wherever you find 4 Catholics, you'll find a fifth) to raise money for an elevator for the church. We were the entertainment, even had 2 opening acts! Notice the ladies in the foreground with their red hats, they were a crack-up! Dale said he would have worn his, but he just had his bangs done! (see Dale's bald noggin....) One couple danced to many of our old country songs, and when we finished (we just did 90 minutes), practically the whole place came up to the stage to shake hands and tell us how much they enjoyed our music. It looks like we may get 2 jobs out of this freebie. What goes around, comes around... In the left corner is Bongo Bob, that's Steve's brother from Overland Park, KS and he was visiting for the weekend. He plays in a garage band also. We thought it was fun that instead of neon beer signs in the background, this time we had "The Last Supper". Life just cracks me up! I think I'm probably just about the luckiest girl in Kansas right now! If not the happiest!

Gene and I are hoping to go to an auction this afternoon, if severe weather doesn't mess up our plans. Much love to all, and I'm looking forward to seeing the California family very soon.

Hugs and kisses, Joan

It's Me Again

Good morning from beautiful Kansas. It's a lovely spring morning, trees are blooming and flowers are coming up everywhere. This is a great time of year. I just cut some lilacs to bring in.

The photo is the band playing in Manhattan, this past Saturday night. It was our first show in "the big city"; different kind of crowd, very late night, but successful.

The news from our house, is that Gene has decided to leave Ft. Riley and medicine. He will work until the end of May. It's just time. I'm happy for him and I can see the relief in him already, like he's gotten lighter of spirit.

Since the weather is so nice, I think I'll take the dogs for a walk in the canyon instead of me getting on the treadmill. I never did get the dogs comfortable walking on the treadmill, it kinda freaked them out. It was worth a try...

Love to all, Joan

The Guys

Andy and Brody came to spend the weekend at Camp Nelson. Pop Gene (Brody's name for grandpa) couldn't wait to take the little dude on tractor rides and the 4 wheeler. They spent time making things with Playdough and digging up earthworms in my raised vegetable bed. And he was very interested in the horses, to the extent that we almost needed a leash on him to prevent Brody from running between their legs! Not long after their arrival, Brody was looking very closely at some of my lovely, fragile things, on the shelves by the dining room table. I told him that they were only to look at, and that he was not to touch them. He gave us this look, over his shoulder, that said "well if you didn't want me to touch them, why did you put them here?" It just cracked us up! His vocabulary is improving rapidly and we can understand most things he says. What a funny little boy.

It's going to be 80 degrees today, great weather for March! I'm going to get outside and do some garden clean-up; I'm starting to see shoots coming up and trees budding. This is such a great time of year.

Love to all, Joan

Sonic Wood

The band played Saturday night at a restaurant/bar called Nelson's Landing (no relation). We had a good crowd and hope to get invited back. The Nelson's son Jordy, was a football star at KSU and now plays for Green Bay and their daughter is a basketball star at KSU, so it's a very popular place with KState folks and locals. I recently purchased my own microphone, so I'm officially acquiring "gear". Our next gig is March 28 and it's a 4 hour show, so in the next couple of weeks we've got to add another whole set, which is approximately 10-12 songs. Yikes!

Gene's birthday is later this week, so Andy and Brody (the little dude) are coming out for a guy's weekend. I'm not sure what they have planned, but I know that Gene is looking forward to taking Brody for rides on tractors and the 4 wheeler. I wouldn't be surprised if he sets up his blind again so they can sit inside and watch wildlife.

Hope everyone is well and I should get some pictures this coming weekend to post.

Love, Joan

Greetings!

Just a couple of recent photos...just came back from my annual Chick's Weekend with Maureen and Cheryl. This year, we were on the beach at Santa Monica. The photo was taken on the Promenade (shopping district), where we did our best to stimulate the local economy. And then, there's Gene. "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy" is what comes to mind...(for you non-country western listeners, that's the title of a song) And Jim, Gene says you CAN'T drive the big tractor up a tree, but it will knock a tree down! Anyway, all is well here, except for a minor set-back on my leg. Now I'm sporting a Unna boot, which is like a soft cast, from my toes to my knee. Talk about cramping my style! This too shall pass...

Much love to all, Joan