Goodbye Illinois, Hello Colorado!

Tom took this picture the night before Dan's departure to start school at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  I think Dan is ready for this new chapter of his life...and so is his dad, "I've been raisin' kids for 36 years!"  His mother, however, is a different story. Wow!

Good ole Joel snapped some pics of the move.

Worldly possessions.

Karen, Joel, and Dan will be studying on campus for the next few years. I told them they should occasionally meet in the middle of campus to hold hands and sing Kum Bye Yah.

Dan's room is in the basement level. No AC so maybe the lower level will be cooler.  His roommate arrives tomorrow and is from Colorado.

Movers and shakers

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, my gal pals and I went kayaking today after work. I needed to have something to do to take my mind of the activities unfolding in Boulder. It was a lot of fun!  We saw lots of blue herons. And, of course, we're all quite proficient kayakers! ;)

Haddow, tell 'em to play South Rampart!

Aunt Grace, 89, passed away last week.  Dad and Mom picked me up at the Newburgh airport and Dad drove us to Long Island for the visitation and funeral.  This is Aunt Grace & Uncle Indian in 1993.

My parents and these two loved to hear live jazz. AGrace would always tell my dad (using his middle name) to have the band play South Rampart Street Parade.

Mom, Dad, O'Brian, and Betty Ann

1985 Elwood Reunion 
1st row: Kerriann, Tom, Diane, Darrin
2nd row: Sharon, Ken 
3rd row: Charlie, Clarie, Grandma, Dave, Cora
4th row: Karen, Arnold, Mark & Frances, George, Grace
5th row: Kathy, Jean, Irene, O'Brian
Top: Joe, Pepper, Andy

Cousins: Kerriann, Jenifer, Justin (Chris's son), and Chris

Mom, Edward, and girlfriend Jackie

Erik and Barb

Jim, Carol, and Barb

At this Roscoe gas station you will not only find octogenarians who pump gas, but t-shirts for sale that say "Stay Calm and Get Wasted."

Here is my commuter jet in Newburgh

Meanwhile, back at the farm we had a college send-off party for the boys and their parents.  Tom, Kyle, and Dan made this high table out of seed pallets. The dads loved it.

Giant cookie cake by Ann:  Best wishes for your college success. Don't forget to call your moms (or teach her how to snap chat)!

Tom Terrific grilling the meat!

The pond rope swing never disappoints!  Good luck boys!!