Celebrating Dale's birthday

A wonderful dinner at Paul & Traci's, a visit to Dale's grave, and cake & ice cream back at JuLee's. A hard day made better with family. We love you Dale.

I've decided to start recording as many memories associated with those I love. Here is one I've recently recorded about Dale and his truck:

A few days after Dale passed I found myself in Traffic Court appealing to the judge to send me to traffic school. I had been driving along Mill Road at 32 in a 25 mph zone. Incidentally, Stuart (in Sowby & Berg’s office) knew the cop that had been staking out that portion of the road. The officer was doing a traffic study on the street. So yes, I can say that I have been part of that study: physically and monetarily.

A month later our dodge had broken down and Carl was driving his father’s truck. Carl was to stay home with the kidos as I attended the dreaded traffic school. He suggested I take his dad’s truck in case he needed to go with the kids anywhere. I hopped into Dale’s truck and realized there was no way I was going to reach those pedals. The seat and everything connected to it had molded itself to Dale’s frame over the years. I tried to move the seat forward. It wouldn’t budge. If I didn’t get going I would be late for the class and then maybe I’d have to pay the ticket also! Saying a quick prayer in my heart, I yanked on the seat with all of my might. The seat flew forward. I looked down at my legs. My calves were squarely resting on the edge of the seat. They were not going to reach the floor. But I could barely reach the pedals with my toes. I could also barely see over the steering wheel, and out of the mirrors, but that was workable. So off I went.

As I drove into town I couldn’t help but thinking about Dale and that he must have had quite a chuckle watching me prepare to drive his truck. It was then that I had the impression that he must have helped me move the seat :). After the class, I stopped by JuLee’s. As I was telling she, Brittany, and Tonya the story, JuLee started to laugh and said that she had tried to drive it once and could not move the seat either, that Dale had to help her and that Dale must have helped me move that seat! We had a nice laugh together.

Duke Family Reunion

Congrats to Aunt Kathryn, the reunion was a hit. She'll tell you the official count...there were many Duke decendants, great food, lots of fun, the park looked wonderful, and the weather was great. Here's just a few pics...

baby Maylie & Camille's shower

Radiant as ever, the beautiful and gracious Camille enjoyed family and friends showering she and Maylie with gifts. The company was wonderful, the food great, and Camille was darling. We love you and are soo excited for you and Brad!

happy 4th of july

Another quality 4th at Whiskey Springs!

Farewell to Charlie

Just had to squeeze in a little more fun before Charlie got on the big plane ride. We love you Charlie and will miss you till next time!

happy 24th of july!

cobblestone park

A fun park day with Tonya, Rebecca, and Josh. Tonya and I rode with the kids in our bike trailers. We got hit by the sprinklers each way as they are doing far too great of a job watering the sidewalk!

Melissa's 30th birthday celebration