Roamy's last day in Mid-Missouri

Today the Blacksmith and I took Roamy to visit the capital city of Missouri,

known as

Jefferson City.

You can read all about our journey at The Roaming Gnome.

You've heard of a talking horse, of course, but have you heard of a talking gate?

I sat Roamy on the gate and all of a sudden,

I hear "Can I help you Ma'am?"

and

there's not a person in sight.

I said "No thank you, I'm just taking a picture."

"No problem then", the gate said.

Oh security these days!

I would bet the Governor wasn't even home,

I saw him on television later in the day.

I then went to the

Governor's garden behind his house,

(public area of course)

just to see if the tulips were talking to me.

But sadly, it's time for Roamy to move on.

His time here is up.

He was a great guest to entertain.

He eats little, and sleeps soundly.

Safe travels.

Roamy visits the blacksmith shop

Roamy went down the lane to visit the Osage Bluff Blacksmith shop today.

With any luck he will get to Jefferson City tomorrow.

Don't forget if you'd like to have him visit your town, drop me a line ASAP.

I've got COMPANY

Look who I found in my mailbox!

It's Roamy. This week I plan to show him the capital city of Missouri known as Jefferson City.

If you would like to host him, I am open for suggestions. He can arrive in your mail box too. Just send me an email to tappelatembarqmail.com and I will pick a destination for him.

Check out Roamy's icon located at the top right of your screen.

Back home

This past week was a sad week. My step father in law passed away in Texas. We left Wednesday for a 10 hour drive. We arrived two hours before the evening prayer service. C.L. was 84 years old. Let me tell you a little story about him. He and my Mother-in-law had dated in 1943 when they were both 17 years old. Things didn't work out for them and they went their separate ways. CL went to the panhandle of Texas and got involved with custom harvesting. In 1951 he married Ludeen McAdams, together they had 8 children, 4 sons and 4 daughters. My mother-in-law stayed here in the area and in 1948 married Henry Tappel, together they had 8 children. 5 girls and 3 boys. CL's wife died in 1995 and my father in law died in 1986. In 1999, CL was back in Missouri and found out that my MIL was a widow. He decided to stop and visit. The rest is history. So at the age of 71 (just the opposite of when they were dating) they were married. And she moved from Missouri to Texas. They had a good 10 1/2 years together later in life. The funeral was the coming together of two large families. After the prayer service on Wednesday, the parish prepared a wonderful evening meal. It was held in the parish hall, as no house was big enough for 16 married children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, 18 step-grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 18 great step-grandchildren. Plus C. L. was one of 15 children. This picture shows us having a toast to C.L. with his favorite wine, hosted by his children. The funeral was held on Thursday. The church was packed, not only with family, but lots of friends. After the service the parish not only prepared lunch, but invited us back for evening meal.

Friday night most of the family had headed back home. It was quiet time for my MIL and three of her children who stayed to help her out. The girls all pitched in to do 4 or 5 loads of bedding and towels and to assist her with a wonderful meal.

However, no one can make pies like her. She made apricot and cherry and, as usual, they were picture perfect and delicious.

Rest in peace C.L.

This is the view they have out their back windows. It's the Cross of the highway at Groom Texas.

And this video is to show you what it's like when a bunch of the Wiebergs and Tappels get together!

What a difference a week makes

Missourians always say, if you don't like the weather just wait it will change quickly.


This snow is what we woke up to last Monday. Five to eight inches before it was over with.

Then there is today. My pansies that were buried under that snow and many more inches all winter are blooming today.

So in 7 short days we have come to this. From snow to planting in the garden.

But wait, the Farmer's Almanac is still predicting one more doozy this month, a record snow fall!

Bring it on Ms. Mother Nature!!

The cat's out of the bag

Remember when I started on this back in January? Well it took me 40 days and 40 nights to completely hand quilt it all by myself.

I think it turned out beautifully. The squares were from a charm pack I won from Lori at Mountain woman at heart. I had to buy another charm pack and I purchased it at either Etsy or Ebay, I can't remember which one.

You see, it was a gift for the newlyweds. I couldn't tell you before now because they left on their honeymoon less than 12 hours after they were married. They returned from Hawaii yesterday and opened gifts last night.

I hope they have many warm nights under the quilt!

The kids at the wedding

Here are the kids waiting to get the show on the road.

The two nieces compare notes on their uncle and aunt respectively.

Elizabeth waiting patiently.


Here they all are trying to occupy their time.

Are you ready for a game of hide and seek?

Alex is getting excited.

You lookin' at me???

Daddy's little girl.

Grandma's little girl.

The bride with her flower girls.

Just a swingin'

She did it! Now she makes a fast dash for it.

Colten break dancing!

Can I have this dance?

Ready, set, go!

The party is over for one.

Thank goodness for DS games.