Wii New High Score--287

Here is my new high score at Wii Bowling. I had 10 perfect frames with a couple of spares!

Grand Kids sweet gift and card for Carol's Mother's Day

Here is the beautiful card that Maya wrote to her Mimitutz and both Kyle and Avery helped custom make the precious flower pot!!

I have by far the best grandkids in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Papa John and Two New Grandsons--Henry and Drew

Carol and I left Thursday April 22nd, 2010 for the DC area. This would be a very exciting trip as it would be the first time we would meet the two newest grandsons in the family (this makes 3 as the oldest is Kyle born to my son Derek and wife Lori back in May 2003).

We had a wonderful time with the boys along with family and friends.

Below are a couple of photos with me and Henry Grant Liddiard--born Feb 8th to Tab and Evan; and Drew Spencer Ovard born April 7th to Tracy and Odie.

Drew Spencer Ovard

Drew Spencer Ovard was born at 2:01 am on Wednesday April 7th, 2010. Drew weighed 7.6 pounds and is 20 inches long. Proud parents Tracy and Odie are doing well. Photos posted are from his aunt Tabitha. Mother and Drew will be leaving for home Friday.

I am very blessed with this 5th grandchild and 3rd grandson! Carol and I are looking forward to seeing both new grandsons (Henry Grant Liddiard and Drew) the end of April as we attend their blessings in Arlington.

Firewood Shed

New shed for firewood. Completed 4-5-2010.

Shed is Completed (4-2-2010)

The above photos were taken today as the shed was completed. This took me about two (2) weeks from start to finish--not bad as a solo project and with my left thumb seriously injured by hammer the first day.

All and all, this was a fun project as it allowed me to mix new and old materials-reducing overall costs as planned.

Over the next few weeks I hope to add some shelves and cabinets as part of the tractor bay where work on it and oil changing of Ranger will take place!

Enjoy!

New Shed Under Construction

These photos were taken Wednesday March 24th, 2010. I had just finished putting the tin on the roof. I am recycling the tin from the old shed which is tougher than if it were new tin--matching existing holes with 2x4 cross members is harder than it looks!

My intent is to have the 16 foot shed the full length of the barn or 60 feet.

Shed Demolition

The right bay removed and left bay under way(3-20-2010)

The shed after bays were added (2005).

When we purchased Little Falls Farm in 2003, this shed consisted of the two center bays only. After a couple of years, both left and right bays were added along with an extension on the back by another 10 feet or so. At that time, the large Oak tree to the right (10 feet to the right of the white Ford Ranger in the photo) was live and well--even though it was leaning toward the shed.

About two years ago, this large oak was hit by lightning and died. I talked to several folks one of whom recommended a tree surgeon. The only way this tree can be cut down without demolishing the shed is to climb its limbs with chainsaw in tow and slowly and methodically remove the large limbs from top to bottom. This process has now become too unsafe since it's limbs have rotted and probably will not support a man's weight. Not to mention that we are talking $1300 to $1500.

Having said that, I came up with a great idea and my senior VP (Tutz) seconded the motion. The plan is simple. I will demo the shed piece by piece and recycle what I can. Those materials worth saving (tin, lumber, and treated posts) will be used in the new shed. The other photo above shows the right bay removed and the left under demolition.

The new shed will be attached to my barn/workshop on the back side. The dimensions of the new shed will be the full length of the barn--60 feet--and 15 feet wide. It will be able to house all the items under the current shed and then some. It also will serve as a protection in the unlikely case we suffer hail and need to park both the Beetle and F150 under it.

At a later date, I will BLOG as to the new shed.

Wii Bowling All Time High

Last evening, Friday March 19th, I achieved my new all time high of 278!!!! BTW--FJ stands affectionately for "Farmer John"--a term of endearment Tutz gave me some time ago when bush hogging on the Kubota--:o)

Carol's First Time Driving Ford Lariat

Running Boards added.....

As part of the deal, the dealership would "throw in" running boards. They arrived Wednesday morning, I got a call from the sales person around noon, and by 2:30 they were installed!!! While the boards were being added, the great service from Courtesy Ford included a ride in the courtesy van over to Kohl's Department Store (normally I would walk, but it was pouring down rain) so I could do some shopping---now that's service. My new truck looks complete and great, not to mention that Carol can hop into the passenger seat with somewhat ease!!

2010 F150 Supercrew Cab Lariat

Photos include Mary and Carol at the dealership, John with Mattie at home, and the truck (nicknamed FJ) on our drive.

All the years have been good to me!! Especially 1984, 1988, and 1992! Why? In these three years, I purchased a new vehicle--Toyota P/U, Nissan Maxima, and Nissan Pick-up, respectively! So as one can see, I have owned only 3 new vehicles in my life--discounting of course starting in 1992 when I would get a new company car just about every year up thru 2009 when I retired.

Having said that, I now can add number 4 to the list.

On Friday March 5th, 2010, Carol and I went looking for a truck. We knew I needed to buy something large that would support comfort as we head out west this June 12th. Also, in addition to looking for the creature comforts and smooth ride, we knew that some day my little 1996 Ford Ranger could give up the ghost and anyone on 12 acres must have a truck!

A friend at church a few months back had brought a new truck at the Ford dealership in Conyers and highly recommended we visit the owner and use my friend's name to help negotiate the best price. As we arrived at the dealership around 10:00, we were met with the customary salesman--in this case--sales woman. We agreed that we would look awhile and then come in to meet with her and the owner.

We identified a black 2010 XLT F150 that had the things we wanted and so into the office. Met with the owner--Jay--who presented us with a nice jester--he has a Lariat demo (5100 miles)that he wanted us to also test drive. So with Mary (saleslady) in the back seat, off we go! First the black XLT and then the white two tone Lariat. Took the same test route in both units--left on the access road a few miles to Ammon Road where we took a right onto I-20--this was a must as we really wanted to see how smooth the ride would be on an interstate. Both trucks had a very nice ride--but the Lariat rode a little smoother and heavier!

We were impressed with both vehicles! But hands down, the Lariat has more bells and whistles than one could imagine on a pick-up truck. These trucks are not your granddad's farm work horses!! We returned to the dealership and spent some more time discussing what we wanted to do. Finally I made an offer to the owner on the Lariat--I would go with the discounted price he quoted me ($9,000 off the MSRP) if he threw in running side boards (a $500 wholesale value)--which on this size truck is a must for me but especially Carol's 5 foot stature! After a little bit of sparring back and forth, the deal was struck!

As agreed, the dealership would take a couple of hours to prep, change oil, rotate tires, etc while we would go to lunch and return later with a check. Carol and I were really hungry so we stopped in Covington and had our favorites at the local Longhorn. After stopping by BB&T to retire a CD I had taken out last year (specifically to buy a vehicle), we proceeded out to the farm to get checkbook, camera, etc. and back to dealership.

Mary met us to say it would be about another hour and as to the running boards, they had been ordered and should be here in 10 business days--so we'll have that done in a couple of weeks. After spending an hour at the nearby Belks, we returned to the dealership where I wrote the largest check I have ever written for a vehicle, completed the neccesary paperwork, and picked up my new truck!

First order of business after the paperwork was to have Mary set me up a SYNC account--this allows all the service to be monitored and notify me when service is needed! Afterwards, Alaina the service consultant synched our phones so that we have Bluetooth thru the sound system of the cab--all hands free and voice activated! After that, Mary went with us to a local convenience store where she pumped and filled our 26 gallon tank--part of the service of the dealership. Back to dealership where we took photos of Mary giving me the keys and around 5:00 we left for home. Carol followed me in her "Tutzmobile". What a day!!

Just so you know, the Lariat has the all leather package along with additional features that are too numerous to mention here--but some of the highlights include: larger Michelin tires, 5.6L V8 engine, 6 speed automatic heavy duty trans, powered sunroof and electric rear window, keys entry automatic adjust seat, heated and cooled seats, Heavy Duty trailer hitch package, reverse sensing system with camera, 6 CD changer and MP3 outlet, tele folding-heated mirrors, both seats are electrical with lumbar support, TPMS, keyless entry pad, dual heat/air control system, 20 MPG Highway, and 6 months of Sirius radio.

BTW, the official ID of this truck is: 2010 F-150 4X2 Supercrew Lariat 145" wheelbase, 5.4L FFV V8 with electronic 6 speed auto and a 26 gallon tank. Also, these new trucks do not have gas caps any more! The truck has an Oxford White Clearcoat upper and a Champagne Pearl lower trim.

Postings to YouTube

Last year I rewarded myself with a new JVC Camcorder--model GZ-MG630. Very easy to operate and extremely small and compact. Around that same time I created a YouTube account but never really uploaded any videos. All the videos I've created since last year are safely stored on my PC with appropiate portable HD backup.

Yesterday--2-19-10--I decided it was time to upload vidoes for all the world to view--but specifially family members. My first attempt was a 2 and half minute video of Mattie playing in the snow. It was 193 mb in size and took hours to upload and never completed the process. I knew something was wrong. So, after some research, I realized that my PC came with Windows Movie Maker which can change the file type and compress the size. After a little pratice, presto--success!!

As I write this, I have uploaded 6 videos with more on the way. So, if you would like to view--please go to YouTube home and under search put in: TheJvonc After it goes to my account, click on the TheJvonc id and all my videos will come up!

Hope you enjoy!

Granddaughter's First Note to PapaJohn & Mimitutz!!

I couldn't resist!!

When I got this "thank you" note last week from my oldest grandchild--Maya--I knew it was special. At 9 years old, this is the first note I have received that was written completely by her own hand--and what excellent penmanship!!! What a sweet and tender message. Shows a lot of great character at such an early age. I am very proud of her!!

So, I knew I had to scan and save her note in a special folder for many years to come.

So Maya, if and when you read my BLOG, I want you to know how special this note is and what it means to Mimitutz and me.

BTW, I always thought Mimitutz and I rocked, but thanks to you Maya, I now "know" we do--:o)))

Thanks sweetie and we love you!!!

Valentines Day--2010

Valentines Day is very special to Carol and I. It was that special day in 1991 that I proposed to my sweetie and she accepted! We were married a little over 6 months later on September 20th.

Ever since 1992, we have tried-very successfully I might add, to make Valentines Day special. In fact, we started a tradition that continues to this day. We alternate the responsibility each year for deciding where/what we will do and to surprise the other. And just an additional note, this was our 19th time to celebrate Valentines Day!

So it was that 2010 was my turn. Weeks ago I had ordered and paid for our tickets to the Georgia Aquarium on line including parking in the covered lot next door. I advised Carol this morning to dress warm and wear good walking shoes. Our tickets were for 11:00 and we left Mattie behind around 9:30.

As we traveled on I-20 toward Atlanta, Carol and I played the guessing game--she made some good guesses including the Atlanta Zoo, Jimmy Carter Library, etc. It was just in sight of the aquarium when I surprised Carol with this years' surprise. Carol was ecstatic as we had said many times we wanted to visit the all famous aquarium.

After parking the "Tutzmobile" on the 3rd parking level, we prceeded to the entrance. We felt at home as the first thing we did was have our photo taken by a professional service--this is very similar to the professional photographers that roam cruise ships.

We entered the aquarium around 10:30 and spent probably at least 2 and half hours. We had so much fun, taking photos at every turn. Families with small children were everywhere and so friendly--we had serveral folks that took our picture with my little Fuji camera, and I in turn took photos for others. We saw everything there except the 3D movie--we felt it would be somewhat anti-climatic after seeing so many live fish in the various tanks.

We did however stop in the gift shop. We found our obligatory christmas tree ornament and lapel pins. Carol found a couple pieces of jewelry and shawl. Just before we exited, we stopped an purchased from the photographers booth the photo taken of us as we entered the aquarium. We brought the package that included a large print, 3 smaller ones, and small magnetic picture frames for 2 small prints -- all for $30.

After leaving Atlanta, we thought we would eat lunch at Longhorns but unfortunately the ones in both Conyers and Covington were way too busy with minimum 40 minute waits. We settled on a 10 minute wait at Appleby's in Covington. Carol chose fried shrimp and I had their chicken alfredo--it all was good. We returned home round 3:00.

Once again, we had a great and special Valentines Day!!