Dave and his "New" 2004 Harley-Davidson Road King

The Sportster and the Road King together. Aren't they sexy?

Yes, it's true. Lois is actually riding the Sportster and has retired the Rebel (anyone wanna buy a Honda Rebel? It's a sweet little starter bike... :o)

Today was spent doing exactly what we wanted to do when we talked of getting the bikes; riding county roads, viewing the scenery, stopping at new places and restaurants, smelling the manure in the air....money smell!

Somehow, we started going west but ended up going east and in Readlyn. Carrie & Mike had just gotten home from CF. They are very very busy working on their bedroom and nursery upstairs. Dave and I will more than likely go paint some more.

This afternoon: Mike and Carrie....21 days left!




When we stopped in Readlyn this evening, I told Carrie she looked even more preggo than she did earlier in the day. The baby moved up some, changing her shape. She said she could hardly breathe cuz little man was up under her lungs. Poor baby...but it's going to be soon!!

:o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o)

When Dave first came home, I had "over 60 miles" on my Rebel. I took this pic last night after returning from Readlyn. As you can see, Dave and I have been riding quite a bit since he got home, mostly around town. I've seen places in Waterloo I haven't seen in years!

Yesterday was also exciting because I finally decided it was time to try the Sportster. Dave and I went to a quiet place in CF. It's definitely bigger, more powerful (healthy respect for that), and sounds cooler than the Rebel hehe. Other than adjusting to the size difference, it went really well. Dave asked if I wanted to ride it to Readlyn...I declined. I need to get some practice going 25 mph first!

A few pics from the homecoming ceremony May 16th:

The Wonderful State of Wisconsin!

Dave is in Wisconsin...He loves the green green grass, the not so sandy air. Homecoming is going to be soon...soon. It will be at the AASF #2 (the hangar)at 2:00...some afternoon. Okay, you know the Army! As soon as I know, you will all know!! I hope you can all be there. Even if you can't be, he will be here in CF/W'loo for a very permanent time, OR ELSE! hehe

BECAUSE...I said so! Can't wait!

Today's Lesson

One of the things I wanted to do today on this mother's day, was to take a ride on my Rebel. The problem with the Rebel is that by the time you are going 25 miles an hour, you are shifting into 4th gear. It seemed to take forever to get going and it is common for drivers to go around me if possible. That doesn't bother me much but it is a bit embarrassing.

I have been so cautious when I start out because of my accident last year (extreme acceleration right off the block). For some reason today, I took off from the intersection like a mad woman and put some acceleration into it! That felt just right and now I know how to get my speed up faster...give it some gas. hehe

Best news today is Dave is most likely en route from Iraq/Kuwait. He'll be in the states within a few days and home not long after that. I will announce when and where the Homecoming ceremony will be held as soon as I know that info. Y'all are welcome to welcome home the 20 soldiers we have returning!

NEWSFLASH! Kitchen Essential's ducklings leave the nest!

This was a National Geographic moment for me. Kitchen Essentials owner, Gretchen and her employees, have been guarding and protecting the mom duck (Daffodil) for the past month or so since she first started laying eggs in the store's planters out front. Please take a couple of minutes and watch this mother duck leading her ducklings against all odds (people, traffic, more people, and more traffic).

Dave News and Shower Review

First things first: Dave will be home sooner than we thought!! Definitely before Memorial Day weekend. Time is flying!







The baby shower went well. It took a couple of days for me to recover, not from the actual shower, but from the previous week of cleaning and working, etc. Carrie was thrilled with the whole thing, from the cucumber sandwiches to the presents. The gifts were wonderful, and I'm kind of jealous. The things they have now to help mommy and daddy are so cool now (I really could have used the monitors). It's so fun to see the tiny little socks, and the outfits are so darn cute!



My niece Jenny came down early to visit with the girls (and me) and she brought her little Luella along. I hadn't met Luella yet but by the time Jen and Lu left, I was in love! I used my new video camera to take some precious movies. When we went to Mike and Carrie's Saturday evening, Cassy was there with Corina and Carly. Carly and Luella are about the same age and the pool table was their stage. They put on a show for all of us, including Aunt Elaine, Sara Lou, and Great Grandma!

Those who attended included Great-Great Aunt Tommy, Great-Great Aunt Wilma, Great Aunt Elaine (and she is a GREAT aunt!), Great Grandma Harder, and Cousins Sara Lou (Harder-Harriger)with Hayley (4) and Hannah (2), Jenny (Harder-Thomas) and Luella (almost 6 months), and Karen (Morse-Winter). There were so many friends there too, all helping us celebrate the Little Man's upcoming birth day.















Luella and Carly
Aren't they sweet?

You might be the next person I visit!

Wouldn't you be surprised if I showed up on your doorstep? I'll be wearing a cap and holding a helmet so you may not recognize me right away. Yesterday, I took a late afternoon ride and rode 17 miles total! I rode to the Harley dealership, which was really satisfying, riding past my Rider's Edge Course and riding on Hwy 63, the very road that terrified me before. I just know that driver's steer clear of me when they see me wobble as I start out from the intersections. hehe Then I rode into Cedar Falls to end up at Kitchen Essentials, which had just closed (yes Gretchen, it was me at 5:36 peering in the front door).

Dave has worried that I will run out of gas on my travels. My tank is 2.5 gallons. The dealer filled it up when I bought it and I hadn't added any since so I thought maybe I should put some gas in, as I had 50 miles on the odometer. Premium was $2.01 a gallon. I was a bit surprised when it overflowed a little bit, since I only had put in .92 gallons. My receipt said $1.87! I can get used to that! I'm having fun but I can't wait to have my riding partner home.

Carrie has entered the stage in her pregnancy where she thinks she can do much but really can't. Add in the fact that she is nesting more and more, her nursery isn't done, and she's working full time. Laura and I are going over tonight to help her get some cleaning done. Mike is busy working on the rooms upstairs that need to be done before the baby is born! Sounds like Dave will be home in time to help out too. Yay!