Visiting My Mother-in-law

Kathy, Steph and I traveled to Illinois to visit Clara, Kathy's mom. Steph and I returned this evening and Kathy is staying a couple more days. Steph was not happy about missing three days of school but it turned out okay for her. She got all her homework done and turned in. Or at least that's her story.

We had a couple of get togethers at Clara's house with most everyone on Kathy's side of the family. It was great to see everyone and catch up. One thing was very noticeable--the kids are all grown and us grown ups are all old. Kathy and I have several great nieces who were a blast to play with. Fortunately, Kathy and I could tag team them. Otherwise we never would have been able to keep up. Watching the way we played, Steph, who is 18 now, said it was like watching her childhood unfold before her.

 Clara and great granddaughter Jenelle.

 Kathy being smothered by great nieces.

 Uncle Hank and Ellie.

Uncle Hank and Katie.

This next photo is for my brother John. We set up Clara's Christmas decorations but I couldn't find the stand to her tree. So off to Home Depot I went. I bought a regular tree stand and the necessary pieces of PVC to fit in the base and hold the tree. I was surprised that it not only worked. It worked great. Sometimes I get lucky.

 Look what I did all by myself.

And now for something completely different.

Photographic evidence that the Internet exists.

 Nope. Nothing the least bit offensive here.

I heard an odd sound coming from the front of the car as I started driving away at the airport tonight. The right front tire was flat. Welcome home, Hank! After getting the lug nuts off I couldn't get the tire to come off. It must've been frozen on. No amount of kicking or slamming it with the spare would loosen it. I finally dropped it back on the ground and turned the steering just a bit. That broke it lose and I was back in business. Whew!