Wednesday, January 31, 2007
The girls play more...
I created this post with a different service... just trying some options.
Cecelia Wednesday Picture
Another cute one at bathtime...
Maeve and Dad enjoy a book.
May have the solution..
Though the pic size is problemetic for you dialup users out there... I'll keep working on it.
Scroll down to see what I was trying to do yesterday.
Scroll down to see what I was trying to do yesterday.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
How's this?
Test
Webspace problem
I've maxed out on my available webspace at frontier... I won't get to find options til tonight... sorry.
Linkert caroling 2007
A great video from Sara...
The Linkert/Burfeind girls
Sara and I met with the girls to get their picture taken together with their Christmas outfits on. They did really well, and are adorable as you can see.
A message from my dear wife
It's on our new spinning scrabble board.
I guess I'm doing something right.
We got one for you too mom and dad!
I guess I'm doing something right.
We got one for you too mom and dad!
Silliness all around
Linkert/Burfeind girls at play
Lovely duck noises. I don't know why Sara doesn't allow the girls to take these noisemakers home.
Avae is under the sea.
Maeve wonders what it is like under the sea.
More play.
The things a guys gotta do to get a license
I was working on finishing my childcare license application last night, and the last blank I needed to fill was the height of my decks guardrails. So I walked barefoot on the deck to take the measurement, and the evidence of my walk out there was frozen in time.
Because we live near a water hazard, we need to construct a fence. I'm happy with the progress we've made so far, despite the weather.
Because we live near a water hazard, we need to construct a fence. I'm happy with the progress we've made so far, despite the weather.
Grandpa Linkert
Thursday, January 25, 2007
'lia not happy.
Mom doesn't get to see the girls today, so I thought put a quick video together to show her what she's missing.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
DSAM parent group
We are lucky to have a parent group for families of children with Down syndrome. Our group meets monthly to share experiences and trade ideas. We also often have presenters offering infomation about a range of subjects, from sign language, Special Olympics and legislative advocates.
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Dad and Maeve
Taking a nap on the floor.
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Then she gets the giggles for some reason... I wonder why?
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Cecelia Wednesday 1-23
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Sunday, January 21, 2007
The garage in Delano
This is the garage at it's worse in 2005, shortly before we started building. You can see the washer and dryer on the right, and radial arm saw on the left.
Boxes, boxes everywhere!
Just so you can see how deep it is.Since we've moved in we've moved about a third of this stuff back to use, or get rid of, so it's not quite like this anymore. There are still many boxes unfortunately, and under the boxes, some furniture I don't think we'll end up keeping.
Just so you can see how deep it is.Since we've moved in we've moved about a third of this stuff back to use, or get rid of, so it's not quite like this anymore. There are still many boxes unfortunately, and under the boxes, some furniture I don't think we'll end up keeping.
Some old things...
We have decided to try to work on cleaning out the stuff we have in a storage garage in Delano. If you don't remember, we had to rent a garage space in Delano to store mostly the stuff that was in the old house. By calling it stuff makes it seem like it's desirable items, some of which, it is, most of which, I might say, is not. When we were cleaning out the house, we threw away alot of junk, but sometimes you would come to a dresser drawer, or box of papers, and we just couldn't go through it as we wanted. We felt it could be something we could try to go through later. Well later has finally come.
So I've made a couple trips to grab some boxes for Janet to go through (as most of the 'stuff'' is her dad's). Fortunately much of it she has said she could let go of, and throw or give away. She did find this lovely old quilt in a box.
So I've made a couple trips to grab some boxes for Janet to go through (as most of the 'stuff'' is her dad's). Fortunately much of it she has said she could let go of, and throw or give away. She did find this lovely old quilt in a box.
She's pretty certain her mother made it, and wants to keep it. Which is fine with me. She also told me she liked it because it smelled like the old house. I didn't know what to make of that comment until I smelled the blanket, and she was right. I was suddenly transported back to the old house, which for me goes back to the many long hours of cleaning and sorting that I undertook there, but she was clearly transported back to her childhood, and the house that was home for her.
Notice the lovely stitching. Quite a project.
So we will be having lots of 'stuff' that we will be donating, or trying to give away, some of which I will post here.
Notice the lovely stitching. Quite a project.
So we will be having lots of 'stuff' that we will be donating, or trying to give away, some of which I will post here.
Here's a list of stuff that you may like
- 1 nice gallon? sized crockpot
- framed watercolor of The House with Seven Gables
- We have a collection of old camera stuff of Merrill's that Janet thinks we might be able to sell. Please let us know if you know of someone who could maybe help us assess what we have.
Night with some friends
We went to have a good German meal with our friends, Evelyn and Roger Saturday night. We had a great time talking politcs and enjoying pork and spaetzle.
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Ridgedale play area
Both Maeve and Cecelia goes down the slide headfirst... which seems ok at this short height. They were quite bold at the play area, and didn't shy from playing around all the other kids.
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Friday, January 19, 2007
It's the latest Linkletter!
My sister's latest work. Very funny if you are related to a Linkert. Twice as much if you are not related, but know a Linkert. However, if you don't know a Linkert, you might cry.
Linkletter
Linkletter
Us and the Governor
Still basking in the glow of our visit a couple weeks ago.
I meant to post this picture as well, it's Governor Floyd Olson. I don't know a lot about him, but that Hwy 55 is named after him. This confused me greatly when I was growing up. You see, my Grandma Olson lived on a farm on Hwy. 55. So I somehow got it into my 8 year old head, that we were relatives of the great Governor Olson. I was kinda disappointed when I learned, or realized that this might not be true. Well, now that I can say I'm related to Senator Carlson, it almost makes up for that disappointment.
Some camera and computer problems
The camera issue seems fixed, for the moment at least. We just got a new digital SLR, hope you enjoy the new pictures.
Sisters
Drool monster
Cecelia Wednesday
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Monday, January 15, 2007
GML4 in the news
For those of you who may not have gotten my email, here's a link to an AP article that uses my picture and some quotes for a story. You should check it out if you haven't...
Minn. Fantasy Legislature: nerds at play - Boston.com
As a close follower of politics and current events, my eyes perked up when I saw on the MPR website the idea of having a Fantasy Legislation game. Bringing together two of my favorite loves, fantasy football, and politics seemed too good to be true, especially as I had gotten bored with the sport of football, and decided to leave fantasy football entirely last year.
I was especially attracted to learning about state politics and legislative process in St. Paul. Unfortunately, the media doesn't cover it very well, and usually only made the news when a major piece of legislation was about to pass. It's really too bad, as the people in St. Paul make decisions that really do affect our lives. The game of Minnesota Fantasy Legislation really made the idea of following state politics more appealing.
I don't spend a lot of time on the game, but it has been fun trying to figure out how a bill becomes law, and watching and anticipating the process in the meantime. My team is in the middle of the pack presently, but hopeful this will change in a big way in the next week.
It was surprising having an AP reporter call, and ask questions about it. I was completed floored when the photographer called, wanting to came take my picture. I also had another paper, out of St. Paul, who mainly cover issues at the capitol call, and ask questions, though I haven't seen an article yet.
It's been a fun week around here getting your emails. Thank you for all the kind words to this nerd.
Minn. Fantasy Legislature: nerds at play - Boston.com
As a close follower of politics and current events, my eyes perked up when I saw on the MPR website the idea of having a Fantasy Legislation game. Bringing together two of my favorite loves, fantasy football, and politics seemed too good to be true, especially as I had gotten bored with the sport of football, and decided to leave fantasy football entirely last year.
I was especially attracted to learning about state politics and legislative process in St. Paul. Unfortunately, the media doesn't cover it very well, and usually only made the news when a major piece of legislation was about to pass. It's really too bad, as the people in St. Paul make decisions that really do affect our lives. The game of Minnesota Fantasy Legislation really made the idea of following state politics more appealing.
I don't spend a lot of time on the game, but it has been fun trying to figure out how a bill becomes law, and watching and anticipating the process in the meantime. My team is in the middle of the pack presently, but hopeful this will change in a big way in the next week.
It was surprising having an AP reporter call, and ask questions about it. I was completed floored when the photographer called, wanting to came take my picture. I also had another paper, out of St. Paul, who mainly cover issues at the capitol call, and ask questions, though I haven't seen an article yet.
It's been a fun week around here getting your emails. Thank you for all the kind words to this nerd.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
A day at the Capitol
On Wednesday, the girls woke up fussy, and I was getting stir-crazy in the house. I was deep in thought about finding an excuse to get out. The talk on MPR was all about the first day at the Minnesota State Legislature. This made me think it would be fun to go to the capitol and check out the festivities. The Minnesota State Capitol building is one of my favorite places to visit, plus with all the action of the new politcians, media coverage, and probably lobbyist to boot, I couldn't resist.
So I packed the girls up, and we headed to St. Paul. Here we are in front of the capitol steps. You can see the legs of protesters at the top of the stairs.
Not wanting to haul two little girls, and a double stroller up all those steps, I queried a nearby security guard about an easier access. He pointed us to a nearby driveway, that lead to a tunnel underneath the previously seen steps. We followed the driveway, and was about to enter the tunnel, when I saw the parking spot is the sign posted, "Reserved for the Speaker of the House"
I thought this would be a fun and naughty picture, until some staff person, who was outside getting a smoke, noted to me that the Speaker had yet to be elected (they were to be meeting, and voting for that within the hour). So I guess this isn't as naughty, but still kinda fun.
As we were behind the rotunda, there was little people traffic, and at this point, the only ones in sight until a group of people came around the corner and headed our way. I quickly recognized our Governor, Tim Pawlenty. He was surrounded by approximately 4 staffers, and an equal number of security guards. As we were the only other ones in the hallway, the Governor saw us, and smiled to the girls, and said to me, "How are you doing?" I quickly answered, "Very well Governor, Thank you.". The entourage passed us, and I slowly pulled out and started my camera. I clicked the picture where the only evidence of this story is the arm of the last security guard going around the corner. You still believe me, don't you?
Jim's office is joined with 3 other Senators, and there were only a couple staffers there. There was a guest book, so I signed us in as proof of our visit, and took this picture outside his office. His name is the 3rd one on the sign behind the girls.
Here we are after the girls ran around.
The protesters were done at this point, which gave me a chance to get this picture. This is the floor of the rotunda.
He walked us back to his office, where his wife and kids were, along with his sisters, Ruth and Lynn, and his mom, Anna (who is my Grandpa George Linkert's sister). It was fun to reconnect and hear what was going on.
So I packed the girls up, and we headed to St. Paul. Here we are in front of the capitol steps. You can see the legs of protesters at the top of the stairs.
Not wanting to haul two little girls, and a double stroller up all those steps, I queried a nearby security guard about an easier access. He pointed us to a nearby driveway, that lead to a tunnel underneath the previously seen steps. We followed the driveway, and was about to enter the tunnel, when I saw the parking spot is the sign posted, "Reserved for the Speaker of the House"I thought this would be a fun and naughty picture, until some staff person, who was outside getting a smoke, noted to me that the Speaker had yet to be elected (they were to be meeting, and voting for that within the hour). So I guess this isn't as naughty, but still kinda fun.
After 'parking' in the Speakers spot, we headed into the tunnel, and towards the entrance. At this point, I got a little nervous. Maybe the building isn't open to the public. Since it's the first day of session, maybe they close it up because of all the news and stuff. When I got to the door, it was locked. There was a sign stating it was a secured entrance, and to gain entry I would need to push the large red button. Holding my breath, I pushed it. Almost immediately I heard the door unlock. Not waiting a moment, I opened it, and pushed the girls right in, expecting to be greeted by a security guard wanting to know my business and looking for a reason to kick us out.
The only person to be seen was a nice looking lady, dressed for work, who gave the girls a smile as she walked by on to very important business. I decided immediately that I needed to look like I knew where I was going, so purposely pushed the stroller around the ground floor of the capitol, waiting to be found, and thrown out of the capitol.
After a couple minutes, and getting bored with the interesting portraits and office doors of the ground floor, I decided to take us up the elevator to more interesting things. The first floor is where the capitol rotunda is, and a lot more art and historical objects to view. As we walked around, a number of security staff walked by us, and nodded to me, or smiled to the girls. The MPR table was here, where Gary Eichten was interviewing the Former Speaker Sviggum, and Speaker designee Anderson Keliher. Feeling safer, I stopped us in front of a TV in the hallway that was showing the activities on the Senate floor, which was about to start its first session.
The only person to be seen was a nice looking lady, dressed for work, who gave the girls a smile as she walked by on to very important business. I decided immediately that I needed to look like I knew where I was going, so purposely pushed the stroller around the ground floor of the capitol, waiting to be found, and thrown out of the capitol.
After a couple minutes, and getting bored with the interesting portraits and office doors of the ground floor, I decided to take us up the elevator to more interesting things. The first floor is where the capitol rotunda is, and a lot more art and historical objects to view. As we walked around, a number of security staff walked by us, and nodded to me, or smiled to the girls. The MPR table was here, where Gary Eichten was interviewing the Former Speaker Sviggum, and Speaker designee Anderson Keliher. Feeling safer, I stopped us in front of a TV in the hallway that was showing the activities on the Senate floor, which was about to start its first session.
As we were behind the rotunda, there was little people traffic, and at this point, the only ones in sight until a group of people came around the corner and headed our way. I quickly recognized our Governor, Tim Pawlenty. He was surrounded by approximately 4 staffers, and an equal number of security guards. As we were the only other ones in the hallway, the Governor saw us, and smiled to the girls, and said to me, "How are you doing?" I quickly answered, "Very well Governor, Thank you.". The entourage passed us, and I slowly pulled out and started my camera. I clicked the picture where the only evidence of this story is the arm of the last security guard going around the corner. You still believe me, don't you?
Well seeing the Governor, and having a brief conversation with him, without getting thrown out seemed like having dessert before having supper, and the rest of our time there wouldn't be any fun. But we pressed on, and found ourselves in a room with others where other TVs were set up, and we could watch more of the procedings of the Senate. I sat next to a couple of staffers, assuming I could ask questions if I had any. I started giving the girls a bit of a snack (it was noon) and watched the Senate on the TV.
Well, it wasn't the most interesting TV, as I'm sure you could imagine, and the Senate was at a point where they were calling all the Senators, one by one, to provide the election filings, I guess to prove they were dutifully elected. I was trying to keep the girls occupied with cheerios, and chatting with the staffers I sat next to, when I heard the them call Jim Carlson on the TV.
"Jim Carlson! Hey... that's my dads cousin!" I exclaimed silently in my head (the rest of the room was pretty quiet, and felt it better not to add to the noise my girls were already providing). I kicked myself for forgetting about his victory in Senate District 38 (Eagan and Burnville). Janet, the girls, and I actually joined his campaign for the 4th of July parade last summer.
So mulling it over in my head, how I might see Senator Carlson, I decided I should give the girls something more to eat than Cheerios and cheese. The staffers told me about a cafeteria in the basement, so we departed the room, and headed for the elevator. Back at the groundfloor, we searched for signs I was told would direct us to the cafeteria. Not finding any, I looked at the groundfloor map on the wall, searching for the Cafeteria. It appeared however that the groundfloor was entirely offices... or more prescisely, Senator offices. My eyes quickly found dear old cousin Jim's office, and we headed straight there.
Well, it wasn't the most interesting TV, as I'm sure you could imagine, and the Senate was at a point where they were calling all the Senators, one by one, to provide the election filings, I guess to prove they were dutifully elected. I was trying to keep the girls occupied with cheerios, and chatting with the staffers I sat next to, when I heard the them call Jim Carlson on the TV.
"Jim Carlson! Hey... that's my dads cousin!" I exclaimed silently in my head (the rest of the room was pretty quiet, and felt it better not to add to the noise my girls were already providing). I kicked myself for forgetting about his victory in Senate District 38 (Eagan and Burnville). Janet, the girls, and I actually joined his campaign for the 4th of July parade last summer.
So mulling it over in my head, how I might see Senator Carlson, I decided I should give the girls something more to eat than Cheerios and cheese. The staffers told me about a cafeteria in the basement, so we departed the room, and headed for the elevator. Back at the groundfloor, we searched for signs I was told would direct us to the cafeteria. Not finding any, I looked at the groundfloor map on the wall, searching for the Cafeteria. It appeared however that the groundfloor was entirely offices... or more prescisely, Senator offices. My eyes quickly found dear old cousin Jim's office, and we headed straight there.
Jim's office is joined with 3 other Senators, and there were only a couple staffers there. There was a guest book, so I signed us in as proof of our visit, and took this picture outside his office. His name is the 3rd one on the sign behind the girls.
The girls and I made our way to the basement where the Cafeteria really is, had a nice little lunch of carrots, frys and a cookie, and headed back up to the first floor. At this point all we did was walk around and look at the people and action. The were TV crews, reporters, photographers, staffers... a lot of people. The protestors who were outside earlier were having a loud racous rally in the rotunda. At one point we were sharing an elevator with Eric Eskola! The Senate had adjourned, so we were watching the Senators leave, and people trying to talk to them.
Then I saw Jim heading out. Unfortunately he was heading downstairs, and there would be no way I could catch him. I figured I could try his office a bit later. He would be busy anyway.
A quick change of diapers, and then I found a hallway where I felt I could let the girls walk around for a bit. They were such good girls, not making a lot of noise, and just going along for the ride, they deserved to be let free. So they wandered for a bit on their own, catching more smiles from passerbys. One guy asked me if I was Senator Larson's brother, I said no, but I had a distant cousin for a Senator.
Then I saw Jim heading out. Unfortunately he was heading downstairs, and there would be no way I could catch him. I figured I could try his office a bit later. He would be busy anyway.
A quick change of diapers, and then I found a hallway where I felt I could let the girls walk around for a bit. They were such good girls, not making a lot of noise, and just going along for the ride, they deserved to be let free. So they wandered for a bit on their own, catching more smiles from passerbys. One guy asked me if I was Senator Larson's brother, I said no, but I had a distant cousin for a Senator.
Here we are after the girls ran around.
The protesters were done at this point, which gave me a chance to get this picture. This is the floor of the rotunda.
So my parking meter would be running out soon, so I decided to stop by Senator Carlson's office for one last try. I poked my head into the general area, and didn't see him, so I turned around, and headed for the exit.
Suddenly I hear "George" from behind, and there's Senator Jim Carlson, my dad's cousin, running to get me. Now how often do you get a state senator to run after you?! We shake hands, and he asks me to come back to his office. I tried the "Well I thought you would be busy today, I don't want to interrupt anything" line, and he puffawed it, saying it was Receiving Day and I wouldn't be interrupting anything.
Suddenly I hear "George" from behind, and there's Senator Jim Carlson, my dad's cousin, running to get me. Now how often do you get a state senator to run after you?! We shake hands, and he asks me to come back to his office. I tried the "Well I thought you would be busy today, I don't want to interrupt anything" line, and he puffawed it, saying it was Receiving Day and I wouldn't be interrupting anything.
He walked us back to his office, where his wife and kids were, along with his sisters, Ruth and Lynn, and his mom, Anna (who is my Grandpa George Linkert's sister). It was fun to reconnect and hear what was going on.
So we departed just tickled pink on how well our day went. From trying to evade security, to talking to the Governor, to seeing family it was a great trip.
The girls were so good and cute, I wish there was a way I could have them remember it better than this, but this will have to do. I know I had a blast, and it will be a day I will long remember.
The girls were so good and cute, I wish there was a way I could have them remember it better than this, but this will have to do. I know I had a blast, and it will be a day I will long remember.
Cecelia Wednesday 1-3
Ok... posting pics will be easy again
Hooray! Don't know exactely what I did... but I'll take it.
Because I'm on a roll
Hey...
Does this work too?
test
I'm working on some things on the the blog today...
expect interruptions...
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Gail took this pic
CD's come out of the box!
Janet and I both had lots of CDs sitting in boxes for the last couple years. For the Holiday, I finally hooked up Merrill's 100 CD changer, and we put all our Holiday CDs in it. Now that the Holiday is over, out go the Holiday CDs, and in go ours. The hardest part was determining how many CD slots each of us get... (Janet got more)
Trying something different
The pics are a little big... I'm trying some new things here, including a better way to upload my pictures (it's a bit tedious using Flickr the way I am presently).
Cecelia and Tina
At the gopher basketball game, Cecelia gives Tina some lessons.
Seth Bradway finds a 'guy' toy
Fortunately we had some cars for him and Logan at Maeve's Birthday party.
Goldy and the girls
Maeve and Cecelia enjoyed hanging out with the large Rodent.
Daddy and the girls
"Hey! I'm upside down!"
This bunny was a birthday gift... it loves being flung around the room.
Maeve makes a clown face
Hmmm... I'm starting to get used to this opeing presents thing...
At the end of her birthday, Maeve was granted title of "Supreme gift opener" We hope she can wait a year til she opens any more gifts!
A good book
Hey that clown looks great!
Our own super cook... er baker I mean, Janet, made the cake. Great job!
Hold on a minute.... I'm checking my emails!
Is that a horse!
A cute outfit!
Who's watching TV?
We decided to let the girls watch a movie. Apparently Sebastian found it fun too.
Maeve in the cradle
The Linkert Family
On Maeve's birthday... just about to enjoy some cake. Half of us decided to take our tops off.
Happy Birthday Maeve!
Cecelia Wednesday
Easily walking more than 75% by now. She just took off during the Holidays!
Enjoying our new bath toys!
Gruenwalds over for a party.
Burfiend and Linkert girls
A fun toy for the whole family!
Two little monkeys jumping on the bed...
A cool new gift from Grandpa
He made a playhouse in the basement of their home for the grandkids to play in. It's really cool, with a working doorbell,a and a see-through roof!
The Maeve look
Janet says this is me giving the Maeve smile... what else do you do when you get a compendium of classic Superman comics!?
Walk walk walk
There she goes again!
Becoming the climber
On top of her already competent skills of walking, the beginnings of running, she can now climb up every chair we have. Steerforth's favorite perch is becoming her's!
What can you do with a tube...
some cardboard, a chair with a hole in the back, and some cars?
Make a raceway!
Make a raceway!
Making Chrismas Eve dinner
Janet and I had my folks over for Christmas eve dinner for the second year in a row. We enjoyed the German meatballs and Spatzle so much last year, we did it again!
Flickr
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