CAN I TAKE HIM HOME?

Due to a recent misfortune, this little critter that Biz is holding lost its mommy and daddy. Barry Sanders, Biz's cousin, rescued him from the clutches of the family dog and have been taking care of "Rascal", as this raccoon is called. Biz got to hold him the other day and we were amazed at how so like a house cat he was, purring and clinging and all that.

Unfortunately, Barry and Crystal say that "Rascal" will have to go in a couple of weeks when he grows teeth.

STILL HAVE A FEW YEARS YET!

Trevor (at wheel) and Ethan (center) Sanders take Becca for a ride, er, that is, try to take Becca for a ride in Biz's new car. Due to the rising costs of gasoline, Biz and Charles traded in the old Caravan for this 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid back in March.

We chose the Civic rather than the more popular Toyota Prius because the Civic feels like you're driving in a car. Depending on in-town or highway, we're averaging between 41 and 48 miles per gallon. It also has a smaller tank (9-gallon overall), so it's not costing us a fortune to fill it up. We're getting anywhere from 360 to 440 miles to the tank, depending on when we fill up (Charles likes to top off when the gas gauge hits 1/4 mark; I guess it's just too many times of running out of gas!).

IT GOT POURED DESPITE THE RAIN!

After delaying the pour five hours because of rain, which threatened for a day and a half, our contractor decided to chance it and pour the eight and a quarter (8 1/4) yards of concrete. Then, when the rain threatened again, they put plastic down to protect the concrete, which set up in several hours despite the rain drops. The pad has now cured out and after a couple of 95-degree days, our porch has come out beautiful.

The concrete also wrapped the house on three sides and after a weekend of showers, very little water has seeped into our basement - yeah! We've put on the patio furniture and displayed Bizzy's Mother's Day present - the new grill!

One problem that "surfaced" during the pour - the concrete truck was so heavy it rutted our soft asphalt driveway, which has now led to Charles calling asphalt contractor's for more bids!

THE CONCRETE IS DOWN!

This is looking from the driveway across the patio toward the mud porch. After the concrete cured for three days, we set the fence back up. That metal stand in the middle is our 50-foot television antennae, with which we can pick up South Bend and, sometimes, Chicago. The only problem - birds sit atop the tower and poop all over the brand new concrete!

TIME TO POUR THE CONCRETE!

Our contractors discuss how the concrete pad is going to be shaped. To give you an idea of how much concrete is going to be poured, the pad will be flush with the bottom step coming out the back door. Oh, that's the mud room that served as the break from outside to inside. It has served us well during this past winter. In fact, after the pad was prepared, Charles crawled under the mud porch and insulated the floor. He plans to enclose the bottom once the concrete is poured.

BEFORE SHOT!

This is how our yard looked before the concrete was poured. Along with pouring the concrete, we had our contractor dig around our foundation and treat the basement outside walls with waterproofing.

THE MOST HEARTFELT COMPLIMENT ONE COULD GIVE . . .

Last weekend we were out visiting Biz's parents at the lake and I came back on Saturday to check on some concrete work we were having done, when, lo and behold, I found this waiting for me. . . er, waiting for Bizzy.

Our neighbors said its a tradition that occurs when graduation approaches (it's this weekend!) that students will go out and get crazy, teepeeing one's house with toilet paper.

That's OK. I laughed it off, pulled out the garbage bag and . . .

"You didn't call the police, did you?" my next door neighbor asked as I was stuffing the Glad Bag not so gladly.

"Oh, no, of course not!" I replied.

"The kids must like you, because you were paid the highest compliment they could give," she added.

"Really?" I continued to stuff toilet paper, wondering, 'Could I reuse . . . ? Nah!'

"If they didn't like you, they would have just egged your house," my neighbor said, emphatically.

We put out the word to the kids who tell, that is, at the High School where Bizzy works. One kid said, "Gee, Dr. Ratliff, you're not going to give them ISS are you?"

"Oh, no," replied Bizzy to the wondering tattle-tale. "I'm going to get even!" When he asked how, she told him how she was going to stuff the guilty party(ies) locker(s) with . . .

Needless to say, one only wishes, and we laughed off this particular practical joke.

I SEE WHAT YOU DID!

Plymouth High School students tried to hide their antics behind the bush, thinking we wouldn't see it. Well, we did! Our next door neighbor said she was worried that we, being from Arizona, wouldn't recognize it as a compliment.

So, we've been complimented!

The name is . . .

As the school year comes to a close, one of the things students look forward to is prom. And, where there's prom, there's the high school administration and staff supervising.

When Biz works for a high school, I always look forward to attending the events with her. The events are fun to attend and to watch the kids as they enjoy the fruits of their labors. The other thing I look forward to is the pictures. And, as sponsors, we get to take our picture right along with the students.

This year's prom at Plymouth High School was, duh, themed "007". The gym at PHS was decked out like a casino, with two big screens on opposite walls playing Bond movies. The sound was turned down so that the kids could enjoy the music and dance on the floor. The art dept. and student council really did a wonderful job decorating. We also enjoyed attending the event.

So, here's the picture we took at this year's Prom at PHS. The photo was taken by Ron Zimmerman, a local photographer. If all goes well, we plan on having our family photos taken in the fall with Mr. Zimmerman.

Have a wonderful Spring!

CAN WE GO TO CHURCH? HUH? YEAH?

Becca hams it up as we make our way to the car Sunday morning. It was such a beautiful morning we couldn't resist taking some pictures outside.

Despite the recent change in weather the last couple of weeks, our grass is green and the sun is shining. Although last week, I mowed my lawn one day, only to wake up the next morning to find a half-inch of snow on the ground and snow mixed with icy rain falling steadily. That's OK, because it was all melted by the next day! Now, that's my kind of weather.

Steve, Scott, Becca and Debbie at a recent Argos basketball game.

ANNIE SURE GOT THE GUN!

We spent Friday evening in Argos and watched Steve and Scott Sanders in the Argos High School production of "Annie Get Your Gun!" Steve played the role of Sitting Bull, while Scott was cast as "Mac", one of the roustabouts for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. All of the kids were marvelous as it was a rousing show.

Becca impressed all who sat around us, including the Sanders clan, by clapping when the audience clapped, and then during intermission, entertained one and all by being just the social butterfly! As the evening wore on (the play was a 2-act, 4-scene each two-and-a-half hours long), she began to tire, so instead of clapping, Becca began hooting "Bravo" with each applause, which made the audience roar even more (Yes, she COULD BE HEARD above the applause).

When we left Argos' auditorium at 10, we no sooner had put Becca in her car seat than she passed out for the ride home.

I know I shouldn't, but I just gotta . . . A good time was had by all!

A CHAMPIONSHIP-SIZE COOKIE!

Becca enjoys a cookie at the 3A state basketball championship game, at Conseco Fieldhouse.

I had to rearrange some of my posts, but I could not bear to drop this picture! Becca sure enjoyed the game, as did we all and is really becoming quite the fan!

Right, third from right, Biz stands with the those individuals who, behind the scenes, contributed to the Boys 3A state basketball championship and were recognized at the community celebration.

Brrrr! It's back to work . . .

We had the community celebration recognizing the boys 3A state champions. Because of Spring Break, it was postponed until everyone could get back from vacation. The community filled the gymnasium and listened while the team was recognized, the boys and coaches spoke, and the pep band and cheerleaders stoked the crowd into a cheering frenzy. Then, the team presented the Indiana-shaped, three-foot trophy to the high school principal and administration.

Well, as we prepare for Easter, the weather has dipped back down into the 30s, and yesterday's Easter Egg hunt in the park was postponed. That's OK. Becca still can't wait to meet the Easter Bunny and go to church to see her friends on Sunday.

Once it warms back up, I'll be needing to break out the yard implements, as the grass has begun to grow like crazy despite the cold. Leaves are beginning to break out all over and the only prescription for tending to the landscape is clearly cutting and trimming! Oh, the joys of spring and the tasks that go with it! I'll be going with it now, so enjoy your spring weather as we have had to dig the heavy coats back out after packing them away. Think of us as you sun bathe and jump into the swimming pool while we shiver for just another week or two.

Caio!

Charles in the stands at Conseco Fieldhouse cheering on the Plymouth Pilgrims in the 3A state championship game.

PLYMOUTH BOYS WIN STATE 3A CHAMPIONSHIP!

Well, it's been a hectic last couple of weeks, and I apologize for not posting earlier. We were in the midst of March Madness (er, Indiana High School Boys Basketball version).

After securing the regionals, the boys went on to defeat arch rivals Northwood (Nappannee) at Semi-state (Final Four) and was given a berth at the State Championship game in Indianapolis versus Evansville Bosse.

We started our Spring Break by attending the game on Saturday, March 24, which was held at the Conseco Fieldhouse (home of the Indiana Pacers). We were the ultimate fans, dressing up in our red t-shirts and sitting in the fan section, next to the students.

The boys took off and left Evansville Bosse behind, scoring 30 first half points to Bosse's 16, then held their own against a second half explosion by Bosse (45 points to Plymouth's 42). It wasn't enough as Plymouth downed Bosse 72-61. It was an exciting game.

Congratulations to the Plymouth Boys team and coaches.

OFF TO THE RACES . . . ER, THE REGIONALS!

As the Ratliff family arrived at Plymouth High School to watch the Plymouth Pilgrims take on the George Rogers Clark (Hammond) High School Pioneers in the first round of the Regional semi-championship last Saturday, what was sitting outside the high school than the Indiana National Guard and this NASCAR vehicle.

We finally were able to get a picture together without one of us holding the camera. Becca was excited as well to see such a neat race car.

"Can I go for a ride, Daddy?" "Not yet, Becca." As we retrieved our photo number, we began to head inside and . . . "Why not?" Becca asks. "We're going to the game." We went inside to hand our tickets to the gate ladies . . . "But, I want to go for a ride!" Oh, the joys of being three years old.

The Pilgrims won both their games and head to Warsaw for semi-state. With that win they would be in the running for the state championship game. Yes, Colton, Bizzy got you a t-shirt. Leslie will be semi-state, and Claude will get the final four shirt. Oh, I get the championship t-shirt! We just want Claude to experience the championship feeling at least once in his life (we know he won't get it in Lake Havasu!).

As you can see, the snow has melted away and Spring has sprung upon us quickly. This time last year we were visiting and wearing heavy coats. I spoke with Lee and Russ and they stated they had been working in shorts already (those rats!).

Well, it won't be long and we'll have the boats in the water. Gentlemen, start your engines!

It's my party and I'll smile if I want to!

Becca gets ready to blow out the candles . . . er, just prior to mommy putting the candles on the birthday cake! Even as she makes ready to blow, she's already thinking about those presents on the table!

"Can I open them now?" she asks.

"Not yet, Becca. We have to sing first."

"It's not time to sing yet! I have to open the presents! No, I have to eat the cake first! Wait, I have to blow out the candles! Where's the candles, Mommy?"

"Coming, Becca, in just a minute."

Daddy, it's warm by the fire!

Even though it's only 18 degrees outside, Becca lounges by the new ventless gas stove in the front parlor. She's sitting in the rocker her mother found at an antique store in Nappannee. She's also wearing one of her newest birthday outfits (Thank you Uncle Larry, Aunt Kristy, and cousins Caius and Ailey!), which she wore to church this morning.

The sun came out today (Sunday) after another day and a half of snowing, draping the ground with three more inches of snow! Roads started melting and icicles began forming around the eaves of our house. We're watching them closely because falling icicles can be dangerous.

We want all of our Arizona and Nevada family members and friends to enjoy the warm weather you're having and know that we're fondly thinking of you all.

SNOW ANGEL IN THE MAKING

After spending the day shoveling and hibernating, Daddy and Becca went to Magnetic Park to goof off (we tried to disc but the snow was too deep!). First thing Becca did was to make a snow angel. As you can see, the little snow angel herself is having wingloads of fun!

OUR HOUSE

After spending two days off last week because a storm came through and dumped 6-8 inches of snow, we spent another two days off this week because a winter storm came through and dumped another 12-16 inches of snow on top of the previous 6 inches, which made for a lot of shoveling!

As you can see, Charles scooped a path to the front door for the mailman and paperboy, cleared enough of the driveway (outside of the left edge of the picture) in order to get the cars in and out, and called it a day.

I was looking for a way to display our lovely antique house. A little history: The house was built in 1920 with the main part of the house being the square part with the two stories, and a little jut to the back where the kitchen is located. Then, in 1932, an addition was built on the right side of the house that extended the kitchen and dining room and made them larger. The house has an 880 square foot basement and is 1770 square feet above the ground. The two windows to the right of the door are the windows to the soul of the house: Bizzy's antique parlor. The garage is the left of the house and in the rear (barely discernable). Becca's back yard is behind the house.

I promise, in the spring after the snow melts, I'll post a picture showing my beautiful front yard.

Itsnodeep . . .

Becca takes a stroll through Magnetic Park Wednesday after school . . . er when after school would have been had there been school! Mommy and Daddy spent the last two days off because of a major winter storm blew through and dumped 16 inches of snow on the ground.

The reason it looks only deep enough to Becca's shins because a lot of the snow drifted. Becca thought it was wild anyway with the snow as deep as it was.