Pete’s Mom’s Birthday, June 26

… Oh and does Diana /Grandma Markgraf /Mom ever have a way with iris’s!

Her personal garden favorites. Do I see some nice peonies in there? ((Hugs))

Allen drops 100 feet at 70 mph!

In my absence, the guys–Dad and Allen–took it upon themselves to hit Six flags amusement park in Jackson, New Jersey. (In another post we’ll share about the work party he threw while I was gone. )

Allen’s favorite ride was Kingda Ka (shown) because it was the best, fastest and was the one which gave them both a huge headache. They shoot you down at almost 100 miles per hour and your face flies back; the skin separating from the bone. (Aw, exaggeration mine.)

About the rock climbing wall: Allen made it all the way up on easy side of the wall and half way up on the expert side of the wall. Go Allen!!

Now, you know Allen is into extreme sports. Well, he said he actually did get a little scared on the Superman ride. It’s a suspended ride on your stomache on a roller coaster–your legs are dangling. “I was thinking, ‘What happens if the little bolt snaps out, you fly down.’ But they’re pretty safe. They check and double check you to make sure your seatbelt is tight and the bolt is in place.”

Thanks Allen. I’ll remember to visit California next time Six Flags is on the agenda as well. Well, that might not be possible …

They went on every ride. Even a little parachute ride you go up a hundred feet and are chained on a little bench and they drop you and you go down like a parachute. So cool!

Allen says, “My dad’s foot was fine too. He was walking on it good.”

Kids, dogs, Pete and Cindy re-united by 3am flight

Yes, it’s true! Kids, dogs and big people are all in one locale as we speak!

In the wee morning hours, dragging broke ankle along beside him, Petie picks up the girl and her kids at JFK airport. Home at a mere 3am and off to work precious two hours later, Mr Markgraf fills the house with the pitter patter of little–and not-so-little–feet.

A little stomping is so reassuring, right?

Now, the job of multitudinal loads of laundry (yes, I made that word up).

Alex graduates from CalPoly University

Congratulations Alex!
Alex Franklin Ganschow graduated with his bachelors of science in civil engineering, Sunday, June 15, 2008, from California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo.

In Cal Poly,he found at last, the promised land of educational challenges and enjoyment he’d been warned existed since gradeschool, but never caught glimpse one of until now. And he’s selective in his approvals. One professor in particular met his criteria for excellence.

When he called to tell me of his most recent and favored class–where they build from dirt up an entire housing complex and the weekly reports due were too thick to staple–I thought I heard him say he was really enjoying his “rainforest concrete” class. “That’s awesome Son!” I said, visions of rainforest conservation and jungle-type co-housing projects danced in my head.

“Uh, it’s reinforced concrete class mom!” Oh. LOL

He was on the dean’s list. He really persevered and didn’t take no for an answer on gaining admission and he worked his way through school along with some solid financial backing from Grandma Sally. Thanks Sally!!!
The last year was so busy that he didn’t even allow himself daydream time lest his schedule go tumbling down since every minute counted. A trip to the grocery store was rare and he knew it.

Alex has one class this summer to complete his bachelors. He has been accepted to University of Seattle for grad school and also UC Davis. He prefers the Seattle school but needs to have his residency waived. We are hoping for that. Cross your fingers.
Below: the fan club–Grandma Sally, Aunt Kristen, and Aunt Kim

SLO BBQ at Alex’s

A Barbecue at Alex’s and his roommates house on Hathway–the center of all CalPoly action–was well-attended and fun! Meat piled high and cooked to delicacy-status by Cal, Chris’s dad.

My salad was very garlicky and yummy. Mom’s baked beans dish, chocolate granola dessert were fully relished and fought over. And don’t forget the bowl! Presentation presentation.

A nice talk with Kacie and her dad Tom incurred.
Highlights were the roommates on the porch Chris, Alex, Mercury and … ? (top) as fans shot pics and made cheesy comments.

Zeke’s birthday PDX

Zeke attained double digits yesterday. Unfortunately, the thermometer hit the upper digits as well and he had an uncomfortable fever just after the fabulous skate party with friends, thrown by Dad at Mt Scott. While sister spent the day attaining red sunburnt cheeks in the pool, brother kicked back in our poolside / riverfront suite–red cheeks honestly come by. Note the remote.

Hello world!

This is the blog of Pete and Cindy. Cindy posts the pictures of the kids, dogs, BBQ and views from the wrap-around couch or dining table. Her comments usually consist of her current weight and pant size or how adorable her Pete is. Other than that you might hear of how to end racism or high cholesterol.

Angel enjoys a sunny Gardiner moment earlier this year.