Team Vogel vs Cancer
-2nd Annual Golf Outing- Let the fun begin... Thank you to all the ladies who were willing to work a hole event. We truly appreciate it and I know you all spiced up the course.  A foursome to be feared.  If I had to guess - Katie is stretching for Dancing with the Winona Stars... ...and thank you to Jane and Katie (not pictured).
To Jeff - the golf outing was a true success. Thank you for everything. It was amazing!
Rod - Thank you for embracing Team Vogel last year and for helping us continue our efforts with the 2nd annual outing. You and your staff are amazing.  The Main Men - Rod and Jeff - kicking off the event. Taking it all in...  Taking in the day - it was beautiful.  Hey - Where did you get your outfit???  I thought golf was played on the green stuff - not the water - busted :).  A fist in the air to celebrate! The Scores... Returning Champs - 1st Place Bill Bonow, Bob Prenot, Bob Bigelow and Seth Bonow 10th Place Bob Barth, Dan Skelton, Ken Krapidlowski, and Chris Johnson 20th Place Tom Thompson, Dave Zimprich, Terry Gray, and Tom Vogel Last Place...and still smiling Cole Salisbury, Gary Salisbury, Dylan Salisbury, and Sara Paal All Scores... A Great Day... Chula Event... Join us on Facebook... For all of you facebook fans out there (Hubbard) - check out the Team Vogel vs Cancer page. It is a great way to for us to reach out and keep all of you in the loop with upcoming events. Click the link below - www.facebook.com/TeamVogelvsCancerThank you Sarah (I did just type Biggs and changed it up) for creating this. Alright - off to tackle the day. Hoping everyone had a fabulous weekend and took in some sunshine. I was out in the gardens and enjoying life in my new car...I finally did it - bought myself a jeep. Love and hugs - Rach
Joe's B-day Brew Review 2012... Through the camera lens...
...Did anyone I.D. this young man?
Thank you again to all who attended and help make this event possible. A special thank you to the lady behind the camera - Miss Keelie Ritter. You amaze me everytime...Thank you! www.keelieritterphotography.comGearing Up... Pinwheels As the 3rd Annual Team Vogel vs Cancer Fundraiser approaches, I would like to highlight a newer opportunity. Pinwheels were featured for the first time last year at the summer event. The pinwheels can be purchased in honor of or in memory of someone. The pinwheels are then placed along the race path and event pavilion. This is our way of symbolizing - "Cancer Blows". If you are interested in purchasing a pinwheel, please click the link below for more information. PinwheelsIf you would be willing to sell pinwheels - please send a note to
TeamVogel@hotmail.com
and we will be in touch with details. Upcoming Events As many events approach quickly- I want to draw your attention to the link that features them all. Mark Your Calendars... Other ActivitesThis area features a running list of upcoming events for Team Vogel. Chula Gives back is right around the corner and they deliver this year... Team Vogel Fundraiser 2012 Paying it Forward... Team Vogel's mission - "Pay it Forward".
Thank you to the kind individual who paid it forward to me last Sunday on Cty. Rd. 29 - Welcome to the Team.
Until next week - hugs and a belated Happy Mother's Day to all.
Love - Rach
Next Week...Golf Outing Pictures and results. It was a BEAUTIFUL day...
The 2012 Team Vogel vs Cancer Families The Geno Garrison Family The Carol Polodna Family The Carson Kerkenbush Family The Cliff Murray Family The Elizabeth Melde Family The Gayle Waldera Family The Kristy Puetz Family The Raylin Cooksey Family The Rich Bambenek Family And one family that wishes to remain anonymous. Join the Team... As we gear up and head into the busy season for Team Vogel, I invite all of you to join our team. Please take a moment to see all that is available and find your fit. If you are interested in any event - please reach out to the appropriate person (by email) for more information. If you are interested in volunteering and helping please send me a note at TeamVogel@hotmail.com. Next Week - Brew Review Photos and Golf Outing Wrap-up. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the 2nd Annual Golf Outing on Saturday (May 12th). Love and Hugs -
Rach
Golf ... It is time to dust off your clubs and join us for an afternoon of golfing and fun. The Team Vogel vs Cancer Golf Outing is right around the corner. There are still a couple team spots open - if you are interested please reach out to Jeff Hubbard at TeamVogelGolf@hotmail.com or (507) 313 - 9612.
The winning Team from 2011 with a score of 60... Beer... Thank you to everyone who joined us for Joe's B-day Brew Review on Thursday. It was a blast. A special thank you to the last moment set-up crew, all the pourers, the ice crew, to the Legion, Midtown, Fifth Street Liquor, HyVee, to the beer groupies - Deb, Karen and Ed, my go to lady...Mom, and everyone else who had a hand in making the 1st annual Brew Review a success.
...and I hope some of you sampling were able to find a new brew of choice.
A toast to Joe, Team Vogel, and enjoying a beer.
Finally - the 2012 Brew of Choice Award goes to.... ...and a Birthday Today is Joe's 34th Birthday.
Birthdays are hard for me. I've shared this in the past.
...It was a time to surprise Joe with something...head out for dinner with the families...maybe have a cocktail or few...whatever we did - it was always one of the best times...
I am still struggling trying to find a way to celebrate this day without Joe...Last year I thought it would be a good idea to run a 1/2 marathon. In true Rachel fashion - I actually ended up running 13.2 miles for I didn't realize a 1/2 only consisted of 13.1. After I did that last year - I swore there was no way I would run that far again.
Well - a couple months ago (when my body had finally forgotten how far this distance is), I got to thinking...I can do it again. I can make it . So today - I took off this morning to run my second 1/2 marathon and this time I only ran 13.1...Good News - I MADE IT! I would have never made it without my running sidekick - Sam and a good friend - Adam who jumped in with us. Thanks guys for running with me.
After we finished, I got to thinking...this is no way to celebrate a birthday - this is just plain CRAZY. So, Sami and I tossed around some ideas...
...next year I will be celebrating Joe's 35th Birthday with a run on a beach, followed by lounging in the sunshine with a good book in hand (maybe a fun drink too). Now this sounds like the appropriate way to celebrate :).
Happy Birthday Mr. Joe!
Sending my love - Rach
The Brew Review is Here... Birthdays were a big deal for Joe and I. We used it as an opportunity to celebrate, travel and try and do something really special for the other. This year will be no different.
It has been a busy evening putting the finishing touches on Joe's B-day Brew Review. Signs are laminated, beers cards are finalized, pourers are stretching their wrists, and tasters are cleansing their palate.
It is going to be an evening of sampling, laughter, and toasting Mr. Joe.
A Brew Review in the works...
A glimpse at what will be there...
If you are interested in joining the review - there are still tickets available. You can buy your ticket at the door - or you can reserve a ticket by email - teamvogel@hotmail.com or phone - (507) 313-5899 (Rachel)
A New Addiction... This spring I was introduced to mushroom hunting. It all began one fine day on a leisure walk through a park...
After finding one just off the path (which happened to be right next to my foot when I looked down...beginner's luck) - I couldn't stop there. The thrill of the hunt was on. Somedays you find some - some days you don't.
It's official - I am a hunter :).
The captured...
...safe in a bowl.
And an Old Addiction...
Seriously mom - another picture...
Sending my love and hoping you have a fabulous week. Looking forward to seeing many of you on Thursday.
-Rach
Strength... There are times in my life I wonder... Why did I read that? How come I feel so connected to this? How does a person survive through that? ...
I've been reading a blog for some time now. I man from MN started the blog to keep in touch with family and friends while he and his wife were expecting the arrival of their first child...
Truly their story is not mine to share- but the impact it has made on my life is what I want to share.
Matt (It feels odd using his first name when I haven't even met him ...) was dealt a hand that no one wishes upon their worst enemy. He survived and taught me how to survive (and doesn't even know if). It is hard to even put into words what his blog meant to me... Although our stories are no where near similar - he taught me so many lessons, skills to make it.
Live in the moment and take one breath at a time.
There are good days and bad.
It is OK to have REALLY, REALLY bad days.
You will always love and cherish the moments you had with your loved one.
(And soooooo many more...)
...and most importantly - sharing your personal story may help one person find the strength to make it...
Here is Matt's Book... It is amazing and puts words to thoughts and emotions I have never found a way to verbalize.
Beer... Tickets are selling - if you haven't reserved or purchased your tickets for the Brew Review - now is the time.
Tickets are available at Fifth Street Liquor, HyVee, (Midtown is Out), and the Legion.
You can also email teamvogel@hotmail.com or call Rachel at (507) 313-5899 to get your tickets too. Golf Outing... It is time to sign up for the Second Annual Team Vogel vs Cancer Golf Outing. One Heck of a Woman... To Grandma Dori - Thank you for teaching me to love unconditionally, embrace time with family and the true importance of snacks, more snacks, beverages and a good sit down meal. You made everyone in your life feel important and loved. You will be missed by all and many hearts will need time to patch the hole that is left in your absence...
I find comfort in knowing Joe has his Grandma at his side. He will never have a holiday alone...and there will now be name-cards on his table.
Sending my love and a hug -
Rach
Dancing with the Winona Stars It is my honor to introduce the Team Vogel Dancers (Drumroll please)...
Bottom Row: Kelly Bartelson, Katie Rothering, Tina Wenzel and Lisa Waters - Top Row: Katie Daugherty, Andrea Benson, Nancy Prodzinski and Amy Loos
Dancing with the Winona Stars is an annual event put on by Gotta Dance. The event raises money for Gotta Dance and many local organizations - like Team Vogel. This year we were invited to participate in the group dance competition. Above are the lovely ladies who have agreed to train and work their buns off for Team Vogel. There will be many ways for us "Non" Dancers to be involved and support the cause along the way too. As the time gets closer - I will share more details.
If you are interested in attending the event:
Dancing with the Winona Stars
August 11th, 2012
at 7:30 pm
(a guaranteed good time - full of fun, laughter and amazing dancing)
Please contact Kristin Biesanz to arrange getting a ticket.
kristinbiesanz@yahoo.com or (651) 253-4276
(I know this is a bit in advanced - but ticket sales have gone quickly in the past.)
A big thank you to all the dancers for volunteering their time and talents and to the four ladies helping coordinate all this on the Team Vogel end - Thank you! "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." -Benjamin Franklin We have currently sold 125 tickets. Our goal (and max. # of tickets we will sell) is 250. If you have not purchased a ticket - and are interested - now is the time. If you already have your ticket - spread the word and invite others. Tickets can still be purchased at HyVee, 5th St Liquor, and the Legion (Midtown's tickets have all been sold). I am super excited for this event and I'm getting thirsty just typing this :).
A special thank you to Ed, Karen and Deb for all their hard work on this event. it has been wonderful getting to know all of you, work with you on an event and sample a few beers along the way. Thank you! Rach's Thoughts... The past few weeks have been challenging - for many reasons. It is hard to watch this disease challenge so many others. When my frustration gets to the point of breaking (sometimes while breaking) - I reflect on the positive. Team Vogel has become a community - a place of support for many...a place to fight and win - when it seems like all battles are impossible.
Team Vogel would not be the support it is without you. BELIEVE.
Love and Hugs - Rach
**Just a note - all Family Nominations have been reviewed. If you were a nominator, you should have received an email regarding your nomination. If you did not, please let me know (teamvogel@hotmail.com)
As I gear up to head to the Fools Five, I reflect on the week it has been. The periods of good are longer and the tough times seem to get fewer... But sometimes the hard times hit you...
I realize this race is a tough one for me. I saw Joe train every day to run it. He was able to run the 8k one time. At the beginning of the race, they ask all survivors to remain standing and everyone else takes a knee...This was overwhelming the first time and gets harder and harder for me each year. It is amazing to see the survivors standing. But heart-breaking to not see the one who got me to do this race in the first place...He was able to stand 2 years (the 2nd year he completed the 1 mile).
As my frustration with this disease increases and my frustration with not seeing Joe - I am brought back to a comment a man made a few years ago. His wife had died from cancer and he was speaking on her behalf - he stood in front of a crowd and said, "I am a survivor." No, he did not have the actual tumor - but he is a survivor. This really hit me...We may not have the actual disease - but we are all survivors. We survive watching others take the battle on personally - we support them - we help them survive and we try to survive ourselves. So - today when I take my knee, I will cheer and support all the standing survivors and all the survivors that took a knee with me.
We will survive!  The shoes are shined and ready to run. ...And a Note from the Funny Farm... With the Easter season quickly approaching us, Miss Skittles has been feeling the stress of the upcoming basket deliveries. Being the smart rabbit she is, she is seeking help from a more youthful generation this year. (I think Miss Mags can pass as a rabbit...)  The is a picture of Mags during a time test. Skittles was seeing how fast she can hop in and out of the cage... Hoping this week brings sunshine and memories your way.
Hugs -
Rach
Brew Review Practice... After a meeting with 2 fabulous ladies, who are coordinating the Brew Review, I was inspired to practice my pouring ability and begin training for the big event. I am a firm believer in training for all Team Vogel events...
So - when I arrived at my mom and dad's, I got to work. Mom and dad are not able to hang like they used to - so I turned to a younger crowd.
Before viewing practice round #1 - please note...no animals were injured during this photo shoot and only animals over the age of 21 were able to sample.
Mags was quite the sipper - kicking back and savoring the flavor.
Frita may have over done it. When you play hard - one beer and bone will do you in...
Hoping these Ladies can at least keep their heads up in practice round #2.
And...The mature Zoe, tasting a quality beer and truly enjoying it.
All in all - I think we did pretty good for round #1. I am hoping the younger girls can hang better next time. Hope many of you are brushing up on your brew sampling techniques... Get your Brew Review Tickets... Just a reminder - if you are interested in tickets to Joe's B-day Brew Review...Please email teamvogel@hotmail.com or call Rachel (507) 313-5899 (texting works too). Reminders... Click here to nominate a family - Family Nomination PageFools Five - April 1st, 2012 The Fools Five is almost here - hope to see you there in red. (Or just there supporting a good cause - while getting a workout.) Check out there website - www.FoolsFive.org Hugs for the week!
-Rach
Join us for Joe's B-Day Brew Review... Reminders... Fools FiveThe Fools Five is just around the corner - take a moment to get involved. Check out their website - www.FoolsFive.org Team Vogel vs Cancer Family Nominations To make a nomination click here - Family NominationsThe Beach (sorta)... This past week - I had the opportunity to get away and visit my aunt and uncle in Georgia. It was amazing. The weather was perfect - the food was amazing - the company wonderful and two of my all time favorite things...the beach and baby animals :).
Before I share my week in pictures. I realized two things while on this vacation...
Walking the beach is wonderful - but I always end up a with a stiff neck and not knowing what the surrounding area looks like. I proudly carry on the family tradition of shell searching - obsessor. I walk the beach and can not take myself away from the shells - they are amazing and everyone unique. I collected my fair share and plan to make some jewelry creations out of them. Here are some of my finds.
I seem to be draw to the circular ones.
Some variety.
Please don't think I'm crazy with this story and next photo...
So as I'm out on the beach - my mind wonders from this thought to that... I think - "Joe if your out there, please put a really cool shell in my path." And what happens in 4 steps... This masterpiece appears :). The second thing I realized (I actually already knew) - I love animals and especially baby ones. I would be the happiest gal in the world to raise baby animals all day long. So - not only did I get to the beach, I stumble across some cute friends at the neighbors...If they only would have fit in my suitcase - I know my mom would have treasured her souvenir.
Quick side note - just looked up what souvenir's actual definition is... Not sure these bundles of joy fall under category #1 completely, but they would definitely be #2.
Meet the Kids - they were 1 day old.
Trying out their legs...
One whispers to the other - "Do you think she'll keep us?"
The Mama Pig - Super cute in her own way.
A little one with a big attitude. This one needed some tough - love training.
Just like puppies...
Hard to believe 1 yr. ago I had little ones this big.
Hoping all of you had a great week too.
Love and Hugs -
Rach
|
RSS Feed