T Minus 8 Days (Wed. June 27)

A hot and stormy day today. Had to wait for the washer man to come and fix the NEW washer. They said between 8 and 12. He came at 11:30. But Syd was here to entertain me. Three year olds can be so much fun. We watched Kiyou, played on the computer and chatted. Then we decided to take her out to lunch and then to the airport to pick up Niki. We got her car seat and everything. We went to Don Pablos. I think Syd enjoyed it very much. She loved the airport seeing the planes on the runway and taking off. But she loved surprising Niki even more.

Later in the afternoon it was off to the Detroit Shock game with my little sis Alyssa. She had never been to the Palace so it was quite exciting for her. By the third quarter she really got into the game whopping and hollering like everyone else. We ate hot dogs, chips, popcorn and cotton candy! The game was sponsored (free) from the BBBS organization. We had to ride down to the Palace on a Flint School bus though. It was storming on the way home. All the kids screamed every time the lightning flashed. (which was about every 20 or 30 seconds) The bus was cramped. The were putting 3 kids to a seat, 2 adults. Well, behind me there was 3 boys probably 5th grade sitting together. Now you can imagine that. They were off the chain. I finally had to give them my best "stern" teacher lecture. Even that didn't work with one little guy. Finally, I had them switch seats and I sat with the rowdy one. Now I have a new little friend named Christian who is a very hyper 11 yr old. He likes Ninjas and does well in school. I tested him on his time tables and asked him how lighning is formed. He did very well on both. He just needed some attention I think. He was quite a bit calmer by the time we pulled into the BBBS parking lot.
Check in later for T MInus Day 7

T Minus 9 Days (Tuesday June 26)

Another HOT one! Ninety something today. whew. But today I cranked the air on early. (First time it's been on this year.) Early in the morning I dropped a hardcover book on my toes. Ouch! The only way I could walk without pain was to wear my gym shoes. Probably broke a toe. I had to spray my hanging baskets with insectiside again. I seem to have a Japeneese Beetle problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm thinking about just throwing the plants away. Because these bugs seem very invasive and they are grossing me out!

Photo Show Attempt

Happenings - T Minus 10 Days (Mon. June 25th

Didn't really do a whole lot cuz it was hot!!
In the afternoon Sydney from across the street (age 2 1/2) came over to get me to go swimming in her pool. It was a sweet relief. Mind you there was barely room for Sydney, me and brother Evan. (age 6) The pool is one of those inflatable jobs, probably 2 feet deep. It still felt cool and relaxing. We grilled chicken/veggie packets on the grill--they were very yummy & easy. After that I just lounged around and sat in the driveway. On a chair of course!

Mini Vacation

Finally got away for a mini-vacation. We packed allot into just a one night stay.
Got to the B & B in Whitehall, MI at around 4:00 Friday afternoon. We stopped at the visitor center, cruised around town for a while and then checked in. It was an old Victorian with beautiful woodwork and furniture. It has a wonder screened in porch complete with comfy wicker furniture. The room was also really nice with a claw foot jacuzzi tub.
After discussing dinner options with our hostess (Cathy Russell - picture of her and me) we decided to go to a local hangout, the Old Channel Inn. Sarah tried the Salmon and I got the Grouper. Both were delicious! I ate too much and got a bad stomach ache so after walking on the beach (Lk. MI.) we went back and vegged at the B & B. Oh, I forgot, we took a short drive down the channel and ended up across from the White River light station. Could not get to it because we were across the channel.

Breakfast on Sat. a.m. was scrumptious. Homemade apple muffin, fresh fruit Brulee', Yummy! (She gave me the recipe) The main course was yummy french toast that had soaked all night and toasted then baked, and sausage. We left and did some shopping in the local shops then went to the other side of the lake where the lighthouse is. It had a little museum and Sarah walked up to the top of the tower. I of course was too chicken.

In the afternoon we drove to Muskegon and nosed around there. We actually ran into a submarine and lifeguard boat that we had seen from across that channel several years ago. We had a good laugh about that. As we were driving along the beach road we saw a cute little place called "Captain Jack's. It was so cool. We secured a table in the shade overlooking Lk. Mich. and the channel. Well, we were sitting there listening to the music (live) and all of a sudden I looked over toward the channel and my eyes bugging, said "oh my gosh!" There was a huge freighter heading down the channel. It was awesome. No picture though cause we had left the camera in the car. Trekked through a few shops and got some neat stuff. Our idea for this year's Christmas gifts and some birthday stuff for someone who has a birthday pretty soon...

Later, in the afternoon we drove to Grand Haven to check stuff out there. Of course we hit a few shops again. Then headed out to the lighthouse/beach area for a few pictures. Eventually we parked the car and just sat and watched the boats coming up and down the channels. It was fun to people watch pretend which boat would suit us next. We left around 6:00 p.m. and stopped at one of our favorite spots for a quick meal: Steak and Shake! There is a new one in Lansing. We managed the whole trip with major water bottles and not one ice-cream cone. ( I still can't believe that.)

Longest Day of the Year

First day of summer! But, tomorrow the days get shorter........ Ok, Ok, don't dwell on the negative!
It promises to be a beautiful day with a high of 80 degrees.
Here is Kathy's Top Ten List - Best Way to Spend the first Day of Summer:
10. Cook out on the grill for dinner
9. Go to a softball game
8. Go on a picnic
7. Buy and plant a new flowering plant
6. Swim in your pool - or someone Else's!
5. Stay inside and crank up the air if you live somewhere
where it's really hot!
4. Take the kids to the beach.
3. Park your chaise lounge in the shade and read a good book
2. Take a trip to the zoo
1. Enjoy the day!

Two More Weeks of Freedom

Hmmm, what will I do with my next two weeks?

Probably wake early. I got up at 6:00 a.m. today for no reason at all. (At least I slept through the night.)
Going on a mini-vacation this weekend to a B & B in Whitehall MI.
Going camping to Seven Lakes State Park with the neighbors the next weekend.
Take a nightly bike ride.
Take my little sister to the BBBS outing. (Detroit Shock Game)
Get my hair cut SHORT - really SHORT. So I don't have to worry about it.
Have Karen & Riley over for Taco Salad.
Appreciate my mobility!!

June 17th ~ Happy Father's Day, Happy Birthday Sarah & Riley Rose

"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.Deuteronomy 5:16 (New International Version)

I've been thinking about this verse as I thought about Father's Day. To honor means to give respect. Respect is something that seems to be missing in todays society. But that's another topic for another day. Let me just say I miss it. Anyway, Happy Father's Day Dad. Hope it is a good one.

Happy 39th Sarah! and Happy 3rd Riley!

The rose is from my rosebush

My Little Sister

I met my "little sister" for the first time on Tuesday. Her name is Alyssa and she is 6 yrs. old. She's cute and really smart. She wanted to go to Red Robin for our first outing because she had never been there but the "Red Robin Chicken" had visited her school. We chatted throughout the meal and there was even a magician who came to our table to do tricks. We were both amazed and dazed! Afterwards, we went to McDonald's for desert. (she has quite a healthy appetite) I ran into someone from LCA (Brent and his daughter) and while we caught up, the girls played in the play area. We went back to the house and talked with mom and grandma for a little while. I'll probably be seeing her again in a few weeks. We already have a list of "Things to Do."

Roller Skating (Yikes!)
Go to the park
Ride bikes at my house
Go to the beach