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

Memorial Day 2007

The White House Commission on Remembrance is an independent government agency whose missions include:
 Promoting the spirit of unity and remembrance through observance of The National Moment of Remembrance at 3 PM local time on Memorial Day;
 Ensuring the nation remembers the sacrifices of America's fallen from the Revolutionary War to the present;
 Recognizing those who served and those who continue to serve our great nation and reminding all Americans of their common heritage

Thanks Dad and others who serve(d) our country.

Not just a day to picnic and plant flowers. Have a Great Memorial Day!

The Nickerson Inn

If you read my last blog you would see that I was asking for suggestions for a place to go for a "mini-vacation." Marlene recommended the Nickerson Inn in Pentwater, MI. So I went online this AM to check it out and probably make a reservation. When I got to the website I saw in big red bold letters. "The Nickerson Inn was Destroyed by Fire on Monday, May 21, 2007." I sent the article via e-mail to Marlene, I knew she would want to know. I guess I won't be going there. I was really looking forward to it. Marlene had told me lots about it. I'm sure she'll be writing all about it in her blog.

"Do You Concur?"

"Yes, Yes I concur." Said Leanardo DiCaprio impersonating a doctor in the movie "Catch Me if You Can." Well, Dr. Hicks ( a real Dr.) has also concurred with Dr. Lapa ( another real Dr.) that all my gizzards (female parts) must come out. The scheduler will be calling soon with the surgery date. It seems we have quite some bad cancer genes passed down on the maternal side. Dr. Hicks is checking into genetic testing for me. If the insurance will pay for it I will have it. It's only a blood test, but a very expensive one at that. $4000.00 Maybe they send it to outer space and back. I can't imagine why a blood test would be so costly.

Anyway, I'm thinking it sure would be nice to take a vacation or even a "mini-vacation" before I have to go in. Any suggestions? Please log in with your answers!

Stayed Up Too Late Last Night

I was in my robe, half asleep when there was a LOUD pounding on the door. (It was 10;20 p.m.) I couldn't even get my thoughts together fast enough to figure out what was going on. It was the neighbors. They were all at Toni and Josh's house and wanted us to come over. I had to get re-dressed and fix my hair. We ended up staying way too long. 1:30 a.m. Which by the way the best part of the evening was watching Tom and Toni do Dance-Dance-Revolution. I felt sorry for the little kids who stayed up so late. But I'll tell ya this they look way better than I do this morning. I slept in until 10:30 a.m. but somehow that never seems to work for me. Went out for breakfast to try and wake up. Probably didn't help that I carbo-loaded on Biscuits and Gravy. Even the coffee hasn't worked yet!

After we got home I went up to Rich's Farm Market, I love that place and it's only about a mile from home. I got the last Rosemary plant because I want to make roasted rosemary potatoes with the pork chops tonight. However, the thing is so tiny and spindly that I would have to strip it completely to have enough herbage for the potatoes. Now I have a real predicament. I also bought 2 little ($5.99) hanging baskets. They are so cute. Going to figure out a way to hang them on the deck somehow. While I was there I got a bright idea for a "new" look for the front porch. Gonna have Sarah put in a couple of hooks for some hanging baskets of the porch roof. Whew, that's enough for today. I think we'll rent a movie and crash early this evening.

Ho Hum

Not much to report really. I saw Cherethe Hollinger today, that was fun. (Private joke for Lisa) Got home from work a little early, sat in the sun. Why I don't know because I'm still peeling skin from being out too long during the garage sale days!

Had ribs at Logans, ate a few peanuts and threw the shells on the floor. Finally got the freezy pops for Evan who'd been bugging me for the last 3 weeks to buy them. (little guy across the street) Evan had blue, Elyssa choose red and Syd took yellow. Ah, the first freezy pop of the summer.
Anyway, then 2 seconds after I got out of the tubby, Sarah broght the neighbors in for a "tour" Hmmm, that was fun, my undies were on the bed. (and probably my clothes, towels) Oh well, I guess she didn't know that. That's what I get for leavin' my stuff out.

Dad is coming for dinner tomorrow. Going to grill Chicken and veggie kabobs. I guess I better pick up my stuff now! Don't get lost dad, I hope my directions were good.

Storm Tracker

Last night was the first "Big" storm of the season. We were watching the front move in from the south. All of a sudden it was dark as night, the wind started whipping the trees and the rain was vertical. Storm Tracker on Channel 12 (7 for you Wayne/Oakland people) said that the storm was approaching with winds at 70 mph. We saw some of the clouds rotating and decided to head downstairs.

That so reminded me of when we were kids. Mom always made us head downstairs at the mention of a storm.
Suddenly, the phone was ringing. The new neighbor next-door was alone and scared. She asked if she could come over. She was soaked just from running the few feet to our garage. J R Kirtek was showing us golf-ball sized hail from some of the storms in the Mich. "Thumb" area. I would hate to have those pounding my head or my car! LOL
There actually was a sighting of a Tornado in Vernon which is about 10 or 15 miles West of Swartz Creek. The sirens were sounding in Flint because someone at the airport noticed some rotation in the clouds. 30 minutes later, the storm had passed and all was calm again. I think the biggest part of the storm thankfully missed us!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my sisters, (in-laws) and neices.
I bought a beautiful hanging Southern Fuchia and instead of putting it in the cemetary, I figured mom would want me to enjoy it. So happy Mother's Day in Heaven, Mom! I miss you more than I ever dreamed could be possible. However, as you know, Marlene is doing a great job in your place. :-)

In Regards to...

the nodule on my (left) ovary, the Gyn would like to take it out and then take out everything elso too! (Hysterectomy) Am I really that old already? Anyway, I have a consult in 2 weeks with Gyn/Oncologist to see if he concurs. If so, they will be scheduling surgery. Yipee. Apparently if they do the surgery the gyn/onc. dude will be there to assist and in case, well by chance the nodule is cancer.

So, not to be whining or complaining or anything, but I am NOT looking forward to another miserable summer of surgery recovery. Oh, well I shall try and remain thankful in all things...

New Flower Garden

Well tonight we're out in the backyard planning for a new flower bed. After all, got to get ready for the BIG party next summer. (Katie's Graduation) I decided to put in 3 peony plants behind the house. I love peonies. We had some on Oporto. I really loved walking by them. They looked and smelled so awesome. I haven't decided what color yet. I probably won't decide until I get to Home Depot.
Last year we put in a Pink Dogwood. (Because it reminds me of mom, although I should have put in a Red Bud because it reminds me even more. Can't you just hear mom saying "Red Bud" :-) Anyway, it's not doing so hot. The winter was bad. The bottom branches are dead. But the top branches are still alive and getting ready to bloom. I hope the tree makes it.

Macinaw Island Peanut Butter Fudge

Doesn't that sound yummylicious? Single dip from Gurnsey's in Northville. Yup! I ate the whole thing. Big chunks of peanut butter. I think though that I'm going to have to put into my goals for the "Spring Into Healthier You" group something about ice-cream. It gets addicting with the warmer weather upon us. How about the goal of " One ice-cream serving per day?" I'm sure my highly competitive neice would like to see that. A couple weeks ago she served me a huge ice cream sundae that I could not pass up. Then she giggled about how she was setting me up. Not fair! I wonder who else she has tricked? Watch out girls!!

One's Man's Treasure...

This weekend was the BIG Garage Sale. Friday was not too nice but Sat. and Sun. were warm and sunny. Friday started out with a huge scare. A man in a big white van was driving around the neighborhood at 7:00 a.m. trying to supposedly ask kids about the sale. But, he went about it all wrong. Someone called the cops on him because he tried to call her daughter to the van. Duh, you just can't do that in this day and age. I still say he was a perv and just using the garage sale for an excuse. The cops pulled him over right in front of our house!
Sales were slow on Friday because of the weather. Saturday was really the best day. We made a couple hundred bucks altogether. It's funny what people pass up and then all of a sudden someone will buy. There was this halloween decoration that's been in several sales. I finally marked it down to 25 cents and a lady finally bought it on Sunday. I sat out in the sun too long and got a pretty wicked sunburn. Tried to sell Hot Dogs and chips on Saturday. It was kind of a bust. I probably only broke even. Oh well. I guess I bought too much.

Catchin' Up!

Ok, ok so it's been a while. I guess I'll have to catch you up on the latest. I'm still waiting to become a "Big" sister. Getting impatient though. I've been calling my case worker weekly. We're trying to sell the boat. See photo. Big subdivision garage sale this weekend. Hoping it stops raining in time for the big crowds.
I am working from home this afternoon, which is very nice on a rainy day. I made a pot of coffee (mini) and have some yummy carmel cream. (or shall I say "yummylicious" as is the Henderson way.) We don't have any computers in our office yet, so if I have a lot of typing to do.

Health Wise: hmmmm, let's see. Here are the latest issues:
1. My Thalecemia (sp?) is kicking in again (a weird type of anemia) so I am taking iron
2. I now have carpel tunnel - very painful! I will be wearing those funny wrist support things.
3. My sugar is a little high so the good Dr. is changing my meds. Some new med I never heard of. In fact neither has the pharmacist.
4. I have a small nodule on my [left] ovary so I am going to a specialist for further consideration. It may be endometriosis or whaterever else, who knows at this point.
Wow getting old is rough!

Mystery Pain Diagnosed

Well, this morning I got up early to head off to Genesis Hosp. for an EMG test. If you're thinking that doesn't sound fun, you're right! At 8:15 I was having major electrical impulses jolting through both my arms. (one at a time) And if that wasn't enough after that I had (ummmm let's see what did the good Dr. call them) electrodes or something [I call them needles] inserted into the muscles in my arms and hands. Ouch, I still have puncture wounds! I was however able to receive immediate results. I have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Didn't Mom have that? I remember her wearing wrist braces on and off for a while. I will probably have to see the Dr. again to find out what torture I mean treatment will be needed. I may have to lay off the computer typing for a while. I don't think it helps. Maybe I'll get a "voice" activated computer. Is there such a thing? I hope it doesn't affect my newly found hobby of scrap-booking...

For the Birds

This weather is for the birds! No not even them. I mean come on, really. I'm trying to count my blessings and all, but..............
This is my spring break. I was planning on sitting out in the sun, playing outside with the neighbor kids, flying my remote control airplane, washing my car.
Instead I will be playing computer games, scrap booking, sleeping in, watching daytime tv, trying new recipes... Ok, maybe I can salvage the vaca. somewhat.

Good Friday (God's Friday)

I was thinking today that I wonder why today is called "Good Friday." When it seemed to me that perhaps "Bad Friday" would be a more fitting day. Since after all it is the day that Jesus died. So I decided to look it up. Wikipedia shows the following:
It is likely that the name "Good Friday" came from the earlier English name, "Godes Friday," meaning "God's Friday." In much the same way as "God be with ye" was shortened to "goodbye," so did "Godes Friday" become "Good Friday."

According to the Word of God, Good Friday is the day Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross to die for the sins of the world, taking on the punishment each and every man deserved, and thus becoming a bridge between man and God. Jesus' most desparate moment was the instant when the sins of the world came upon Him, and God, His Father, had to turn His face away from Him.

Well, that explains it. Man in all his wisdom "shortened" or altered the word thus altering the meaning. Now at least when you think of "Good Friday" you will remember "God's Friday." Wouldn't it be something if even for 1 hour during the day the world would stop rushing, bustling, etc. and stop and remember what Jesus did.

April Fool's Day - Russell's favorite day

Whoever invented that I wonder? But as a child it was a favorite day. With 5 brothers and sisters there was always some kind of prank going on. My brother Mark who was a prankster by nature was always sure to pull a few. Did he ever put water on the top of the door? I seem to remember something like that. How about rubber snakes in the bed? Or short sheeting? I bet my sisters have some stories to share. Is it my imagination or has April Fool's day fallen by the wayside,like so many other traditions from back in the day?
Ok, well let's hear your stories about April 1st.